First trip to the world!

[Experiment629]

Hi my name is Maggie, i'm new to the boards, so "Hi!" I am planning my very first trip to disney world and need some tips! I am going with my amazing twin sister and no one else, we love to spend time together. First of all here is what i've already booked and planned.
We are leaving on the 11th April 2012 and will be coming back on the 26th April,, if my maths are correct that's 15 days in florida give or take the travel time. During this time it will be our birthday's (12th April).
We have also booked our hotel which will be the polynesian, we will be in a room that has a view of the lagoon.
I have a couple of questions about the rooms and other things.
1. What does disney offer transportation wise for resort guests?
2. How do i take advantage of EMH?
3. What's your experiences of this time of year and what will you suggest i avoid at this time?
4. What do you like to do in disney that maybe a first timer might not know about?

You can also just add general tips.
Thank you, i hope you can help.

Mags x

 

[bmarkelon]

Welcome to the boards! :wave: You are definitely in the right place. You can learn everything you need to know to prepare for your trip here. :wave:

1. If you are staying on-property, at a Disney resort, than you will be able to use Disney's shuttle service to any of the parks. Being at the Poly you are in the best/most convenient location!!! Hop on the monorail or walk over to TTC for your way into Magic Kingdom and Epcot...it doesn't get better!!!

2. Just hop on the shuttle for the park with those EMH, give yourself plenty of extra travel time to take advantage of the hour!

3. Any time in April is going to be a bit busier due to Spring breaks. But you have lots of time to plan out all the magical things you want to get done!! Be sure to read up on the Fastpass system, it will be your friend.

4. I could write pages and pages on this one. But the thing is you know what you like and may be interested in so do your studying. Read up on these boards and buy a guidebook or two to get an idea or checklist in mind so you know what to look for. I always say you really can't plan enough, especially for a first trip...it could be a bit overwhelming. And as long as you know you won't be able to do it all you will have an over the top magical trip and with your sister....so fun!!!:sohappy: I like Birnbaums Guide to WDW (very easy to follow), and the Unoffical Guide to WDW (super thorough and detailed).

Happy Planning, I love the planning stage!!

 

[real mad hatter]

4 Weeks and Counting!

Well as Rod Stewart would say" Wake up Maggie I think I've got something to say to you ".You need to start reading all these blogs and write down as much info as you require.You're off to a great start picking a superb resort hotel but there's so much out there for you and your sister to enjoy and it's down to yourself to start a quick four week study of the most magical place on Earth.Oh and welcome aboard.:wave:

 

[Trouble]

Welcome Maggie!

I hope you have a wonderful time! And happy birthday to you and your sister! Since you are staying on property the answer for park transportation, Extended Magic Hours, and things to avoid is the same wonderful response: you don't have to worry about it. Just make sure you have your Key to the World card with you and you will be fine for busses and EMH (although I've never been asked to show it). For the things to avoid, my advice would be to do what you want to do. Lines are not the worst thing in the world (bring one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Ink...WYHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331313325&sr=8-1 if it's unbearable for you), and if you kind of resolve yourself to the fact that you aren't going to see and do everything, then you can figure out what your priorities are and plan accordingly. You will have a GREAT time.

Now to my advice for the n00b.

I've had three trips to Disney recently. One was planned for me, one I planned the ever loving crap out of, and one where my friend and I just "took it easy." My recommendation would be to plan, but do it lightly.

Decide on a couple of things you don't want to miss (for example, Fantasmic is only shown on certain nights - this should help http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours/apr12.cfm) and plan the days you visit the parks based on that. Make a short to-do list, then leave lots of room for magic to happen. Squeezing in everything you want to do just means you are squeezing out all the time for those special magic moments of discovery and exploration. One of the best magic moments on my recent unplanned trip was when my friend and I were so tired we just said "who cares what people think," took the raft to Tom Sawyer island, and took a quick mid-day nap on the benches under the shade of some peaceful trees, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom. It was pretty sweet.

One more thing that was really awesome, and since you are going to be there for an extended time, is taking some time to visit other resorts. Find a few that you want to explore (Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom, Port Orleans Riverside are my favorites) and make a day out of it because you have to bus hop (take the bus to a park, then transfer to the resort bus. rinse and repeat). The resorts are almost attractions in and of themselves (and since you are staying at the Polynesian, you already have one covered!) and there's definitely some not-to-be-missed stuff there.

For dinner reservations: you may have a hard time getting them because your trip is so close. If fancy dining is something that is important to you and your sister, my advice would be to keep the Dining number on hand throughout your trip. If there is a restaurant you really want to hit, call the day you are in the park/resort to see if there have been cancellations, and keep calling throughout the day. Also try a walk-up.

Lastly, the Character encounters are what you make of them. I didn't know this the first time I went and thought it was kind of lame. But the second time I went, I made a plan. When I go, I honestly pretend it's real and that I'm *really* meeting Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, Show White, etc. I say all the things I love about his or her adventures and make sure to pose silly for the pictures, just as if I were 5 and it was the first time. It is a lot of fun this way. Plus, it lead to an honest-to-goodness Disney moment where, when I was meeting Sully and Mike from Monsters, Inc, for just a moment I looked up at Sully and forgot that it wasn't real. For just a moment, I was truly meeting James P Sullivan. It was amazing .

I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful time. Please keep us updated on how your trip goes.

 

[JillC LI]

Hi my name is Maggie, i'm new to the boards, so "Hi!" I am planning my very first trip to disney world and need some tips! I am going with my amazing twin sister and no one else, we love to spend time together. First of all here is what i've already booked and planned.
We are leaving on the 11th April 2012 and will be coming back on the 26th April,, if my maths are correct that's 15 days in florida give or take the travel time. During this time it will be our birthday's (12th April).
We have also booked our hotel which will be the polynesian, we will be in a room that has a view of the lagoon.
I have a couple of questions about the rooms and other things.

1. What does disney offer transportation wise for resort guests? Monorail from the Poly to MK or TTC; buses to all parks; boat ride to MK

2. How do i take advantage of EMH? Just go to the park with the EMH. If you can manage to get up early, I find that early EMH are the best because the parks are the least crowded and you can often get in more attractions during that first hour than during much of the day. We always get to a park at least 15 minutes before opening to see the opening ceremony and run to our favorite rides.

3. What's your experiences of this time of year and what will you suggest i avoid at this time? I haven't been there in April so I'll let others comment.

4. What do you like to do in disney that maybe a first timer might not know about?

You can also just add general tips.

Where do I begin? First, my big suggestion is that you buy the Unauthorized Guide to WDW and start reading. You will get a feel for the parks, the attractions, the restaurants, etc.

Check the park hours during your stay. Decide which parks you want to visit on which days. Make a bit of a touring plan as to which attractions are most important to you to see.

Then I suggest that you quickly make reservations at whatever sit-down restaurants sound most appealing to you to ensure availability, if you can even get them at this late date. Do you have park hopper passes? If not, keep in mind which parks you will be in on which days when making your dining reservations. You'll be there many days so park hopper passes may not be worth the price.

Make wise use of Fastpasses to avoid lines. If you don't know what they are, find out!

I urge you to request a First Timer button when you check-in and also a birthday button to wear on the appropriate day. It will likely get you birthday wishes from many people, and there's a slight chance it might get you some other special treatment.

Try a pineapple soft-serve Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. The vast majority on this board, including myself, love them!


Thank you, i hope you can help.

Mags x

See above in bold.

 

[SnowWhite71]

You have found the right place to get the best Disney advice! Since you are visiting for so long even if it's crowded you will most likely get to see and do everything you'd like to. Getting a book to research is the first place to start as others have said. We really get into the "hidden" magic like looking for Hidden Mickeys, you can books on this to help you find them or stories like finding the hidden ring in the queue of the Haunted Mansion. If you like things like this books and websites give clues to them. Some of our favorite restaurants are Chef Mickeys, Ohana, Sci Fi Dine-in Theatre, and Le Cellier. Definately get a Dole Whip and/or the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich from the MK bakery. You and your sister are in for a great time! Have fun!

 

[Crush Dude!]

Hi my name is Maggie, i'm new to the boards, so "Hi!" I am planning my very first trip to disney world and need some tips! I am going with my amazing twin sister and no one else, we love to spend time together. First of all here is what i've already booked and planned.
We are leaving on the 11th April 2012 and will be coming back on the 26th April,, if my maths are correct that's 15 days in florida give or take the travel time. During this time it will be our birthday's (12th April).
We have also booked our hotel which will be the polynesian, we will be in a room that has a view of the lagoon.
I have a couple of questions about the rooms and other things.
1. What does disney offer transportation wise for resort guests?
2. How do i take advantage of EMH?
3. What's your experiences of this time of year and what will you suggest i avoid at this time?
4. What do you like to do in disney that maybe a first timer might not know about?

You can also just add general tips.
Thank you, i hope you can help.

Mags x

Big question, how do you plan to dine when at wdw??

Have you booked anything yet??

Pm me if you need help :wave:

By the way, you are so so lucky, hope to stay at the Poly some day it's our Dream resort :wave:

 

[JillC LI]

Two more thoughts occurred to me since you're staying at the Poly:

1 - Have breakfast at Kona Cafe - tonga toast and macadamia pineapple pancakes; pressed coffee and wasabi bloody mary's are some of the top recommended items on this board! 'Ohana is also at the Poly and is a great convenient place to eat for you.

2 - Ask at the front desk what time the Electrical Water Pageant passes in the evening. You can watch it in the lagoon from the beach at the Poly. It is so quaint.

 

[coachwnh]

make sure you get some rest. you're going to need it. after your 15 days in the world, you'll need a vacation to recover from your vacation. the poly is great!!! transportation is a breeze. the CMs are super at helping. don't be afraid to ask questions when you are there. someone will be more then happy to help. i wish you and your sister nothing but the best on your first trip to WDW!! since its your birthdays, add it to your dining reservations. disney does a great job helping you to celebrate. have fun :wave: and welcome

 

[CashConover]

On your birthday let the front desk at your hotel or Guest Relations at the park you go to know it's your B-day and you'll get "It's my Birthday" buttons you can wear all day so people can help make it a magical experience for you both.

 

[miltimo5]

most details have been posted but, i buy Birnbaums Guide to Walt Disney World. I started going in 1994 and have a book from every year. i love it..it gives descriptions of all the rides, type of food in each restaurant, approx prices ($ - $$ -$$$ etc) and even hints about fast passes and best times for different rides....

take advantage of the early morning hours.... i find very few people are there at that time...

HAVE A GREAT TRIP

 

[disneygirl76]

Hi my name is Maggie, i'm new to the boards, so "Hi!" I am planning my very first trip to disney world and need some tips! I am going with my amazing twin sister and no one else, we love to spend time together. First of all here is what i've already booked and planned.
We are leaving on the 11th April 2012 and will be coming back on the 26th April,, if my maths are correct that's 15 days in florida give or take the travel time. During this time it will be our birthday's (12th April).
We have also booked our hotel which will be the polynesian, we will be in a room that has a view of the lagoon.
I have a couple of questions about the rooms and other things.
1. What does disney offer transportation wise for resort guests?
2. How do i take advantage of EMH?
3. What's your experiences of this time of year and what will you suggest i avoid at this time?
4. What do you like to do in disney that maybe a first timer might not know about?

You can also just add general tips.
Thank you, i hope you can help.

Mags x

Hi Maggie! Welcome! :wave:

I'm sure someone has answered transportation already but to sum up, the monorail is going to be the way you travel to magic kingdom and epcot and you are staying at the poly which is a monorail resort (grand floridian and contemporary are the other two monorail resorts). You can also travel via bus. There is a ferry as well.

As for EMH, you get to enjoy them b/c you are a resort guest. You gain access with your keys to the kingdom card - essentially, your room key. You can also charge things to your room on this card as well.

Since Easter is the 8th of April, it will be very busy that week. But towards the end of April, the crowds will lighten up. if you go to touringplans.com, you can see the forcasted crowd levels for each park which may help your planning.

As for what to do? Here are some questions - do you have park hopper passes? Do you have the dining planning? Have you made those special dining reservations (also known as ADR's)?

Make sure to take a break - enjoy the resort pool and some days can be very long so make sure to pace yourself.

For your bday, you can get a special cake made. Also, you can get a button - at resort or guest services - that say Its my Birthday. Also you can get this for being your 1st visit.

You don't want to over plan - but you do need an idea of what you want to do and things that are important to see. There is so much. You need to plan but don't over do it. I have some spreadsheets if you would like it. Send me your email and I will send it along.

You can buy a guide book as well. I tend to get Birnbaums as I feel like the Unofficial Guide is negative.

I hope this helps! I'm sure much of this has been answered in the other replies. Happy Planning! And most of all, have a fabulous trip!!!! :sohappy:

 

[slappy magoo]

The one bit of advice I can't stress enough is make some meal reservations, if you plan on doing a lot of dining on WDW's grounds and if you haven't already made them. You're going during a very busy period, and reservations at this late stage will be hard to come by, but hoping to just walk up to most restaurants and have them be able to seat you will be even more difficult. Aside from the menu information in this forum, I find the dining subsection at allears.net easy to negotiate. And if you plan on renting a car, be prepared to drive to other WDW resorts for meals (or even go offsite )

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

Hey Maggie - It seems like your questions are all being answered but I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the boards!

I was quite happy to see your post because I'll be there at the same time! :sohappy:

April and May are my favourite time to visit WDW because I love the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. The park really looks beautiful that time of year.

I'll be traveling with 2 of my girlfriends and just bought a WDW Magic Button for my camera bag so if you see me don't be shy...come up and say hello!

I'm sure I'll know it's you - twin girls on their birthday should be easy to spot, right? Maybe someone else on here can help out with this but do they still give out the Birthday and First Visit Buttons at Guest Services in the parks?

If so, you should definitely get them...or even buy them if you have to. Disney Cast Members are wonderful at acknowledging your special day.

I hope you have an amazing trip and it would be great to see you and your sister there having the visit of your life!

 

[jayhawkmickey]

Birthday buttons, great idea! Look through the threads for important things to pack on your trip, there were things I never would have thought of that made our trips so much easier. Prepare well and learn all you can about the parks and attractions you want to see, this site has great advice for people new to the world. Enjoy and welcome.:wave:

 

[ShookieJones]

Welcome to the boards.
You chose one of the best of if not the best resort on property!

Most of this has been mentioned already, but I will emphasize it none the less!

1. Make Meal Reservations ASAP!
2. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
3. Ohana' for dinner
4. Get your "first visit" and "Birthday" pins (this will make your trip extra special)
5. Get up early and be at the Parks for rope drop
6. take a break mid afternoon.
7. If you haven't already get the park hopper pass. It's essential as far as I'm concerned.

Happy Birthday in advance to you and your sister and have fun!