Questions from a WDW Rookie.

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning on a WDW trip in December 2016 (Hopefully going around my birthday). I am going with someone who has been a bunch of time, I've only been to AK and that was a few years ago. So my questions are...

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Thanks,
Dame Red Dragon

 

[sharonabe]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning on a WDW trip in December 2016 (Hopefully going around my birthday). I am going with someone who has been a bunch of time, I've only been to AK and that was a few years ago. So my questions are...

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Thanks,
Dame Red Dragon

If you like the characters, you should definitely book a character meal AND plan on the meet n greets. They enjoy us older folks too!

December can be a great time to go, but can also be a tricky time. If you're not going Christmas week, be sure to read up on the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and how it can affect your time at MK. If you are going Christmas week, you need to have a plan. That is the most crowded week of the entire year.

I recommend a few hours browsing around easywdw.com. He has lots of tips for first-timers and a good way to start educating yourself.

Have fun learning and planning!

 

[cyndylou]

EPCOT World Showcase is our favorite. Catch as many street performances as possible. DH was 50 on his rookie trip and he loved it all.

 

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

Early December Birthday! It was around my birthday for that one AK trip I took Thanks for the website address.

 

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

Oh boy, still trying to learn how the posting works...Not earning those ears very well.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Disney has a lot of must dos, both in and out of the parks. They will be based on what interests you. Take some time to look at what Disney has to offer and make your decisions based on your research. You say that you are traveling with a Disney veteran so ask them what they want to do. Their ideas for touring may be quite different for yours as a virtual first timer. Since you are traveling together make a plan that suits you both. Remember though the Walt Disney World Resort is a big place. You won't be able to do everything. Look at the offerings and if it seems like something you want to try then put it on your list. There are a lot of opinions about what is good or not good. Every attraction, restaurant, and show will have people coming down on both sides of the argument. Respect their opinions but make your choices based on your interests. I don't know how many things we found that we enjoy even though people had told us not to waste our time on them. Different strokes I guess.

If you like characters them by all mean book a character meal. Meals are one the best ways to meet them. Look at the different character meals offered and pick the one that has the characters you most want to meet. Character meals can be rather expensive so if you don't want to spend that much on meals then regular meet & greets can be done. As far as older guests meeting characters I have this advice. Disney World is a place where you can be as old (or young) as you want. You can let your hair down and act however you want and not have to worry about being judged, except by the people you travel with. My kids say that I am always embarassing them when I am at Disney. I say too bad, I am going to have fun. I like to do it all. Meet characters, volunteer and interact at the shows, visit with the cast members, and especially visit with other people while waiting in line. I have met some of the most interesting people while waiting in line and on the buses. The great thing is we already have something in common, Disney.

You don't say what level of resort that you are interested in. For my money Coronado Springs Resort in a good choice for accommodations. It is a Moderate level resort with a more adult vibe and good amenities. It has always had good bus service.

Disney is my place where I can play, have fun and get taken care of without having to worry about too much. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[DizDaD7]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning on a WDW trip in December 2016 (Hopefully going around my birthday). I am going with someone who has been a bunch of time, I've only been to AK and that was a few years ago. So my questions are...

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Thanks,
Dame Red Dragon

1st off, To accomplish most of the things everyone is going to tell you, you're going to have to plan on at least 7 nights, I'm thinking...
This will give you plenty of time to go at a nice leisurely pace....Plus MK & Epcot you can visit on multiple days too. Read up about the new FP+ system & how it works. This is crucial!
We usually like to tour with a day in the middle for a resort day, to replenish our body.
For the resorts, this all depends on your tastes and/or budget...W/out kids though I'd suggest a moderate or deluxe... The Mod. I'd suggest is CSR or POR. CSR has an adult feel/vibe, and has amazing amenities/qualities.. Good food choices, a very nice pool,w pool bar, & a nice lounge as well, not to mention the Best bus service on property.
For a deluxe, we like a few. BWI/V or AKV. AKV makes you feel like youre on a vacation from the parks , once here.
I'd say w/out a doubt book a character meal or 2, and schedule some meet n greets..Why not??? It's DISNEYWORLD, there's no age to what a kid should be ! 1900 PF is a great Character meal breakfast, & so is TH too...>For Dinner We enjoyed BOG.... but there are plenty.

Either route you go, just make sure you do a lil homework/research & things will be fine.!!

 

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

My traveling companion is really fun to hang out with and I go to a local attractions all the time with her and have a great time. But honestly I'm nervous about the resort then anything else. I'm more of rebel type and she's more of the Princess. The Boardwalk Inn had been in the running but I don't know if I want to do that budget wise. Honestly I'm kind of frugal. It looks like a beautiful place but I'd be happy with one of the mods...Though the values look visually colorful.

She wants to do a character breakfast and I'm unsure...Mulan and Belle are my favorite Princesses (If anyone asks I will deny having any favorite Princesses ). I would like to do the Be Our Guest...(Maybe I won't deny..hmm plead the fifth maybe?)

I'll be happy if I can go back to AK, Epcot, get to eat at Be Our Guest (Beast!!) oh and maybe see Hook, that would be a bonus!

Thanks for all the great information so far!

 

[karly05]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning on a WDW trip in December 2016 (Hopefully going around my birthday). I am going with someone who has been a bunch of time, I've only been to AK and that was a few years ago. So my questions are...

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Thanks,
Dame Red Dragon

Hi, Dame Red Dragon! My first two trips (the "family" trips) were in early December; Christmas season at WDW is so much fun! Be sure you visit the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. And I love the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (choirs and a guest narrator do the Biblical Nativity Story). Epcot also has holiday storytellers from around the world, which is fun (my Dad LOVED the Japanese lady who told about Japanese New Year's traditions).

Every single one of us has "Must Dos" that may be completely different from the next person's "Must Dos." My best advice is to read up on all the attractions/shows/etc and think about which ones are most appealing to you. I will say you should plan to see Wishes (the MK fireworks) at some point.

Definitely do a character meal if that is appealing to you. Check out the rosters and think about what characters you'd like to see. We did breakfasts at Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh & Friends in '99 and '04, Cape May with Goofy & Co in '99, and Ohana pre-Lilo & Stitch (Mickey was there) in '04. I even did the Disney Jr breakfast solo at Hollywood & Vine in 2014 because I wanted to meet Doc McStuffins and she's not anywhere else - CMs and characters were super-sweet even to this silly middle-aged lady. Absolutely do all the meet & greets you want! Characters have always been nice to me, and a lot have been great. We are all big kids at WDW.

Resorts are like "Must Dos," everyone's going to have a different suggestion. I would start from the perspective of "What's your budget?" and just start looking at all the resort info/photos/video. Consider what park(s) you may spend the most time at. I love the Beach Club, and the ability to walk/boat to Epcot and DHS is awesome. I've heard the Yacht Club has a little more subdued/adult feel than the Beach Club, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Epcot resorts. If you're looking for a Moderate resort, lots of people feel that Coronado Springs is the most "adult," since it is a convention resort and has the fitness center and all. I haven't stayed there, but I'm getting ready for my third stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, which I really enjoy - it's quaint and pretty and charming, the small size makes it easy to get around, there's a boat to Downtown Disney, and Port Orleans Riverside just a short walk or boat ride up the river for more pools, dining, and recreational options.

You've got lots of planning and fun ahead! Welcome aboard!

 

[DizDaD7]

My traveling companion is really fun to hang out with and I go to a local attractions all the time with her and have a great time. But honestly I'm nervous about the resort then anything else. I'm more of rebel type and she's more of the Princess. The Boardwalk Inn had been in the running but I don't know if I want to do that budget wise. Honestly I'm kind of frugal. It looks like a beautiful place but I'd be happy with one of the mods...Though the values look visually colorful.

She wants to do a character breakfast and I'm unsure...Mulan and Belle are my favorite Princesses (If anyone asks I will deny having any favorite Princesses ). I would like to do the Be Our Guest...(Maybe I won't deny..hmm plead the fifth maybe?)

I'll be happy if I can go back to AK, Epcot, get to eat at Be Our Guest (Beast!!) oh and maybe see Hook, that would be a bonus!

Thanks for all the great information so far!

The values were always nice, but there are plenty of familes here, not so much adults w/ out kids...I'm sure there are some but this is in the minority.... I suggested CSR, because of it being a convention resort..SO the people there for conventions are adults...There are plenty of families here as well, but it's not so in your face Disney ( that's all ). It has a great vibe here..Especially at night...Here's a link to the thread that has a ton of info..& pictures too.. Quite magical.. http://www.disboards.com/posts/51327944/

 

[TeacherDL]

Beach Club is very close (5 minute walk) to the International Gateway entrance of Epcot (close to World Showcase). I think you would enjoy that area, but it is pricey. Wilderness Lodge is another deluxe that we enjoy and is usually less expensive than the other deluxe resorts. If you and your traveling companion want to see princesses, Akershus has a nice meal and you get a picture with Belle when you arrive (or did when we went a couple of years ago). It's in Epcot. You can also see the princesses eating at Cinderella's castle. Deb's site allearsnet has great reviews of the resorts and restaurants too.

 

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

Thank you to all those have posted! All the information and advice has been great! Thanks again!

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Thanks,
Dame Red Dragon

1. I'd recommend getting on the website for WDW and looking at the list of attractions and entertainment for each park. You can look up ride/show videos on YouTube if you're unsure if you'd like something. Idk if you're into thrill rides and parades, but in general I'd say not to miss:

- MK: The mountains (Splash, Big Thunder, Space); Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; I've heard Enchanted Tales with Belle is good; Philharmagic; and classics like the Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, It's A Small World, and the Haunted Mansion. Make sure to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade, Wishes, and the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
- EPCOT: Soarin'; Test Track; we like Living with the Land (not a must see for everyone though); and eat/drink your way around the World Showcase (stop to see some of the acts, like the drummers in Japan). Make sure to catch IllumiNations!
- AK: Kilimanjaro Safaris; Expedition Everest; Festival of the Lion King; Finding Nemo. If it's not too cold out, Kali River Rapids. Walk the Pangani Forest Expedition Trail and Maharaja Jungle Trek. DINOSAUR isn't a must do for us, but it's fun.
- HS: Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Animation Academy. The Beauty and the Beast show is fun but I wouldn't consider it a must-do (it's not as good as the Lion King or Nemo shows). Fantasmic is many people's favorite evening show. If they're back this year, go see the Osborn Family Lights.

2. The more highly-rated character meals seem to be Tusker House breakfast/lunch, and Crystal Palace pre-park opening breakfast. Some people seem to love the food/service at Cinderella's Royal Table, some hate it, but everyone agrees it's very expensive. 'Ohana breakfast gets decent reviews, as does 1900 Park Fair (people seem to be split about Akershus's food, but the princess interaction is generally reported to be good). The only one with overwhelmingly poor reviews is Chef Mickey's (for all meals, but breakfast seems to be less offensive than lunch or dinner).

3. I've visited/dined at the monorail resorts, but have yet to stay at them. The Grand Floridian seems the most "adult" and sophisticated, but is obviously expensive. Resort choice seems to hinge on so many personal preferences that it's hard to make a recommendation: budget, interest in resort dining, pool (prob not a concern in December), aesthetic preferences,... I don't remember the website, but I did run across one where you enter preferences and it suggests a resort based on your answers.

4. Anyone and everyone is welcome to meet the characters. Check Kenny the Pirate's website for meet and greet times and locations.

Notes:
- We always get park hopper tickets, but generally spend at least 2 days at MK, 2 days at EPCOT, and a day each at AK and HS.
- The resorts have some of the better table service restaurants. - It's also fun to explore the resorts; in December, there should be decorations up.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is fun if you have the funds to buy the extra tickets.
- We'll try it for the first time in May, but Hoop Dee Doo gets good reviews.

 

[Dame_Red_Dragon]

Wow! TXAKDisneyFan, that's a lot of useful information! Thanks!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning on a WDW trip in December 2016 (Hopefully going around my birthday). I am going with someone who has been a bunch of time, I've only been to AK and that was a few years ago. So my questions are...

1. What are your must do for a WDW Rookie?

2. Should I book a character meal? (I'm in my 30's and the person I'm going with is older)

3. Best Resorts for an older crowd?

4. Your thoughts on older guests having meet n greets...

Hey Dame..

I won't really get into the must-do's, since TXAKDisneyFan did a great job of doing this!

As far as resorts go, check out the monorail resorts - these are gorgeous and a great spot to grab a drink (or two.) As far as older crowds - who cares - you're in Disney!

My sister is 30 and LOVEs the characters. We went with another family this past year. They were rookies as well and the son, who was my age, was afraid of embarrassing himself. I explained to him that Disney is a judge-free zone. People of all ages wear Mickey ears. No one is there to judge you - everyone acts like kids! My sister and I (25) have done character meals, meet and greets and all! The characters give attention to all - no matter the age - and no one cares what you do because we're all there for the same reason: to act like a kid and enjoy the magic!

I will say as an older crowd that we enjoy the food. You're going in December, which means there will be some specialties at EPCOT (international holiday goodies) and the resorts (gingerbread, etc.) Spend a day walking around EPCOT and enjoying the pavilions and the food and drinks!

If you go in December, check out my page: survivedisxmas.com! I have a free guide that encompasses everything you need to know!