orlando firstimers
- Thread starter poey
- Start date
UKDEB
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2000
- Messages
- 11,840
Hi poey,
Well as I directed you here, I guess I'd better start! Everyone here is very friendly and we love talking about all things Orlando. We especially love helping first-timers, but it's a huge topic, so do post away with all your specific questions. You'll probably find that starting a new thread for each question is the best way of getting the most responses.
I haven't stayed at the QIP, but no doubt someone will be along soon who can give you all the info on that. Who are you flying with and from where? Are you flying into Orlando International or Sanford? Have you bought any passes yet? Have you bought a guide book and do you have a rough idea of what you want to do? Will you have a car?
Lots of questions, but it will help us to help you! My biggest tip for anyone staying offsite is to avoid Early Entry days i.e. the days Disney opens its parks early for onsite guests. They tend to get very busy by mid-morning. Currently they are:
Magic Kingdom - Sunday and Thursday
Epcot - Wednesday
MGM - Tuesday and Saturday
Animal Kingdom - Monday and Friday
Well as I directed you here, I guess I'd better start! Everyone here is very friendly and we love talking about all things Orlando. We especially love helping first-timers, but it's a huge topic, so do post away with all your specific questions. You'll probably find that starting a new thread for each question is the best way of getting the most responses.
I haven't stayed at the QIP, but no doubt someone will be along soon who can give you all the info on that. Who are you flying with and from where? Are you flying into Orlando International or Sanford? Have you bought any passes yet? Have you bought a guide book and do you have a rough idea of what you want to do? Will you have a car?
Lots of questions, but it will help us to help you! My biggest tip for anyone staying offsite is to avoid Early Entry days i.e. the days Disney opens its parks early for onsite guests. They tend to get very busy by mid-morning. Currently they are:
Magic Kingdom - Sunday and Thursday
Epcot - Wednesday
MGM - Tuesday and Saturday
Animal Kingdom - Monday and Friday
JohnnySharp
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2002
- Messages
- 250
Hello, as Debbie said if you have any specific questions please let us know, her tip about early entry is good, anyway a few things below:
1. Make sure you eat breakfast each day before setting off on your travels, it gives you a good start to the day.
2. Try not to cram too much in, it is impossible to see everything - don't spoil it by trying to. Just enjoy every minute and pace yourselves. You will probably go back again sometime!
3. In June the weather will be hot, drink plenty of water when touring the Theme Parks and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Do not drink soft drinks like Coke/Pepsi, stick to water.
4. Plan your trip before you go, which rides you must get on etc.
having said that you will change it when you get there.
5. If visiting a park get there early, have a break for lunch and return in the evening - it will be very difficult as first timers to do a full day without a rest (we couldn't anyway).
6. Many restaurants on I-drive such as Ponderosa offer excellent all you can eat buffet breakfasts and dinners , they are great value for money.
7. Are you renting a car? It is much better to as it gives you many more options and makes getting around so much easier, there is so much more to Florida than Theme Parks.
8. Shop till you drop at the Florida Mall and the Mall at Millenia.
1. Make sure you eat breakfast each day before setting off on your travels, it gives you a good start to the day.
2. Try not to cram too much in, it is impossible to see everything - don't spoil it by trying to. Just enjoy every minute and pace yourselves. You will probably go back again sometime!
3. In June the weather will be hot, drink plenty of water when touring the Theme Parks and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Do not drink soft drinks like Coke/Pepsi, stick to water.
4. Plan your trip before you go, which rides you must get on etc.
having said that you will change it when you get there.
5. If visiting a park get there early, have a break for lunch and return in the evening - it will be very difficult as first timers to do a full day without a rest (we couldn't anyway).
6. Many restaurants on I-drive such as Ponderosa offer excellent all you can eat buffet breakfasts and dinners , they are great value for money.
7. Are you renting a car? It is much better to as it gives you many more options and makes getting around so much easier, there is so much more to Florida than Theme Parks.
8. Shop till you drop at the Florida Mall and the Mall at Millenia.
allie5
<font color=blue>WARNING! DHL men should be cautio
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2002
- Messages
- 1,572
Hi there
I stayed at the QIP in 1998. It has good points and bad, but let me assure you, you WONT be spending much time in your room!!
Good points: Its clean and the rooms are a good size. There is a good selection of TV channels and Pay movies. It is in a GREAT spot.....you can walk to The Pointe (shopping and entertainment complex). There are also several restaurants to walk to. Make sure you have a Sizzler Breakfast at least once!!
Not so good points: The pools are small, but rarely busy during the day. Evenings can be loud and noisy, when teenagers back from the parks descend on the pools. The rooms can be noisy, especially if you have one facing towards the I-4, ask for an I-drive, or pool facing room. The place is HUGE, and very informal...dont expect small and cosy!! It can be hard to find a car parking space at times.
Bad points. AVOID THE RESTAURANT AT ALL COSTS!!! Even if you get free meals here, it is truly awful. There are about 100 better places to eat within a 1m radius, so dont bother unless you are desperate!
Have fun!
Allie.
I stayed at the QIP in 1998. It has good points and bad, but let me assure you, you WONT be spending much time in your room!!
Good points: Its clean and the rooms are a good size. There is a good selection of TV channels and Pay movies. It is in a GREAT spot.....you can walk to The Pointe (shopping and entertainment complex). There are also several restaurants to walk to. Make sure you have a Sizzler Breakfast at least once!!
Not so good points: The pools are small, but rarely busy during the day. Evenings can be loud and noisy, when teenagers back from the parks descend on the pools. The rooms can be noisy, especially if you have one facing towards the I-4, ask for an I-drive, or pool facing room. The place is HUGE, and very informal...dont expect small and cosy!! It can be hard to find a car parking space at times.
Bad points. AVOID THE RESTAURANT AT ALL COSTS!!! Even if you get free meals here, it is truly awful. There are about 100 better places to eat within a 1m radius, so dont bother unless you are desperate!
Have fun!
Allie.
Hi there and welcome to the DIS 
Post any questions you wish as they come to you and check out our fixed info pages on www.wdwinfo.com ....... you can find touring tips on this page http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/index.htm
...... and I'd recommend reading through the "Rookies Mistakes To Avoid" which has a link on that page.
Do you have a Guide Book? If not, A Brits Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World is a fave with plenty of "off-site" ( in other words not on Disney property) info.
Do ask if you see any abbreviations you can't work out
Post any questions you wish as they come to you and check out our fixed info pages on www.wdwinfo.com ....... you can find touring tips on this page http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/index.htm
...... and I'd recommend reading through the "Rookies Mistakes To Avoid" which has a link on that page.
Do you have a Guide Book? If not, A Brits Guide to Orlando and Walt Disney World is a fave with plenty of "off-site" ( in other words not on Disney property) info.
Do ask if you see any abbreviations you can't work out
As you are staying on International Drive can I recommend eating at Race Rock and Darryls in the evenings. Keep an eye out in your hotel for discount booklets for local attractions and restaurants on I-Drive. There are often vouchers for upto 15% off your total food bill.
Both restaurants are fantastic and very close to your hotel.
We are flying out on the 19th June so here's to excellent weather and a great deal of fun whilst we are all out there !!!
Expect thunderstorms BTW. We've been in June before and these can catch out first-timers. Don't worry though, you will all be having too good a time to worry about them !!!!
Have fun !!!
Julian
Both restaurants are fantastic and very close to your hotel.
We are flying out on the 19th June so here's to excellent weather and a great deal of fun whilst we are all out there !!!
Expect thunderstorms BTW. We've been in June before and these can catch out first-timers. Don't worry though, you will all be having too good a time to worry about them !!!!
Have fun !!!
Julian
Hi Poey,
We loved our first trip, there something special about it that you dont get on subsequent ones!
Things that we wished we'd done on our first trip that we didnt:
1) Dont try to see everything, if you enjoy yourself you'll be back again and they'll be time to see other things.
2) Read the guide books and plan what your going to do but dont take it too seriously. Just relax and remember its a holiday.
3) Dont take too much stuff with you, make sure your suitcases are only half full or take an extra one anyway even if you dont need it.
You will end up buying soooooo much stuff.
4) If you think you might want to go again try some Disney resort hopping to see what the different hotels are like.
Have fun !
Martin
We loved our first trip, there something special about it that you dont get on subsequent ones!
Things that we wished we'd done on our first trip that we didnt:
1) Dont try to see everything, if you enjoy yourself you'll be back again and they'll be time to see other things.
2) Read the guide books and plan what your going to do but dont take it too seriously. Just relax and remember its a holiday.
3) Dont take too much stuff with you, make sure your suitcases are only half full or take an extra one anyway even if you dont need it.
You will end up buying soooooo much stuff.4) If you think you might want to go again try some Disney resort hopping to see what the different hotels are like.
Have fun !
Martin
Beth__WDW23/6/02
<font color=deeppink>you can never mock anything u
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2002
- Messages
- 3,711
Hello 
We went for our first time last year (23rd june), we only had 1week in orlando itself but tip's:
1, Whilst at the parks,you can buy disney spray bottles with a fan (buy one,we got 2 especially for dd,as kids can get wingy whilst hot and it is hot!),There's little fountains to refill them up at and also to grab a drink,and splash yourself to cool down! (a must),I agree make sure you drink plenty fluids (water),it is hot!
If not get a fan from here a portable hand held one!!!
2, There is showers/thundery in the afternoon mainly after 3pm,so dont be put off (we was at first as we landed and it was peeing down!!),it happens mostly everyday but believe me you will be thankful for a little rain!!!
3, There is great places to eat,Ponderosa was also near the hotel we stayed in last year they do good buffet breakfast's, There's also Dennys (for burgers etc),we eat there,there's loads of places to eat on I-drive!! Even worlds biggest mc'ds of course
4, Make sure you relax at some point,as doing the parks takes alot out of you!,We are planning a day at a park then a day off! we go on the 9th july also staying at quality inn plaza!! (you can let me know what its like lol if you will ?) But i agree you wont spend loads of time in the hotel room!!!
5, Take advantage of the offer's in booklets in the hotel room,you get loads of vouchers at good restaurants etc!!!!
6, A car is a must!, (although not in every case),if you've got one,you can go anywhere you like, we drove down to Naples etc and St pete's!!
7, Take advantage of the shopping!!!!!! we filled most of suitcases before we went (BIG MISTAKE), this time im taking an empty one!!! you get loads of good bargains,and loads of disney things of course!!!!
8, Make sure you stop in at walmart!!! (we loved walmart) lol !!
And most of all ENJOY!! your first time is special!!
Watch the parades at night,you'll love it,its a different life to here!
All the american's are very friendly!
Just have fun! and let us know how you get on!!!
Beth & Co
We went for our first time last year (23rd june), we only had 1week in orlando itself but tip's:
1, Whilst at the parks,you can buy disney spray bottles with a fan (buy one,we got 2 especially for dd,as kids can get wingy whilst hot and it is hot!),There's little fountains to refill them up at and also to grab a drink,and splash yourself to cool down! (a must),I agree make sure you drink plenty fluids (water),it is hot!
If not get a fan from here a portable hand held one!!!
2, There is showers/thundery in the afternoon mainly after 3pm,so dont be put off (we was at first as we landed and it was peeing down!!),it happens mostly everyday but believe me you will be thankful for a little rain!!!
3, There is great places to eat,Ponderosa was also near the hotel we stayed in last year they do good buffet breakfast's, There's also Dennys (for burgers etc),we eat there,there's loads of places to eat on I-drive!! Even worlds biggest mc'ds of course
4, Make sure you relax at some point,as doing the parks takes alot out of you!,We are planning a day at a park then a day off! we go on the 9th july also staying at quality inn plaza!! (you can let me know what its like lol if you will ?) But i agree you wont spend loads of time in the hotel room!!!
5, Take advantage of the offer's in booklets in the hotel room,you get loads of vouchers at good restaurants etc!!!!
6, A car is a must!, (although not in every case),if you've got one,you can go anywhere you like, we drove down to Naples etc and St pete's!!
7, Take advantage of the shopping!!!!!! we filled most of suitcases before we went (BIG MISTAKE), this time im taking an empty one!!! you get loads of good bargains,and loads of disney things of course!!!!
8, Make sure you stop in at walmart!!! (we loved walmart) lol !!
And most of all ENJOY!! your first time is special!!
Watch the parades at night,you'll love it,its a different life to here!
All the american's are very friendly!
Just have fun! and let us know how you get on!!!
Beth & Co
If there's one piece of advise you should listen to here it's that you should buy "The Brits Guide".
OK what else ? In no particular order;
Visit Seaworld. My daughter is 6 and she loved the Sealion and Otter Pirate show. My 10 year old daughter loved the dolphin and whale show. Both of them loved feeding and petting the dolphins.
Eat at Cafe TuTu Tango on I-Drive. Do a search to get opinions.
Take a trip round Wal-Mart.
Don't take too many clothes.
Wear sensible shoes (god I sound like somebodies mother).
Visit Premium Outlets Mall.
Use the Fastpasses.
We loved Prime Time Cafe at MGM. My girls loved watching their dad being made to wear a bib.
If you're the water rides at IOA take a change of clothes.
Go to one of the Disney water parks. We loved Typhoon Lagoon.
Eat a big breakfast and you won't need lunch. Maybe take snacks if your kids "wilt" like mine do.
My wife got sunstroke because she forgot her hat. And that was in March.
Be warned. Drinks and food in the parks are not cheap. We took snacks and coke with us. Forget the comments about only drinking water. The sugar in the drinks will give the kids a boost.
At the parks most stalls have drinks in ice. Take a fistfull to rub on the neck (cools the blood).
If you want Disney merchandise visit Downtown Disney. The shop there is like a warehouse it's so big.
Use the discount vouchers. You find them everywhere.
If the kids can't face going out for dinner order a takeaway pizza.
Avoid the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom. Just my opinion, but do a search.
Get autograph books for the kids so that they can get the characters to sign them. We bought them at the first Disney shop we got to. I strongly recommend this, especially for the 6 year old.
Becasue of the time difference you'll be up bright and early at the start of the holiday. I'd wait until later in the holiday to watch the fireworks. Your 6 year old will be exhausted.
We found Epcot too boring for our girls, and it involves a lot of walking.
Plan, plan and plan again.....
OK what else ? In no particular order;
Visit Seaworld. My daughter is 6 and she loved the Sealion and Otter Pirate show. My 10 year old daughter loved the dolphin and whale show. Both of them loved feeding and petting the dolphins.
Eat at Cafe TuTu Tango on I-Drive. Do a search to get opinions.
Take a trip round Wal-Mart.
Don't take too many clothes.
Wear sensible shoes (god I sound like somebodies mother).
Visit Premium Outlets Mall.
Use the Fastpasses.
We loved Prime Time Cafe at MGM. My girls loved watching their dad being made to wear a bib.
If you're the water rides at IOA take a change of clothes.
Go to one of the Disney water parks. We loved Typhoon Lagoon.
Eat a big breakfast and you won't need lunch. Maybe take snacks if your kids "wilt" like mine do.
My wife got sunstroke because she forgot her hat. And that was in March.
Be warned. Drinks and food in the parks are not cheap. We took snacks and coke with us. Forget the comments about only drinking water. The sugar in the drinks will give the kids a boost.
At the parks most stalls have drinks in ice. Take a fistfull to rub on the neck (cools the blood).
If you want Disney merchandise visit Downtown Disney. The shop there is like a warehouse it's so big.
Use the discount vouchers. You find them everywhere.
If the kids can't face going out for dinner order a takeaway pizza.
Avoid the Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom. Just my opinion, but do a search.
Get autograph books for the kids so that they can get the characters to sign them. We bought them at the first Disney shop we got to. I strongly recommend this, especially for the 6 year old.
Becasue of the time difference you'll be up bright and early at the start of the holiday. I'd wait until later in the holiday to watch the fireworks. Your 6 year old will be exhausted.
We found Epcot too boring for our girls, and it involves a lot of walking.
Plan, plan and plan again.....
Dimplenose
Stranger from the outside
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2002
- Messages
- 5,956
Sorry this is off topic but Bonzo you're advice reminded me of a tram trip at MGM where we were given all the safety warnings about not standing, putting small children on the inside etc... and then the CM added "and don't run with scissors, and don't put chewing gum in your sister's hair".
Libby
Libby
Just reading all these tips and advice makes me wonder how on earth we managed our first trip. We just took things as they came but then there wasn't quite as much on offer at the time - smaller parks, no Animal Kingdom and no Islands of Adventure (IOA), Universal.
Magic Kingdom has got to be the highlight of any first trip but avoid going at weekends as it will be exceedingly busy.
I would really recommend IOA and Busch Gardens but it means you will have an awful lot and probably too much to fit into 2 weeks.
Not sure if anyone else has given this tip as there are so many to read through but be sure to arrive at the parks early as they certainly get busier as the day goes on. If there are any rides that you are likely to want to try more than once, head to them first before the queues get too long and if it is busy, make use of fast pass.
Spare clothes for your daughters would be a good idea for when you go on wet rides - Universal and IOA have some great water play areas for children (and adults!) as well.
The Brit's Guide is full of info on all the parks and makes great reading.
Hope you have a great first trip.
Magic Kingdom has got to be the highlight of any first trip but avoid going at weekends as it will be exceedingly busy.
I would really recommend IOA and Busch Gardens but it means you will have an awful lot and probably too much to fit into 2 weeks.
Not sure if anyone else has given this tip as there are so many to read through but be sure to arrive at the parks early as they certainly get busier as the day goes on. If there are any rides that you are likely to want to try more than once, head to them first before the queues get too long and if it is busy, make use of fast pass.
Spare clothes for your daughters would be a good idea for when you go on wet rides - Universal and IOA have some great water play areas for children (and adults!) as well.
The Brit's Guide is full of info on all the parks and makes great reading.
Hope you have a great first trip.
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