It's our first trip and I have a question

[waitnc]

We leave on Saturday for our family's first trip to Disney (we're staying at the GF) and everyone is super excited. We will have a parkhopper pass with the waterpark option and I had a question. On Monday we will be in the Magic Kingdom in the morning till probably early afternoon and then we were thinking about going to Blizzard Beach for the rest of afternoon. Is this something we can do or do the waterparks get so busy we wouldn't be able to get in? We don't have any dinner reservation for that night so we don't have to be back at a certain time. My kids are 7 & 9 and would love to go to both waterparks (we are doing Typhoon Lagoon later in the week).

Also, if you have any tips or suggestions for a first timer they would be appreciated. Thanks for your help

 

[will341]

I'm not sure if there's anything you can do about the waterparks. They get very crowded quickly but seem to lighten as the day goes on (from what I've seen). As for it being your first trip there have a great time. Relax. You probably won't be able to do everything. It's incredibly overwhelming I think when you see how much there is to do. If you get lucky with lighter crowds than you should be able to get on everything you and your kids want to do. I'm sure you guys will have a great time. Sorry I couldn't answer your question regarding the water parks but I'm sure you and your kids will have a great time regardless if you hit Blizzard Beach!!! For your 7 year old I'd suggest getting to Magic Kingdom for the opening show. Heck, even your 9 year old will probably love it. I'm 19 and I catch it every trip. My brain is a little rattled right now but if I can think of anything else I will defintely try to contribute more. Just make sure you all relax and have a good time.(It is a vacation!!) Get plenty of rest if you plan to be in the parks all day like I usually am. I usually need a vacation after my body is torn apart from walking all day in the parks. But most of all HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!! You guys will love it.

 

[mickeypal1]

Sometimes the waterparks do get filled in the middle of the day. They usually open again.

One suggestion I have for your first trip is to build in down time. If you run the entire time you will become overwhelmed. There are many attractions which allow you to cool off and relax. Make sure you do them.

It is ok to go back to your room and take a nap or just relax. It will give you energy for later in the day.

 

[hemloc]

Best time to hit the water parks is as soon as they open. Well, if you actually want to ride everything, that is. Get it all done and out by 11am-noon and you will avoid the crowds and the sunburn!!!

 

[CP_alum08]

I agree with the previous post. I don't know how long you are staying, but if you can plan a morning at the water park and then something later I would suggest that. As others have said they do tend to lighten up as the days goes on, but thats a crap shoot.

As for first time advice...take it slow! Dont run around like crazy people thinking you can do it all, you won't be able to and it was just make you more stressed as your vacation nears its end thinking of all of the things you DIDN'T get to do.

 

[Timekeeper]

Given that Disney is really pushing promotion of its "Summer Nightastic" event, why would you want to intentionally avoid the parks at night? :shrug: If anything, Florida heat and long outdoor lines can make daytime park-hopping physically exhausting.

The best advice that anyone can give you is to check the weather forecasts! Florida weather is very unpredictable and you will be visiting during the beginning of hurricane season. If the weather turns ugly, you can't do anything at the water parks, but you can still do a lot at the theme parks. The phrase "afternoon showers" also holds true, which may make a water-park-first approach the most logical.

 

[figment88]

By the time you leave the MK get back to GF, change into bathing suits, go get a bus to BB , you'll probably be starving and it will be dinner time. Remember that the water parks are only open till 7pm.
Why don't you go back to GF, swim in pool and get ready for a big night in one of the parks. If you haven't booked the Fireworks Dessert Party look into it, it's Fabulous!!!!

 

[luvlifeinfl]

HI,

Well let me tell you our 1st trip was in 2005 and we were at disney for 10 days and by time we returned home we were so exhusted and overwhelmed by the trip that we started planning another 1.

What I have my family has done as discussed what our expections are and what we really want to do instead of standing in the middle of a park and 4 us wanting to go in different directions and someone being upset that they are not getting to do what they want. With that being said we put a plan in place, some people say your on vacation why put your self on a schedule, well if we dont it become frustrating for us.

As the OP stated this time of the yr the humidity can be brutial, the lines could be long for reason being that the Brazil tour groups are there during the June, July & Aug. Months. Do plan for the afternoon rain/storms. we did not believe a friend of ours and we learned by day 2 to have poncho's cause when it is raining we still keep going instead of hiding in a gift store till it passed. As for the water park I again agree with the OP considerign the storms come through in the afternoon you might not have a chance to enjoy the park. I would consider going to the park in the AM and then returning to the resort in the afternoon, rest up and catch the night events in the MK. Also MK is more than a 1 day park for us so yes you have to go for the AM rope drop and opening of the park ceremony, we did it on our trip in Nov. of 2009 and I had a blast and my 10 yr loved it.

Since you have a hopper pass will give you the availablitiy to move from park to park on any day instead of being committed to 1 park.

But most of all just enjoy yourself! I can tell you that the 1st time we walked onto Main St. and looked towards the castle and I watched the reaction of my 2 DD's faces was so priceless, I still tear up thinking about.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I agree with past posters, visit a water park first thing in the morning. Have a good breakfast Kona Café or Grand Floridian Café are close to you, then get to the water park and stake out your space, (find beach chairs/lounges to put your thing) then enjoy.
As this is your first trip I recommend you visit the Magic Kingdom the first day, then go back to your resort, the GF has 2 great pools swim and relax there for awhile. Then clean up and head back out for an evening of food, fun, and fireworks. Don’t fall into the trap we did first trip of trying to see everything the first day. Relax explore and enjoy!

 

[Ralphlaw]

Oh how I envy the 1st timers.

For what it's worth, here's our must sees:

Illuminations: the fireworks show at Epcot's World Showcase, it's on every night at 9 pm.

A turkey leg and a dole whip while watching the Spectromagic parade and Wishes at Magic Kingdom. Camp out on main street or in front of the castle.

Eat at Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom around noon on Sunday morning after riding Buzz Lightyear a dozen or so times, and before the huge crowds arrive.

Get to Disney's Hollywood studios early one day, and run to Toy Story Mania for fastpasses and jump in line right away. Then return with your fastpass when it's time for your second go-round. It's the hottest ride at Studios.

Do the same thing for Soarin' at Epcot.

Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom is a must see for everyone.

Don't rush around too much. The details at Disney are wonderful. You can't do it all in one trip, so don't even try. Leave some things to be done for the next trip. At some point, ride the horse carriage or double decker bus up main street at Magic Kingdom. Have a snack or drink at one of the walk-ups at World Showcase and watch the people go by. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruit to stay healthy. Don't go crazy, and throw the agenda in the garbage if it's driving everyone nuts.

Don't worry about shopping for everyone, but if you must buy stuff, wait til it rains or you really need a break from the heat. Then have them send the packages to GF so you're not carrying them around all day.

Get up early to beat the crowds, then take a break if possible in the middle of the day for a nap or swim at the GF pool. Come back to the parks at night or late afternoon for the parades and fireworks.

I've never been to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon because we usually go when it's colder. No advice on that.

Have a magical time, and report back upon returning.