Tips for going with friends who have never been before?

[rutgers1]

Our friends/neighbors will be staying at BWV at the same time as us this summer. They will be staying using another friend's points, and it will be their first time ever going to Disney (elementary age sons). I figure we will be meeting up at some point every day, and I also figure that they will look to us for some advice on what to do/see. Normally, I'd say that "Disney guide" would be an easy job for us, but at the same time, we are so accustomed to being DVC members and visiting multiple times per year that I am fearing that we won't be as sensitive to the needs of someone who has never visited before.

Any tips?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would suggest that they get a guide book and read it with an eye toward thinking about the things they think they would really enjoy doing. After they have a sort of list, I think it will be easier to guide them.

 

[DizDays]

I second the "research" vote. It would be so helpful to them (and you) to have an idea of what they hope to accomplish without killing themselves. We were just there last week for 6 days and took a 16 year old with us who was visiting for the first time. What a difference from the way we usually vacation!! We had no pace but "RUN" and needed a vacation from our vacation when we were finished. We wouldn't change a thing except to have her do upfront research on the things she would really want to do and make some choices on priorities. It would have been a better vacation for all.

 

[disneynutz]

Just because you love Disney, doesn't mean that they will. Your tastes are not their tastes and you can't expect them to like what you like. After taking various friends and family members to WDW over the years, we stopped doing it due to hurt feelings and comments made even years afterword.

I would offer yourself as a source of info. If they take you up on it fine, if they don't, fine. Remember that it will be your fault if things don't go as they expect them to.

Bill

 

[Bouncin-Tigger]

We recently went with first timers and before we went we found out what they have heard and wanted to do and what they liked. They informed us there kids like winnie the pooh and toy story and swimming. So knowing we have been many times and will be back many we made the trip more about them and hit all the must dos at parks and we set the adr's and it ran smooth. We even seperated for 2 of the 9 days and meet up for a dinner which was a very important part of the trip for all of us.

 

[mecllap]

Rutgers1: You might suggest that they start reading a lot of the Disboards, especially the tips thread. My first tip for them would be about how hot it's going to be when you're there (looks like it's about the same time we'll be there): Get the kids spray bottles, with strict instructions that they are careful about where they spray it (not on any strangers, or anyone who doesn't like it). My DGS uses one carefully (usually) and a big benefit of it is that he sprays into his mouth, which helps keep him hydrated (and he's always looking for the next water fountain -- conveniently located by restrooms, which is great for me (grandma -- who needs those much too often)). And wet bandannas around the neck are also good.

It will be hot and crowded, so help them learn how to utilize FastPasses. Go early, etc.

Suggest they use the PhotoPass system -- it seems expensive, but the photos are wonderful to have of the whole family/group. Photos with the characters are really fun to have, esp. if you interact with them.

Are they aware of how absolutely huge WDW is? A lot of "newbies" seem to have no clue that there are 4 major parks, each of which requires several miles of walking each day. Everything takes longer to do than expected -- sometimes (usually?), it can average out to one (maybe two) attractions an hour (unless you get there really early). EMH times are generally crowded in the evening anymore (at least when they first start).

Encourage them to slow down and enjoy the details -- there's lots to appreciate in additions to the attractions.

Basically -- I third (strongly) the main suggestion: Research (winging it in the summer is not a happy approach to a good time at WDW).

Hopefully they like swimming -- those breaks will be a big help to them.

 

[Micca]

Tell 'em first time visitors who foot the bill for DVC members at Victoria and Alberts are eligible to spend a night in the castle, and they are almost certain to win. If they don't win, you'll treat them to Dole Whips at MK.

 

[rutgers1]

I definitely like the suggestion to have them do some research on their own. We haven't spoken much about the trip yet, but a few of the early questions definitely suggested that she didn't quite understand how huge Disney is, or the general layout. I think I will also see if there are any of those Travel Channel shows on the horizon, as those give a nice overview of what to expect. I will also give them our Unofficial Guide (if I can find it!).

We are not "bringing" them - just happens to be that they were able to get a room at the same hotel during the same week - so I don't think I am going to feel the need to hold their hand through everything. Actually, that will be a good thing, as I think part of their fun will be the "adventure" of exploring on their own. I imagine that we will meet up at the pool during the afternoons and catch some meals together. We'll also hit the parks together here and there, but I definitely want them to have some time to just be together and explore on their own. Since we love Disney so much, it is in our nature to take on the "tour guide" role, but I think everyone will have more fun if we are just a "resource" and a friendly face back at the pool every afternoon.

This family deserves a great vacation. I can't wait to see how they like it.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

MONEY!!!

Warn them about the MONEY!!!

Many people, MEN especially have a way about getting all tangled up in how much it cost to go and enjoy Walt Disney World to the point that they and whoever they are with, can't enjoy it either!!

I always tell people to look at the cost of the tickets. Look at the cost of the food. Be aware of how much it cost to go to Walt Disney World.

Make peace with the cost before you go, or don't go!!!

I give this advice to everybody, no matter the income bracket.

Plus, you will get pretty fed up cancelling your carefully planned ADRs so that you can go to the Cracker Barrel on 192 or wherever it is, while hearing that its highway robbery to charge $8 for a themepark cheeseburger.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, we were the first-timers in December, and thanks to the disboards, there were some things I knew that they didn't know... So if they've done research, don't discount something they say just b/c they haven't previously set foot on property.

The size thing...figure out the size of WDW property compared to their town. That helped me. BUT I did NOT expect there to be nearly proper *highways* with nearly proper highway signs! That's what astonished me, probably the most...was the roads and the signs...

 

[bobbiwoz]

When I have a trip planned with friends, I plan a time before we leave when we get together to talk about the trip. We talk about what special things we want to do, and get a feel for how we'll be spending our days, nights, and we do talk about meals. You're not "bringing" them, but they're your friends, so why not get together for a time for everyone to talk about the trip? Let this be not too far ahead of the trip, so what is talked stays with them. Have them over for whatever you would be comfortable with.

 

[DisneyPups]

Tell 'em first time visitors who foot the bill for DVC members at Victoria and Alberts are eligible to spend a night in the castle, and they are almost certain to win. If they don't win, you'll treat them to Dole Whips at MK.

HAHAHA, too funny.

When I have a trip planned with friends, I plan a time before we leave when we get together to talk about the trip. W

That's a great idea. They can plan all they want, and you can anticipate all you want, but unless you are both on the same page, it can cause some tension. What if they wanted you by their side the whole time, and you were thinking a few meet-ups here and there. What if they want to go it alone. Definitely have them do research and coordinate what (if any) help they want from you.

 

[Sammie]

I totally agree with Disneynutz, unless advice is asked for I would offer none.

 

[Dizny Dad]

My best advice - plan a vacation immediately after - you'll need it . .

 

[dbs1228]

I agree about preparing them about cost. Not sure what kind of villa's you will be staying in but groceries for 1 -2 meals a day help out a lot! We have traveled with people who have never been and people who have not been in years and just let them know the rides that FP's are a must if they want to go on the rides and not spend over an hour waiting. Other then that we all do our own thing, usually go to the parks together but split up midday those who want to stay those who want pool time go back to the resort and usually hook up for dinner and cocktails. Have fun, go with little to no expectations and remember everyone has a different idea of vacation!

 

[crisi]

I agree on the research. I usually have newbies start with the Birnbaums guide - it isn't the most in depth, it isn't the best - but its the most user friendly, it isn't intimidating, it has lots of pictures and in the Birnbaum world - everything is wonderful (I don't like a lot of the guides for newbies because you may find something wonderful that the UoG or Passporter isn't fond of). If they crave more after that - Passporter or UoG.

I'd give them a top ten pieces of advice list - just ten. Mine would be something like:

1. Arrive at the parks about fifteen minutes before they open. Getting up early in the morning at Disney will save you hours in line later.

2. With little kids along - head straight back to Fantasyland and ride Dumbo, then Peter Pan, then Pooh. You've just saved yourself three hours of lines.

3. Book a character meal, and book it in advance.

4. Don't try and see EVERYTHING. You'll hurt yourself.

5. Research before you go so you know what your family wants to see in each park.

6. With little kids, never start on dark, scary or loud rides. Work your way up.

7. If you want sit down meals, its best to make reservations before you leave home. But it isn't necessary to have sit down meals. Disney has good counter service, although again, it isn't bad to do a little research before you leave home so you don't eat burgers and chicken fingers for a week.

8. Avoid the shops (or at least buying anything) until your last day.

9. When you get tired, go back to the resort and rest or swim.

10. Figure out where you are. Understand transportation, the layout of the parks and how big Disney is.