Taking a first-timer to MK-- what would be your choice for first attraction?

[JennyMP03]

Just because I think it would be fun to see everyone's ideas:

I am (hopefully) taking my 20-year-old "baby" cousin for her first trip to WDW in early June. She is my heart! And she's so excited. I want her to have a wonderful time.

We'll get to Pop around 3 PM and then go to Magic Kingdom because she must see the castle on her very first day in Disney World! We'll eat CS somewhere and watch MSEP and Wishes later that evening.

But in the interim: if it were you, what would you pick as a first attraction (ride or show)? I don't think she will have a preference and will go along with whatever I suggest. She's not one for research!

I was thinking perhaps I'd secure a FP+ for Splash Mountain and let that be her very first ride, since it's a classic one and we both love thrill rides.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Splash Mountain was the first thing that came to my mind.

TC

 

[EvoldicA]

I'd say Splash or Space Mountain.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Since I was a little kid (now with 4 kids of our own) we always start our trips with Its a Small World. We love it. Usually it is not a long wait - or the lines go quickly. No matter who we go with - they go along with us.

We also end our trips in MK shopping on Main street.

 

[JennyMP03]

I considered Space Mountain, too! I have had bad experiences on it myself on my previous two trips, but I feel determined to ride it again until I like it. I love EE, ToT, RnR-- but Space Mountain was kind of painful to me despite being much slower. I like it in theory, if nothing else!

She will definitely go on It's a Small World at least once, whether she wants to or not.

 

[Robo]

Can't go wrong with:

Pirates.
Splash Mtn.
Haunted Mansion.
Mickey's Philharmagic.

 

[theoddcouple]

First ride is always as a family we go to haunted mansion then it's a small world. Then my family splits up and everyone does their own thing.

 

[Maggie7313]

Haunted Mansion. Classic theming. Corny morbid humor. It's Disney at its best. Followed by Big Thunder Mountain for the sheer fun of it.

 

[disneycat321]

Mickey's Philharmagic!! Classic Disney renaissance movies... love love love that ride. I wish DLR had it; I'm going through withdrawals!

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

We never plan it, but in our family we always take new people to Haunted Mansion first. It just always seems to happen that way. Its a classic.

On the other hand, as a kid my first ride was Space Mountain.

Splash is my favorite MK ride, but I wouldn't want to do Splash first. I hate being wet. I always plan Splash near the end of the day so I don't wander around with a wet bottom. There's nothing worse than a wet bottom.

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

When we take my niece for her first trip in January, my wife and I have discussed starting her out in MK with Stitch's Great Escape just to mess with her head! She will be 18, so I think she can handle it!

 

[AJ1983]

I think Splash IS a great first ride, however it is also one of the few thrill rides at MK, maybe second only to Space. Why don't you get a FP for Splash but start off SB at BTMRR? Its a good build up to Splash. Also, I love the guy on the loudspeaker while you queue at Big Thunder, because you feel like you are transported back in time to the Old West. And to me, THAT is the Disney magic-being able to feel like you're in another world.

But you can't go wrong with Splash

 

[danceteachermom]

I would reserve fast passes for Pirates, Big Thunder, and Splash....see the castle then head to Adventureland and Frontierland your first night...save Tomorrowland and Fantaayland for when you can arrive in the morning. That way it will feel like two first day experiences.

You are a cool cousin.

 

[kayemgi]

No votes for Jungle Cruise?! Haha we love to do JC first, then Pirates. Both are quintessential Disney attractions!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

No votes for Jungle Cruise?! Haha we love to do JC first, then Pirates. Both are quintessential Disney attractions!

We usually hit jungle cruise first - we just always naturally go to adventure land first - possibly because normally our first morning tradition is a Crystal palace breakfast (puffed French toast - yum yum!)

 

[LeahA]

Pirate of the Caribbean came to my mind first!!!

 

[catra121]

Peter Pan is mine. Took my cousin for the first time and that was his first ride. I'm taking his mom this September and the plan is to make this her first ride too...assuming I can get a FP+ for it at the right time of day on arrival day.

 

[Rhiannona]

Carousel of Progress!

 

[burnurcomputer]

Not a first ride suggestion, but have you considered the Wishes Dessert party for the firework and parade? It would be a great way for a first timer to see both

 

[Reizo]

My DW took me to Disney for my first time 2 years ago lol and the very first ride we went on after the awe of seeing the castle walking down main street was Space Mountain.