Not to miss attractions for a 1st timer?

[lissawynn]

My sister and I are taking our dad on his first trip to WDW this July. We've been going since we were youngsters and I guess we're kind of used to going and doing what interests us.
What would be your must-dos for a first-timer's trip to WDW? We have 7 day park hoppers, so we can pretty much come and go as we please. The only restriction is that dad is diabetic and needs some down time to rest his feet and legs. I had considered getting him one of those portable golf seats so he could sit down whenever he wanted, but I don't want him to feel as if he's a senior citizen.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I would say that it depends on his "thrill" factor and his health. I am a 53 yo mom with high blood pressure, ok under medication, and I love all of the rides but I am romantic patriot and I love things like the Hall of Presidents (MK) and the Liberty Hall (World Showcase, Epcot). I just love it all because it makes me feel like a kid again.

Make sure that you let the restaurants where you have ADRs know that your father is a diabetic for special diet menu.

 

[barrie]

When I take new people with me I always make sure these things are on the list:

• Illuminations (EPCOT)
• Lion King Show (AK)
• Tower of Terror (MGM)
• Soarin' (EPCOT)
• dinner at Flying Fish (Boardwalk)
• wandering around World Showcase (EPCOT)
• It's Tough to be a Bug (AK)
• taking a boat ride to one of the parks or DTD (or a boat rental)
• fireworks cruise
• Kilimangaro Safari (AK)
• Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show (MGM)

I am sorely lacking in Magic Kingdom recommendations. I always go with adults only and hardly ever make it to that park. Barrie

 

[dixiedizfan]

MK - Pirates of the Carribean
Haunted Mansion
Philharmagic

EPCOT - Soarin'
Spaceship Earth
Universe of Energy
Test Track
World Showcase
Illuminations

AK - Safari
Tough to be a Bug
Festival of the Lion King

MGM - Great Movie Ride

 

[Wendy1953]

We took my husband's 83 yr. old Mom there in January for her first WDW trip ever! We rented what's called a Companion Chair, and it worked out great! This way she could rest while we were getting to all the attractions, and it was easy and lightweight so that we could fold it and carry it onto the buses! We also could go on the wheelchair line, so she didn't have to stand so long (she has a severe circulatory condition), but she could walk when she wanted/needed to! We took her to It's a Small World, Fantasmic, Pirates of the carribbean, Lion King, The River Ride in Mexico, Illuminations, Spectromagic, Wishes, Jammin Jungle Parade, Dinosaur, Carousel of Progress, Flights of Wonder, Tiki Birds, Soarin, Cirque du Soleil, Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour...and lots more. When you make ADR's inform them of your Dad's diabetes, they'll be sure to notate it on your reservation! They will substitute high sugar items with something more suitable for a diabetic (if he likes)!

 

[TheZeppo]

I'd have to say Pirates and Jungle Cruise to start with to really get that Disney feeling.

 

[TCKK]

MK - Haunted Mansion
EPCOT - Spaceship Earth
MGM - Backlot Tour
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari

 

[DKH01701]

Expedition Everest is a MUST-DO!!

 

[GOOFY D]

here are a few suggestions:
MK: pirates of carribean
haunted mansion
splash mountain
wishes
studios: beauty and the beast show
tower of terror
fantasmic
AK:kilimanjaro safaris
festival of lion king
expedition everest
epcot: spaceship earth
illuminations.
if your dad is a sports fan the ESPN club at the boardwalk is a great place to eat
also chef mickeys is a great buffet at the contemporary
hope that helps

 

[Kimber1963]

IMHO, Splash Mountain and Mickey's Philharmagic are Disney at it's best!! Be sure not to miss them!