Seeking advice for someone visiting WDW for the first time

[Frwinkley]

A dear friend of mine and her 5 year old son are planning their first trip to WDW for mid November of this year. They intend to spend between 5-7 days there. Although I've been there many times, I'm having a hard time advising her on how best to plan this trip in the most stress free and affordable way possible. They will most likely stay at one of the All Stars and rely on Disney transportation. With Magic Bands, Fast Pass, Dining Plans, etc., would she be better off using a travel agency that can guide her every step of the way?

For some of us, we know WDW inside and outside. However, for the first-timer, it can be quite overwhelming.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

 

[ilovevacation]

I feel your pain. My dad and his wife are stopping in for 2 days during our disney trip and will be joining us. My dad hasn't been there since 1988. So obviously so much has changed. I struggled to explain fast pass, magic band, etc... At the end of the day I am a control freak and plan to arrange everything for them.

 

[ShayBells]

I've had a few people ask me advice and I did it once and I felt I overwhelmed them and it was hard for me to explain short of planning everything for them (haha) but from that time on I just give them sites like this one and others I use to help me. I've never used a travel agent so I don't know how much they do. But depending on if she's a planner or not by her personality maybe a few pointers to her in the right direction might be all she needs to get started.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

There are several websites out there that cater specifically to those visiting Disney for the first time, so she may be able to really get help by reading through one of those. A travel agent might be a good idea, too, just because they can help her keep track of important dates like 180+10, 60 for FP+, etc and might have more experience explaining Disney to someone in plain English! I hope she has an awesome time

 

[aejammers]

I would gift her a copy of the 2017 edition of either Birnbaum's Walt Disney World or The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. They will explain things plainly and even give some sample touring plans. They will also have descriptions of all the restaurants and quick service places to give her an idea of meals. Sending her to a website will probably just overwhelm her.

Hope she has fun!