First time to Disney World

[kimmiegirl]

My husband and I are going to WDW fo the first time Sept. 14, 2002. I would like any info I can get on what to do, when to do it and the best time getting it. We are staying at the Caribbean Beach and we will be there for 8 days. All info on everything appreciated.
Thanks Kimmiegirl:kiss:

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

PLANNING

Plan before you go : which parks, which rides (you're not going to see and do it all). Have a back up list of things to do. Read the guide books (official & unofficial), visit web sites.
While you're there : make time to eat, keep yourself hydrated, watch the sun.....................enjoy yourself.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes - new ones are nice but break them in before you go :wave:

 

[RogueHabit]

Definately don't try and see everything. You will burn out, big time.

The whole Orlando vacation deal is that you need to go back, again and again. You'll never see everything 1st trip.

We're going on our 6th 2 week vacation to WDW in six weeks and we have so many things on out to-do list that we never managed to do yet, including rides and dining.

Plus some that we know we probably won't do until out 7th or 8th trip....:wave:

 

[leeocean]

When you check in, make sure to ask for the resort guide - it has listings of all the restaurants, shops, and other things to do. The little book is easy access to phone numbers to reserve priority seating. Make sure to pack comfy shoes and utilize Fastpass so you get to see more in less time. Eat at a country in Epcot. Each country has a different experience. Make sure to see Illuminations too.

 

[lynnkatherine]

Our traditional beginning to our trip is Dinner at the Castle. It is a magical way to begin the vacation...pricey, but the food, atmosphere, and service is wonderful.

We, too, plan, plan, plan. Pace yourself, understand you can't do it all in one trip....or even 10! Enjoy the pool, videotape everything, and grab the Disney Magic....there's nothing else like it!

 

[ruby]

I agree with the nap idea. We try to get up early and into the parks before the heat and the crowds. Then in the afternoon we go back to the hotel, take a swim and a nap and then head back out. This way we have the energy to go to dinner in EPCOT and then go to PI till the wee hours!

Also, this way you can make 8:30 Priority Seating and watch illuminations while you eat, if you pick a restaurant in EPCOT that has a view.

 

[wdwsplash]

I would recomend carrying a bottle of water (buy it before you leave, it's cheaper that way) that you can re-fill throughout the day. It is worth it if it is really hot. Also, take a break in the afternoon and change your socks. We went in April and we returned to our room at the P.O. Riverside and changed clothes and rested a bit then we were good to go the rest of the night.

See all the parades or Fireworks at least once. After that hit the rides during the shows for shorter waits.

Don't over plan. Have an Idea of what park you want to see first then play it by ear. The park hours will probably influence your schedule because some times parks may be open late only a couple of days a week.

Have a great time!!

 

[chelly913]

:sohappy:

I have only read the Birnbaum book and I got a lot of information from it. You are going at a perfect time. We will also be there on September 14th (through the 21st). It is a slower time of year. The parks aren't open as late as they are at peak times, but it is worth it to my husband and I to avoid the heavy crowds.

Hope you have an excellent time - maybe we will see you there!

 

[raven]

I just made reservations for Sept. 1st through 8th. I was there last year from Sept. 10- 17.

I plan ahead way in advance. Again, I say the "Unofficial Guide" is the best. Take your time and enjoy the magic! It's easy to get lost in the rush of things but take your time. You will enjoy it more. Even if you don't see everything.

 

[MKingdom25]

I know this may sound like a obvious thing but make sure and get a park map soon after you get in the park. This will help you in the same way a guide will but a map will be more detailed. This July will be my 6th time and I still use it.

Also (sorry if this has been mentioned), feel free to ask the eating places for a glass a water. A great free way to stay refreshed and cool.

Have fun!

 

[wannabeBelle]

I am so very excited for you!!! Once you go there you will probably not hesitate to come back. If it is just you and hubby, I do suggest avoiding the hot dogs and hamburger thing at the parks. There are so many REALLY nice places to eat and usually it is only a few dollars difference between a fast food meal and a sit down served by a waiter/waitress type. For a fun delicious meal I strngly suggest the 50's Prime Time Cafe. Get a guidebook ( I like Birnbaum's official guidebook but there are others) and take a look at the restaurants in there. Do as many priority seating arrangements as you can before you leave home. Dont forget comfy walking shoes, and sunblock (specially if you have fair skin like me!!) dont overstress as far as the parks. Realize that all of this is there for you to have fun with and you probably WONT get to see everything on the first round!! Once you accept this you will be better off and have a better time. Almost anything you forget you can buy at Disney so dont stress during packing either!! I agree with the Downtown Disney/ Pleasure Island thing, definitely worth a trip and with quite a few good restaurants an ideal place for dinner at Bongo's or Fulton's Crab House!! Then Dancing afterwards!!! Any more specific questions, please post or write me and I will try to help as best I can!! Have an awesome time!!

 

[Yellow Shoes]

MOLESKIN!

Pack it

Use it

moleskin is your friend.

It has saved my vacation every time.

Blisters will ruin the trip faster than anything.

Also--I found all the guide books (Birnbaum, Unofficial, With Kids, Without Kids, etc) at my public library. At $15 - $20 each, I figure I saved at least 1 day's admission by not buying them.

Buy one, of course, if you find you can't do without it, (don't keep the library copy!!) but I think it is unnecessary to carry them to the parks.

Make a list of what you "must" do and stick it in your pocket.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Did you get the Fall Fling $89 rate at the Caribbean?

If not RUN to the phone and see if you can change your reservation.

Or you might want to consider WL or AKL for $129. That will be less than rack rate at CBR, if that's what you're paying.

Saving money is always good.

 

[figmentmom]

Plan ahead, but don't get stressed out about not being able to do everything you want - it's impossible, so don't let it upset you! WDW is HUGE, so pace yourself and take breaks when you need to get out of the sun and off your feet!

 

[NADisney]

I always split my days up when visiting WDW:

this past may 22- 29 2002 , we did this:


Wed may 22

1. downtown disney/disney mgm studios (skip fantasmic)

2. epcot's future world/dined at ohana's at poly resort /visited grand floridian and contempory

3.Blizzard beach water park/ epcot world showcase

4 .MK

5. mk/ florida mall /downtown disney

6 . AK / bomas at AKLodge /then our resort

7 . kissimee / Gaylord Palms hotel/disney studios (saw fantasmic)

8. home


it's easier on the feet and wallet ,we also had a rental car it was faster getting in and out of parks instead of the disney buses sometimes.