Bringing a First-timer

Master__Gracey

Master__Gracey

Well-Known Member
So I get the chance to bring a first-timer with me to WDW this summer. My gf and I are taking our first vacation together to disney this summer. I'm looking for ideas of what we should be sure to do so that I can make sure it's special for her. We figured 4 parks, 4 days made some since and it's all prepaid so ideas from any park is great. Hopefully it's as special for her as it always is for me. Thanks all.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Laura

Laura

22
Premium Member
If I were going to take a first timer I'd be sure and book some meals at some of the cool resorts. Have a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe so she can see the amazing lobby of the Wilderness Lodge. Have dinner at 'Ohana during wishes so you can have the romance of the Polynesian and the neato factor of the fireworks in the background (request a window seat!).

Plan about 6-10 attractions for the day and skip the rest. That way you can take your time and focus on the parts you really care about instead of rushing through the day to try and see everything and not getting to actually take it all in.

When you go to Epcot, watch Illuminations and then take a walk around World Showcase when it's quiet, while everyone else is hustling to get to their cars. Save shopping for after the parks close so it doesn't cut into your ride time.
 
Upvote 0
DisneyMusician2

DisneyMusician2

Well-Known Member
Definately book a dinner at Mexico in Epcot. It is a nicer, more Romantic atmosphere, and ask when you make your reservation if they could be sure to seat you by the edge of the ride next to the temple. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
 
Upvote 0
RiversideBunny

RiversideBunny

New Member
Since you will be at WDW, it will be special anyway.
Stay flexible and don't lock into a set routine.
First time people see the World differently from those who've been there.

Be a gentle 'guide' but let her wishes and whims control the flow.

Have fun.
:) :) :)
 
Upvote 0
DisneyMusician2

DisneyMusician2

Well-Known Member
If you can swing it, be SURE to add the dining plan, it will save you SO much cash in the long run! Make sure you can hop parks to the evening EMH hours. MK is sometimes open until 3AM, and you can really get a lot of fun stuff done at that time and not wait on a while bunch of lines. I took a four day trip in April and really had a great time waking a bit later and taking advantage of the nighttime activites at the parks (as long as you are staying on Disney property!)
 
Upvote 0
mgraef

mgraef

New Member
I would plan for three full days at three parks with a fourth day as a flex day. IMHO MGM is the one to skip. I did this the first time and went to all parks and EPCOT was the one that we did not spend much time at. AK can be covered in a short period of time without kids.

Once kids get in the mix the attractions change and several hours are spent with character greetings and playing in the Bone Yard.

Have fun, enjoy and remember, you will be back.

mg
 
Upvote 0
tink rules

tink rules

New Member
Skip the one that you have the least interest in, but don't miss the MK and Epcot!!!

Try to find things around the resort that don't cost anything at all!!! www.allearsnet.com has a whole list of underrated and overlooked things that you might be able to slip in even if you are waiting in line and such... look for hidden Mickeys!!!
 
Upvote 0
disneytopdog

disneytopdog

Active Member
Master__Gracey said:
So I get the chance to bring a first-timer with me to WDW this summer. My gf and I are taking our first vacation together to disney this summer. I'm looking for ideas of what we should be sure to do so that I can make sure it's special for her. We figured 4 parks, 4 days made some since and it's all prepaid so ideas from any park is great. Hopefully it's as special for her as it always is for me. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Go for the WOW factor. Take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom(ask to ride in the front). I think the ride thru the Contemoporary resort is just awesome and on the other side is the grand view of the Magic Kingdom as you approach it. If you do this in the morning you get a glimpse of Mickey and friends at the Character breakfast as you pass thru the hotel.
 
Upvote 0
One Lil Spark

One Lil Spark

EPCOT Center Defender
I would suggest to get your gf excited before the trip go buy one of the WDW guides from a local bookstore like Birnbaums or the Unofficial Guide (less than $20 usually) and go through it together. Highlight attractions you both want to see and learn what you can about WDW to get her aquainted before your trip and hopefully get her equally excited.

I hope your trip is amazing!
 
Upvote 0
Mr Starky

Mr Starky

Active Member
Master__Gracey said:
So I get the chance to bring a first-timer with me to WDW this summer. My gf and I are taking our first vacation together to disney this summer. I'm looking for ideas of what we should be sure to do so that I can make sure it's special for her. We figured 4 parks, 4 days made some since and it's all prepaid so ideas from any park is great. Hopefully it's as special for her as it always is for me. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

I, highly, Recommend that you walk your GF into the MK, the first time she ever sees it, after dark. When all of Main street is lit up. It is way more magical. Also make sure you get her a Dole Whip, near the Swiss Family Tree house, during the day in the MK. Regardless of what and how you do things. Have loads of fun. Enjoy the World. :)
 
Upvote 0
eroyee

eroyee

Active Member
:wave: Definitely go to MK first. See the parades including the light parade at night and Wishes. dont forget Illuminations at Epcot. that should wow her!! Just have fun and do some things she wants to do. Use a guide and pick out things that she thinks might be interesting. If you dont have time I would skip MGM unless you like the coasters and TOT. have a magical trip....
 
Upvote 0
kengels

kengels

New Member
First off 4 parks doesn't mean 4 days, you could do Animal Kingdom and MGM in half a day. Don't forget to resort hop and check out Downtown Disney. If you going in the summer time I would suggest going to the parks as early as you can get in and return back to your room maybe for lunch or time at the pool, and then return to a park feeling rested and not just wiped out.

My wife and I enjoy California Grille (see fireworks at Magic Kingdom) at the Contemporary Resort for that special evening. Other food restaurants could be Narcoosee's (see water pageant parade) at the Grand Floridian. Yachtsmen’s Steakhouse was also very good and I guess you could see the Illuminations from there???

I am sure you will try to do everything on the map, so here is a couple of things you may or may not know to do...btw you can get a custom park map for your trip at Disney’s website.

In Magic Kingdom take the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour, a lot of fun and informative. Afterward, you tend to take more notice of the smaller things.

In MGM, 50's Prime time Cafe is a great restaurant to get something to eat, a lot of fun and good food!

In EPCOT there is a kiosk in Mexico that make frozen margaritas, nothing tastes better than one of these on a hot day.

In Animal Kingdom, make sure you do the Kilimanjaro Safari early as the animals may be hard to find when it gets hot
 
Upvote 0
kengels

kengels

New Member
I believe that you can also get her a button that states this is her first time at Disney. Then there are name tags that you can get with her name on it.
 
Upvote 0
Master__Gracey

Master__Gracey

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
IMHO MGM is the one to skip.
Click to expand...
I would've thought epcot would be the one to skip. But then again, I've only been there once when innoventions was "coming soon"

I think the ride thru the Contemoporary resort is just awesome and on the other side is the grand view of the Magic Kingdom as you approach it.
Click to expand...
That's a great idea. I love the monorail ride.

I would suggest to get your gf excited before the trip
Click to expand...
We did have a fun time with that little dvd they send you. Is there a guide preference out there?

I believe that you can also get her a button that states this is her first time at Disney.
Click to expand...
Where is that? Also where can I find out more about signing up for the tour?


Thanks alot guys, more responses than I expected. I appreciate it.
 
Upvote 0
kengels

kengels

New Member
Where is that? Also where can I find out more about signing up for the tour?


Thanks alot guys, more responses than I expected. I appreciate it.[/quote

If you are staying on property, which I highly recommend! Tell the CM when you check in that this is your GF first time. If your not staying on property or forget to ask, go to Guest Relations and ask for one. You can go to Allears.com to read reviews.

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/tours.htm#kk

We called Disney to book our tour. Here ar all the tours available in each park...
°o° Magic Kingdom - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkListing?id=MKToursListingPage

°o° EPCOT - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkListing?id=EPToursListingPage

°o° Animal Kingdom - http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkListing?id=AKToursListingPage
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom