So overwhelmed...need some advice for a first timer!

[princessbelle1981]

Dh and I have booked our trip in June but neither one of us have ever been to Disney before and we are feeling pretty overwhelmed. For those of you who have been there before, would you be able to answer some questions:

-we don't have the park hopper option on our tickets. If we spend the day in say...Animal Kingdom, then go to our hotel to change (hotel is in epcot), will we be able to go back to Animal Kingdom again that day? Is there a limit on how many times you can enter 1 park if you don't have a hopper pass?

-are there fireworks everyday? Are they in different areas? Where's the best place to view them?

-are there parades everyday? Is there only 1 parade per day in one park or does each park have their own parade?

-we have the dining plan and advanced dining reservations but what are some good places to have breakfast?

-What kind of park transportation is there and how do you know where to get it or what time it comes by?

-What is a photopass?

-Since it is only dh and I which rollercoasters or "adult rides" would you recommend?

-how does fast pass work?

I appologize for all the questions but this is all so new to us

 

[disneyfreak89]

Hi there! You can find ALL the answers to your questions at www.allearsnet.com Use the search engine for anything you can't find when browsing the main topics listed at the top of their webpage.

 

[snickerboo]

-we don't have the park hopper option on our tickets. If we spend the day in say...Animal Kingdom, then go to our hotel to change (hotel is in epcot), will we be able to go back to Animal Kingdom again that day? Is there a limit on how many times you can enter 1 park if you don't have a hopper pass?
No limit-you can go back in the same park, just so long as it's the same park.

-are there fireworks everyday? Are they in different areas? Where's the best place to view them?
Fireworks schedules depend on special events on at the park. You can check the park calendar (go to the Disney website and click on calendar to get the park hours. There is usually Wishes fireworks by the castle at MK, Illuminations on the lake at Epcot-Canada is a great place to see them, Fantasmic (nighttime show) at Hollywood Studios which is a special stadium and you need to get there early, say 90 minutes, for good seats.

-are there parades everyday? Is there only 1 parade per day in one park or does each park have their own parade?
Most parks have their own parade. The 'times guide' available when you enter the park each day will tell you exactly when the parades are. I'm not sure if Epcot has one but the other 3 do. MK has a nighttime parade "Spectromagic" and a daytime parade.

-we have the dining plan and advanced dining reservations but what are some good places to have breakfast?
I don't stay onsite so I'll let someone else answer that one.

-What kind of park transportation is there and how do you know where to get it or what time it comes by?
Same as above, I don't stay onsite. I have heard onsite transportation is very good.

-What is a photopass?
There are photographers all over the parks that will take your picture for free in various locations. The first time you do it, you'll be handed a little card. Everytime after, give that card to any photographer who takes your picture, that way all your pics will be on one card. Then you can go to the photopass webiste, input the info from your card and see all those pics! They are not free to order and Disney has made them basically un-stealable. You'll see 'photopass shares' on here where people will pay for the one big CD and get several people's pics on it and then share the costs.

-Since it is only dh and I which rollercoasters or "adult rides" would you recommend?
Too many to name: Soarin', Splash Mountain, Everest, Tower of Terror...depends what you like

-how does fast pass work?
At certain attractions (not all) you can get a fastpass. There will be a clock-like sign outside the attraction that gives the standby wait time. If there is a fastpass for that attraction and the standby time is more than about 25-30 minutes, you should try to get a fastpass. There is a machine into which you put your park tickets and the machine will spit out a fastpass. Before you do that, check the return time for your fastpass, this is the time during which you can come back to the attraction and get in the fastpass line (you must hand in your fastpass when you do so). For the most part, you can only hold one fastpass at a time (this has been under some debate at DISboards) so it's important to make sure your fastpass return time isn't for much, much later in the day, nor during your ADR. Fastpass is free-use it!

I would recommend picking up a good guide to Disney. You can usually find the Unofficial Gude to Disney or Birnbaum's at the library. You can definitely pick one up at Chapters. the Unofficial Guide is easy-to-read and will answer most of your Disney-related questions. It also details every ride going to give you an idea of what you might like to ride.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Dh and I have booked our trip in June but neither one of us have ever been to Disney before and we are feeling pretty overwhelmed. For those of you who have been there before, would you be able to answer some questions:

-we don't have the park hopper option on our tickets. If we spend the day in say...Animal Kingdom, then go to our hotel to change (hotel is in epcot), will we be able to go back to Animal Kingdom again that day? Is there a limit on how many times you can enter 1 park if you don't have a hopper pass?

-are there fireworks everyday? Are they in different areas? Where's the best place to view them?

-are there parades everyday? Is there only 1 parade per day in one park or does each park have their own parade?

-we have the dining plan and advanced dining reservations but what are some good places to have breakfast?

-What kind of park transportation is there and how do you know where to get it or what time it comes by?

-What is a photopass?

-Since it is only dh and I which rollercoasters or "adult rides" would you recommend?

-how does fast pass work?

I appologize for all the questions but this is all so new to us

Okay, stay calm. It will all be fine.

1. You can re-enter the SAME park as many times as you want without a park hopper pass - BUT going back and forth from the park to your hotel will use up a LOT of time. I probably wouldn't plan to do this if you can avoid it.

2. There are fireworks every day in Magic Kingdom (Wishes) and in Epcot (Illuminations). There is a show with some fireworks in the Studios (Fantasmic). There are none in Animal Kingdom - too scary for the animals!

In Magic Kingdom, the fireworks are behind the castle. The best places to watch them are probably along Main Street, or the side streets/bridges around the central hub. I also like to watch from the behind the castle - it's a very different effect!

In Epcot, anywhere around the lagoon (that's not blocked by trees or a building) is a good spot. Try to get where the wind isn't blowing towards you, though or you'll get a lot of smoke in your eyes!

The Fantasmic show is in a theatre, so you'll have a seat, and they're all pretty good.

3. Yes, there are parades every day. Magic Kingdom has a "regular" one and and "Spectromagic." The Studios has a "Block Party" one now (I haven't seen it yet) and Animal Kingdom has a "Jammin' Jungle Parade." None in Epcot, though.

4. Each hotel has at least a food court and maybe a restaurant or two, and these generally serve breakfast. Which ones are good depends on your own tastes and preferences - are you looking for a buffet, a table service, or a counter service meal? What kind of breakfast foods do you like? If you want something quick and sweet, there are also some in-the-parks options, like the Main Street Bakery.

5. There are basically 3 kinds of park transportation: boats, monorails and buses. Which ones you use depends on what hotel you are and what park you are trying to get to. Don't worry, they will give you all the info about where to catch them when you check in! Everything runs continuously all day and evening.

6. Photopass is a way to get your photos taken. There are photographers all over the parks who will take your photo for you. They give you a card, and each time you get another photo done it is added to the card. Then later you can check the photos on the Internet and either order them individually or buy them on a CD.

7. If you like rollercoasters, there are a couple in each park. Try Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids in AK, Rockin Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror in the Studios, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in MK, Mission Space, Test Track and Soarin in Epcot. But don't limit yourself to those! The great thing about WDW is the interesting variety of rides that aren't just thrill rides. Be sure to do the new Toy Story Mania at the studios.

8. Some popular rides have fast passes. Here's how it works. You'll see some machines set up near the entrance to the rides. You stick your park entry ticket (which may also be your room key, that's okay) into the machine, and it will give you a fast pass ticket. On the ticket, it tells you what time to return. So let's say it's 10:00 a.m. when you put your ticket in the machine - it may say "return between 12:30 and 1:30." (There will be a sign telling you what times will be on the fast pass ticket so you know before you get it.) Now you can go off and try some less-busy rides or do a little shopping or have a bite to eat. Come back at 12:50 and you can go in the much shorter and faster-moving fast pass line to get on the ride. On very busy days, some rides may not have any fast passes left after a certain point, so it's good to get them early. USUALLY, even if you miss the fast pass time (say you get delayed and don't come back until 2:00) they will let you go on, but it's not guaranteed. And you can't get another fast pass until you either use the one you have OR you've passed the time for the fast pass. And you and your dh will both need one.

Hope that helps!!

Teresa

 

[princessbelle1981]

Wow...snickerboo and teresa THANK-YOU so much! I do feel much calmer now lol! Pre-disney jitters I guess. You guys are awesome. Once again, thank-you!

 

[Stittsville]

-we have the dining plan and advanced dining reservations but what are some good places to have breakfast?

-What kind of park transportation is there and how do you know where to get it or what time it comes by?

What resort are you staying at? It might affect the answers for these questions.

 

[princessbelle1981]

We will be staying at POR

 

[Diamondintheruff]

POR is usually grouped in with the downtown disney resorts. We are staying there this trip too. Check out the official POR thread in the disney resorts forum.

There are many things to take into account when planning a disney vacation. You have already booked a resort and decided upon your dates so we can cross that off your list. See how much you've accomplished so far.

I suggest you get the unoffical guide book by bob sehlinger. For myself I love the websites (allears, TGM, mouesesavers, the mouse for less and of course the disboards) but I liked starting out with a book. I could curl up in a comfy chair anywhere(although I did browse through it at chapters this way a few times before investing in it) and finishing it cover to cover. I'm comfortable with being able to flip through it and find any page I want. My copy is dogeared and full of yellow stickys. After I digested the book I started on the websites. I still use both.

Have fun planning! It might be fun for you to start following along someone's pre-trip report. Check them out. You can learn alot from reading the trip reports. Keep us posted!

 

[Luhts]

Here is the link for disney dining plan tips. My favorite is to use snack credits for breakfast as I don't like to eat big meals in the morning.

http://www.allearsnet.com/rta/tips.php?q=Dining+Plan+Tips

 

[princessbelle1981]

Ok just thought of another question. We have the basic dining package. Is there a limit (dollar wise) per table seating? Other than alcohol which we know is not included, can you basically order any 1 appetizer and any 1 entree or is there a dollar value that each of us has?

 

[Stittsville]

Ok just thought of another question. We have the basic dining package. Is there a limit (dollar wise) per table seating? Other than alcohol which we know is not included, can you basically order any 1 appetizer and any 1 entree or is there a dollar value that each of us has?

There is no dollar value limit, although some restaurants -- Signatures and certain character meals -- cost 2 credits.

Note that you get entree and dessert, not appetizer and entree.

 

[princessbelle1981]

There is no dollar value limit, although some restaurants -- Signatures and certain character meals -- cost 2 credits.

Note that you get entree and dessert, not appetizer and entree.

Oh thanks! Good to know

 

[lisaviolet]

Ok just thought of another question. We have the basic dining package. Is there a limit (dollar wise) per table seating? Other than alcohol which we know is not included, can you basically order any 1 appetizer and any 1 entree or is there a dollar value that each of us has?

No, there isn't any dollar limit at all. And it's entree and dessert. However, some restaurants, not that many though, have certain items that are listed as not included. But nothing to even give a thought to - at all. Few are far between. An example is something like some really extravagant dessert or maybe something like lobster with your steak. It's not a big deal. In general, you can order absolutely anything you want. They will let you know if they have an exception. No worries on that.

Transportation from POR -

Bus to parks - MK, Epcot, AK, DS (MGM Studios)

*they will come quickly - never seem to wait too long
*stops all over POR near your building
*central stop at front of POR lobby/parking
*sometimes share buses with POR FQ but during busy times will have own bus

Boat or bus to -

Downtown Disney - but boat is the nicest choice - beautiful ride



*Marketplace stop, can walk to Pleasure Island and Westside parts of DD; however, there is another boat that can take you there as well: they are all very close together. Or if you are on the bus two stops Marketplace and PI (which is Westside as well)
*before 4 o'clock or so boats do not run very rapidly
*however later in the afternoon more frequent service
*this boat ride is one of best reasons to stay at POR. It's very relaxing.

Wanting to visit any other resort -

*sometimes CMs will tell you to transfer at DD: this is not always the best choice; but since you are at POR it is at times - in the late afternoon good choice for you since the boat is right there direct to DD; bus stop at Marketplace will take you to any WDW resort; it's behind the Christmas store area.

***** you can take the bus to DD as well and transfer to any resort from that stop; bus or boat to DD - get on any resort direct bus - some stop at Typhoon Lagoon as well - so see alternative possibilities below ******

*for OKW/SSR (nice to visit):

Take boat to DD and then boat to SSR or OKW (labelled DVC ferry but anyone can take it)

SSR - can walk over from DD just ask someone. Two ways Marketplace and Westside
OKW - can walk on path from DD Westside - 20 minutes or so

*for Poly/CR/WL/GF/FW - dinner reservations or just checking them out

Take bus to MK and the monorail or boat to these locations (CR monorail or walking only)

Or take boat to DD and bus to any of these

Fort Wilderness is a nice boat ride break from MK. Especially for relaxation and to get out of the heat

*for AKL - nice break in a day

Boat to DD and bus to AKL
Or transfer to AKL from any park

*for BW/BC etc

You MUST visit the Boardwalk area especially at night!!!! Lovely.

Take boat to DD and bus to these locations
OR
Transfer to their buses at any park
OR
Walk out the back entrance of Epcot, it's between France and England, and you are there. You can also take a boat from there.

In this area, by going out the back entrance, you can walk from Epcot to MGM (DS) or take a boat. The walk is not short but doable and pretty. Most take the boat. I love the walk. The pathway to MGM is behind the BW building.

For all other resorts -

Transfer to their bus at DD

Or Transfer at any park.

Disney has a fantastic transportation system. When there is a choice to take a boat. Take it. Lovely. Especially CR/WL/FW small boats. Nice.

Have a wonderful time. Hope I didn't hurt your head. You just don't want to spend any more time on a bus then you have to.

 

[lisaviolet]

Plus, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is....

Take time to do absolutely nothing. POR is lovely. Enjoy it. There are so many wonderful ways to do "nothing" at WDW. Honestly, I would only do parks every other day. But I understand if you are excited to get everything in.

And there is another piece of advice. You will never get everything in. Don't even try to. Just enjoy.

I've done many WDW vacations without any park passes. So that gives you an idea of how much there is to see and do. You could stay at POR for a week, never even leave your resort, and have a wonderful vacation. You've picked a fantastic resort. It's so relaxing and beautiful. Take time to enjoy it. I go up to POR practically every vacation just to take it all in.

Non park ideas:

*visit DD - shop/listen to music at Virgin records/people watch/hang out/see a movie ( although I like to take real life out of my vacation)/dance at PI/nice dinner/ many lovely CS choices - Earl of Sandwich, Wolfgang Puck's Express. WPE is one of my favourite places. I could eat every meal there. Great food. Great prices for what you're getting at a CS.

*have an afternoon nap - love it!!!

*Guided tour of WL and AKL - for free. Daily tours - just ask someone at their concierge or front desks.

*rent a boat - right at POR or at many other resorts and water areas. Honestly, I like to rent at WL for Bay Lake cruisiing. I find POR not as relaxing b/c you are always having to watch out for others on a narrow waterway. But all are lovely.

*golf

*Oh the water parks. How I love the water parks. Typhoon Lagoon is my favourite. I could stay at the wave pool all day. Good hint is to go three hours before closing. Three hours is enough and people will have had their fill and it will become less crowded as you go on. Also, go right after a thunder storm - they reopen quickly and people have left. If they close while you are there for a storm. Don't leave. TSs move very quickly and they will usually reopen and you'll be able to go in without lines.



*Boardwalk, boardwalk, boardwalk. People watching, magicians, games, dancing at Atlantic Dance Hall (no cover), live music at another club, watch sports playoffs at ESPN cafe on your private booth TV. Do you drink? My favourite thing to do is buy a coke and an airport bottle or rum (behind the counter) at the General Store and sit and chill at the BW.

*have an ice cream cone at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club. Or a meal. Food is not out of this world but diner is a lot of fun. 50's diner. Not a good use of TS though. I would do OOP. Lay on BC's beach. I know, I know you're not staying there...

*I like to find a hammock (Poly, CS etc.) on a beach and read. I feel guilt but DVCers are allowed to pool hop so I rationalize. But nice. So is watching the fireworks from the Poly's beach. Eat at Poly and then hang out for the fireworks. I love Poly's CS. Captain Cook's.

*visit CS CS (Coronado Spring's CS) It's called the Pepper Market. I would try to use as many of your CS vouchers there. Really. It's a CS steal. It's like a marche. And you can get steak out of a CS. And they take off the service charge for drink service b/c you are on the DDP. Trust me - it's like having a TS meal for a CS voucher

*Fort Wilderness. They have nightly campfires. Even grownups would love. Middle of campground. Take a boat from MK and walk or take a bus to campground. ( By the way don't tell anyone you are walking anywhere. They freak. It seems to me to be a Cdn/AM difference. ) They sell marshmallows to roast. A movie afterward. I go just for the roasting. Yummy. Free. The campfire and movie for anyone.

*Did I mention nap, drink, eat and be merry? It's a great place to do all four.

 

[lisaviolet]

Love the title....

Because now I've overwhelmed a first timer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun!

 

[princessbelle1981]

Love the title....

Because now I've overwhelmed a first timer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have fun!

hahaha! Not at all lisa! I really appreciate all the advice (so does dh ) It's great to get such good tips from those who have been there b4! Thanks for taking the time to help!

 

[trivial]

Don't apologize for asking questions -- we love helping newbies out! I highly recommend picking up a copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008. Not because I can't be bothered to answer your questions, but because PassPorter is a great resource for answering questions you have now, and questions you're bound to come up with as you continue to plan (along with the DIS Boards). It's just a great reference to have on-hand, before and during your trip.

 

[Starr_DJ]

If you're staying at POR, they have a great piano player there some nights in the lounge area. Great sing-a-long and listening to old songs. I spent about 2 hours one night singing along - had a blast, and it was free! Also at POFQ there is a jazz musician - my DH loves jazz so we always make sure to go there and listen to him. I agree that POR is one of the best resorts around! Try to stay in the mansions - close to everything and beautiful surroundings. Have fun!