Never been to the park for more than a day

[betsylovesmickey]

Hi!
I was wondering if I could get some advice and/or tips of things I just have to do while I am visiting the park. Hubby and I are going for 7 days in October.
I would love to hear what you all have to say.

Thanks in advance!

 

[AndyS2992]

My Must Do List:
Magic Kingdom:
Rides:
--Big Thunder Mountain
--Splash Mountain
--Space Mountain
--Haunted Mansion
--Pirates of the Caribbean
--It's a Small World
Shows:
--Wishes
--Festival of Fantasy Parade
--Electrical Parade
Snacks:
--Dole Whip
--Orange Swirl

EPCOT
Rides:
--Soarin
--Test Track
--Spaceship Earth
--Frozen
--Mission:Space
Shows:
-Illuminations
Snacks:
--American Dream (American Pavillion)

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Rides:
--Tower of Terror
--Rock N Rollerocoaster
--Star Tours
Shows:
--Fantasmic
--Beauty and the Beast
--Star Wars Fireworks

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Rides:
--Expedition Everest
--DINOSAUR
--Kali River Rapids
--Kilimanjaro Safari
Shows:
--Festival of the Lion King
--Finding Nemo
--Rivers of Light (when it opens)

General Tips:
1. Arrive at the parks as early as possible to make the most of your day and enjoy lower crowds in the early morning
2. Make use of Fastpass+ as much as possible.
3. Take a 4pm/mid day break (if staying at a WDW resort) and take a nap/go swimming/grab a snack etc, you will feel much better for it.
4. Wear light comfortable clothing and sensible shoes.
5. Stay hydrated as much as possible.
6. Plan as much as you can before you go. Know what parks you want to hit and on what day and what rides are a priority.
7. Arrive at shows early for a good spot.
8. If dining at table service restaurants is your thing, then make reservations before you go.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Must do: All of it. 7 days in October will give you plenty of time.

Seriously, do everything and decide what you like afterward for your next trip. Don't miss fireworks, parades, shows, or any rides. You have time to do everything.

 

[BiffyClyro]

All the parks obviously... Not the end of the world if you miss the water parks in my opinion but I'm just personally not a fan of any waterpark. But would prioritise theme parks. Honestly just take your time nd enjoy yourself. Watch a few Disney trip tips on YouTube for cool stuff not many know about. I did the first time and it helped/ didn't ruin the experience

 

[betsylovesmickey]

Thank you all so much for the answers! You're the best!

 

[Matt_Black]

Seven days in October gives you quite a bit of time. In addition to what's been listed above, try a round of miniature golf over at Fantasia Gardens.

 

[betsylovesmickey]

Seven days in October gives you quite a bit of time. In addition to what's been listed above, try a round of miniature golf over at Fantasia Gardens.

Oh my husband would love that. We will definitely be doing that! Thank you!

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I agree with doing all of the major theme parks. I also hope you have fun.

 

[Noellikechristmas]

Since you're going in October...be sure to visit the food and wine fest! Don't eat lunch or dinner while at Epcot and just eat your way around the world tasting new foods ...and drinks ;-)
The Canada Shack never disappoints!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Buy The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and read it cover-to-cover.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Buy The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and read it cover-to-cover.

Everyone has a different idea of what to do to make their Disney trip a success, so like CaptainAmerica suggests, get the guide book and pour through it. Decide which attractions, shows and events interest you and your husband the most. Then plan those things into your days as priorities. Every park can be a full day adventure depending on your interests and how you plan and attack. Or you could turn a park into a partial day if you dont find enough to do there. Hoop de Doo, Cirque du Soleil, MNSSHP, HOB Gospel Brunch, Disney tours are a few other things you might want to look into and consider doing as extra thrills to add to your trip. If neither of you have been to Disney much, there will be endless opportunities for you to discover, enjoy and be entertained.

 

[Stryker]

In addition to the excellent advice/suggestions above I would suggest the Hoop De Do Revue we really enjoy it and do it almost every trip. One night try and catch the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake, not the end of the world if you miss it but it does have a cult following (yes I am a member of that cult). Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian is a great experience as well. research is the key to success I think learn as much as you can before you go there. In addition to this site I recommend the Birnbaum guide to give you the high level summary of pretty much everything that is available. and agree the unofficial guide is very good at giving you more details as well as a variety of opinions on virtually every aspect of the entire WDW experience. Touring plans and their crowd calendar is excellent as well. My wife and I will be going down in October as well, we have been several times in October and its a great time to be there (is there a bad time?).

 

[betsylovesmickey]

Thank you all so much for all of your suggestions!

 

[Adam Snider]

Just do as much as possible, look up the not so popular things that not much people know about, those always turn out to be the best. And might get crap for this but Figment and Nemo are fun rides in EPCOT. Also get a fp for Toy story mania in Hollywood studios

 

[JillC LI]

October is a great time to go. Don't miss the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. (If you are on the Dining Plan, you can use Snack credits there.) And consider MNSSHP.