One, must have piece of advice...

[ddoconnell]

Since I am a frequent visitor to the World, I am often asked about planning a first trip to WDW ....what is your one piece of advice you feel every first time visitor should know?

Mine is that you should not over think it and be realistic in what you plan to do every day.

So....how about all of you?

 

[Reddy]

take time to smell the roses - it is the little things that really impress me the most

 

[Butler_chic07]

Relax, you aren't going to be able to do and see everything, so instead of running around crazy take your time and enjoy every moment especially the small details.

Just like PP "smell the roses"

 

[DisGirl1971]

My number one tip: Fastpasses don't expire and are accepted until the close of the park day. They never accept them early, but always accept them late

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Mine is to be there at rope drop! I love the opening show at MK and Ak.

 

[Starclassic]

Relax, you aren't going to be able to do and see everything, so instead of running around crazy take your time and enjoy every moment especially the small details.

Just like PP "smell the roses"

As a first timer going to WDW next week, this is the #1 thing I keep telling myself.

 

[pepe of ohio]

So far agree.....don't commando the trip.....enjoy the resort and your time in WDW...don't time every aspect of your trip, just let it happen...

 

[noahdove]

Stop look and feel the excitement...every step is magical and take rests, enjoy the quiet time that you can find at the resort...and don't rush, cause if you do, you may miss the little things that make you smile

 

[disneychic2]

All good advise so far!

I would add to familiarize yourself with the different parks ahead of time. I don't mean memorize everything and it's location, just have a decent awareness of where things are located that your family wants to see and do. (Ordering the personalized maps is a great way to do this!) Studying maps while there wastes a lot of time!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Use your time wisely.

This statement covers:
Being at Rope Drop
Taking a mid-day break at your resort
Staying up late for the fireworks/closing shows.

 

[ddoconnell]

Loving the advice so far! Keep 'em coming!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I used to be the Disney expert in an office building with about a thousand people. The one most important thing I told people that if they went for a week on their first trip, that they would be able to get an idea of what they would want to do on future trips.

Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan Island. You cannot do it in a week!

 

[Cruz91]

For every minute you spend planning, you save yourself 5 minutes (or more) wasted time while you're in Orlando. That starts from the airport, and goes through the checkout process. I'm not saying you have to stick to a commando plan... What I'm saying is understand to get to DHS 15 minutes before it opens, do the running-of-the-dads to the TSM FP line, and get as early as possible FP's (which will mean your window for the 2nd FP will open faster). That kinda' thing......

 

[LSchrow]

relax, don't overplan, and be ready to change plans on a moments notice (rain, sick child, etc). those unplanned moments are the ones most people remember

and bring a frozen washcloth in a ziplock to the parks during the hotter months

 

[jenjifer]

Very similar to what others have said:

Flexibility is the Key to Happiness.

Go in with a plan so there's no of the "What do You want to do next?" "I dunno, what do YOU want to do?" nonsense, but don't be afraid to scrap that plan. When I was there, it POURED. Instead of doing what we'd planned for the day, we hit DHS and managed to ride TSM 6 (yes, SIX) times in about 90 minutes. Best decision ever.

Also, if you're going with kids, try to say "yes" as much as possible. At Downtown Disney my 5-year-old son wanted to do Characters in Flight. My first reaction was no, it's a lot of money. Then I thought about it: how often in my life would my 5 year old son ask me to go up in a helium filled balloon, and I'd be in a position to do it? Exactly never again. We did it, and it remains a highlight of our trip!

 

[Millie12591]

I wish I had just one thing to share!

Know as much as you can before going. Such as, the layout of the airport no, I'm not kidding. Know which side of the airport your plane will come in, and how to get to the side of the airport you'll need to get your luggage or to get to Magical Express? The Unofficial Official Guide to WDW will be a big help.

Know which park you'll be in on what day, and plan your dining according to it. You may not eat in the same park you go to that day(DHS doesnt' have the best food choices-there are far too many good ones around to eat bad food ), but at least try and plan it fairly close or to where it makes sense. Example: If you plan on goign to Down Town Disney that evening, then maybe plan for your dinner to be there.

And like everyone else says, have a plan, but don't be tight with it if other things come up, and things will come up. This is a big trip, a lot of money. WDW is not a place to go and wing it, you should have a plan and know as much as possible before you go, it will make for a much better trip and less frustration when everyone gets hot or hungry.

Oh! I'm a big believer in ordering groceries, or if for nothing else, order from Staples or Costco (if a member) to have a case of water delivered for free. This is a must when it's hot outside.

I have tons more, but these are a good start.

 

[MinnieInMI]

Spending time at the resort pool - we have found this really enjoyable and have met many wonderful people just by being at the pool and striking up conversations - pool or hot tub!

 

[IhavePDD]

Have at least one pair of good comfortable walking shoes.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

You absolutely positively cannot do and see everything in one trip, so don't try.

We live in Orlando and I have lost count of how many times we've visited (day trips and resort stays) and I haven't even come close to seeing/doing everything yet!

Take your time, relax, enjoy the resorts & food as much as the parks - you're on vacation!

 

[18sprint]

Recent news on FastPass: Read an article on WDWMagic.com that starting on March 7th, they are changing the fastpass rules. You will be able to enter the attraction 5 mins prior to your time and ONLY 15mins after your stated "end time". You will no longer be able to get a fastpass during the day and use it later in night after your window of time has expired. This would be a nice subject for another thread.

I too am the unofficial Disney travel agent where I work. Over 2000 people here and I think I have talked to at least 1/2 of them about trips to WDW! Most people come to me with plans to only go for 3-4 days. Convincing people that they will be soooo rushed once they get there and figure out how big the place is and how much there is to do is so difficult and usually unsuccessful. First tip, go for at least 5 days. 1 day per park and an extra day for going back or just relaxing. Minimum. Put a loose plan together and get a couple ADRs explaining that eating at the CS will get old after one day.

One family I tried to help was determined to only go for 5 days, but was taking a day at Daytona, a day at Universal and 3 at Disney and they had 3 kids under the age of 6. They came back exhausted and feeling ripped off because they were so rushed.

If sharing accommodations with other people, make sure sleeping arrangements are fully understood BEFORE you go. DW and I took my wife's BF with us and long with a good friend of hers', so it was DW and I, wife's BF and her good friend, friend only. We paid for the 1 BR at SS, essentially giving them a free room for their stay. DW and I took the bedroom and our friends had the pullout couch. Oooh baby, this didn't go over very well.

If traveling with a large group, say like two different families, give each other some space. Separate and let them explore on their own. Meet up for meals if you must, but give everyone time by themselves.

Stop and watch some live performances. Most are less than 15 mins so you don't miss anything by stopping. This is what makes Disney so special.

Don't over pack. You'll probably bring something home. By a cheap luggage scale ($7 at %#^Mart) to save you from repacking at the resort check-in or worse, at the airport.

Do pack a power strip. You don't realize how many electronic devices you have that need charging until you only find one or two outlets in your room.

Don't rush out of the parks as soon as the fireworks are done. Everyone has the same idea, get to the busses and get out....Take your time, walk around and enjoy the lights and walk through the stores as you work your way to the front of the parks. Sit down and relax, give the crowds a chance to thin out.