What not to miss on first trip?

[stephbesel]

OK, I need your help!

We are first timers to Disney and will be there 10/30-11/3. Not long enough, I know, but that's life! It will be DH, me, DD (11) and DD's friend (11).

OK, so what would you not miss at each park? We are not going to do MNSSHP because it's sold out Halloween night. I think we might go to Fort Wilderness that night. We have reservations at Cindy's breakfast on 11/3 and Garden Grill on the 10/30 for dinner.

Any help for first timer would be much appreciated! Thank you so much!
Steph.

 

[TerryU.]

Where are you staying?

 

[RLewis]

well, there's almost too much to tell you. You could help by telling us what's important to you (hitting all the big attractions; trying to have unique experiences, see a little bit of everything). Your kids are sort of on the edge as far as Disney characters go - are they interested? This will make a difference concerning many of the rides/attractions - especially at Mk and Ak.

 

[tomerin]

stephbesel

the best advice i can give to you is to go to your local bookstore and either buy or just read one of the disney guide books available. i bought the Unofficial guide to WDW but i am sure others can reccomend other books.

there are quite a few good ones available

these are what as a family we do each trip:

in MK all of the Mountains are a must
Buzz lightyear is a great also

in AK the Kilamanjaro Safari is a must also with Dinosaur and if you dont mind getting wet the Kali river rapids

in Epcot Mission Space and Test are the items. dont forget to get some free soda samples at Ice Station Cool. try the beverly if you dare.

in Disney Studios Tower of Terror and Rock and Roller Coaster are must do's.
dont forget to see Fantasmic also.

have a great time and just rememeber you will get hooked by all WDW has to offer. there is so much to do in a short time so dont feel bad if you do not get to do everything because you will have something to look foward to doing on your next trip!!!

 

[stephbesel]

Thanks for the replies so far. We are staying at Pop Century. I know we will go again, as this is a very short trip! I appreciate all the ideas/comments sent my way from all you Disney veterans!

Steph.

 

[stephbesel]

I forgot to answer a couple other questions. My daughter is an 11 year old trying to be 16 one minute and still 8 the next!!!!! She loves the characters and wants to see all the princesses. She is just getting into roller coasters, so we'll see how that goes. We want to hit the big attractions but maybe have 1 or 2 unique experiences. I think the hay ride halloween night will be fun! I'm excited for that!

Thanks!
Steph.

 

[RLewis]

I woyuld also suggest the charater (princesses) breakfast at Akershus in EPCOT.

For coaster, I would start with Splash Mountain, then Thunder Mountain. If she handles those OK, go to Space Mountain. Space is actually slower than Thunder, but it is more intimidating to first-timers. Rock N Roller is the "wildest", but many small kids ride it (my youngest was 6 his first time). Note that it is very fast, but there are no stomach-turning big first hills or large drops.

I might also suggest the Magic Family Tour ($25 each) at MK. It's geared towards a little younger kids, but it's a unique way to be introduced to the park for the first time.

 

[jimmytammy]

Illuminations at Epcot. Find a good spot around the lagoon where trees dont block the view. Also Wishes at MK. Get a good view of the Castle. These shouldnt be missed.

Have Fun and see what time will allow you to see without burning yourselves out. It will be all the more special.

 

[momxx5]

A few must sees at Magic Kingdom:

SpectroMagic parade - beautiful.

Wishes- the fireworks, music and story brings tears to my eyes

Mickey's Philharmagic - this is an awesome show. I think it is worth seeing twice. Do not waste getting a fast pass for it, it seats a large audience so you almost forsure get into see the show of your choice(check listings for show times).

Buzzlight year - another great, fun for everyone ride. This is also one that we ride more than once.

Haunted Mansion - really fun, not too scarry. You may want to get a fast pass for this one.



Have a great trip!

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

I would suggest seeing the finale shows at each park (except AK) such as Illuminations at Epcot (specialty cruise if possible otherwise read the boards for the best viewing locations), "Wishes" at MK is a nice show (again, find a good location), Fantasmic at MGM is a great show (check into PS package deals to get early admittance for a good seat).

For attractions I would suggest (in no particular order):
MK - the mountains (space, thunder, splash), buzz light year, philharmonic, haunted mansion, it's a small world (some hate this but it brings me back to age 10 every time I ride), pirates of the caribbean, hall of presidents,
Epcot - test Track, mission space, honey I shrunk the audience, innovations, imagination, the living seas
MGM - muppet vision, rock & roller coaster, tower of terror, star tours, back stage movie ride (also some nice shows like indiana jones, who wants to be a millionaire, voyage of the little mermaid)
AK - kilimanjaro safari, dinosaur, kali river rapids, it's tough to be a bug

 

[RumpleMom]

I suggest seeing the parades in each park, and Wishes-MK, Fantasmic-MGM, Illuminations-Epcot. These things might change before you return.

Also check the schedule for character greetings upon entering a park to locate your kids favorite characters. Their favorites could change by the next visit or your DD may be a teenager by then and that's a whole new list of questions.

 

[The Sweetness]

I might try to skip one park, and all of the water parks as well as DTD, just this first time. Having 3/4 days to manage 3 parks should be managable, and dont forget to use fast passes

Since the kids are 11, you should be able to hit the grand finale's in Epcot, MK, and MGM. Sometimes taking a long(ish) lunch in the park is a good way to recharge. (there are a couple (at least) of sit down places where you can be waited on in each park (except for AK Rainforrest Cafe only)

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I was thinking of maybe skipping............don't flame me anyone , but maybe skipping AK.

It's not that Ak is bad or anything, but my family loves the other parks a lot more. AK is always a half day for us. And if you only have 3 park days, I would just save it for next time.

 

[bethzfl]

The fireworks shows. we missed them ALL last time.. and I regret it now. So we're making up for it next trip by seeing them all Good luck.

 

[kandmwedding]

Originally posted by Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc
I was thinking of maybe skipping............don't flame me anyone , but maybe skipping AK.

It's not that Ak is bad or anything, but my family loves the other parks a lot more. AK is always a half day for us. And if you only have 3 park days, I would just save it for next time.

GASP!!! I've fallen over. Just kidding!! I actually couldn't agree more. I know it's "natazu", but AK just doesn't feel as Disney to me as the other parks do. We skipped it altogether on our last one week trip (oh the shame) and wouldn't hesitate to skip it on a 4 day trip. Here's my must-sees, by park:

MK: WISHES!! (try sitting in the chairs by the Plaza Pavillion counter service, between MK and Tomorrowland), Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates, Philharmagic, and Buzz!!! Definitely don't miss Buzz!

Epcot: Test Track, Mission:Space, a leisurely walk around the World Showcase. I'd skip Innoventions (totally boring in my opinion) but would try to catch the different street acts. The Jammitors in Future World are amazing, as are the Chinese acrobats and the living statues in Italy. Epcot would be a day that I'd plan towards the end since you can take it pretty leisurely. And definitely check out Illuminations. China is my favorite place to see it from!

MGM: Rockin Rollercoaster, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Indiana Jones, Great Movie Ride (this one gets me every time). And don't miss Fantasmic!!

Good luck, and no matter what rides you ride or shows you see you'll have a wonderful time. After all, it is the happiest place on earth!!

 

[ImagineEar]

We are Seasoned WDW travelers who are showing "newbie" freinds around for 4 days in Oct.
There is just so much to see it can be overwhelming. If you run yourselves ragged it is hard to sit back and enjoy some of the Magic!
So this is my plan for our Newbies:

We will do a "Hit the Highlights" tour at each park... using fastpass to our advantage. I would agree with skipping a park - and ditto skipping Animal Kingdom. It is the most "skippable" IMO. You just don't have enough time.

I also agree with the comment above that you should buy a guide book. The Birnbaum official guide is good for newbies b/c it gives staight foward info and has good park maps and photos so you can plan your strategy ahead of time. It also identifies all the attractions that have Fastpass and that will an invaluable planning tool for you.

So- For example.....fast pass one and wait in line at another near by.
At Magic Kingdom opening:
Head for Space Mountain... and grab a fastpass for Buzz Lightyear on the way since it is right next door.
Ride SM and if it is not time for Buzz then take a spin on the Ticket and Transit Authority which never has any line...come back do Buzz and head for Fronteirland.

Fastpass Splah and wait in line for Thunder mountain Railroad. Browze Frontierland shops and do the shooting gallery if you need to kill time in between.

Head for Adventureland- Fastpass jungle cruise, wait in line for Pirates

Have lunch and then go Fastpass Haunted mansion while you head over to kick around in Fantasyland in the afternoon.
(Small world will be closed while you are there)

Now you have done all the major attractions and you can take the rest of the time to explore at your leisure!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are not into parades, Parade time is a great time to ride a main attraction with very little wait.

Apply this logic to any of the other parks and you will find it works quite well....Good luck!

 

[stephbesel]

ImagineEar (and all others for that matter!) You rock! Thanks for taking the time to give us "newbies" the heads up! I'm printing off what all of you have said! THANKS!

Steph.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Steph,
Just remember to take time to soak it all in. It is a quick tip and you will be overwhelmed if you try to squeeze it all in. Remember, you will ALWAYS go back to visit. You can't just have one

 

[homber]

Not to be missed Wishes and being in the park an hour after it closes watching the castle change colors and hearing a kiss goodnite.Puts me in tears everytime

 

[sters]

If you are going there during the Halloween party at MK, I'd plan on doing that, since it's unique to the time you are going. Sure, you're going again, but maybe it won't work out for that time of year.

MK: The 3 mountains (Spalsh, Space, Thunder) and Philharmagic.. do that early, it really puts you in the disney mood.

EPCOT: Test Track, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Illuminations, and a sample of some countries.

MGM: Tower of Terror, RocknRoller Coaster, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Fantasmic

Animal Kingdom: Kilamajaro Safari, Dinasoar, Tarzan Rocks, and Kali River Rapids.