What are your "Must Do's" for a first-time Disney trip?

[PixyDst]

My dear father and mother are treating me and my boyfriend (24 and 26) to a trip to WDW this May, kind of a week long double-date. Everyone in my family is very into Disney - we've been multiple times, know all of the tips and tricks for the parks and such, and know what attractions, rides, restaurants we believe are "can't miss".

My boyfriend, on the other hand, has never been to Disney. He's extremely excited, and is doing some of his own research on what he wants to do while we are there, but I want to make sure he gets the full experience.

So the question is: What kinds of things do you consider "cannot miss" or "must do's" at WDW? Thanks!

(We're going in May for 9 days, staying at SSR. Will not have a car.)

 

[Woodmnky]

That's so hard because one person's not miss is another one's must avoid. I guess for us it would be trying a snack that I saw online - you could have him look at the Disney Food Blog for that. Also taking a few minutes to slow down and enjoy the sights/sounds while in the parks. Is there a character that is or was a childhood favorite of his? Even my pretty grumpy DH was very excited when he met Goofy for the 1st time.

Thankfully you have some time before the trip for him to research on his own what he would like.

 

[Narnia_girl]

I just returned from my first trip to WDW and I'm a lot older than 24 My friends and family talked my ear off recommending this or that--but having never been there it was hard to comprehend what they meant. It was also hard to remember all their suggestions.

Once I had been there, however, a lot of it made sense. Actually the guidebooks also made more sense on the ride home, than on the way there. So I guess for me, just experiencing it was magical. We loved everything we did but there are a couple attractions I don't feel the need to ever to again (Capt. Jack Sparrow at HS and Stitch at MK).

 

[SkylarKD]

Since you're a WDW expert, my advice would be to slow down. Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction to cram in as many rides as possible, remember to allow time for wandering and exploring, and for him to experience some of the magic and hidden surprises without you pointing them out.

 

[BroganMc]

I've introduced several newbies to WDW over the years. All staying at SSR for our home base. (It's my DVC Home Resort and the best place to retreat and regroup. Newbies get sensory overloaded quickly. They need that break to process it all.)

You start by letting the newbie tell you what sorts of things interest him the most.

If he's a thrill-seeker then going on as many roller coasters and similar rides is your priority.

If he wants to "absorb the magic" then make sure you design tours around the various shows including parades and fireworks.

If he's into nostalgia then take him on Dumbo, the WDW railroad, monorail and One Man's Dream in DHS.

When I took my aunt the biggest goal was to show her how Disney differed from a Six Flags type amusement park. I started her out with afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian and a nice walk around Seven Seas Lagoon to the Polynesian. By the time we got there my uncle (who's a Disney nostalgia and transportation fan) was beckoned to come into the park and play by the sound of train whistles and ferry boats. So we purchased their multi-day tickets early and went into the park for a train ride around and then parade and fireworks. I made sure I showed my aunt each park on different days and hit the highlights. I'd point out the extra touches in decor and music so she could appreciate the theming involved. Then I made sure she had plenty of time back at SSR just to relax and decompress.

When I took my cousin the first time I knew he was a night owl and a thrill seeker who appreciated theming. We went over a busy NYE. Started our days in late afternoon, enjoyed fireworks and parades then went on as many rides as possible in the evening EMHs. We closed up the parks at 4 and 5am for several nights in a row. He loved it so much he became a repeat visitor.

You cannot show everything Disney has to offer in one trip. SO focus on the highlights your newbie would like best. Your goal is to get him hooked so he'll jump at the chance to return and explore more.

 

[PSUGuy]

By park:

MK
Space and Splash Mtn
Pirates
Big Thunder
Buzz
Take a break on the People Mover
Get there at RD and ride the horse trolly to the castle

AK
EE
Safari
Both trails
Dinosaur
Flights of Wonder


DHS
ToT
Toy Story
Rock n Roller coaster
Indiana Jones
Stunt Show
Back Lot Tour
Fantasmic

Epcot
Soarin'
TT
Spaceship Earth
Mission Space
All the shows in WS (Off Kilter, etc..)
Illuminations
There should be a concert series at Flower&Garden if it's still on

And of course, the 'ride' shown below.

Bill From PA

 

[BurleyGirl]

--Wishes (seems like a no-brainer, but still wanted to say it)
--a before-park-opening restaurant reservation, as a walk through an empty
park is the best!! (our choice is Crystal Palace so we get to walk down an
almost-empty Main Street to that glorious castle)
--the Kiss Goodnight at MK (where you stay until the very end of closing!!)
--a monorail ride
--Voices of Liberty at Epcot
--Walt Disney Tribute at HS
--lunch/dinner at either 50s Prime Time (at HS) or Whispering Canyon (at WL)
for the silly antics that take place, if you get a server who's really into it!!

Have a great trip, and enjoy your planning--That's half the fun to me!

 

[manosa0429]

Lunch at Crystal Palace. Dinner at Garden Grove. Splash Mountain. Peter Pan. It's a Small World. Disney resort. Bug's Life. Intertube ride at Animal Kingdom. Fantasmic. Spaceship Earth.

 

[DisDance]

Have him look at the attractions online and see what he thinks is a must do. My must do for a first timer would be to just soak in the magic in the magic kingdom. Seriously, there is nothing more amazing than just being there

 

[redhotariel]

I'm experiencing the same thing. I've been to WDW many times, but my fiance has never been. We had discussed going many times in the past and just have never had the time off or the funds to do so. But every time I talk about it I get extremely passionate about it and he just does not understand at all. Luckily your boyfriend is getting excited already! Honestly some of the things I most enjoy are not at the parks, in fact they are free! I would say that a must-do is visiting the Boardwalk. Visit beaches n' cream and get a sundae or just take a nice stroll and enjoy the paths and the water and take some time to reminisce on days when Boardwalks were more common. And obviously downtown-Disney is a must do. Maybe take him past the Blue's Brothers, or hit up the Rainforest Cafe. There is plenty to do in Disney that isn't in a park. But if you don't have time for things outside of the parks, then I recommend some favorites that most people enjoy, like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Tom Sawyer Island is forgotten by many adults but it is just as fun for me in my twenties as it was when i was like 8. And all of the fireworks are must-dos as well! Just make sure to let him take the reigns, it being his first time and all, and make sure that you take time to bask in his happiness and enjoyment of it all! Have fun!

 

[Kpskyman]

The parks are pretty much represented well on this thread as the best attractions, so I will suggest some other must do's.

1) must get photo with Mickey. I recommend Sorcerer Mickey at the Animation building at HS.

2) Hoop De Doo Review The late show. Just a little more adult AYCE and Drink.

3) take a horse drawn Carriage ride. They are available at FW, WL, and POR that I know for sure. Can also get with bottle of wine I believe

4) Cirque De Soleil very entertaining.