PLEASE HELP...1st timer, I only have 5 days!

[Disney Newbies]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

 

[sebfigmin]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

Hi! One of the best tips I can give is to use the Fast Passes at the Parks. At the most popular rides at each Park, there are kiosks that you insert your ticket in and along with your ticket, they spit out a ticket with a time frame on it. This is when you'll come back & ride this ride with very little or no wait at all. Remember, Fast Passes are just available for certain popular rides at each park. The Disney website will tell you which rides the Fast Pass is available for. It is also noted on the maps at the Parks.

You also want to wear very comfortable shoes. This is not the time to try out new shoes. Take mole skin or something for blisters just in case. You'd rather be safe than sorry. These are just a few of the tips I know. Have a wonderfully magical time mixed with pixie dust and dreams that come true.

 

[sleepingbeautymama]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

Hi we've been to Disney twice. The first time we stayed at POR and we thought it was wonderful. This last time we stayed at the WL and we thought it was ten times more wonderful!!! In my opinion, especially if this is going to be your only trip for awhile, I'd spend the extra $100 a day for the WL. The WL is just beautiful! I was so glad that we chose to stay there and I think that for our future trip, we will return. I just loved it and didn't want to leave!
As for other tips, our favorite character dinner was Chef Mickey's. I think it's great how you can see all the main characters there. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale. I agree with the other poster about using fastpass. We went in Sept. though when the crowds were low so everything was real easy for us so I don't have a whole lot of advice for other times of the year. Oh if your daughter likes princesses, there is a nice character dinner with the princesses at Norway and another thing she might like is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique where they do her hair and nails. It's in Downtown Disney. If you want to see the characters at the parks, try Epcot. When we were at MK the lines had waits but at Epcot we walked in and there was no line. We practically had the place to ourselves. Also be sure and check out the fireworks and parades. My daughter liked Spectromagic and the Wishes fireworks at MK. Also if you would decide to stay at WL they have a great pool and then each night there is a little light show on the water. It's cute! I wouldn't call it must see but my daughter liked it. Oh another thing, if you get a chance ask to sit up front on the monorail. We were able to and it was so neat! It was a great view! Have fun, you'll love it!

 

[ajcolorado]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

Are you doing Dining Plan? If so, do you know that CRT requires two tableservice credits.

Ohana over Jiko for your age kids. Ohana is great.

Boma - at the Animal Kingdom lodge - is a good choice and the kids will enjoy the animals outside the resort.

Chef Mickey's a great choice. If you are going to Epcot, there is a character meal at the Garden Grill.

Do you have your itinerary (days you are going to each park) planned? You'll want a good touring plan like Unofficial Guide or Tour Guide Mike. We used a full service company called Build A Better Mouse Trip - www.buildabettermousetrip.com - on our last trip and they were really good with lots of human communication. They did our dining reservations for us, which was nice.

If you are going during Spring Break, a good touring plan will really help you avoid the lines.

One of the things they recommended that our kids really enjoyed was the free campfire sing-along with Chip & Dale over at Ft. Wilderness. We made a dining reservation at Trails End before the sing-along. We stayed for some of the movie but then got rained out. It was a highlight for our younger kids. For more information see: www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-campfire.html

I love Port Orleans Riverside. We were in the Magnolia Terrace building which worked out very well for both buses and getting to the food court. Another highlight for us was renting a boat there at the Marina.

 

[Donald - my hero]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

to the You will enjoy the time you spend here but be ready to get hooked Lots of ideas will make you ponder , change & re-arrarange you dinner ideas several times.

Check out this site for all the menus http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/dining/menus/default.asp

Here is a list of the abbreviations you might see others use
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

Do your kids like the Winnie the Pooh peeps? If so, then Crystal Palace restaurant is the Mgic Kingdom is your BEST best! Go for early breakie so you can get into park early and enjoy a wonderful buffet. All of the characters come around for autographs, and I think this is one of the only places you might track down EEYORE.

Make sure you plan to do to go to lots of buffets, you will find that they are you best bet for kids. Garden grill is a great one! They bring the food to your table "family style" in bowls. you are sorta in your own booth and we had great fun with our kids there!

I think I have given enough info to make your head spin for now

 

[disneyfan61]

Chef Mickey's is a great choice. A lot of character interaction & pictures. If they
like Whinnie the Pooh then Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom is fun also. It's a buffet. We really like it there & my boys are 17 & 13. (They like the buffet part).
Have a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[Poohbug]

My new favorite restaurant is LeCellier-Canada-Epcot. Service is the best and food is great. With Dining plan every restaurant is a little different-always good to ask because some will be more generous than others. Also fun is new Fish n Chips place at marketplace(I think its an Irish rest.) Huge portions and deep-fried candy bars(counts as counter service).

 

[Disney Newbies]

So many questions, you'll have to forgive me...

ok so here's what I got so far...I am SO wanting to stay at WL, but it works out to be $950 more than Riverside for the 6 nights for a basic room there.

I really wish it wasn't, but that covers our plane fare so I guess it's a no go at this point. I'll try to keep an eye out for a lower rate, but I am not optimistic for March. Besides, at least I am hearing some positive things from you regarding POR. Makes me feel a little better. I requested Magnolia Bend, Magnolia Terrace (building 95 I think). I need the non-smoking and I think this is a good choice from what I read. Should I fax my request a few days before too?

Speaking of timing though, I am a little confused. I figured March is in between February and April breaks, at least here in the Northeast. Is it really that mobbed w/ college kids the 3rd week in March? What's the weather like around then, anyone been?

Subscribed to Tour Guide Mike. I'm still trying to organize the billions of pages, but it seems pretty useful for the $19 bucks. I AM on the dining plan. Chose Ohana's (thanks!) and the CR Table which now I am doubting because I am reading that the food really stinks and that it's all hype, especially for the 2 meal credits a piece. Anyone ever been?

Chef Mickey's better for breakfast than dinner? Going to dinner at Mama Melrose followed by Fantasmic show one night. Is Cirque du Soleil worth the $250? TG Mike sure seems to think so, but I'd like some more opinions.

Thanks, in advance for your guidance and patience...!

 

[mecllap]

Rather than upgrading your hotel, it could be better to add another day or two to your trip if there's any way you can do that. I plan the least expensive lodging options I can come up with so we can stay longer (or go more often). WDW is huge, and there's no way to see/do it all on one trip, even in a 10-12 day trip, so the longer you can stay the better.
Look through all the hints and tips you can find here (take ponchos, do lots of walking before you go, be flexible, etc.).
PhotoPass is great -- plan $99 for the CD into your budget (search on that term, and any others, to find out more).
Always try to have your next fastpasses in your pocket.
You can take drinks and snack into the parks.
Have a basic plan, but don't try to do too much, be flexible (go at the speed of the slowest member in your family/group -- or don't be afraid to split up sometimes).
Make sure your kids know to go to a cast member (CM -- disney employee), if you get separated.
And on, and on, and on

Have fun with your planning, and have a magical visit!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I agree that $950 is a lot of $$. I think you made the right choice. And your kids will love the pool at POR-you should have a few nice pool days weather wise.

My #1 tip-Make sure you don't overplan your days. If your kids are like most kids, they will need some down time. My DD7 favorite thing is going to the pool. And if the weather is good, plan a day at either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Both are great! A good thing to do at night is miniature golf and Winter/Summerland. It's fun and the decor is great! It's an easier course than Fantasia Gardens.

My #1 Dining Tip-As for buffets, our favorite is Park Faire 1900 at GF. At dinner they have Cinderella, Prince Charming, the mice (Suzy and Perla) and usually Fairy God Mother in the lobby. The food is really good and my DD7 loved that she could serve herself from the lowered kids serving area. And it had all her favs! We've never done CM but we really love PF. Breakfast there is good too, they have Winnie, Tigger, Mad Hatter, Alice, and Mary Poppins.

You can check out my Dining Review link below and I have a review of PF 1900 on Day 4.

Any more ?-Happy to help!

Have a great time and happy dining!

 

[powellrj]

here is my .02. I would skip Cirque du Soleil, you have so many things to see and do without paying that much extra.

I would skip Wilderness Lodge too. While it might be something you would like to try at some point, its easier to start at a value or a mod as your first hotel and then go to a deluxe, so you can give the mod a fair chance.

I would also try to have most of my meals in the parks. Travel time back and forth can really cut into you day.

Unless you have someone who would be heart broken if they missed CRT, I wouldn't use 2 credits for it. Its not that big of a deal for anyone not really into princesses.

I would go to Chef Mickey for breakfast. While I have never been for dinner, breakfast gets much better reviews. We have been for breakfast and its lots of fun. Don't forget they take your picture when you enter and they bring them around for you to buy.

Not sure what your flight plans are, if you are arriving mid day or leaving mid day, but if you are, you might want to use Downtown Disney as one of those days. We usually leave mid-day and we like to do a character breakfast and then go to DTD before we go to the airport.

 

[Disney Newbies]

Thanks for the help PowellRJ, your advice sounds dead on. Still debating about CRT my daughter is 7 and is coming out of the Princess thing a bit, (sadly). And my son could hardly care less. What about the Princess thing in Epcot I believe (Norway?) That might be a good bet for lunch as a compromise?

I like the idea of doing Chef Miks the last morning we are there...our flight leaves at 2 so a 9am reservation should do the trick, some last minute shopping at DT then go...liking that plan.

If I don't do Cirque, what shows are not to miss? Doing Fantasmic one night, any others? Wish I could extend my stay but 2nd grader can only miss 3 days of school and I will not venture to Disney on a break or summer yet! Is the 3rd week of March really that bad?

Thanks again!

 

[Donald - my hero]

here's my 2 cents again
Cirque du Soleil is a great show BUT it is not worth it when you have younger kids. The money would be better spent on souvies or an extra snack or 2. Take LOTS of time to go it slow, the swimming at POR is wonderful for the kids they will love it. The last time we were there while we were wandering around the resort we often saw bunnies nibbling on the grass. There is a boat that runs between POR & EPCOT -- kids should get a kick outta that since it is small the drivers are usually very funny

You're right that if you want a princess meal that the Norway one is a MUCH better deal than the Castle. A good idea for extra shows is to make sure you take in the ones that are indoors. They give everyone a chance to sit down and cool off. you might want to skip The "BUG" one in Animal Kingdom since it is often very scary for little peeps.

Remember that if you are using ME they will be picking you up at YOUR resort about 3 hours before your light so time your day carefully. The airport has a few good places to eat and you get one more chance to get your Disney fix since there is a store

BOY I do talk a lot eh? keep asking the questions though cause this is THE place to get help.

 

[okwmike]

First stop Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland. Get up early and be at the main gates at least 30 minutes before scheduled opening. Once in go directly to Fantasyland see Snow Whites Scary Adventure, Peter Pans Flight, ride Dumbo, see Winnie the Pooh ride. If you do this early you will not wait in long lines with the kids. It's a Small World moves fast and can be done a little latter in the morning. Mickey's Philharmagic has shows about every 20 minutes, so you can watch the lines and jump in anytime it has a short wait. The carrousel is also a line you can watch and jump on if it has a short wait.
You will find as the morning goes on the lines will get longer and longer and the waits can wear out the kids. If something has a long line don't wait, move on.
Don't make the mistake of jumping from one part of the park to another. Just walking from Fantasyland to Adventureland and back to Tomorrowland can wear you out quick. Eat lunch early 11:00 am or wait until after 1:30. 12:00 to 1:30 is crush time for trying to eat. (or) Stop for drinks and snacks and head back to the room by 1:00 for lunch at the resort, a quick swim, and a short nap. Head back to the park late afternoon/early evening. Don't forget to watch the weather. If you see rain in the forecast you can adjust your downtime for a rest/nap and lunch/dinner.

A quick start in the morning is the best way to avoid long lines in all the parks.

As far as restaurants go Chef Mickeys for Dinner is great. My daughter loves the Hoop-de-doo, its always a great show. Crystal Palace is nice for lunch or dinner. Tony's is good for lunch in MK. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian is one of our favorites for breakfast.