What are your little things you would tell someone new......

[daemom]

I see people here telling first time visitors not to rush, see the special things, see what makes Disney special.........What are the "little things" that you would encourage first timers to see?

 

[Disney_1derland]

I see people here telling first time visitors not to rush, see the special things, see what makes Disney special.........What are the "little things" that you would encourage first timers to see?

I think it depends on the person. Are you a "Disney Person" already? There's a certain reverence that comes with that. The detail that is all around you (LOOK UP!) while you're there is amazing. Everything has a story. If that interests you, then do a bit of research ahead of time. You'll be amazed by what is there.

If you aren't, take time to enjoy the beauty and detail even though you may not "get it" you can appreciate the detail. They way the landscaping changes as you walk through the parks, the way the music and vibe changes as you walk through. Pretty much everything you see, smell, hear is manufactured by Disney so that the environment is immersive.

For us: We always stop at the Partners statue to say thanks to Walt. It important to us that our kids understand that Disney World exists because one man believed in his own dream and had the talent to surround himself with people who could help him realize it. We always stand at the very middle of Main Street and hold hands and just see everything around us. The castle, main street, the people, etc. Just for a few seconds. Just until we all end up looking at each other. We do this the first day and the last each trip. It's a promise to each other that we will always have Disney and we will always be back.

We stop and enjoy the lesser attended attractions. Those that are a bit outdated, in danger of being shelved in the name of progress, especially those that Walt himself was involved in.

We people watch. I love to watch the tiny kids and see the magic through their eyes.

I could go on for hours. If it's your kids' first time....see it through their eyes. Don't be in a hurry. There's no way you'll every do everything. Let the need to run/rush go. We rush the first two mornings but after that we slow down. I wouldn't recommend that for first timers. Don't rush. You will still "get your monies worth". The value is all around you, from under your feet to over your head and everywhere in between. The "magic" you hear everyone talk about is in the moments, not the rides, not the food, not the shows. It's in the moments. Take time to REALLY notice them. You can't ever recreate the moments of the first trip.

 

[Networth]

Your not going to see it all, take your time and pick your "must do's". Going in with expectations of doing it all will leave you tired and disappointed.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

My sister will be experiencing Disney for the first time in december with us and one thing I want her to be prepared for is the the exhaust ed feeling your body will feel after walking around the parks two days in. I plan on two half days and breaks to help but for me I always hit the Disney wall after two\three full days of park time.

 

[Lothlórien]

It is so hard to see it all on your first trip. Take your time and enjoy it or you will leave disappointed.

Side note: when I have had conversations with people who went to Disney once and hated it, it is because they tried to do it all and were mad that they couldn't, thus resulting in feeling like they wasted money.

 

[Silver Queen]

I think it depends on the person. Are you a "Disney Person" already? There's a certain reverence that comes with that. The detail that is all around you (LOOK UP!) while you're there is amazing. Everything has a story. If that interests you, then do a bit of research ahead of time. You'll be amazed by what is there.

If you aren't, take time to enjoy the beauty and detail even though you may not "get it" you can appreciate the detail. They way the landscaping changes as you walk through the parks, the way the music and vibe changes as you walk through. Pretty much everything you see, smell, hear is manufactured by Disney so that the environment is immersive.

For us: We always stop at the Partners statue to say thanks to Walt. It important to us that our kids understand that Disney World exists because one man believed in his own dream and had the talent to surround himself with people who could help him realize it. We always stand at the very middle of Main Street and hold hands and just see everything around us. The castle, main street, the people, etc. Just for a few seconds. Just until we all end up looking at each other. We do this the first day and the last each trip. It's a promise to each other that we will always have Disney and we will always be back.

We stop and enjoy the lesser attended attractions. Those that are a bit outdated, in danger of being shelved in the name of progress, especially those that Walt himself was involved in.

We people watch. I love to watch the tiny kids and see the magic through their eyes.

I could go on for hours. If it's your kids' first time....see it through their eyes. Don't be in a hurry. There's no way you'll every do everything. Let the need to run/rush go. We rush the first two mornings but after that we slow down. I wouldn't recommend that for first timers. Don't rush. You will still "get your monies worth". The value is all around you, from under your feet to over your head and everywhere in between. The "magic" you hear everyone talk about is in the moments, not the rides, not the food, not the shows. It's in the moments. Take time to REALLY notice them. You can't ever recreate the moments of the first trip.

Lori said this perfectly!

 

[Disney127]

I think it depends on the person. Are you a "Disney Person" already? There's a certain reverence that comes with that. The detail that is all around you (LOOK UP!) while you're there is amazing. Everything has a story. If that interests you, then do a bit of research ahead of time. You'll be amazed by what is there.

If you aren't, take time to enjoy the beauty and detail even though you may not "get it" you can appreciate the detail. They way the landscaping changes as you walk through the parks, the way the music and vibe changes as you walk through. Pretty much everything you see, smell, hear is manufactured by Disney so that the environment is immersive.

For us: We always stop at the Partners statue to say thanks to Walt. It important to us that our kids understand that Disney World exists because one man believed in his own dream and had the talent to surround himself with people who could help him realize it. We always stand at the very middle of Main Street and hold hands and just see everything around us. The castle, main street, the people, etc. Just for a few seconds. Just until we all end up looking at each other. We do this the first day and the last each trip. It's a promise to each other that we will always have Disney and we will always be back.

We stop and enjoy the lesser attended attractions. Those that are a bit outdated, in danger of being shelved in the name of progress, especially those that Walt himself was involved in.

We people watch. I love to watch the tiny kids and see the magic through their eyes.

I could go on for hours. If it's your kids' first time....see it through their eyes. Don't be in a hurry. There's no way you'll every do everything. Let the need to run/rush go. We rush the first two mornings but after that we slow down. I wouldn't recommend that for first timers. Don't rush. You will still "get your monies worth". The value is all around you, from under your feet to over your head and everywhere in between. The "magic" you hear everyone talk about is in the moments, not the rides, not the food, not the shows. It's in the moments. Take time to REALLY notice them. You can't ever recreate the moments of the first trip.

Well said! DD and I really enjoy the little details of the parks and don't like to rush from ride to ride. We are looking forward to our trip next month - it has been awhile since our last WDW visit. We visit DL annually and on way out of the park on our last day, we always stop in front of the fire station and say thanks to Walt.

 

[DynamicDisney]

I think it depends on the person. Are you a "Disney Person" already? There's a certain reverence that comes with that. The detail that is all around you (LOOK UP!) while you're there is amazing. Everything has a story. If that interests you, then do a bit of research ahead of time. You'll be amazed by what is there.

If you aren't, take time to enjoy the beauty and detail even though you may not "get it" you can appreciate the detail. They way the landscaping changes as you walk through the parks, the way the music and vibe changes as you walk through. Pretty much everything you see, smell, hear is manufactured by Disney so that the environment is immersive.

For us: We always stop at the Partners statue to say thanks to Walt. It important to us that our kids understand that Disney World exists because one man believed in his own dream and had the talent to surround himself with people who could help him realize it. We always stand at the very middle of Main Street and hold hands and just see everything around us. The castle, main street, the people, etc. Just for a few seconds. Just until we all end up looking at each other. We do this the first day and the last each trip. It's a promise to each other that we will always have Disney and we will always be back.

We stop and enjoy the lesser attended attractions. Those that are a bit outdated, in danger of being shelved in the name of progress, especially those that Walt himself was involved in.

We people watch. I love to watch the tiny kids and see the magic through their eyes.

I could go on for hours. If it's your kids' first time....see it through their eyes. Don't be in a hurry. There's no way you'll every do everything. Let the need to run/rush go. We rush the first two mornings but after that we slow down. I wouldn't recommend that for first timers. Don't rush. You will still "get your monies worth". The value is all around you, from under your feet to over your head and everywhere in between. The "magic" you hear everyone talk about is in the moments, not the rides, not the food, not the shows. It's in the moments. Take time to REALLY notice them. You can't ever recreate the moments of the first trip.

Tears. Beautifully said.

 

[katmatry]

I would tell them to grab an ice cream on main street, sit, relax and enjoy the 3:00 parade.

 

[pmaurer74]

I tell them to stop and smell the roses.... to take a few minutes each day and just relax and take it all in. I also tell them to expect to have a melt down mid week. I had those the first few trips. Once I was hooked on Disney and knew we would always be going back, I was able to relax more. If I was unable to get to it this trip, I would the next. I could not imagine trying to do a one and done trip again... it was so stressful. I want to go some day and just snack... no ADRs

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Make sure to see the fireworks and parades. Take a ride on the monorail and visit other resorts on a down day. Have the kids keep their eyes out for hidden mickeys. Magic Kingdom at night, especially during extra magic hours IMO has got to be one of the most magical experiences at Disney.

 

[Nancyg56]

I tell folks that Disney is not just about the attractions. If that's all they do, they miss a lot, and they leave exhausted running from one to the next, missing all the "little" things that are everywhere.

You cannot do it all so do not try. Take time to figure out what you really want to do in each park, and then be prepared to toss anything else out the window. A Disney vacation can become a quest to get everything done, and that is a recipe for disaster. I tell folks to remember they are on a vacation, and so to enjoy the moment.

Don't miss Carousel of Progress and People Mover. They are still there for a reason.

Lately I try to tell people to be realistic when it comes to dining. If you cannot get that coveted ADR you hear eveyone talking about, get another one. DO not book it at 9:55 hoping you can keep the kids up to enjoy their dinner at a restaurant they never even heard about. Do not ok that "special" dinner knowing that you will be racing from a park across town to get there, right after a FP you absolutely want, and are cutting it so close you have to ask what the grace time is, and hen knowing you better be able to eat fast so you can hit the fireworks show in another park. Or please don't book an ADR 2 hours wheels down at MCO. Holy Stress! If that is the only time you can secure for that restaurant, give it up. No meal is that good.

 

[Mouselovejess]

Do at least one character meal. Even though we don't have kids, the character meals were great. I recommend Chef Mickeys.

 

[hsmamato2]

Don't just buy random food b/c it's there.... do just a bit of research ahead of time,and choose your snacks and meals according to your favorite things..... otherwise you may end up eating icky burgers and fries for a week and completely missing all the wonderful treats you can find on property.... even a simple book about the restaurant is a fun read... slow down and enjoy the details!

 

[Skullcrusher]

I see people here telling first time visitors not to rush, see the special things, see what makes Disney special.........What are the "little things" that you would encourage first timers to see?

At any time you are presented with going right or left, go left (most humans go right) so this gives you a better chance of beating a crowd. All the stuff for sale in the world is Chinese junk that costs pennies compared to the $40 + you are going to spend. Make yourself try the rides that scare you. Relax and don't try to rush your way through your vacation otherwise when its over your memories will be few.

 

[whatsarahsaid]

For us: We always stop at the Partners statue to say thanks to Walt. It important to us that our kids understand that Disney World exists because one man believed in his own dream and had the talent to surround himself with people who could help him realize it. We always stand at the very middle of Main Street and hold hands and just see everything around us. The castle, main street, the people, etc. Just for a few seconds. Just until we all end up looking at each other. We do this the first day and the last each trip. It's a promise to each other that we will always have Disney and we will always be back.

Okay, it's 8:30am and I'm sitting at my desk all teary-eyed. That is so beautiful...what a special memory! Thank you for sharing!

 

[GillianP1301]

For families with young children, I advise to try and keep eating and sleeping patterns as close to what you do at home as possible, that really helps cut down on the meltdowns.

Do some planning, have a basic understanding of the park layouts and make a list of your top priorities for each park and don't try to do everything because that is very likely not going to happen on one trip.

And finally, don't go with the attitude of "how many rides can I do" and explain that they aren't traditional amusement park type thrill rides but rather "attractions" that you should really slow down and take it all in to fully enjoy.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I would say to try not to set expectations for your trip based on other people's experiences. Everyone does Disney differently. Message boards, websites, trip reports, guidebooks, etc. are great for establishing a knowledge base and frame of reference; but make plans based on what you know is right for your family, know you won't be able to do or see it all, and know that having the right attitude is what truly makes it all "magical".

 

[Mikie]

I love the other recommendations so far. I try to ask people about what they already know & some of their preferences, but in general, these are some general things: eat at least 1 table service - character meal if you're into that. Allow LOTS of time for it so you don't feel rushed. If you don't plan on resort/swimming breaks, late TS lunch makes a nice air-conditioned break off your feet. Conversely, don't book too many restaurants! I enjoy WDW dining and it's a major part of our trips, but too many (IMHO for many this means 1 most days with 0 a couple days) will have you missing valuable park time and feeling like you constantly have to clock-watch to get to reservations.

For families with little ones, trying to let them go at their own pace! This can mean 30 minutes watching jumping fountains at Epcot or following a duck or over an hour playing in AKs Boneyard *even though there are rides to be ridden!*

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Try as hard as you can not to be the person saying, "I spend $XXXXX on this vacation, you ARE going to have fun."

That line sounds funny now. But you would be amazed how often I hear it or something close to it at the parks.

So when you are tired, rest. When you are hungry eat. And if you want to leave the park and go back to the resort or hotel room, do it.