Disneyfan21257
New Member
In 3 weeks, I am taking my girlfriend, Hannah, to Disney World. What are some things that I must show her.
-
The new WDWMAGIC iOS app is here!
Stay up to date with the latest Disney news, photos, and discussions right from your iPhone. The app is free to download and gives you quick access to news articles, forums, photo galleries, park hours, weather and Lightning Lane pricing. Learn More -
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Must do Things for a First Timer
- Thread starter Disneyfan21257
- Start date
luv
Well-Known Member
Okay, that's enough time to do most of Disney.
You need a plan. Check out touringplans.com I think they have the basic plans for each park for free. You can get customized ones if you pay the $12, but I think the basic ones are free.
Everyone has different favorites, but the most popular rides (I think) are...
MK - Space Mtn, Splash Mtn, Big Thunder, Peter Pan, Jungle Cruise
Epcot - Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space
DHS - Toy Story, Tower of Terror, Rock n rollercoaster
AK - Safari ride, Everest, Dinosaur
I'd say "It's a Small World" is a Don't Miss!
Upvote
0
luv
Well-Known Member
Generally, I'd advise the Unofficial Guide, too. But with only three weeks until you leave, it makes more sense to just check out the touringplans.com website, get a plan for each park and follow that. You don't really have time to read 900 pages and make plans and all that jazz.
Where are you staying?
Ok, I'm editing to add a clarification. That question seems too personal! I'm trying to figure out if you're going to want to use the EMHs or not. Will you be staying in a Disney hotel (I'm going to, for the sake of EMHs, count Shades of Green, the Hilton on Hotel Plaza Boulevard and the Swan/Dolphin as Disney)...or a non-Disney hotel?
Also the Magic Band business.
We have a lot of work to do if we are going to get you all set up.
It's so overwhelming. I'm kind of well seasoned with WDW, and when I started thinking about Disneyland, I got overwhelmed, so the difficulties of newbie planning were recently refreshed for me.
Do you BOTH like to get up early? Are you BOTH willing to get up at the crack of dawn or would you rather sleep in?
Do you want to eat with characters (e.g. Mickey, Pooh) stopping by the table or no?
Are you trying to have the vacation of a lifetime, sparing no expense, or would you like to pinch your pennies? (I pass no judgement, either way! Just makes a huge difference in recommendations.)
Where are you staying?
Ok, I'm editing to add a clarification. That question seems too personal! I'm trying to figure out if you're going to want to use the EMHs or not. Will you be staying in a Disney hotel (I'm going to, for the sake of EMHs, count Shades of Green, the Hilton on Hotel Plaza Boulevard and the Swan/Dolphin as Disney)...or a non-Disney hotel?
Also the Magic Band business.
We have a lot of work to do if we are going to get you all set up.
It's so overwhelming. I'm kind of well seasoned with WDW, and when I started thinking about Disneyland, I got overwhelmed, so the difficulties of newbie planning were recently refreshed for me.
Do you BOTH like to get up early? Are you BOTH willing to get up at the crack of dawn or would you rather sleep in?
Do you want to eat with characters (e.g. Mickey, Pooh) stopping by the table or no?
Are you trying to have the vacation of a lifetime, sparing no expense, or would you like to pinch your pennies? (I pass no judgement, either way! Just makes a huge difference in recommendations.)
Last edited:
Upvote
0
WDWoptmist
Well-Known Member
I'm going to go against the common answer so far and say don't worry about guides you are there for 8 days do anything and everything you want be sure to relax at your resort at least one day and have a great time wandering around carefree, without rushing to the next attraction you "need" to be at has always been my best way to enjoy disney. Go at your own pace and soak it all in...but for me choosing where to eat on an 8 day trip is the real tough task lol good luck and have fun!! Every first timer needs to try Ohana lol
Upvote
0
PrincessNelly_NJ
Well-Known Member
I took my fiance (then boyfriend at the time) in 2012. He really wasn't excited to go, he was only coming along because I love Disney.
We stayed for 6 days, hit every park, downtown disney, and enjoyed a nice sit down meal everyday. He loved it! We just winged it! I decided to not go commando or personal tour guide and just let him see why I love Disney by experiencing it at his own pace. We did miss a bunch of things but he was eager to return the following year. So just go with the flow!
We stayed for 6 days, hit every park, downtown disney, and enjoyed a nice sit down meal everyday. He loved it! We just winged it! I decided to not go commando or personal tour guide and just let him see why I love Disney by experiencing it at his own pace. We did miss a bunch of things but he was eager to return the following year. So just go with the flow!
Upvote
0
Weather_Lady
Well-Known Member
"Must-do"s depend very much on what you and your girlfriend are interested in. Do you like thrill rides? Scenic jaunts? Pool time or park time?
As a very generic plan, I'd suggest the following for your 8 days:
Day 1 - Travel / check in to your resort / Visit Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) for a nice table-service dinner and shopping or bowling. If you have more than half of a day available, go to the Magic Kingdom.
Days 2 - 4, 6 and 7: Park days. Spend at least 1 1/2 - 2 days in the MK (must-see: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan, It's a Small World, Dumbo, Mickey's Philharmagic, PeopleMover, WDW Railroad), 1 - 1/2 days at Epcot (must-see: Soarin', Test Track, Mission:Space, Spaceship Earth, a walk around World Showcase), 1 day at AK (must-see: Festival of the Lion King and/or Nemo show, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur) and 1 day at HS (must-see: Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, Muppets 3D, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Midway Mania, possibly Beauty and the Beast or the Indiana Jones Stunt show, Fantasmic). On day 5, don't plan on visiting a park. Sleep in, go swimming, and consider mini-golfing at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland. Alternatively, consider going to a dinner show (e.g., Hoop-de-Doo Revue). Plan to see the MK fireworks (a definite must-do) on your last night, and ride the monorail somewhere (another must-do) at least once. If your budget allows, have a leisurely breakfast in your room, a CS lunch, and a TS dinner each day (if you don't have TS reservations already, MAKE THEM NOW). If you can, get to a park for rope drop every day. If you can't, plan carefully and utilize evening "Extra Magic Hours" whenever they are available. Be aware in planning your days that attendance will be higher at whatever parks have EMH on a given day, and if you have parkhoppers and want to take advantage of morning or evening EMH, hopping to/from a less crowded park may be to your advantage. Every day after lunch, go back to your resort for 2-4 hours to escape the worst of the crowds and heat, grab a nap, take a swim, and refresh and recharge yourself for the evening.
Day 8: Revisit your favorite attractions at your favorite park / travel home.
As a very generic plan, I'd suggest the following for your 8 days:
Day 1 - Travel / check in to your resort / Visit Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) for a nice table-service dinner and shopping or bowling. If you have more than half of a day available, go to the Magic Kingdom.
Days 2 - 4, 6 and 7: Park days. Spend at least 1 1/2 - 2 days in the MK (must-see: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan, It's a Small World, Dumbo, Mickey's Philharmagic, PeopleMover, WDW Railroad), 1 - 1/2 days at Epcot (must-see: Soarin', Test Track, Mission:Space, Spaceship Earth, a walk around World Showcase), 1 day at AK (must-see: Festival of the Lion King and/or Nemo show, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur) and 1 day at HS (must-see: Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, Muppets 3D, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Midway Mania, possibly Beauty and the Beast or the Indiana Jones Stunt show, Fantasmic). On day 5, don't plan on visiting a park. Sleep in, go swimming, and consider mini-golfing at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland. Alternatively, consider going to a dinner show (e.g., Hoop-de-Doo Revue). Plan to see the MK fireworks (a definite must-do) on your last night, and ride the monorail somewhere (another must-do) at least once. If your budget allows, have a leisurely breakfast in your room, a CS lunch, and a TS dinner each day (if you don't have TS reservations already, MAKE THEM NOW). If you can, get to a park for rope drop every day. If you can't, plan carefully and utilize evening "Extra Magic Hours" whenever they are available. Be aware in planning your days that attendance will be higher at whatever parks have EMH on a given day, and if you have parkhoppers and want to take advantage of morning or evening EMH, hopping to/from a less crowded park may be to your advantage. Every day after lunch, go back to your resort for 2-4 hours to escape the worst of the crowds and heat, grab a nap, take a swim, and refresh and recharge yourself for the evening.
Day 8: Revisit your favorite attractions at your favorite park / travel home.
Last edited:
Upvote
0
Jeff2140
Member
Whatever you do, for a first time visit I do NOT recommend going to Magic Kingdom first. (IMO)If you go to Magic Kingdom first, the rest of Disney World will not live up to expectations. Also, look at a list of attractions to do. Many of the best things are not rides at all (Parades, Shows, Fireworks and the list could go on). There is SO MUCH to do in Disney and a plan is a must to get the most out of your visit. Also, If you plan on eating at any sit down restaurants and you have not made advanced dining reservations (ADR's) I would highly recommend trying to as soon as you read this. Hopefully something will still be available as it is low attendance season. Hope you have a great vacation!
Upvote
0
JTT
Well-Known Member
I won't repeat what others have said, I'll just add to it.
Magic Kingdom - Philharmagic (great fun 3D movie)
Polynesian Resort - Captain Cooks Tonga Toast for breakfast & 'Ohana for dinner if you can get a reservation
Monorail - even if you are not staying at a monorail resort
Hollywood Studios - Backstage Tour
Magic Kingdom - Philharmagic (great fun 3D movie)
Polynesian Resort - Captain Cooks Tonga Toast for breakfast & 'Ohana for dinner if you can get a reservation
Monorail - even if you are not staying at a monorail resort
Hollywood Studios - Backstage Tour
Upvote
0