Overwhelmed

[MichaelJrsMom]

Anybody else totally overwhelmed planning their first visit? I'm stressed but know it will be worth it when we're there.

 

[Microcell]

Welcome to the boards!

I was not educated at all our first trip so I had to go back 7 more times to get the hang of things!

There is alot to think about and you want everything to be perfect, but remember that not everything will go according to plan! If you accept that things will disrupt your plan but you can roll with it you will have a great time!

We really like to plan on certain rides we know will be walk on in the busiest of days, so if you come up against a wait you can grab a fastpass if they offer it (which most of the high wait time rides do) and go somewhere without much of a wait! Things like Carousel of Progress offer cool air, a place to sit and kitchy entertainment for about 20 minutes and you can get refreshed to head out for more!

Have fun planning and most of all have fun on your trip!

 

[mdsd8700]

Welcome!

Aah yes I remember our first trip well, it was back in 1997 for our DS 4th birthday and our DD was only 10 months old. In those days I was called the Disney "nazi" I literally researched our trip so much that my itinerary would say "Dumbo 9 am, Peter Pan 9:15" and so on. I knew where were going to be each minute of each day. It was insane but I will say it worked like a charm, minus the few unexpected things you have to learn to roll with. I was so into the cammando style because I didn't know if we would ever be back. Little did I know there would a trip each year (sometimes two) including DLR and DCL.

I think the most important thing is to have a plan. I wouldn't recommend the crazy way I approached it the first time. However a plan is key. Our family really beleives in arriving at the parks at least 30 minutes before the park opens. Touring until about noon or 1 pm and then heading back to the hotel for a break or swim. Then heading out again for dinner at a resort or another park and then leisurely touring at night. In bed by 10 or 10:30 unless we aren't touring a park the next day.

Not sure of the length of your stay, but try not to tour parks for more than two days in a row. Take a break from the parks and see the other resorts, shop in Downtown Disney, go to a water park, rent mouse craft. There are so many other things to do that you can't possibly do them all.

Read as much as possible. These boards are awesome! The "Unoffical" Book is the best in my opinion. As much as I love Disney I steer clear of anything they publish in terms of touring and park recommendations. Not sure if you have found mousavers or allears, but those are among the best. There are also a couple of sites that have a nominal fee for their information that I find useful even after all these years. Part of it is just the fun of reading and planning with all the various informational sites.

I agree it can be totally overwhelming and until you have that first trip under your belt it is difficult to determine what is the best fit for your family. I agree with others that you have go with the flow, the best laid plans go awry.

Seems like you are up for the challenge or you wouldn't be on DisBoards. I am sure you will make it the most memorable experience for your family and they will love you for it. Sorry I went on for so long.....it just flew off my fingers.

Good luck, happy planning and lots of pixie dust!

 

[MichaelJrsMom]

Thanks SO much for the thoughtful replies. All the feedback truly helps. I'm trying to plan some (so we're not left out for character meals etc) but go with the flow too. I'll keep reading and checking out the other site info mentioned!

 

[DanielleandBrady]

I hear you! The first time I went as an "adult" I really didn't plan or know anything! I still don't do as much planning as most, but I have planned much more! I subscribed to the touring plans, I read the DIS boards and I have a vague plan on which park we will be at on which day. I booked my character meals accordingly..which helped a lot!

You will be great at planning whichever way you feel most comfortable! The people on these boards are AMAZING and I would be lost without them!

Most importantly though, have fun planning!!!

 

[homedad]

the Unofficial Guide is a plethora of great info.......

 

[mrsksomeday]

Best bits of advice I ever got were:

1) You will NEVER see everything, you can't cram it in no matter how hard you try. Pick the things you think will mean the most to you and your family, focus on that and if you have time left over add things in, that way you aren't disappointed.

2) Just breathe. Stop several times in the day and just look around. WDW is gorgeous, the landscaping is amazing, the music beautiful. It is all themed to make the guests feel good. Take in your surroundings.

I hope you have a magical trip!!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Anybody else totally overwhelmed planning their first visit? I'm stressed but know it will be worth it when we're there.

After 100+ trips the only advice I give is DON'T be a park warrior!!!!

Give yourself some free time and don't structure every second. Some of the best times you will have are the things that just happen & you just bump into.

PM me if I can help in any way~

 

[MichaelJrsMom]

Thanks SO much for the feedback! I'm trying to plan some BUT go with the flow some too so we can enjoy it. You'll are great on here!

 

[liemge]

Relax!!! Do your best to have a plan and be equally willing to change it! Use the calendars on Disney.com to find park hours, and remember to go to another park if the crowds during EMH will be a problem.
Good Luck, and have FUN!!!!

 

[Playgrnd]

We build our entire itinuary based on the touring plans crowd calendar. This is a great starting point and allows you to easily figure out which parks to attend on what day. Then you can move on to your ADR's once that is completed.

Feel free to PM me and I will be more than happy to assist. We have a great process that always creates a magical vacation!

 

[katemonster2508]

My biggest recommendation is for each person in your party to choose the things they 'must do.' I have a friend that didn't make it to Space Mountain when he went 8 years ago and its still what he dwells on from the trip! Even if its just 2-3 things per person and even if you have to split up for an hour or two to accomplish them, do them!! You don't want someone to say "if only I'd met Aladdin it would have been a good trip..." If you have these few guidelines, it will let you take a step back and let the magic sweep you away!

 

[the_green_machine]

I am picking up what your laying down, believe me!

When I first decided on planning this trip for my wife (secretly) I was like "whatever, I'll just call a travel agent and show up at the airport"...WRONG!

If it wasnt for the great people on these boards I dont know what I would have done. Worst of all....I have to do this without her knowing, we will be leaving around the 21st of Jan. 2012 and she has no idea. So here I am planning one of the greatest vacations we will ever experience and I cant say a word...so sufficed to say everyday I get a little closer to exploding!

These boards are a great resource, have fun!

 

[gibsontrio]

My first trip I overplanned and I was so busy sticking to the schedule and driving everyone nuts doing it , I didnt stop to enjoy myself! So this time I am keeping the planning to the minimum (a few ADR's, most desired rides and shows) and I am going to stop and smell the roses....literally because we are going during the flower and garden show..hehe
ENJOY yourself!! I wish I could have that first visit with my family back! It was truely a magical one!!

 

[darthspud]

Do you have kids? As much as you plan make sure you take your cues from your children... if they are cranky go back to the hotel and rest and swim if they are hot take in an air conditioned show..

If you have a droid/iphone get either the touring guides lines app (my preference) or the undercover tourist app those will help you see what times are like for attractions

When making your touring plans just plan where you want to start and what your would like to accomplish that day and be ok if it all does not get done because that just means you have to come back!

when do you plan on going? if your going in the fall go to the halloween party and food and wine fest if your going in the winter go to the christmas party and check out all the hotels they are beautifully decorated...

make sure your take your time and smell the roses.. everything is wonderfully themed and decorated make sure your look around and not just get from one ride to another

above all

HAVE FUN! and look at the wonder and excitement in your childrens eyes because in the end that is why you are going

 

[mousiemom]

-stay here on the disboards and you will learn a lot!
-do have a plan for each park and get there when it opens
-utilize the FP system
-do rides 1st, shows later
-MK - go thru castle and do fantasyland 1st
-Epcot - go to soarin 1st
-HS - toystory mania
-AK - everest
Have fun planning!

 

[I Book He Pays]

Hi MichaelJrsMom:

to the boards! You'll find a ton of useful information here.

I'm planning our trip in May and I'm losing my mind! I have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc. I already read five books, have two more on hold at the library, making dining reservations, taking lots of notes, etc. Most of our plans depends if we get on property the second week. We're exchanging via. RCI and waiting patiently/keeping fingers crossed that our second week will come through. If not, then we'll be staying at another timeshare off property. DH wants downtime to relax by the pool/read so I'm working that in with our park days.

WDW is a beautiful place to visit and there's so much to see/do. I would love to do it all but I know it's impossible. I'm feeling exactly the way you are.

Best of luck planning your magical vacation and I hope everything works out for you!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

-stay here on the disboards and you will learn a lot!
-do have a plan for each park and get there when it opens
-utilize the FP system
-do rides 1st, shows later
-MK - go thru castle and do fantasyland 1st
-Epcot - go to soarin 1st
-HS - toystory mania
-AK - everest
Have fun planning!

This is really good if your a "ride" person.

Also the other way of thinking which we've done for years is go into the parks especially the MK at lunch time. By then some of the rope drop folks are heading back to the resort for some pool/down time.

If you are an early riser Fantasy Land is the busiest land 1st thing in the a.m

Few years ago when I taught a Disney class at adult education...one of the 1st thing I asked was are you an early riser vs. late riser.

 

[DreamSweetsLove]

Don't freak out, if it's a one time trip that you don't know whether you will come back it's important that you enjoy that one trip instead of over thinking everything and if you think you will come again one day then you will be able to catch things you missed. I think it's important to pick a few things you really want to do whether it's shows, attractions, dinning etc. and make a basic plan, it doesn't have to be a spreadsheet. Of course make your dining appointments so you will be able to eat if you would like table service. Get to the park early and enjoy being in the moment!