Planning First WDW Trip- Suggestions Please!

[cross-land]

After reading many posts in these forums I am learning sooo much about setting some appropriate and realistic expectations for my family’s first trip to WDW. Planning on Mid April ’08: (7days 6 nights). Kids ages 13 and 10 with Mom and Dad. Still undecided on using TA (AAA) or not, read a lot about that subject on these forums and I am considering the opinions.

My request is for various Disney Veterans to advise me on some “MUST DO”, “MUST SEE” activities that a rookie like me is most likely to miss. Or mistakes that I am most likely to make. Thank You …Thank You…Thank You for sharing your experience.

Family not huge rollercoaster/thrill ride fans more moderate choices will probably prevail. Will take Dining plan and would like to make priority seating reservations. What would be the top (4 or 5) places? Park Hopper plus a waterpark. Rough outline as follows:

04/12-Arrive MCO then shuttle to Pop Century
( will request- top floor, quite side away from pool, 50’s,70’s, or 60’s nearest to buses/food, Lake view.)
04/13-Magic Kingdom
04/14-Epcot
04/15-Animal Kingdom/Waterpark
04/16-MGM
04/17-Kennedy Space Center-(rent car at HESS Magic Kingdom?)
04/18-Leave WDW shuttle to MCO and Depart for Home

Please any suggestions much appreciated!
Debbie

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

You're definitely on your way to a great WDW vacation. I truly think that planning and research is the key to a place that has grown to be immense! I think you will really be pleased with Pop Century. We loved it. Don't forget to work in some time for Dowtown Disney. We always enjoy an evening there. Don't know anything about KSC, but we did rent a car for a day just to do some off property shopping. I couldn't imagine that it would be that easy. We just called a day ahead to set it up and they sent a shuttle to pick us up at the resort. We got our car from the Car Care Center by the MK. I would recommed the extra money to get a navigation system (such a help!!!) The next morning we returned it to the CCC and the shuttle was there to take us where ever we wanted to go.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Yay....Happy Planning!!!

My first suggestion is FORGET the TA....you can do this on your own. And probably save some cash...which you will be needing when you get there.

My second suggestion is that you are going at school vacation time...meaning the parks will be PACKED. Plan a realistic schedule for your days. You are not going to be able to see/do everything. MK will be particularly difficult to finish in 1 day. Check the rehab schedule ahead of time so you know if there is anything that's going to be closed and then work from there.

POP Century is a really fun hotel. We really enjoyed the 3 times we have stayed there. Remember that 50's, 60's and 70s are now all considered "preferred locations" so if you request them and don't pay for preferred locations you may not get that locale. 80's and 90's are a hike. We always pay the extra to stay in the 60's...little bit louder but perfect locale.

I would definately recommend doing the dining plan and start making your ADRs ASAP. They started taking April ADR's back in October. What type of food does your family enjoy? That will factor in for dining recommendations.

 

[cross-land]

I've been reading the pop century thread with great info about room selection. This site is so helpful!

My Dining Ideas started with these:
Rainforest Cafe
Living Seas
Polynesian fire show?
California Grill for fireworks viewing?

Not sure what is available, but these seem to be some of our interests so far
More ideas please....

Thank You
Debbie

 

[Disneylush]

I agree... skip the TA!!! You will be just fine on your own. there should be a codes and rates thread for your travel time that will also be very helpful.

You have packed a lot into a few days. I don't think you will be able to see everything at MK.... oh and don't forget to add in DTD.

As long as you go knowing that you will not see everything due to the length of your stay and time of year you will be able to enjoy your trip a lot more. If you cram you try to cram it all in you will end up being very hot, tired, and crabby.

Lastly it is never to early to start on those ADR's

Happy Planning!

 

[cross-land]

I will be sure to check the Dining Threads for more info.

If we were to skip one of the parks...? Would it be more reasonable? We would like it to be an enjoyable vacation NOT an exhausting attempt to keep a schedule.
What would you remove ?
We can be at any park/activity on any day. The only thing definite is the arrival and departure days.

04/12-Arrive MCO then shuttle to Pop Century
( will request- top floor, quite side away from pool, 50’s,70’s, or 60’s nearest to buses/food, Lake view.)
04/13-Magic Kingdom
04/14-Epcot
04/15-Kennedy Space Center(car rental)
04/16-Animal Kingdom / Waterpark
04/17-MGM- Downtown Disney
04/18-Leave WDW shuttle to MCO and Depart for Home

Thanks for the suggestions,
Debbie

 

[Andrea from PA]

I WOULD GO AAA -- I couldn't get package with dining on my own for the price they got it for me -- That said I ONLY used AAA to book package for me. I booked all my own diners. I would have done better to have booked my air separate from AAA, but only slightly better & AAA was sure to book Magical Express for me.

DON'T DISCOUNT THE THRILL RIDES -- Disney Coasters aren't as "fast" or "High" as most amusement parks for kids the ages of yours. The effects at Disney are worth it -- You want to try Dinosaur at AK and Tower of Terror at Studios -- even if you only go thru que at ToT it is worth seeing.

OTHER AMUSEMENTS
Don't miss the MK Classics -- The Country Bears, etc.
Buzz Lightyear is an awesome family ride -- ride & play video like game against each other !
The Muppets 3D -- Amused us much more then expected!
Soarin! at Epcot (this is the hardest to get on -- FP it in the a.m. as early as you can)


But my kids never want to see the SFR Treehouse -- they couldn't understand why I'd make them walk more to see nothing
And the Jungle Safari corny jokes are lost on most kids your age while the ride is slow paced.

PARKS -- I wouldn't skip any. Each is so different. I would get the Hopper. it is worth the flexibility in case you miss something & want to check it out at night or utilze the Extra Magic Hours --

EXTRA MAGIC HOURS
We mistakenly avoided these because of the elevated crowds -- DONT MAKE OUR MISTAKE -- Go & check it out, if the crowds are too much, just leave. If you kids can stay up late, the EMH are worth it at night.

CAR RENTAL/KENNEDY
I'm not discouraging going to Kennedy, but just know there is so much to do with just the parks you wouldn't be bored if you did not go.

And AAA & Car -- if you book package thru AAA you get a pass for "Diamond" parking -- a little perk for preferred parking closer to gates.

MEALS
If kids are big eaters & you are on Dining Plan -- NARCOSEE -- Kids are at a great age for a "grown up" meal & time it with MK fireworks

Any sit down in Epcot will be great -- what some lack in food quality they make up for in atmosphere. And you MUST see Illuminations -- like no other show.

COMMANDO MODE
I prefer commando mode at park openning, then rest mid day. This lets you hit stuff before the bulk of the crowds, but it is hard to get out of bed some mornings.

Go to the library & borrow a travel book -- most rides don't change much, so an older book is ok -- and have the kids each pick out 4 things they MUST do.

Trying to do more then 4 things for each kid, time your parks to your dinner reservations & by up at park openning and at park for the eveneing extraganzas is impossible.

Tell the clan you will MISS some GREAT things -- no complaining while you're there -- just a fact of so many wonderful things to do.
Character Meals -- I think Crystal Palace with Pooh has great food! But any way you look at it -- Do 1 character meal if you are on dining plan -- read the reviews & decide what works not just food type, but location.

OHana & Whispering Canyon -- If kids are at that get embarressed stage, I'd avoid these -- If they will get up & Participate, then it is worth it.

Hoop Dee Doo -- If you like corny comedy, it is a relaxing entertaining night.

IMO -- I don't mind the 2 credit meals because my family doesn't want to be tied down to a sit down meal every night anyway.

So Many choices, so little time

Have fun planning !

 

[goalierich]

Use the Fast pass as much as possible. The lines for rides like winnie the Pooh, Splash Mountain, Test track, etc, can become extremely long, and the Fast Pass will cut your wait times for those attractions. Use the Extra Magic Hours, either the morning or at night your preference. I have a2 yo DD, so the morning EMH worked better for us.

For the parades, find a spot on the parade route at least 1 hour before it begins. Usually My DW sends me out to get some food to bring back while she and dd would hold a spot for us to sit and watch the parades.

The time you are going, it will be packed, so just remember to take your time and enjoy where you are at. Have fun.

 

[mikymouse]

You are going to have a GREAT time and the planning is half the fun.

I think it is great you are going to the Magic Kingdom on the 1st day, that what we did. We went at park opening and straight to the Buzz Lightyear Ride (twice with no waits!) then we did Fantasyland Ride before stopping for a late breakfast (much needed break) at the Crystal Palace. Something to consider.

Epcot is HUGE and I would recommend a couple ADR's for that day to give everyone a break. We did a early dinner at the Coral Reef which turned out just to be dessert with the fish but it was a nice break. My kids were little (4 & 6) but we all really appreciated the some SIT DOWN ADR's for the off our feet time alone.

I might consider taking a break from any planned activites on your third full day.... maybe go to downtown disney after sleeping in or just hang out at the pool. The place is so overwhelming you will be glad to have a no plan day and just wing it.

We just loved Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary and seeing all the characters greeting us from the train station at the Park Opening of the Magic Kingdom and going on the Haunted Mansion after Dark.

We hated the crowds and lines for the buses after fireworks... so I wish I would have known to watch the MK fireworks from the bridge to tomorrow land closest to the castle and just hang out in the park until the crowds pass.

Here is my top three things to do 1.) Make some ADR's based on which park which day 2.) Be OK with not seeing everything and pick out a few favorites so everyone is happy 3.) Plan some "Down" time and be flexiable

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I will be sure to check the Dining Threads for more info.

If we were to skip one of the parks...? Would it be more reasonable? We would like it to be an enjoyable vacation NOT an exhausting attempt to keep a schedule.
What would you remove ?
We can be at any park/activity on any day. The only thing definite is the arrival and departure days.

04/12-Arrive MCO then shuttle to Pop Century
( will request- top floor, quite side away from pool, 50’s,70’s, or 60’s nearest to buses/food, Lake view.)
04/13-Magic Kingdom
04/14-Epcot
04/15-Kennedy Space Center(car rental)
04/16-Animal Kingdom / Waterpark
04/17-MGM- Downtown Disney
04/18-Leave WDW shuttle to MCO and Depart for Home

Thanks for the suggestions,
Debbie

Is your heart really set on going to KSC and/or the waterpark? If this was my trip...I would skip both and focus on the parks. As I mentioned above...the parks will be packed. You will really only be able to hit the highlights of each park on any given day. If I were you, I would keep your above schedule...skip the car rental and KSC...skip the waterpark...use the extra time on 4/16 to finish one of the other parks. Also, I don't know what time you are planning to fly in/out. Could you get more time by flying early morning on the 12th and late in the day on the 18th?

 

[maxtomsmom]

My suggestion would be to go to Tour Guide Mike's site (they charge you) and do some research. Present the rides/attractions of each park and have each person pick their top two. This way no one is disappointed. Also, by missing a few things always becomes our excuse to make a return visit. Also if you do not plan on taking breaks, which most would tell you to do, then wait to see some shows during the afternoon because it will give you a chance to sit. Depending upon your family's interests, you can gage how long you want to spend at each park. I agree with another poster that if the water park is not a must do then wait until next time. Animal Kingdom is a huge park and you might need most of the day to see it. It is the largest of all the parks.


Try to see all the night events, but do not save them for your last night. Some people like to save one for their last night, but on one of our trips the last night Fantasmic was canceled due to impending thunder and rainstorm.
Now we use the last night to park hop and revisit our favorite attractions.

We never used a TA because I am always, and I mean always researching Disney looking for tips and ideas. I keep a binder and add to it. If you read enough threads you will find that I am not alone. However, if you don't have a lot of time, then you should look into a TA who specializes in Disney vacations. People have mentioned that AAA is usually good, but I cannot speak from experience.

One last piece of advice, it is impossible to see it all unless you live near WDW or plan on staying for a month. DH and I have been to Disney several times without and with kids and have always planned an itinerary, but were always flexible. You cannot predict weather or your health (I was very sick during the beginning of one of our trips and ended up at the first aid station in MK. They are very nice by the way.). So it is so important that you leave room for downtime or to use it to go see something you have missed. That is why we always buy a park hopper even if we use it only once.

 

[Nancyg56]

Is your heart really set on going to KSC and/or the waterpark? If this was my trip...I would skip both and focus on the parks. As I mentioned above...the parks will be packed. You will really only be able to hit the highlights of each park on any given day. If I were you, I would keep your above schedule...skip the car rental and KSC...skip the waterpark...use the extra time on 4/16 to finish one of the other parks. Also, I don't know what time you are planning to fly in/out. Could you get more time by flying early morning on the 12th and late in the day on the 18th?

I agree that I would skip KSC. I would also skip the waterpark but that is just my family preference.

Try to get to the parks early and invest in a planning guide. I like the Unofficial Guide but Tour Guide Mike has a lot of fans here. Either way you will get a good "look" at what there is to do so you can make a plan. You won't be able to do or to see everything so don't be afraid to be flexible once you are on the go. My family loved Myuki the "Candy Lady in EPCOT. She is in Japan and her demonstration is wonderful.

My family enjoys CG for the food as well as Wishes, but do try to view the fireworks from the MK as well. Also Illuminations in EPCOT is a must see for us. We love the parades and try to get to them as well. Try to arrive early if you are going to watch a parade.

I would encourage you to try some of the coasters. They are not like the thrill rides in amusement parks.

Check out this website for updated information about shows and entertainment.

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

Whatever you do just try to enjoy what you are doing "now" instead of thinking ahead to the "next" attraction. There will always be magical moments if you let them happen.