First Timer Questions and Tips

[jaklgreen]

It may be a mistake, but we're honestly not that into rides. We'd rather use the time we'd wait in line to walk around and see different things. We're planning on coming back in a few years when our daughter is older. If she wants to, we'll go on the rides then.

Thank you for your advice, though.

I have been going for over 20 years and spend 2 weeks there solo every fall and do not go on many rides. I enjoy just walking around and just "being there", especially at Animal Kingdom. They have wonderful animal trails where you can push your little one in the stroller and have her look at the wild life. Magic Kingdom is where you will spend most of your time on rides because most of them are something all of you can enjoy together.

 

[jaklgreen]

How early should we arrive for our dinner reservations. We're eating breakfast at Akershus, so I'm assuming they'd to bag check and everything before the breakfast, right?

Since you have never been, it is really hard by looking at a map to comprehend that massive size of WDW. It is huge. It will take you much much longer to get somewhere then you can imagine. They recommend giving yourself an hour to get somewhere, I would bump that up. Not in a stressful way but just know that it is a huge property with thousands of people. Where are you staying? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[Meghelaine88]

I definitely recommend that you pick up the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It will tell you all the attractions so that you you don't miss things that might be really appealing to all of you, and it will also give you all the rides that have height requirements. You may be surprised how many attractions you can and will want to take advantage of. I think it would be a shame to pay for a trip to WDW just for the purpose of educating yourself while you are there about what you might want to do NEXT time. Educate yourself in advance so you can take advantage of some of the highlights THIS time too. If you still decide not to go on any rides, at least you will be making that decision from a position of knowledge, and that's fine.

Oh, and my other tip is, try a Dole Whip Float at the Magic Kingdom - they have almost a cult following (myself included)! LOL

We'll definitely look into the guide and try the Dole whip! I've heard it's a must to try.

 

[Meghelaine88]

I'm not sure if anyone else posted this general advice about touring. You'll want to get to each park about 30 minutes before they open (called Rope Drop), and enjoy the much smaller crowds and lower temps. You'd be amazed at the people that show up at noon to a park and freak out cuz there are huge crowds everywhere. Late morning or early afternoon, head back to your hotel for a swim and/or a nap, and enjoy your room's A/C during the hottest part of the day. Then head back into the parks and enjoy the evening festivities, including fireworks shows, till park closing. Even if your time is limited, DON'T try to tour from park open to park close, especially in the heat of the summer!

We had planned on showing up before opening and leaving for lunch and a nap. My daughter is a monster when she's tired. I definitely don't want to force her around while she's screaming like a maniac. I figure we'll let her nap around 2-3 hours then head back out.

 

[Meghelaine88]

Since you have never been, it is really hard by looking at a map to comprehend that massive size of WDW. It is huge. It will take you much much longer to get somewhere then you can imagine. They recommend giving yourself an hour to get somewhere, I would bump that up. Not in a stressful way but just know that it is a huge property with thousands of people. Where are you staying? If you don't mind me asking.

That's my biggest fear right now is just getting around from one place to another in time. We're actually adding on a day to Magic Kingdom. We were going to just go for the 4th of July and then go to Sea World on the fifth, but we decided to skip Sea World and go back to Magic Kingdom. We're staying at the Blue Heron Beach Resort. I think it's about a mile down the road.

 

[steffib]

hey, we first went with our girls when they were around 1 year old and we managed to do some rides with them that they really enjoyed
MK was the main park we did and they loved
it's a small world
Peter Pan - get a fast pass for this one
carousel
dumbo
jungle cruise - prob use fast pass for this.
Buzz ride
teacups
I would also recommend the Mickey meet and greet which is inside (air conditioning!) and he talks!!

in Ak they loved the safari, and the lion king show...you could fast pass both.
At HS I would definately recommend taking your daughter to the Disney Junior show (you can fast pass it but it's not necessary) as its a show she probably will recognise and there's opportunity for her to get up and dance. My daughters also loved the Beauty and the Beast show...
At Epcot you could maybe use a fast pass for the Nemo ride and maybe the character spot as you can get through 4 characters in one go...

Hope this helps! enjoy it! we went with our girls and since then we've travelled from the UK another 3 times as its such a wonderful place!

 

[Sonconato]

I tried to read through all of this thread to make sure I didn't repeat what others have said. So here it goes for a few thoughts that I think haven't been mentioned.

First of all, what @Cowboy Steve said is absolutely true, WDW rides are NOT amusement park rides, that is partly why so many people love Disney. Doing meet and greets will certainly keep you busy but there is so much more that Disney has to offer. There are plenty of shows to see if you don't want to go on rides, but it may be more of a challenge to fill your time. Second, you've already probably have done this but if you go on the Walt Disney World website, on the entertainment tab, you will see a ton of things you can do, including things at some of the Disney Resort Hotels and Disney Springs which you should certainly consider. In addition to that, the things that I have listed below are less advertised but still entertaining.

All Parks

· Hidden Mickey's Guide: This is a book you can buy to give you clues on Mickey's that are hidden throughout the park but, unfortunately, some are on rides.

Magic Kingdom
· A Pirate's Adventure-Treasures of the Seven Seas: There are 5 maps and it is basically a scavenger hunt that gives you clues as you discover the clues.
· Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: This is an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the Park. This could be pretty time consuming.
· Pirate's Tutorial: Fun stage show with Jack Sparrow.
· There is a "surprise" that happens between 4:30 & 5:00 pm and 5:30 & 6:00 pm that is really fun and this occurs in front of the Country Bear's Jamboree entrance shortly after "The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob" perform. This is not something scheduled, you just have to be there. I think you will be presently surprised.
· Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station: Your daughter might be too young but if she can walk and likes the water, it's something she can play in.
· Steam Trains: If you like Steam Trains, the area under the Main Street Train Station is a small museum itself. I trains that are used are old which I believe span from 1916 to 1928.

Epcot
· Behind the Seeds Tour: This costs a little extra money but might interest you.
· Mexico Folk Art Gallery in the Mexican Pavilion.
· Stave Church Gallery in the Norway Pavilion.
· American Pavilion: American Heritage Gallery: Exhibits that change over time about American History
· Japan Pavilion: Bijutsu-kan Gallery: Current is showing the evolution of kawaii
· Moroccon Pavilion: Gallery of Arts and History: Great small museum and a good place to cool off.
· Also, don't forget that even though you don't go on the ride, you often can enter at the exit because they often have things to see there too.

Animal Kingdom
· If you like animals, you're going to love this park. If you start conversations with Cast Members stationed at the various exhibits, some of them are full of knowledge about the animals in the exhibit. Sometimes you will strike out though. If you have an interest in learning, definitely strike up a conversation. This is especially true out at Rafiki's Planet Watch (you'll have to take a train to get there). Many of the CMs love sharing what they know and what Disney is doing to help around the world. Also, the animal murals at Rafiki's is loaded with Hidden Mickey's. One of my husband's favorite things to do is get to AK when it first opens and head to the Gibbons exhibit which is in the Asia part of the park and listen to them calling.

Hollywood Studios
· To be honest, since so much has been shut down for the new Star Wars Land, we don't visit there much so I'm not sure what is there that may not already be listed on the website.

If you are willing to spend extra money, they also offer several tours that I have heard positive things about. Best of luck on your trip.

 

[ScarletBegonias]

I have a TR in my signature (the first link) from when we went my DD was 15 months. We did a LOT of stuff, but she was still kind of unsure about the characters, however she LOVED the rids and I have a child that never sits still. She didn't go anywhere, or cry on anything.

If you have time you could read it and it'll give you an idea of taking a child that age to Disney!

 

[Sonconato]

We had planned on showing up before opening and leaving for lunch and a nap. My daughter is a monster when she's tired. I definitely don't want to force her around while she's screaming like a maniac. I figure we'll let her nap around 2-3 hours then head back out.

Small tip...rather than going back to take a nap around lunch, if you are able, keep an eye on the afternoon storms that typically roll around everyday this time of year. It would be better for you to go back and take a nap during the rain rather than coming back to the parks while it's raining. When the rains show up, they usually don't last more than an hour or two.

 

[Meghelaine88]

I have a TR in my signature (the first link) from when we went my DD was 15 months. We did a LOT of stuff, but she was still kind of unsure about the characters, however she LOVED the rids and I have a child that never sits still. She didn't go anywhere, or cry on anything.

If you have time you could read it and it'll give you an idea of taking a child that age to Disney!

I'll definitely read through it! It'll be nice to have an idea of what to expect. Thank you!

 

[Meghelaine88]

Small tip...rather than going back to take a nap around lunch, if you are able, keep an eye on the afternoon storms that typically roll around everyday this time of year. It would be better for you to go back and take a nap during the rain rather than coming back to the parks while it's raining. When the rains show up, they usually don't last more than an hour or two.

We will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks!

 

[Scoppin]

@Rachel Grubbs

 

[DisAl]

1- Keep on trying on dining reservations - even after you get to WDW. Sometimes there are cancellations. If there is something you really want to do, walk up to the restaurant as soon as convenient after you get in the park to check for last minute cancellations. During our June visit we were able to get in "the day of" on two top restaurants. It never hurts to ask.
2 - On meet and greets, set up a fast pass for any that you can.
3- Be flexible.....
4- Make sure you carry your camera; unless that have changed there are no photopass photographers in the restaurants.
5- HAVE FUN! This may be your first trip to Disney, but I be it won't be your last!