Your best WDW tips for first-time visitor

[dqpowell]

If they're leaving in a week and don't have any real knowledge of the place, here's what I would do for them.

1. Tell them which days are recommended for each park, and which to avoid. They're all going to be crowded, but the EMH schedule will dictate which parks will be most crowded. The Unofficial Guide's web site has a "crowd calendar" page that lists all the recommendations for the next month -- you don't have to be a subscriber to see it.

2. If they seem receptive to the information, tell them to subscribe to the Unofficial Guide's web site and pick a touring plan for each park they want to visit, and print them. Tell them they can have fun whether they tour with a plan or not, but they'll get to see more attractions with much less waiting in lines if they follow them.

3. Make sure you tell them to take breaks -- I would suggest midday breaks if they have kids of around 3 - 4 hours. A day at the pool (away from the parks!) wouldn't be a bad idea either.

David

 

[lynn71092]

Be sure to stress that the Fast Pass is a 2 part process.
Get your Fast Pass and DON'T FORGET to get the original ticket too!!
I've read where people get their Fast Pass and then walk away from the machine!!

(I hope they already got their tickets ahead of time too.)

 

[KimK2006]

1. BE AT THE PARKS BY OPENING.

2. Use Fastpass. Make sure you understand how Fastpass works before you arrive.

3. Take breaks during the day. Go to your resort for a nap or swim in the afternoon when the park gets really crowded and your crew get tired.

4. At minimum, have a basic plan of what rides you are going to go on (and what order) when you first arrive at the park. You can wing it more later in the day when everything gets crowded. Do rush from ride to ride in the morning before the crowds hit. Stop and smell the roses later!

5. Take some days off during your trip to sleep in, swim, shop, etc. This will give everyone time to recharge their batteries.

6. Read "The Unofficial Guide" cover to cover. Highlight the important items and read those again.

 

[boomhauer]

Get to the parks at opening.

 

[danacath]

Wow, you guys really came through for me in a big way! I knew I could count on the DIS family. Thanks a bunch! Anyone else have some last-minute words of wisdom?

 

[ziggybaby]

The best piece of advice i can offer is -

Have a plan of what to do each day before they go

Saves wasting time when on site



Also enjoy every moment​

 

[DISUNC]

WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER

If you can buy a case or 2 (depending how many people in your group) and freeze the water the night before!

also mid Afternoon breaks!
and comfortable shoes....I am a Croc Guy myself (no blisters or sore feet)

 

[markrhondab]

bump

 

[lynn71092]

Also, do NOT miss the Tower of Terror or Mickeys Philharmonic!!

 

[cnids00]

Be a kid or let the kid out, enjoy, be silly with characters, have fun!

It's a happy place

 

[PatsGirl]

Well, we just got back from the NH coast where temps ranged from 95-100 degrees with bright sunshine all three days we were there. I kept telling myself "this is what WDW is going to be like in September" and I'm getting a bit nervous. Mind you, we were on the beach, not in the parks, and it was very uncomfortable. We were fine if we were within 20' of the water or in it but walking around the boardwalk/downtown was difficult. We couldn't wait to get into the a/c.

So, my question (finally ): Do you think we should make our ADRS for lunchtime (1 or 2 pm) to get out of the heat? As it stands, I have what I think are great ADRS but they are all for 7 pm or so and two of the days the plan was to go to the park, stay for the day, and eat there that night. Can we do it? I'm not sure now. The other determining factor will be our appetites. We didn't want much to eat at lunchtime in NH so would it be a waste to use our TS then?

While I was a little concerned about the heat, I guess we have rarely experienced temps this high on Cape Cod and if and when we do, we are out on the water either boating or on the beach, never trying to walk around. I'm hoping that by going into a/c shows, etc. it might be okay. Are many of the queues a/c'd, I only remember fans blowing around the times we've been.

Thanks for your opinions. I guess I'm just really wondering about switching my TS to lunchtime or not.

 

[cinmell]

Use maps and get the schedule for park hours, shows,parades and fireworks.

Take breaks, don't push yourself to see everything.

Use Fastpass.

Make ADR's.

Drink lots of water.

We try to avoid parks with EMH that day.

Try to relax and enjoy the vacation!

 

[PatsGirl]

I'm sorry, my HHH Trial Run was meant to be a "new thread" and I now realized what I did -- but I have no idea how to move it? Help?

 

[barbmouse]

Explain Fastpass to them
Be there early
Take time to enjoy the resort
Take afternoon breaks
Take in your own water bottles......kool aid, lemonade singles are great too!!

 

[Praying Colonel]

I guess I'm just really wondering about switching my TS to lunchtime or not.

I don't think you have to, even though I agree that eating in an air-conditioned area for lunch is a good way to beat the heat. We usually try to eat our CS lunch in someplace air-conditioned: Cosmic Ray's, Columbia Harbor House, Sunshine Seasons, ABC Commissary, Tusker House (going away! boo!) are a few places where you can eat CS and get cool.

 

[kdzbear]

All of the tips mentioned are great! Also, go to guest services and ask for a free "1st time to Disney" button and wear it throughout the trip. You will get extra help and attention from cast members. Most important: Have fun!

 

[Doc CW]

When you get to MK start in Adventureland and work your way around the park in a clockwise motion because everybody starts in Tommorowland so by the time you get there the crowds should be less.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Many first timers think there is no need to orientate themselves with the parks or rides prior to arrival. They think as they pass by an attraction, if it looks good, they'll ride it. What they don't understand is that they'll miss great rides, and go on some rides they could have figured out ahead of time would not appeal to them.

If there is any way to get them to, at the very least, look at a park map and read a brief paragraph about each ride, like the passporter. And then put together a list of what they want to see and do. They will have so much of a better time.

 

[kjetjl]

1. I would recommend asking a CM when they have a question. Our first trip was amazing with the help the CMs gave us. We had done zero homework.

2. Above all, remember to HAVE FUN!!!

3. Plan on a second trip to try out all the tips they learned on trip #1.

 

[nooneshome]

Lots of great tips already.

Get to EPCOT before it opens and when they "drop the rope" make a dash to the character center. You can get plenty of great photos in no time. This only applies if character photos are a big deal to you. Of course after this you need hurry and get your FP for Soarin or Fast Track. I've never tried this during the summer but I guess it still applies.

When eating at a counter service meal don't be afraid to ask the CM if you can just have a regular hamburger without fries or a cup of ice water. You are not restricted by the numbered selections.

Time permitting try to ride in the front car on the monorail.

Pace yourself and be wary of Disney Rage.

You can get purchases delivered to your room if you are staying onsite.

If you don't won't to get soaked on Kali River Rapids, wear one of those 2-for-a-buck rain ponchos and throw them away when finished or give them away to someone in line.

Sunscreen and water are your friends. Those koolaid single things are a great way to give the fountain water a little flavor.

Bring something like peanut butter crackers to the park to snack on, snacking is key. Don't forget to bring gum from home.

Mark your valuables with your name, especially your camera.

Bring comfortable shoes and a Big HAT.

Don't forget to bring your receipt/acknowledgement for your resort when you check in. I'm having a brainlock on what this is called.

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