Best Tips needed for newbie

[polynesiangirl]

I hate seeing this sentiment because it really sells Disney's quick service offerings short. You're not limited to hot dogs and chicken strips. You can eat roasted chicken, pulled pork, barbecue chicken salad, couscous, vegetarian pita, shawarma, and on and on, all from counter service locations. I still enjoy sit down meals for other reasons, but it's inaccurate to suggest that your only option besides table service is "fast food." You could go for ten days eating only counter service and never touch a french fry.

OK -- I get it. I do. Trust me, I have been there enough times to know it's not just hot dogs and burgers. Are the offerings there better than the average "fast food"? Yes, and there are much more varieties to be sure. But is it the same as sitting down to an air-conditioned meal with a waiter? No, I don't think so, personally. I do still think having some time set aside for a "nicer" sit-down meal helps break things up a bit especially if it's super hot outside and you are needing some time away from the sun.

I really wasn't slagging off all quick service, I was more trying to say that setting aside some time for a slower meal is nice. Even with the extensive selection, I still wouldn't want to -- personally speaking ONLY for myself -- want to do an entire trip at quick service places. Your mileage may vary, and that's absolutely OK.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

OK -- I get it. I do. Trust me, I have been there enough times to know it's not just hot dogs and burgers. Are the offerings there better than the average "fast food"? Yes, and there are much more varieties to be sure. But is it the same as sitting down to an air-conditioned meal with a waiter? No, I don't think so, personally. I do still think having some time set aside for a "nicer" sit-down meal helps break things up a bit especially if it's super hot outside and you are needing some time away from the sun.

I really wasn't slagging off all quick service, I was more trying to say that setting aside some time for a slower meal is nice. Even with the extensive selection, I still wouldn't want to -- personally speaking ONLY for myself -- want to do an entire trip at quick service places. Your mileage may vary, and that's absolutely OK.

I generally agree and it sounds like we tour in similar ways. I just wanted to be absolutely clear for the benefit of the many first timers who read this forum (including the OP). Many people who have never been might take the "fast food" comment and assume that all quick service is hamburgers and corn dogs.

 

[NonnaT]

Thank you everyone for such great advice. We will definitely find a restaurant for one of the days, and will look for the transparent back packs. There is so much to do we have 14 days at the parks but we will also have time at blizzard beach. We are looking forward to the fireworks and Epcots wine and food festival especially.

Hello! What is the ages of those in your party? That might be a game changer for some advice. Are you staying on the property? 14 days is wonderful. Get in a spa day, the golf courses are amazing as well! Plan a night or two in DD, catch Circe, eat a fabulous dinner (some WDW restaurants rival the most famous in the world!)

 

[linzikbd]

Hi

We are staying at the Radisson Orlando lake Buena vista near the crossroads shopping area which is ten minutes walk to downtown Disney. Just My husband and our 10 year old son will be there, We will be visiting Disney world, Universal studios and Kennedy centre and Busch gardens so we will be quite busy. I have already started making a folder with itinerary and useful information.

 

[NonnaT]

Hi

We are staying at the Radisson Orlando lake Buena vista near the crossroads shopping area which is ten minutes walk to downtown Disney. Just My husband and our 10 year old son will be there, We will be visiting Disney world, Universal studios and Kennedy centre and Busch gardens so we will be quite busy. I have already started making a folder with itinerary and useful information.

This not about Disney, so everybody else cover your eyes and don't peek! But book a Serengeti tour at Busch Gardens. Try to get the first one of the day. It is a priceless experience! We spent ALOT of time with the giraffes and our grands LOVED it, (11 and 5 y/o). They did some really goofy stuff like having the giraffes eat off their heads, and we have some amazing pics! You will not regret it! But book in advance, don't wait until the day you're there, we saw many disappointed kids. Even a few days before would work, then you'll have the weather report. Hope this is good info for you! NonnaT

 

[Blackburn23]

1- stay on property, you will thank yourself!

2- start at MK and be there for the opening show, really begins the magic

3- jungle cruise at night

4- take your time and don't rush between attractions you will miss so much detail and naturally beauty

5- spend an evening on the boardwalk and fine at beaches and creame

 

[Bugz]

^^^ LOL answer thief! My friend so beyond correct buy, read and read again! It is so helpful for newbies and those that haven't been there for a while. The other thing I'd say to do is start walking every day as soon as you know you are going! And no it's never too early to get in shape for a Disney vacation.

Yes we start walking to get in shape for out July trip in May!! Don't want to let the walking get you down !!

 

[linzikbd]

1- stay on property, you will thank yourself!

2- start at MK and be there for the opening show, really begins the magic

3- jungle cruise at night

4- take your time and don't rush between attractions you will miss so much detail and naturally beauty

5- spend an evening on the boardwalk and fine at beaches and creame

I have just looked at the holiday inn hotel near downtown disney as an alternative to the radisson lake buena vista what are the main differences from staying on disney property ?

 

[Bugz]

I have just looked at the holiday inn hotel near downtown disney as an alternative to the radisson lake buena vista what are the main differences from staying on disney property ?

transportation ! cant beat the convenience sometimes a pain but its worth it I think , and its a comfortable feeling being in the Disney (World)

 

[BJones82]

A lot of people have said this already but I want to say it again, take your time and don't expect to do everything at every park. It may suck to miss things but it sucks more to plan out every minute of your vacation to hit everything and then find out things are closed, lines are longer than you expected, or even that you need to sleep in one day or go to the hotel early one night.

Where you are planning on staying currently you can still partake in the Disney Transportation sense it is only a few minute walk from Down Town Disney so that is great. The only benefits you are missing are having souvenirs shipped to your hotel form the parks, and extra magic hours really. There are minor benefits, though big to some, which you also much such as the Magic Band being your hotel key and being a form of payment in the parks.

Take all this advice with a grain of salt, you know how you like to vacation as a family, we don't. If you normally sleep in on vacations and want to get to the parks around noon instead of at rope drop then do it, changing how you vacation for WDW can make it that much more stressful, and the more stress the less magical the whole experience is. WDW, Bush Gardens, Universal, and the Space Center are all great places to visit and you will be very busy in 14 days so don't push it by doing things that will make it less enjoyable.

If you're not sure how you want to do the parks, try things out, your first day do rope drop at Magic Kingdom and take a break at the resort from 1-4 and go back to the park after that see how it goes, if the next day people are too tired to do it all over again, stay in and go at your own pace. If you can go from rope drop to close without a break and it wont cause issues with anyone in your party then great, more time in the park means you get to do more Just don't push yourself or others in your family to the point of breaking

Eating is a huge part of Disney, I would do some sit downs as others have stated to relax but don't feel bad mainly eating at Quick Service as some of the best food in the parks is served at quick service locations As others have said, don't forget to check out food at Disney Resorts and Down Town Disney because there is some terrific food in these locations!!

Blah, long post sorry about that lol, just remember to do what makes you comfortable and have fun!! Don't feel pressured to do everything at all the parks or hing your vacation's success on any specific ride or show because you will be setting your family up for failure on what should be an amazing 14 days in Florida !!

Good Luck and Enjoy!!

 

[Blackburn23]

I have just looked at the holiday inn hotel near downtown disney as an alternative to the radisson lake buena vista what are the main differences from staying on disney property ?

For me the transportation and overall Disney feel are well worth it. You can get some great deals by calling in to book. The buses to and from everywhere are great. Depending on the resort you also might have boat or walking access to a lot of areas. On Aire dining (especially food courts) and the ability to arrive early and stay late in the parks are great benefits as well.

I just love being immersed in the magic which you get on site

 

[SAV]

With only 3 people, you can comfortably fit at an on-site Value Resort. You didn't mention if you will be Driving your own car, renting a car or using some other transportation from the airport. If you are using a taxi, Mears or Quicksilver, then you can put that money toward the WDW on-property resorts since the Magical Express is included in the price. There are also resort specials going on that may fit your plans.

 

[blueboxdoctor]

Get a park hopper pass, definitely is nice for if you want to do one park in the morning and another in the evening.

Take it at your own pace, it's best not to push yourself because you'll likely just end up getting tired and start to get snappy with whoever you go with (or at least that's what I've witnessed as I've walked past people waiting like 45 minutes for one ride, it's just too much).

Plan your fast passes very carefully, this new system of having to plan in advance is a pain, and be sure to keep track of it using their app when you are there (note, if you want to use their wifi, expect it to be somewhat slow, a lot of people are on it, and in turn, their app also has a lot of traffic, causing it to be kind of slow).

Accept that you likely won't even be able to do counter service/lunch at Be Our Guest, because that too is now fast pass, which is basically like saying the fast pass is a reservation because the chances of getting in without that are near impossible (I know, we waited about 45 minutes, as did a few other families, and we all ended up walking away after 45 minutes of being on the phone with managers and higher ups who had no idea what to do, clearly not realizing the situation of nobody without a fast pass being able to get in, or perhaps not caring and knowing this would be an issue).

Test your magic band (I think that's what the wrist band is called). I needed to have mine reactivated, at first it wouldn't let me in my room.

Try to see the night shows, I'm not a big fan of parades, but the big firework shows in EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are definitely both must see events (Wishes at MK is the top must see show IMO, and the show on the castle before it is also really cool). And Hollywood Studios has Fantasmic, which is their night show, and it's a giant stage show with various characters, fireworks, and some other cool visual effects.

For lunch at Magic Kingdom I rather like going to the Harbor House. It's pretty relaxing there and they have good food (of course if you're expecting real authentic seafood it will disappoint, but it's still pretty good). There's also a taco place, but it's not always open, it's like a seasonal thing.

And really, you're gonna have fun no matter what you do there, so don't worry, it's a great time.

 

[Figgy1]

Get a park hopper pass, definitely is nice for if you want to do one park in the morning and another in the evening.

Take it at your own pace, it's best not to push yourself because you'll likely just end up getting tired and start to get snappy with whoever you go with (or at least that's what I've witnessed as I've walked past people waiting like 45 minutes for one ride, it's just too much).

Plan your fast passes very carefully, this new system of having to plan in advance is a pain, and be sure to keep track of it using their app when you are there (note, if you want to use their wifi, expect it to be somewhat slow, a lot of people are on it, and in turn, their app also has a lot of traffic, causing it to be kind of slow).

Accept that you likely won't even be able to do counter service/lunch at Be Our Guest, because that too is now fast pass, which is basically like saying the fast pass is a reservation because the chances of getting in without that are near impossible (I know, we waited about 45 minutes, as did a few other families, and we all ended up walking away after 45 minutes of being on the phone with managers and higher ups who had no idea what to do, clearly not realizing the situation of nobody without a fast pass being able to get in, or perhaps not caring and knowing this would be an issue).

Test your magic band (I think that's what the wrist band is called). I needed to have mine reactivated, at first it wouldn't let me in my room.

Try to see the night shows, I'm not a big fan of parades, but the big firework shows in EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are definitely both must see events (Wishes at MK is the top must see show IMO, and the show on the castle before it is also really cool). And Hollywood Studios has Fantasmic, which is their night show, and it's a giant stage show with various characters, fireworks, and some other cool visual effects.

For lunch at Magic Kingdom I rather like going to the Harbor House. It's pretty relaxing there and they have good food (of course if you're expecting real authentic seafood it will disappoint, but it's still pretty good). There's also a taco place, but it's not always open, it's like a seasonal thing.

And really, you're gonna have fun no matter what you do there, so don't worry, it's a great time.

Love eating at CHH upstairs, nice and quiet and excellent A/C!

 

[Rinx]

With such a heavy itinerary I assume you are renting a car. However, you do not need the car for your Disney days if you'd like to save the $15 (or whatever ridiculousness it is now for theme park parking). Walk to Downtown Disney and take a bus to any resort, then hop on another bus to your desired park. Of course driving and paying may be much more convenient and I don't blame you at all. Convenience saves time on vacation.

Learn when Extra Magic Hours are. Go the morning after to the park that had EMH the night before.

 

[Matt_Black]

With such a heavy itinerary I assume you are renting a car. However, you do not need the car for your Disney days if you'd like to save the $15 (or whatever ridiculousness it is now for theme park parking). Walk to Downtown Disney and take a bus to any resort, then hop on another bus to your desired park. Of course driving and paying may be much more convenient and I don't blame you at all. Convenience saves time on vacation.

Learn when Extra Magic Hours are. Go the morning after to the park that had EMH the night before.

If they're staying on site, though, they don't pay for parking.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Walk to Downtown Disney and take a bus to any resort, then hop on another bus to your desired park.

Are people honestly that cheap? I would be utterly embarrassed to take such a petty, roundabout way to save $15.

 

[BJones82]

Are people honestly that cheap? I would be utterly embarrassed to take such a petty, roundabout way to save $15.

If you aren't renting a car and staying close to DDT then you are saving a lot more than 15, if it really is just the 15 though I would have to agree, the time it would take to do this I would just drive lol...

 

[Matt_Black]

Are people honestly that cheap? I would be utterly embarrassed to take such a petty, roundabout way to save $15.

For one day, yes. Over the course of several days, however, that's gonna add up.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

For one day, yes. Over the course of several days, however, that's gonna add up.

Assuming a typical six night trip, that's $90. If you don't have $90, you shouldn't be going to Walt Disney World, you should be buying groceries for your family.

Plus, the only people paying for parking are off-property guests and off-property guests are saving at least $15 per night from what they'd pay at comparable WDW accommodations.