Repeat visitor travelling with a 1st Time Guest

[cinderellagirl2280]

I've been to Disney a few times and this trip I'm travelling with a family and my best friend. My best friend has never been and unsure of what to expect. I haven't been there since 96 so there have been quite a few changes.

How do I get her excited without overwhelming her?

 

[bryanb]

I've been to Disney a few times and this trip I'm travelling with a family and my best friend. My best friend has never been and unsure of what to expect. I haven't been there since 96 so there have been quite a few changes. How do I get her excited without overwhelming her?

That's really cool! Is your friend a fan of Disney (or theme parks in general) and has she been to other Disney parks? Since WDW is so much bigger in scope than most vacation resorts, it depends on whether she gets excited about planning or would rather relax and rely on your expertise.

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

She likes the movies but has never been to Disney. She's all about the thrills at other parks. When we go to other parks we don't plan a lot because we just take it as it comes where as I know I can't do that with Disney. 20 years ago you could just go without a plan and randomly run into characters and get on most rides pretty quick.

The family we are going with and I are all extreme planners....some worse than others but I want her input too.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I took a first timer a few years ago and went with the backseat approach. It was just the two of us but he was excited to be involved in the planning so I ordered park maps for him to look over. I picked all of our ADR's but I also knew what he would and wouldn't enjoy. I had input on which parks we started and ended at but let him choose what rides etc. It was an absolute blast and I went to attractions that I sometimes skip because it's nothing too special and the line is 45 minutes long.

How many people in your group are going? Of course fast pass plus wasn't around when I took a first timer but that is where having her look at rides online or on a map should allow her to add input on what she would like to fast pass. I would try not to overwhelm her by planning every little detail and leave room for plans to change when you get there.

 

[lroger01]

I'd keep the excitement to a basic "going on vacation" minimum. She'll be more "wowed" if she's expecting a typical amusement environment and not something that even Disney can't deliver.

I would though, make sure she's aware that Disney is a full experience and not just a thrill one. That there will be times that are thrilling mixed in with experiences that are "wow", followed by a good laugh, and maybe a "that's cute".

I'd also explain how Disney doesn't want to show ride support structures at the parks since it takes away from the immersive environment. And, for that reason they don't have any extreme coasters. I think it helps to explain the "why".

 

[craedaisy12]

Love this thread! I too am taking a first timer this October! This trip will be my 10th trip in the past 7 years and by 12th in the past 11 years. So I've been recently, January being my last time, so with my Disney + aspects it's made it a lot easier to plan.

But since I've been on everything multiple times, I'm nervous as to if I will get my DFi on everything I honk he should experience. But he's already reassured me this won't be our one and only trip together, he knows I love it to much!

I've tried getting him in he planning process with me, he picked some ADRs, and two of the four I haven't been to so it will be a new experience for the both of us! When I talk about certain things, he just doesn't understand and I just give him a nice smile and say you will soon sweetie!

Just realizing today it's just over 2 months away, can't believe it! And I'm getting a lil nervous hoping I didn't ruin any thing.

I've been with first timers before, they just went with our large group and joined in on the fun. I just remember no matter what, it's a vacation, it's DISNEY and your with people you enjoy being with, so just enjoy the memories you make, take lots of pictures! And relax cause it is just a vacation that needs a lil extra planning!

~October 18-26, 2014~

 

[cinderellagirl2280]

The hardest part is that she's been ho hum about Disney in the past...going as far as stating its for kids. I'm hoping Tink will spread some fairy dust when we arrive .

When it comes to fast passes of course I'm giving her input. She's not a "character" person and I am...especially when it comes to Cinderella! I think the only ADR we may be doing is Crystal Palace on the first day with our friends since their little guy is a fan of Winnie the Pooh. In total the group size is 7 - 3 adults and 3 kids