Planning an impromptu (first) trip-help!

[truegirl]

Please, if any of you can offer any advice on planning an impromptu First trip to WDW, I could really use your input.

Hubby's work is making him take vacation time in July instead of next February - which is when we were aiming to go to WDW for the first time.

Besides being wretchedly hot (*huff*), what should I know to be prepared for? (I know, crowds too *double huff*)

Any advice on discounts and deals is always appreciated.

If July doesn't work out, we may have to wait until Fall of '10!

TIA true

 

[pepe of ohio]

My best advice would be to peruse Deb Willis web site, best thorough place I know. Allears.net shows rooms, menus prices. you'll like it. Do some reading and make a list then ask away on tihs board for extra info and tips, beats reading alot of threads on here that can led to no where.

 

[Hoodie]

Have fun!

Make your dining reservations as soon as you can. I agree with the PP - lok at allears.net. Great information and easy to see, rather than trying to search through the threads here.

Are you staying in the park or out? If you are staying in the park, check the disnet site or allears for the Extra Magic Hours. Keep in mind though that everyone else in staying in the park looks at those too, but they do tend to be much better for lines, etc.

I'm not a first timer by any means, but just booked a trip this morning to arrive in a week. We're also staying in Deluxe Resorts, which we've never done so I feel a bit out of my element. I had no problem with getting ADRs though, even with the short notice.

It IS hot this time of year, and crowded. My biggest piece of advice for Animal Kingdon is get there as early as possible because the animals get hot and lethargic just like us. They are slightly smarter though as they lie down and sleep while we decide to go on Everest one more time!

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Please, if any of you can offer any advice on planning an impromptu First trip to WDW, I could really use your input.

Hubby's work is making him take vacation time in July instead of next February - which is when we were aiming to go to WDW for the first time.

Besides being wretchedly hot (*huff*), what should I know to be prepared for? (I know, crowds too *double huff*)

Any advice on discounts and deals is always appreciated.

If July doesn't work out, we may have to wait until Fall of '10!

TIA true

Well, if you can avoid July 4th and the few days surrounding it, that would be a good thing. The 4th will be insane with the heat and wall-to-wall people!Also, you need to go ahead and set some firm dates and pick which parks you will be in on which days. I really like touringplans.com, which is the companion website to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. They have a fantastic crowd calender and tell you when to visit which parks on which days. It is $7.95 to join the site, but well worth it in my opinion. Once you have decided on park days you need to choose which restaurants you will be eating at. If you are like our family and like to have at least one sit down meal per day, then I would highly suggest getting the Basic Disney Dining Plan. We love, love, love it! ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) maybe "slim pickings" by now, so I would just call Disney Dining and say we will be in this park or area on this date, what do you have open. Hope this info helps!

 

[truegirl]

You all are being so helpful. Thank you so much.

Our dates aren't written stone, but we're looking at July 20-26, Port Orleans Riverside with DDP.

The ADR's are going to be a sticker with us. I had a basic plan in mind, and now I guess I'll have to throw caution to the wind!

Any more advice is really, really appreciated for this here frazzled mom! I hope we can manage this so early. true

 

[truegirl]

Somehow my last post ended up being the 3rd in line above a few of you.

Probably did something goofy wrong in this end being in my frazzled state of mind.

It's supposed to be here. At least I think so. true

 

[ont/ohana]

Ok here comes my 2 cents...refillable water bottle. You need one of these. Even if you are on the DDP, you need your water, as well as make sure to plan quite a few indoor seated attractions such as MK's Philharmagic after a couple hours of fantasy land this really cools you off.
Frozen lemondade works well too.
I agree with many here, we get the allears newsletter and everyweek they have wonderful tips for Disney. Make sure you hit ice station cool in EPCOT, ( coke testing) and find where all the misters are thoughout the park. Make sure you have a plan, let everyone in the party pick one ride they can't miss, and do these first. I can't tell you how important this is to a 7yr old princess!! Also take a break in the day if you are on property. Port orlenes is one of our fav's, the boat ride to Down town Disney is great and a nice break, but you can't beat the great pool there.
I hope this helps- have a great trip!

 

[ont/ohana]

Sorry i forgot to tell you to scan the menu's here or at all ears before making dinner ressies. Choose two for each day so if one is booked you have another ready to choose.
Don't forget about using sit down meals for breakfast, at AK ( tusker house)you can be in the back of the park before it opens and finished your meal and get on the rides while the pack of guests are going through a rope drop!!

 

[truegirl]

Great! I didn't know that about Tusker House! And having two choices ahead of time for when I make reservations is a wonderful idea! Thanks again!

I hope this posts in the right spot this time! true