Some questions from a first-timer

[sirjohnly]

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post it, but I noticed this was the most active section so I was hoping to get some answers here from people who have been to Disney world.

Context: Due to time restrictions, I'll only be able to spend 2 days at Disney world (but I'll be living on the resort for 3 days 4 nights) and I'll be there in September. A few logistical questions:

1. Although 2 days is not enough to explore all of Disney, what would you say are the highlights of Disneyworld that can be seen within 2 days? (I heard Magic Kingdom, Epcot, downtown Disney, and the boardwalk are the places one should see).

2. Assuming I go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, does each place take 1 full day to see and experience the main attractions?

3. I've heard both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have daily fireworks in the evening. Are they both worth seeing (in your opinion)?

4. Has anyone here ever been to Disneyworld in September who can comment on how busy it is or length of lines? Is it fairly empty, or can you still expect a long wait for rides?

5. I've looked through a couple threads are here are the main rides I've noted:

Magic Kingdom:
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Small world
Space mountain
Thunder mountain
Splash mountain
Carousel of Progress
Mine train

Epcot:
Test track
Soarin'
Spaceship earth
Mission: space
World showcase
Illuminations


Does this list look good to you ? Are there any other rides you can recommend or specific things within the Magic Kingdom or Epcot I should check out?

6. This question is regarding food. I have a hunch that food within the theme park costs an arm and a leg. What do you guys usually do for food when you go there? Do you buy a dining package? Bring in outside food? (Is outside food and water even allowed?) Know of somewhere decently priced to eat within the compound?

Thank in advance to anyone who can answer any of these questions for me.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

Well Welcome and I hope you have a great trip I will be there in September too. Are you traveling with Children? Also are you doing the Park hopper? IF you for sure want to do MK and Epcot I would also add some things to your list for MK 1.Main Street Electrical Parade ( usually around 8 pm) 2. Peter Pan its a classic GET A FAST PASS 3. Jungle Cruise 4.Buzz space ranger spin If it was a list of Priority being 25 It would go like this
1. Space Mountain FP ( use a fast pass for the ones that will be longer lines you get 3 a day and then the day you get there you can add more)
2.Splash Mountain
3. Big Thunder
4.Peter pan ( FP)
5.Mine Train ( FP)
6. Haunted Mansion
7.Pirates
8.Small World
9. Jungle Cruise
10.Car of Progress
11. Buzz
12. I would for sure do parade but added last due to not a ride.
13. Wishes is amazing!
EPCOT World Show case has 2 rides 1. in Mexico and 1 in Norway
My list would be as follows
1. Test Track --FP
2. Soaring
3.Maelstom ( norway) FP
4. Space ship Earth
5. Mission Space ( there are 2 levels MORE INTENSE AND LESS INTENSE) FP
6.Three Calbenreos ( wrong spelling) this is Mexico Ride
7. Living with a land ( cute little boat ride NEVER a wait)
8. Illuminations I WOULD DEFIANTLY DO
If you are doing a park hopper I would go to AK in the morning of Epcot and do the Safari and Dinosaur and Mount Everest May take a good 2 hours out of your day but there are my MUST DOs

 

[Disneydreamer23]

Sorry On the food Note I wouldnt do a dining plan for you since you will be there only a few days. Go to quick Service lunches and Dinners Here is an Ex
Magic Kingdom- Tortuga Tavern A chicken burrito with rice and Beans 7.59 then add on a drink so well say 10.00
Dinner- Pecos Bills
Barbecued Pork Sandwich with choice of Corn on the Cob, Apple Slices, or French Fries 10.29 with drink 14.00 so you will spend IF you get a snack through out the day ( 5.00) 30.00 that day

 

[Nextinline]

Firstly, welcome!

2 days is definitely a small window to see all of what WDW has to offer, but it seems like you already have a realistic mindset. Personally, I would view your time there as an opportunity to decide if a full vacation to WDW is something that you may want to do in the future.

With that being said, the attractions you have listed are a good start. To address your second 3rd question, Magic Kingdom & Epcot do both have nighttime shows. Illuminations (Epcot) has been quite popular for a while, but for my money I would see the Magic Kingdom fireworks & Celebrate the Magic. If you are there for two nights you can always do both.

I'm sure you will get a lot of feedback from people more knowledgeable than me, but for my 2 cents, I would recommend trying not to overload yourself & just enjoying the atmosphere that WDW offers. You would be surprised that some of the smallest things are the things that you remember more fondly than even the major attractions...

 

[cw1982]

1. 2 days should be fine to get an overview of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. If you can spend one evening of a non-park day at DTD and/or the Boardwalk, you should be able to get everything in that you've mentioned just fine.
2. Future World, the part of Epcot where most of the rides are, is easily just a half-day area. I would do Future World in the morning and then head to World Showcase after lunch. There's a lot to see over there and lots of yummy drinks and snacks, so I would hang out over there until Illuminations. As far as the Magic Kingdom goes, you can definitely get your list done in one day.
3. Yes, both fireworks shows are worth seeing.
4. Lines in September should be much more manageable than they would be in the summer.
5. I agree with @Disneydreamer23 on this one.
6. Outside food and drink is allowed if you want to bring something in with you. I too wouldn't bother with a dining plan for two days. $30-40 per person, per day should be enough for food if you're not drinking alcohol.

 

[Chernaboggles]

Here's my very best advice, and I wish someone had given it to me before my first trip: WDW is HUGE. If you have limited time, don't worry about seeing everything, focus on enjoying what you see.

Don't treat it like a trip to the grocery store, hurrying around ticking items off a list. Do some research about what rides or restaurants might appeal to you and any traveling companions, pick a few things that sound fun, but honestly, it's all pretty great. I would definitely put Wishes and Celebrate the Magic (Magic Kingdom) and Illuminations (Epcot) on the must-see list (Disney does GREAT spectacle), but other than that? Tailor your visit to YOUR tastes and don't worry too much about "missing out" on something. You'll probably enjoy the experience more if you don't let the size and hype overwhelm you. If you enjoy your first visit, you can always go back for another.

Also, pack good shoes. There's a LOT of walking.

 

[Lord_Vader]

I'm with @Nextinline that you may want to focus on some of the little things that make WDW so memorable in the long run.

I have not seen the new parade yet, will soon but if you think you might enjoy it at all I highly recommend taking the time to find a decent spot with the sun at your back for the 3:00 parade. Your attraction list is good, maybe a bit ambitious if it was peak season but you should be okay in September.

Dining at Magic Kingdom, Be our Guest for lunch is quick service and about as good as it gets in my opinion. The food is very good for the price, unlimited drink refills and the ambiance is Disney at its finest, simply the best in MK IMO. For dinner there are a few good options, others mentioned Pecos Bill and I agree but Cosmic Rays has a lot of variety and has some "entertainment" ala Sonny Eclipse AA and there is always Columbia Harbour House which is always good fish and/or chicken.

Dining at Epcot, take your pick. World Showcase is absolutely full of quick service dining locations that are incredible for the most part depending on what cuisine you are interested in. I do not like the QS in China, Mexico and Canada doesn't really have one but the rest are great. My son and I really like picking up fish and chips in Great Britain or a Brat in Germany. For dinner, Morocco has my QS favorite if I had to choose just one. If you are still hungry later, France has some of the best pastries in any theme park i have been to.

 

[sirjohnly]

Wow, a big thanks to everyone who took time to answer my questions.

Judging from the responses here, I might be better off not getting a meal plan. I actually got a quote from a Disney vacation planner and she quoted me $1036.38 and that includes:

3 nights @ Pop century resort
2-day tickets with park hopping (no water park)
Free disney quick service dining plan
Misc. stuff like DisneyQuest vouchers, mini golf, etc...stuff I probably won't have time to use.

Is that a good price for hotel + tickets + food? Judging from what others have said in this thread, buying food at Disney might be a better option for me since I'll only be spending two days there.

@Disneydreamer23 I wish I could do Animal Kingdom and Epcot in one day, but I'm afraid it'll be rushed. My girlfriend hates when we go on vacations and I try to do too much and we end up having to run around and not really being able to just sit back and relax. According to her, it doesn't feel like a vacation

 

[cw1982]

Oh, if you've got dates that include the free dining, by all means take it! We were pretty much saying that you wouldn't want to go with the standard dining plan because, with only 2 days in the parks, you're not going to want to devote as much time to sit down meals as you might if you were going to be there for a week. I wouldn't pay for the dining plan if I was you, but if it's the promo they're running for your dates, definitely take advantage of it.

You might want to see if you can get the same deal without buying park hoppers, though, since you're only planning to visit one park per day. You could save a little more by taking those down to base tickets.

 

[FettFan]

My advice would be this:

Magic Kingdom is a full-day park, no exceptions.

For Epcot...well, to be quite honest, Epcot is a 2-day park. Or at least it always has been for me. But, since you're only going to be there for two days, you're going to have to get creative.

Here's what I would do if I were you....wake up early on Day 2 and go to Disney-Hollywood Studios. Do Tower of Terror and Rock-n-Roller Coaster.
You can then take the boat from DHS to Epcot and enter the park at the Gateway. You might need a fastpass for Test Track, you WILL need a fastpass for Soarin.

Spend lunchtime in Epcot's Future World (I suggest heading to The Land for lunch in their food court, then riding Living With the Land to let your food go down), then end your day by catching dinner at the country of your choice in World Showcase and Illuminations after dark.

Sadly, Animal Kingdom would have to be omitted entirely...it's quite a ways away from the other parks and there is a lot of ground to cover to get to the signature attractions. Major Time Eater. The only reason I suggest entering DHS at all is because of its proximity to Epcot.

 

[eeyoremum]

Nobody has addressed fireworks (or I missed it). There are lots of YouTube videos for both Wishes (MK) and Illuminations (Epcot). My family personally prefers Illuminations but check out some videos or just plan to not miss both they are well worth seeing.

 

[rickdrat]

I agree with the other posts about not rushing yourself. Decide on a few must see attractions and hit those, Fast Pass as needed. Don't feel you have to see everything and kill yourself in the process. If you're lucky and crowds are low, you may find yourself walking on many rides with no wait at all and have extra time to explore elsewhere.

With regards to food, dining at Disney can involve as much, or more planning as the parks themselves. Given the closeness of your visit you will already find many sit down options are filled up. For my part, I prefer the counter service restaurants for the flexibility. Having to rush across or between parks to meet a reservation and then wait another 20-30 minutes is needlessly stress inducing and forces you to stop your touring and eat whether you're hungry or not. With your limited visit, I think you'll be happier just scoping out a counter service joint when your hungry and moving on. The food is mostly okay, nothing to rave about, and yes, very expensive. The other option is to bring something in with you.

Have a great trip.

 

[WondersOfLife]

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post it, but I noticed this was the most active section so I was hoping to get some answers here from people who have been to Disney world.

Context: Due to time restrictions, I'll only be able to spend 2 days at Disney world (but I'll be living on the resort for 3 days 4 nights) and I'll be there in September. A few logistical questions:

1. Although 2 days is not enough to explore all of Disney, what would you say are the highlights of Disneyworld that can be seen within 2 days? (I heard Magic Kingdom, Epcot, downtown Disney, and the boardwalk are the places one should see).

2. Assuming I go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, does each place take 1 full day to see and experience the main attractions?

3. I've heard both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have daily fireworks in the evening. Are they both worth seeing (in your opinion)?

4. Has anyone here ever been to Disneyworld in September who can comment on how busy it is or length of lines? Is it fairly empty, or can you still expect a long wait for rides?

5. I've looked through a couple threads are here are the main rides I've noted:

Magic Kingdom:
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Small world
Space mountain
Thunder mountain
Splash mountain
Carousel of Progress
Mine train

Epcot:
Test track
Soarin'
Spaceship earth
Mission: space
World showcase
Illuminations


Does this list look good to you ? Are there any other rides you can recommend or specific things within the Magic Kingdom or Epcot I should check out?

6. This question is regarding food. I have a hunch that food within the theme park costs an arm and a leg. What do you guys usually do for food when you go there? Do you buy a dining package? Bring in outside food? (Is outside food and water even allowed?) Know of somewhere decently priced to eat within the compound?

Thank in advance to anyone who can answer any of these questions for me.

1). Magic Kingdom & Epcot are the parks to do for a two day visit! Check up on which park has extra magic hours on each day, because they're likely to be a little more crowded on those days, although september isn't too bad on crowds really.

2). I'd say Magic Kingdom takes a full day because it has so many main attraction. EPCOT would probably be a half day, if it was so spread out and had little bonuses to explore in the World Showcase. So yea, whole days.

3). I AAAALWAYS watch Epcot's fireworks! Illuminations is by far the BEST night time show to see (in my opinion). I never cared for the packed main street fireworks behind the castle show. But that's just me. Both are good.

4). I can't remember fully if I've been during September, but if I have, it would've been close to LATE september. We always usually went in October and never had to wait longer than 30 minutes for anything hardly. It was very nice.

5).
Magic Kingdom:
Haunted Mansion - Yes
Pirates - Yes
Small world - ...Ehh? Yea it's a classic. But it's still torture! xD
Space mountain - Yes
Thunder mountain - Yes
Splash mountain - YES.
Carousel of Progress - Yes, for the history.
Mine train - Yes
Ariel's Undersea Adventure - Don't be discouraged to see this based on forum reviews. Everyone here are snobs when it comes to their expectations. This ride is AMAZING and I rode it both at Disneyland & WDW. I loved this ride! Also, it's an omnimover ride so don't worry at all about the queue wait

Country Bear Jamboree - This is just one of my own personal favorite because I love AA shows. You never have to wait other than for the next show time. It's also for historical feeling and is a little more fun and energetic than Carousel of Progress but for it's own reasons. It's a fun show and worth checking out when your feet get tired.

TTA PeopleMover - Never underestimate the rides that just seem kinda "there"! I have no idea why, but I looove taking a break in Tomorrowland on this. It's also great waiting between fast passes. It's relaxing and it's also pretty cool going through Space Mountain and just riding over tomorrow land to people watch. There's never a wait. Go if you're getting tired of the mainstream attractions d;

Buzz Lightyear Spaceranger Spin - It's basically a giant, fun, video game. Basically the original version of Toy Story Mania, which is what you'd ride if you went to HS Studios.



Epcot:
Test track - Yes
Soarin' - Yes, but don't wait longer than 30 minutes. Not worth it.
Spaceship earth - YES.
Mission: space - Yes
World showcase - I'll get into that...
Illuminations - HECK YES!

Captain EO - Never a wait to watch this 3D show. It's not a "big" thing to do or anything. But I personally enjoyed the music. Although I thought it was an odd film, it's an interesting 1980s Michael Jackson retro-Epcot film! It's very interesting and fun to watch at least once, I'd recommend it. This section of Future World is basically abandoned anyways.

Ellen's Energy Adventure - Again, disregard what everyone says on these forums about this ride. I personally have ALWAYS loved it. Also, have you ever wanted to ride a ride that was filmed to the game show jeopardy, talk show host Ellen Degenres, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and DINOSAURS? O.O No? Well, now you should -.- Sure it's pretty old now, but if you haven't been on this ride once, then it's new to YOU. The jokes are still funny and it's still an interesting ride. Keep in mind that it's also about 40 minutes long.. Yea. A 40 minute ride. But I swear it's worth it. In my opinion.

Living with the Land - On your way in or out of the pavilion from or to Soarin', check it out. It's interesting to see how Epcot makes their food in this pavilion. Don't waist your time on the circle of life film though. Boring, outdated, and shouldn't be there anymore.

SUM of All Thrills - Located in one of the Innoventions buildings is this small attraction where you design your own roller coaster, and then ride your coaster in a robot-arm simulator ride. It's like one of those hidden gems.

WORLD SHOWCASE ATTRACTIONS

O' Canada - A Circle Vision 360 film about Canada basically. But it's very good and it stars Martin Short as the narrator

Impressions de France - If you're one to easily get bored from history films, skip it. I just think it's a beautiful film to watch, and another one of Epcot's "hidden gems"

The American Adventure - This is the BEST any Animatronic show will ever be WHEREVER you visit! This show is OUTSTANDING! Do NOT miss it!

Maelstrom - A very short, confusing, boat ride in Norway. Yet, oddly entertaining. Another "hidden gem" in Epcot.

3 Cabelleros ride - I'm not sure if you should disregard what people say about this boat ride in the Mexico pavilion or not. It's like a 50/50 chance of you liking it or not. I enjoy it and think it's cute.


Man I love first timers. I like giving my full out opinion on stuff! ^_^


EDIT: Also I agree with everyone else. Don't rush your visits to see everything. Just start from one side of each park and work your way around as you go. Just see the things you want to see as you're working your way around, don't try to cross between one side of the park to the other just to do the mainstream rides. You'll get there!

 

[shakes20]

First, in terms of price go to mousesavers.com, gives great advice about what deal is best for you and even lists any discounts or deals that might be going on during your visit (there are discounts for the period you will be visiting).
Second, do a little research into the rides. Do you like thrill rides? Dark rides? Shows? That could make a difference.
Third, I know it's a vacation, but I can not stress enough how getting to the park at opening (heck, 30 mins. early) can make a difference in getting to all the rides that you want to see. If you're afraid you won't be able to make it through a whole day, go first thing and then take a break for a swim or a nap, returning to the park later in the day.
Finally, if/when you go to Epcot, check what time World Showcase opens (it always opens after Future World) be there as soon you can go in, head to your left. Mexico and Norway are the only two pavilions with rides and you'll get on them without a wait. Leisurely stroll around the rest of World Showcase (there are movies in China, France, and Canada and I like them, but they are not must sees. By the time you get to Future World, everyone else is headed to WS so lines will be much more manageable.
Have Fun!

 

[sirjohnly]

Thank you everyone for your input, I love reading your opinions and experiences!

@WondersOfLife Thanks so much for your in depth descriptions. I have no idea what most of these rides are right now, but they all sound so exciting. I really wish I had more time to properly enjoy them all.

I think one aspect of the trip I didn't consider was getting fast passes. It seems like there are some rides that I'll need a fast pass for. It's probably worth the money to skip the lines if they're really long. I'm not exactly sure how the fast passes or pricing works, does anyone have a good resource they can link me on this?

I'd also appreciate your advice on the following as well:

I plan on being at the Disney resort from Friday (noon) - Tuesday (morning). Judging from this calendar, it seems like there's an event called "Night of Joy" at the MK on Friday night and Saturday night and the park closes early at 7pm. I'm guessing because of this, it would be wise to go to Epcot on Saturday and MK on Sunday?

Since I'm getting to the Disney resort on Friday afternoon, I figure I should spend that afternoon and evening checking out Downtown Disney and the Disney boardwalk (I heard both places were great). Can anyone give a little more detail on what there is to see and do at Downtown Disney and the Disney boardwalk?

Thanks again everyone, I can't express enough how much this is helping me. As someone who has never been to Orlando, the sheer size of Disney World and everything there is to do is just a teeny bit overwhelming.

 

[WondersOfLife]

Thank you everyone for your input, I love reading your opinions and experiences!

@WondersOfLife Thanks so much for your in depth descriptions. I have no idea what most of these rides are right now, but they all sound so exciting. I really wish I had more time to properly enjoy them all.

I think one aspect of the trip I didn't consider was getting fast passes. It seems like there are some rides that I'll need a fast pass for. It's probably worth the money to skip the lines if they're really long. I'm not exactly sure how the fast passes or pricing works, does anyone have a good resource they can link me on this?

I'd also appreciate your advice on the following as well:

I plan on being at the Disney resort from Friday (noon) - Tuesday (morning). Judging from this calendar, it seems like there's an event called "Night of Joy" at the MK on Friday night and Saturday night and the park closes early at 7pm. I'm guessing because of this, it would be wise to go to Epcot on Saturday and MK on Sunday?

Since I'm getting to the Disney resort on Friday afternoon, I figure I should spend that afternoon and evening checking out Downtown Disney and the Disney boardwalk (I heard both places were great). Can anyone give a little more detail on what there is to see and do at Downtown Disney and the Disney boardwalk?

Thanks again everyone, I can't express enough how much this is helping me. As someone who has never been to Orlando, the sheer size of Disney World and everything there is to do is just a teeny bit overwhelming.

I have not used the new "fastpass+" option with the new update on it, but it's included in your park admission. I'd research a bit online about them because from what I understand, you can plan to get fast passes for about 4 or 5 rides for certain times. It's no charge though.

And about the "Night of Joy" event, I honestly think that's your call. Night of Joy is basically an event where a bunch of teens come to Magic Kingdom and watch a bunch of famous contemporary christian bands play. I actually went last year and didn't pay attention to the music at ALL. I just went on the rides. It was only a $70.00 admission ticket both days and they let us come in the afternoon. Everyone piles up on main street and in tomorrowland to listen to the bands until like 12:00 A.M. With that said, a majority of the rides in the park are open until midnight and the only rides that had an extremely long wait time when we were there was Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. (I'm pretty sure the mine train would be crowded, it wasn't open when I went) But it was a blast and it was awesome hearing the rock music play throughout the park! I thought it was worth the 70 bucks considering that was basically 2 days at MK for us then we went home.

If you're not interested in staying up till 12:00 A.M. though, I'd probably suggest your first idea and do Epcot THEN Magic Kingdom. I'll probably be there for Night of Joy though! o-o

^^^
Basically Downtown Disney is all shopping. There's like literally a shop for anybody. There's also a lot of good restaurants. We always go to Rain Forest cafe, I love the atmosphere o-o The food is okay though. The parking is complimentary so you don't have to pay for that. Basically just enjoy your time slowly walking around and enjoying the sights and shops in DD. It's pretty nice and sometimes there's small entertainment going on like music or something.

DisneyQuest is in Downtown Disney as well, which is like an "interactive indoor theme park." But if I were you, I wouldn't spend the extra money on it. If you do want to spend some money on something that day, I'd highly suggest seeing the "La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil" show, it's awesome! c:

Again, just enjoy your time, don't try to do too much! Leave something to do another time you visit d:

 

[loriloughs]

Wow, a big thanks to everyone who took time to answer my questions.

Judging from the responses here, I might be better off not getting a meal plan. I actually got a quote from a Disney vacation planner and she quoted me $1036.38 and that includes:

3 nights @ Pop century resort
2-day tickets with park hopping (no water park)
Free disney quick service dining plan
Misc. stuff like DisneyQuest vouchers, mini golf, etc...stuff I probably won't have time to use.

Is that a good price for hotel + tickets + food? Judging from what others have said in this thread, buying food at Disney might be a better option for me since I'll only be spending two days there.

@Disneydreamer23 I wish I could do Animal Kingdom and Epcot in one day, but I'm afraid it'll be rushed. My girlfriend hates when we go on vacations and I try to do too much and we end up having to run around and not really being able to just sit back and relax. According to her, it doesn't feel like a vacation

Ok. Some numbers- Pop century at low time is about $100.00 per night (late summer early fall special rate). Tickets for 2 days hopper is $504.00 for 2 people. Disney counter service is $42.00 per day per person. Total is roughly $1100. Was that $1036 for the two of you or per person. When it comes to Disney you have to do your homework! They are soooo nice but will not tell you what the best deal is. Perhaps it would be better to book a la carte. And do you really need hopper if you are going to MK one day and Epcot the next?

 

[LAKid53]

I would suggest you go in September after the Labor Day Holiday. 2nd or 3rd week is best - most kids are back in school so lines shouldn't be too long. Will still be warm, though, but not that awful July & August sun bake.

Normally I would say NADA to purchasing a Disney Dining Plan, but if your resort stay comes with it, then I would certainly take it. It will give you 2 QS meals (there are great QS restaurants in all the parks and DTD) and a snack per person. We stayed at Pop in May and it's a decent resort, and unlike the other All Star Values, you don't share a bus with 2 other resorts. The food court is pretty decent, too.

 

[sirjohnly]

Okay, so I'm thinking of cancelling my reservation with Priceline and booking through DisneyWorld directly since you can get the free dining plan.

My question is, if I'm staying at Disney for 4 nights, but only opted for tickets for two days, do I get the free dining service for all four days, or only the two days I select tickets for?

Thanks

 

[MarieTA]

John, You will get the free dining for all 4 nights. Disney's newest wording now says you only need a minimum of 2 day park tickets.