My guy and I are booked for arrival 9-20, departure 9-26, to see Disney the 21st to 25th w/ 5 day Park Hopper Plus Tickets. This is our first time, have researched it a lot, is kinda a committal honeymoon for us non marrying folk and don't know if we'll ever afford to go again. So for a first time possibly only time to Disney World, what are ya'alls suggestions, personal highlights. Btw, he does rides, I don't, both love anything future and animal oriented and do already know we plan on a numer of the country pavillions at Epcot.
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First Time Disney; Suggestions?
- Thread starter elk_54
- Start date
Kadee
New Member
First of all WELCOME!!!! :sohappy:
Second...suggestions for first WDW trip are hard. Everyone has their favorite things so, what I or someone else may love, you may hate. But, I'll try...
1. If you love animals, Animal Kingdom is for you. The Kilamangaro Safari and Pangani Forest Trail is a must.
2. Also for animals, Living Seas at Epcot....as you may have guessed....dolphins, manatees, fish
3. I think the best advice is realize that you won't do everything in 5 days so don't rush around to try. Take your time and enjoy it.
Most of all, HAVE FUN and ENJOY BEING WITH EACH OTHER.
Second...suggestions for first WDW trip are hard. Everyone has their favorite things so, what I or someone else may love, you may hate. But, I'll try...
1. If you love animals, Animal Kingdom is for you. The Kilamangaro Safari and Pangani Forest Trail is a must.
2. Also for animals, Living Seas at Epcot....as you may have guessed....dolphins, manatees, fish
3. I think the best advice is realize that you won't do everything in 5 days so don't rush around to try. Take your time and enjoy it.
Most of all, HAVE FUN and ENJOY BEING WITH EACH OTHER.
dreamteacher
Active Member
both like future stuff go to epcot they have a lot of future stufff
MKCP 1985
Well-Known Member
Get a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World at your local bookstore, or Birnbaum's Official Guide, either one for some additional ideas.
For someone who doesn't like rides, since you're already planning on spending a lot of time at EPCOT (good idea), I'd also recommend Animal Kingdom for its walking nature trails to see Gorillas and Tigers, and its Festival of the Lion King show.
For someone who doesn't like rides, since you're already planning on spending a lot of time at EPCOT (good idea), I'd also recommend Animal Kingdom for its walking nature trails to see Gorillas and Tigers, and its Festival of the Lion King show.
By "don't do rides" I assume you mean anything wild. If that is the case, WDW is perfect for you. I think you'll be surprised at how many rides you CAN do. I'll take a tame dark ride over a roller coaster any day!
Are you staying on property? If so, I'd recommend using the Disney transportation system, unless you really, really like to drive. They do an wonderful job and it's nice to sit back and let someone else take the wheel for a change.
You are going at a time of year when the parks are pretty much empty, so you'll be able to take your time and see a lot more than you would during the busier months. The parks do close earlier so you might want to use your evenings to explore some of the resorts. They're beautifully done and well worth a look around. Sometimes we'll see them in between parks, for example, take the monorail from MK around to the Polynesian and back before jumping on the next one to Epcot, or taking the boat from Epcot to Boardwalk and then catching a bus to Animal Kingdom.
Don't rush through Animal Kingdom. There is a lot to be missed if you are not careful.
TAKE PICTURES.
Have a great time! I'm sure you will! :wave:
Are you staying on property? If so, I'd recommend using the Disney transportation system, unless you really, really like to drive. They do an wonderful job and it's nice to sit back and let someone else take the wheel for a change.
You are going at a time of year when the parks are pretty much empty, so you'll be able to take your time and see a lot more than you would during the busier months. The parks do close earlier so you might want to use your evenings to explore some of the resorts. They're beautifully done and well worth a look around. Sometimes we'll see them in between parks, for example, take the monorail from MK around to the Polynesian and back before jumping on the next one to Epcot, or taking the boat from Epcot to Boardwalk and then catching a bus to Animal Kingdom.
Don't rush through Animal Kingdom. There is a lot to be missed if you are not careful.
TAKE PICTURES.
Have a great time! I'm sure you will! :wave:
barnum42
New Member
I second MKCP 1986's suggestion to get the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764559729/qid=1093818685/sr=ka-2/ref=pd_ka_2/103-8659715-8763026)
Another great source for info is http://allearsnet.com/
And as already been said - take your time, drink in the atmosphere and don't try to rush to do everything.
Another great source for info is http://allearsnet.com/
And as already been said - take your time, drink in the atmosphere and don't try to rush to do everything.
DiPSU224
Member
"WDW for Couples" by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter is a book you might want to check out for some suggestions. It's my favorite Disney planning book.
I'd also suggest taking a cat nap during the afternoon. I know for my boyfriend and I, it helped us avoid some fights when we would be getting cranky from the long days! :lol:
I'd also suggest taking a cat nap during the afternoon. I know for my boyfriend and I, it helped us avoid some fights when we would be getting cranky from the long days! :lol:
Thanks everybody, lots of great ideas/suggestions. We currently don't plan to push ourselves and hope we continue the mindframe upon arrival. Actually we were initially going to go 4 days then made it 5, not to do more/see more but about the same in more time so we don't end up too pooped to pop! We're staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort and I think it'd be cool to hang out there too! And we continue to look at the parks and attractions online to see what we're interested in and give star ratings to the most interesting, so we see the starred attractions first and then after that just play it by ear and time of day and how we feel. But ya know, Disney writes up everything like it's fantastic, so I just thought I'd go beyond that and see what some folks who've already experienced Disney themselves especially enjoyed. I'm definitely going to look into that unoffical guide though. :animwink: Thanks bunches and more ideas from more folks welcome!
mrtoad
Well-Known Member
Hi Ellie,
I don't know where to start so I will just wing it.
First, I agree with Erika. The attractions at WDW are not really like any ride you would have done somewhere else. They are really shows that sometimes move. I think after trying some you will really enjoy them. I will suggest a few but won't suggest any of the more thrilling ones (though they are great) because if you think you don't like rides you should start with something else.
The attractions I really think people should not miss are: Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribian, Space Ship Earth, , Tough To Be a Bug. I should stop or I will list everything. But I really do recommend these. Not one is a thrill ride (though Spalsh Mountain has a drop at the end which looks way worse than it is).
Also I recommend seing the parades, Wished and Illuminations shows.
A few restuarants that are really good are Liberty Tree Tavern in the MK for lunch, California Grill in the Contemporary for dinner, Akershus in Norway in Epcot for dinner. There are others, but again I could keep going forever.
A nice thing to break up your day is take the monorail from the MK to the Polynesian and rent a speed boat or two for a 1/2 hour. A 1/2 hour does not seem like much, but you can cover a lot of ground in that timeframe.
Also a nice thing to do a night is head over to Port Orleans Riverside and take the boat (like a water taxi) to Downtown Disney. Very nice relaxing ride.
I am sure I could think of a ton more but will leave some room for others.
Enjoy your trip!
Mike
I don't know where to start so I will just wing it.
First, I agree with Erika. The attractions at WDW are not really like any ride you would have done somewhere else. They are really shows that sometimes move. I think after trying some you will really enjoy them. I will suggest a few but won't suggest any of the more thrilling ones (though they are great) because if you think you don't like rides you should start with something else.
The attractions I really think people should not miss are: Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribian, Space Ship Earth, , Tough To Be a Bug. I should stop or I will list everything. But I really do recommend these. Not one is a thrill ride (though Spalsh Mountain has a drop at the end which looks way worse than it is).
Also I recommend seing the parades, Wished and Illuminations shows.
A few restuarants that are really good are Liberty Tree Tavern in the MK for lunch, California Grill in the Contemporary for dinner, Akershus in Norway in Epcot for dinner. There are others, but again I could keep going forever.
A nice thing to break up your day is take the monorail from the MK to the Polynesian and rent a speed boat or two for a 1/2 hour. A 1/2 hour does not seem like much, but you can cover a lot of ground in that timeframe.
Also a nice thing to do a night is head over to Port Orleans Riverside and take the boat (like a water taxi) to Downtown Disney. Very nice relaxing ride.
I am sure I could think of a ton more but will leave some room for others.
Enjoy your trip!
Mike
patelaine1953
New Member
I notice you have park hopper plus tickets. You could use one of your plus options for Pleasure Island. I love the Comedy Club and Adventurer's Club. I'm not a dancer so I don't visit the other clubs but my daughter will be travelling with us (same time frame as you -- 9/18 - 9/25) and she loves to go dancing. We're staying at Boardwalk so she can also go to the Atlantic Dance Hall. Boardwalk is another place to visit as it has its own entertainment. Lots of restaurants and clubs -- ESPN, Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, etc. The books are a good idea. You probably don't have time to really read much is you order from Amazon (unless you pay through the nose for shipping) so you can pick these books up at your local bookstore. The Disney Store carries the Birnbaum books; Birnbaum also has one called Walt Disney World Without Kids. I prefer the layout of the Birnbaum books to the Unofficial Guides but that's just my opinion.
Whatever happens, enjoy this trip. And don't assume it's your last. I thought that back in 1996 and have been travelling to Disney every other year since. This year we are actually going thanks to the Disney Vacation Club. See, I love Disney so much we bought into the timeshare.
Whatever happens, enjoy this trip. And don't assume it's your last. I thought that back in 1996 and have been travelling to Disney every other year since. This year we are actually going thanks to the Disney Vacation Club. See, I love Disney so much we bought into the timeshare.
Yellow Shoes
Well-Known Member
You are wise to do research.
I would echo what the others have said.
Look at menus to determine where you'd like to eat. I was able to cross some places off my list because, despite rave reviews here, nothing on the menu really appealed to me, and I knew my kids would (only) eat a $6 plate of macaroni and cheese.
Pleasure Island is a good choice for 2 adults.
The thing about the Unofficial Guide is that it is....well...not sanctioned by Disney. It is written in a more opinionated style than Birnbaum, who IS sanctioned by Disney. (That's why Birnbaum has photos of the attractions and Unofficial does not.) Unofficial will say things like, "OK to do if you have a lot of time; otherwise skip it," that Birnbaum will not say.
But you should look at both, plus any other guides that interest you.
Beware of the shopping. I am NOT a shopper in real life, yet at WDW something happens to me and I become one. This is a budget-buster. However, you might shop with an idea towards holiday gifts. Who could resist a serving platter with Mickey on it, or a blown glass Cinderella slipper??
(Oh yeah--you can have your purchases delivered to your hotel. Let the CM know you want this (free!) service before he/she starts to ring you up. You can also have stuff shipped to your home if you go completely overboard.)
Have a great time!!
I would echo what the others have said.
Look at menus to determine where you'd like to eat. I was able to cross some places off my list because, despite rave reviews here, nothing on the menu really appealed to me, and I knew my kids would (only) eat a $6 plate of macaroni and cheese.
Pleasure Island is a good choice for 2 adults.
The thing about the Unofficial Guide is that it is....well...not sanctioned by Disney. It is written in a more opinionated style than Birnbaum, who IS sanctioned by Disney. (That's why Birnbaum has photos of the attractions and Unofficial does not.) Unofficial will say things like, "OK to do if you have a lot of time; otherwise skip it," that Birnbaum will not say.
But you should look at both, plus any other guides that interest you.
Beware of the shopping. I am NOT a shopper in real life, yet at WDW something happens to me and I become one. This is a budget-buster. However, you might shop with an idea towards holiday gifts. Who could resist a serving platter with Mickey on it, or a blown glass Cinderella slipper??
(Oh yeah--you can have your purchases delivered to your hotel. Let the CM know you want this (free!) service before he/she starts to ring you up. You can also have stuff shipped to your home if you go completely overboard.)
Have a great time!!
barnum42
New Member
Birnbaum has a more attractive layout and more interesting facts and figures, but I like the fact that Unnoficial is independant of Disney, so it is less a sales brochure than Birnbaum.patelaine1953 said:
I have to second Gary's advice on Beverley. No trip to Epcot is complete without tasting this particular elixir
mrtoad
Well-Known Member
Between the two guides (Birnbaums and the Unofficial) I prefer the Birnbaum guide. It is in a much easier to read layout. I understand that the Unofficial might be a little more objective but I had trouble with the layout.
Another good guide is The Walt Disney World Passporter . It not only gives you information on attractions, restaurants, etc. It gives you rating from the two authors and from guest polls. It also gives you a place to store your tickets, airline, hotel, car rental information. A place to put down addresses for postcards, etc. A very cool book that we used on our last trip.
I highly recommend it.
Mike
Another good guide is The Walt Disney World Passporter . It not only gives you information on attractions, restaurants, etc. It gives you rating from the two authors and from guest polls. It also gives you a place to store your tickets, airline, hotel, car rental information. A place to put down addresses for postcards, etc. A very cool book that we used on our last trip.
I highly recommend it.
Mike
meatloafsfan
New Member
My mom is not a ride person either but there are still a few rides I think you might want to check out because they hold some very special magic.
Magic Kingdom:
Peter Pan's Flight (tame but absolutely breathtaking for a 1st timer)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (very tame but will give you a nice tour of tomorrowland including a look inside space mountain)
The Jungle Cruise (boat ride - funny and entertaining)
The Haunted Mansion (gentle smooth ride, not scary but unlike anything else you have ever seen)
Epcot:
Living with the Land (nice tour through the hydroponic vegetables)
Journey into Imagination (gentle ride and you just have to meet Figment!)
MGM/Disney Studios:
Can't actually think of any "rides" that would be a must do, but there are tons of shows here to be seen - Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Muppetvision 3D, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Fantasmic, etc
And sorry, I've never been to AK so I can't give you an opinion on that.
Hope this list gives you a few ideas!
Magic Kingdom:
Peter Pan's Flight (tame but absolutely breathtaking for a 1st timer)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority (very tame but will give you a nice tour of tomorrowland including a look inside space mountain)
The Jungle Cruise (boat ride - funny and entertaining)
The Haunted Mansion (gentle smooth ride, not scary but unlike anything else you have ever seen)
Epcot:
Living with the Land (nice tour through the hydroponic vegetables)
Journey into Imagination (gentle ride and you just have to meet Figment!)
MGM/Disney Studios:
Can't actually think of any "rides" that would be a must do, but there are tons of shows here to be seen - Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Muppetvision 3D, Who wants to be a Millionaire, Fantasmic, etc
And sorry, I've never been to AK so I can't give you an opinion on that.
Hope this list gives you a few ideas!
ClemsonTigger
Naturally Grumpy
Good Planning
I will echo what many have said here in that planning is the key to making the most out of your time. There are a number of books including
"WDW for Couples" by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter that DiPSU224 suggested, also a Birnbaum Disney w/o kids, an Unofficial guide for grownups by Zibart, Fodor Disney for Adults and Rita Aero for Adults. Check them out in the book store and pick one that reads best for you.
Also mentioned was the allearsnet site that is great for all kinds of information. I like to use it for sample menu's from the restaurants.
OK, so you have the four parks, and following your "no thrill ride" criteria,
At MK, Main Street is just fun, Micky's Philharmagic, Jungle Cruise Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean should be seen. You can determine if Splash Mountain and Big Thunder are too much for you.
Restaurants are more modest here, I like Cinderella's Castle, Liberty Tree Tavern and Harbor House. The parade is fun and you must stay one evening for Wishes fireworks.
Animal Kingdom (AK) should meet your likes nicely, maybe not for a full day...
Don't miss the Festival of the Lion King show, Kilimanjaro Safari and The Tree of Life with It's Tough to be a Bug and Flights of Wonder. Dining here is also fairly casual.
Disney MGM, well many go for Rock and Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, which will probably be off your list. There is an Indiana Jones show which is nice, Great Movie Ride, and a Fantasmic show in the evening. A number of nice restaurants here, but to pick one, consider 50's Prime Time Cafe. With your preferences, you can probably do a 1/2 day here. Maybe AK in the AM, MGM PM.
Ok, think I've saved the best (for you) for last...Epcot. Many of the rides are not necessarily of the thrill variety, World Showcase is a great place to just stroll and enjoy the people, and it probably has the nicest collection of restaurants to varied tastes. Also, many nice street performances. Illuminations in the evening should be seen.
Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island are good for an evening. If you are into dining, many of the hotels have superior restaurant offerings.
If you have any more preferences as to dining, we can offer a lot of ideas there.
Generally, don't try to do it all, take an afternoon off to swim or go to the Spa at GF.
I will echo what many have said here in that planning is the key to making the most out of your time. There are a number of books including
"WDW for Couples" by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter that DiPSU224 suggested, also a Birnbaum Disney w/o kids, an Unofficial guide for grownups by Zibart, Fodor Disney for Adults and Rita Aero for Adults. Check them out in the book store and pick one that reads best for you.
Also mentioned was the allearsnet site that is great for all kinds of information. I like to use it for sample menu's from the restaurants.
OK, so you have the four parks, and following your "no thrill ride" criteria,
At MK, Main Street is just fun, Micky's Philharmagic, Jungle Cruise Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean should be seen. You can determine if Splash Mountain and Big Thunder are too much for you.
Restaurants are more modest here, I like Cinderella's Castle, Liberty Tree Tavern and Harbor House. The parade is fun and you must stay one evening for Wishes fireworks.
Animal Kingdom (AK) should meet your likes nicely, maybe not for a full day...
Don't miss the Festival of the Lion King show, Kilimanjaro Safari and The Tree of Life with It's Tough to be a Bug and Flights of Wonder. Dining here is also fairly casual.
Disney MGM, well many go for Rock and Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, which will probably be off your list. There is an Indiana Jones show which is nice, Great Movie Ride, and a Fantasmic show in the evening. A number of nice restaurants here, but to pick one, consider 50's Prime Time Cafe. With your preferences, you can probably do a 1/2 day here. Maybe AK in the AM, MGM PM.
Ok, think I've saved the best (for you) for last...Epcot. Many of the rides are not necessarily of the thrill variety, World Showcase is a great place to just stroll and enjoy the people, and it probably has the nicest collection of restaurants to varied tastes. Also, many nice street performances. Illuminations in the evening should be seen.
Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island are good for an evening. If you are into dining, many of the hotels have superior restaurant offerings.
If you have any more preferences as to dining, we can offer a lot of ideas there.
Generally, don't try to do it all, take an afternoon off to swim or go to the Spa at GF.
