Adult First Timers?

[Courtney6682]

Hi friends...I'm going to be booking a trip for the 3rd week of Jan in the next few days as an early Sweet 16 present for my daughter who's bday is Feb 3rd. Decided to ask my mom to come along who's bday is Feb 6th AND has never been to WDW to make it a girls trip for both their bdays.

My question is, are there any adults who have gone as first timers recently who could maybe give me some insight on how to show her the world? Something you wish your ''tour guides'' did or didn't do? My daughter and I have both been 15+ times so I have decent knowledge on ''must do's'' so mom will be in good hands...I just want to try and cover all my bases...TIA!!

 

[TXDisney]

They'll want to see everything which is difficult. So it's best to ask them what is tops of their list, and do those things 1st.

 

[J_Krafty24]

Many things you love because of the nostalgia factor they may not care about. At the same time things you dont care about (been there seen that type things that you skip after so many visits) might interest them.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Staying onsite? Rather than bus to the Magic Kingdom go to Epcot first and take the monorail/Ferry to the MK. Take that more magical approach instead of the more convenient one.

Make some dining reservations at the resort hotels. A first-time or casual visitor might not think to eat outside of the parks or their home resort.

The Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot is a way to see something a little different without breaking the bank or taking up a lot of time (the one-hour tour costs $20).

Make sure you include classics such as the Country Bears. A repeat visitor might skip it but a first-time visitor should certainly experience such an old-school Disney attraction.

 

[GoTheDistance]

The best tip I can give any first timer, especially an adult, is to make time to go a little slower and take in the atmosphere wherever you are. It is such a huge part of Disney World and so many first timers never stand still long enough to notice it. Also, understand that you will not do everything and that is okay. Make sure to have at least one good meal on property!

If time allows and your party is into it, my first timer friends always get a kick out of seeing Wishes from at least one other view than in front of the castle. Very cool.

 

[EmmieSue]

My tip would be to involve them in the planning. Let them pick out a couple meals that they want to do and let them be involved with fastpass planning and such. Also, don't assume they are going to like certain parks just because everyone else seems to. I went for the first time two years ago and everyone that we talked to was like "you need to do two days in Epcot and a half day in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios" We had five days for that first trip so the other two they were saying Magic Kingdom, but like....I am not a fan of Epcot. It's not something I am interested in like most adults and I'd rather have a full day for Animal kingdom, one day for Epcot, and then Hollywood Studios is split with Disney Springs. It's best to have them look into stuff ahead of time so they know what they are interested in.

 

[PlaneCrazy1978]

So the very first time I went I was 25 and it was my honeymoon with my wife. And then the obsession started...

I'd say to avoid the kiddie stuff for at least the first few rides. My first ride was SSE, and it's a little more adult oriented. If I had gone on a more kid oriented ride I may have fallen into the misconception that "Disney is for kids" (doubt it, but it's possible). Oh, and do a few table service restaurants. Sort of sheds light that Disney can be for adults too!

Have a great time!

 

[smk]

make sure they both wear their birthday pins! Also, speaking as a grandma, I would follow my grandkids off the face of the earth if we were having a good time. I am sure your mom feels the same way about your daughter. So, my advice is to prep your daughter to show her grandmother all her favorite places. I know that will make your mom happy!

 

[ToTallToSlow112]

-World showcase shopping
-Have them find the "key under the mat"
-Ask for the "off beat" skipper at JC
-Find a resort musician who encourages audience participation
-while it has already been said I can't reiterate it enough... the monorail and or a boat ride (even to disney springs) can give your first timer a once in a lifetime entrance to the "world". Even if it means going out of your way.

 

[Courtney6682]

Great advice from all of you! Thanks so much for all your input...I really appreciate it. It's so over whelming taking a first timer...so much to see and do in such a short time!

 

[JohnD]

My thinking is that Epcot and AK are more adult friendly. Epcot because of WS and AK because of the animals, FOTLK, Flights of Wonder, and entertainment/outside bar in Harembe. I went with my folks last year (in their 70s) and those were their preferred parks.

 

[SMS55]

Honestly, the best advice I can give you is to tell your mom not to go in with the mindset that Disney is for kids. There's something for everyone. If she lets it, she'll probably feel like a kid again.

 

[Ariel4711]

-World showcase shopping
-Have them find the "key under the mat"
-while it has already been said I can't reiterate it enough... the monorail and or a boat ride (even to disney springs) can give your first timer a once in a lifetime entrance to the "world". Even if it means going out of your way.

My husband and I are going to WDW for our very first time with our daughters next month. Neither of us went as kids, so planning this trip has been extremely exciting, but also overwhelming (as I am sure you can imagine).

What does "find the key under the mat" mean?

Also, we are staying at AOA and have an 8am ADR at Crystal Palace one day. This will be our first day going to MK. We still aren't sure whether or not to drive there (we will have our car), or take Disney transportation, but would love to take the boat ride in.
What would you recommend

 

[JohnD]

My husband and I are going to WDW for our very first time with our daughters next month. Neither of us went as kids, so planning this trip has been extremely exciting, but also overwhelming (as I am sure you can imagine).

What does "find the key under the mat" mean?

Also, we are staying at AOA and have an 8am ADR at Crystal Palace one day. This will be our first day going to MK. We still aren't sure whether or not to drive there (we will have our car), or take Disney transportation, but would love to take the boat ride in.
What would you recommend

Don't know about key under the mat either. I had an 8am ADR at BOG two weeks ago. I was on a bus just after 7am and arrived at MK about 7:30. Buses no longer go to the TTC where you have the choice for boat or monorail after that. They take you directly to MK.

From the bus stop, after going through bag check, walk to the far left of the entrance and check in with a CM there. (There is another CM holding a sign for early reservations). They'll let you in before official park opening to make your ADR.

 

[ToTallToSlow112]

Muppet Vision 3d has a lot of humor in its preshow and que but this subtle touch is a key imbeded under a floor mat outside a faux security door. Also try and spot a net full of jello "Annette Funicello"