Top tips for a first timer?

[Laklia]

I'm going to WDW with husband and two sons (11 and 5) in the 2 weeks leading up to Easter Sunday next year. We're flying from the UK and will arrive about 18.00 local time, planning a Chrystal Palace breakfast for the first Monday.

What would be your absolute top tip, and a "definitely don't" for us?

We've been to DL (1990 - pre-boys!) and DLP (2003): husband likes just about any ride, I don't do upside-down, backwards or spinning/loops (not keen on drops without harness!), elder son quite likes fast rides but was a bit put off by Indiana Jones backwards in DLP (did he look green!!!) and younger son gets motion sickness in cars and gets a bit freaked by scary dark rides (like Pirates of the Carribean - though he loved the film!)

We're also planning Fantasmic dinner package, and maybe a very late Chef Mickey breakfast on our last day.

My sister and her husband + 4 kids will be out at the same time (but 3 weeks) and we aim to meet up a couple of times

Thanks for your help!!

 

[Disneylover06]

The best tip anyone can give you is to get to the parks early especially magic kingdom. The parks get crowed around 10:30 am. Another tip is to use Fast Passes when ever possible. Buy gives at Wal-Mart or Walgreen instead of in the parks because they are cheaper. Bring snacks and water into the parks, saves money too. If you are staying at a Disney resort ask about E-Tickets (which lets you stay in the parks after closing time.)

There are many rides for every type of riders. Jungle cruise, Swiss family tree house, Tom Sawyer Island, Peter’s Pan Flight, Carousel, Dumbo, It’s a small world, Mickey’s toontown, and timekeeper are just some of the many rides just at magic kingdom that everyone in your family will love.

If your youngest wants to meet the characters the best place is in the MGM courtyard. However, the shortest lines are at Animal Kingdom but there are not as many characters.

Hope you have a great trip and I hope these tips helped. If you need any more help just ask.

 

[bcinohio]

I don't know if you can get these in the UK or not but battery operated fans that hang around your neck to keep you cool. We always go in the summer, we leave July 30th, and these really keep us cool. I'm not sure what the temp is that time of year but we don't go without them.

Also use fastpass as much as possible. One thing we like to do is like at MGM if you want to ride the Rock n roller coaster and the tower of terror, send on person in your party to get fastpass for one as soon as the gate open and then meet up at the entrance to the other. It gets two big rides out of the way fast.

I hope you have a great trip!! We leave in 16 days!!!!

 

[T-CoTink411]

I agree that the Magic Kingdom should not be missed!

Your boys may not be as excited about Epcot (though, you may find the countries really interesting... I love them!).

My big tip: PLAN.. talk about what rides you want to go on, and what shows you want to see. Then look at the maps, and find out when each park opens/ closes. Fast passes are a must, especially when it's really crowded at Easter time. You can grab a fast pass for a big ride early in the morning, and get something to eat, or go on a less crowded ride. (pirates of the caribbean ).

If you have questions about each ride (which has the longest wait, or if it has any big drops) feel free to ask.


~ tara
(P.S. I absolutely loved Crystal Palace! The food was fantastic, it is in a perfect location, and the restaurant is gorgeous).

 

[kirkharrod]

Definitely go to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. The water parks are my don't miss!

 

[lc1965]

It seems that every time I run into overseas travellers, their biggest mistake has been to not take JET LAG into account & to do too much too soon or to stay too long. The kids can get restless & homesick. If yours are the type to miss their friends, you might want to bring addresses to write postcards.

As you know from your previous trips, WDW can be very expensive. If your kids are the type to want a lot of souvenirs or other things, you might work out a BUDGETING SYSTEM beforehand. Perhaps they get $x each day for souvenirs & they can save or spend as they wish.

Most of my tips fall into money-saving because that's where my brain is (!), so I recommend REFILLABLE MUGS & having lunch at FOOD COURTS instead of sit-down restaurants or having sit-downs at lunch instead of dinner.

Plan for shows you might enjoy as far IN ADVANCE as possible. I highly recommend Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba.

BE FLEXIBLE -- if someone has their heart set on something, by all means, try to do it. But, be as flexible as possible. My friends & I agree to let each person choose one thing that everyone has to go along with. I personally draw the line at roller coasters, but otherwise, I have been known to ride It's a Small World repeatedly when I'd truly like to do almost anything else.

On the other hand, there's nothing wrong w/ splitting up -- it gives you something to talk about when you all get together again.

Have a terrific time!!

 

[Amirah95]

Oh and don't forget to see FANTASMIC at MGM! It's a very, must, hafta, no no miss, bestest SHOW IN ALL OF THE WORLD!

Well, it's my favorite! LOL! DON'T MISS IT!

 

[JPN4265]

Slow down, don't get in a big hurry or you will miss something. Have a Great Time!

 

[Disney Fool]

My best advice for UK travelers: be aware of the Florida Sunshine! It can be brutal. Wear hats to prevent sunstroke, and use lots and lots of sunscreen. Drink a lot of water above and beyond what you would drink as soft drinks. Leave time for rest periods between running around the parks. Do your homework when it comes to Tower of Terror and Rockin'RollerCoaster at the Disney Studio. These rides are intense and will definitely get the adrenalin pumping! Pay attention to the details all around you--DisneyWorld is a feast for the eyes and the senses. Take it all in--I guarantee you'll be back soon! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[disneyfan551]

My top tip? Read, read, and read some more on the DIS! There is SO much to learn from the DIS veterans!

 

[Chesire]

Originally posted by Amirah95
Oh and don't forget to see FANTASMIC at MGM! It's a very, must, hafta, no no miss, bestest SHOW IN ALL OF THE WORLD!

COMPLETELY agree!!!


Also, I suggest bringing brita bottles if you can find them. You can fill them up at any drinking fountain and always have filtered water with you (the Florida water is rather bad to my taste)

 

[montblanc]

After two visits to WDW I finally got the pacing right. First time was a big rush, exhausted every day, lol.

The heat can be stifling sometimes but this year (late June, early July) we did early mornings in the parks, back to the hotel around lunch time for a break, then back to parks. Also when walking through parks we stopped at many stores/locations to cool off momentarily, whereas before it was a frenzied pace to the next attraction.

Overall this worked out fantastically, I never got hot, was far more relaxed and actually spent far LESS time in lines (we used fast pass on some rides) than the year before around the same period. It is also interesting to see the crowds around 4 p.m., many of them exhausted and a little grumpy sometimes after slogging it out since the early morning while we were full of energy and refreshed.

It does take a few days to unwind after a long trip getting to WDW etc. but next year my strategy is to find a more reclusive resort with lots of exotic theming so I feel more away from the "outside world". I also plan to go to one of the water parks first to unwind (tip: be careful about sunburn, you don't want to get roasted your first day) then leisurely visit the other parks during the week. We know all the rides that fill up quickly now and when and this helps. Certain hours are great, during busy times we pick up fast passes earlier in the day, and when parades are on many rides have almost no wait...

 

[The Sweetness]

A squeeze breeze is a wonderfull spray bottle (add water) and battery op fan in one. Pick one up outside the parks, or you'll pay double inside.

Also, I learned my glow sticks *lesson* in april at a concert with DD. As soon as it got dark, kids were breaking out their glow in the dark plastic tubes necklaces etc... Buy these also before you come down if you think DS's will want them.

 

[samsid99]

We are just back from a 9 day stay. My top tips:

1. the britia water bottle - worked great!!

2. breakfast food for in the room -- not only did it save $$, it saved us tons of time because the food court was so busy in the am.

3. If available e ride nights are awesome!!! We did two, it was worth every penny.

4. Typhoon Lagoon -- Swimming with sharks....kids loved it.

5. Fantasmic --- the best. (we did not care for Illuminations at all)

6. Don't be afraid to take a day off and enjoy your resort.

7. Everyone else is right...have a plan at the ready.

8. Quick and Casual Vouchers loved them!! Especially at Beaches and Cream.

Have a great and safe trip!

 

[Tigge50447]

I agree with Plan, Plan, Plan but be flexible... The 1st 2 times at disney I had no idea what was there. and after the 2nd time I found these board and found out all the stuff I missed before by not having a plan.

The next trip I will be traveling with 4 others who are disney newbies and want it to be amazing. I also don't want everyone asking me "what are we doing?" where are we eatting? so I asked everyone what they wanted out of the trip and tried to plan accordingly which is hard with 2 (30's) 2 (over 50) and 1 (4), lol should be fun

Oh also I asked friends who went a few months back to bring us park maps back. you can print these as well online. I also plan on making a small laminated book of what we plan on doing and secure it to my son's stroller.

 

[jmminarik]

Wear good walking (not running) shoes or hiking sandals, good socks, and consider coolmax or other wicking material clothing...at least for the undergarments.

-Joe