Trip Planning: Taking a First-Timer

[crazygirley]

I am in the very beginning stages of planning a trip for a first-timer. See, my parents are taking me to WDW for most of July to celebrate my 21st birthday, however my boyfriend (the first-timer) will be flying down on my birthday to stay for a few days. He's a 21 year old, and has no idea what he is in for. I'm sure WDW isn't his first choice for a vacation destination, but want's to go since he has never been. We will be staying at AKL with my parents, but in our own room. I have a few questions.

1. What is the best way to acclimate him? I was thinking that on our first night we would do DTD, and for his first park we would go to Epcot. You really can't go wrong with Epcot, but do you think it would be too boring?

2. What type of tickets should he get? I was thinking that since we probably won't be visiting that many parks, that he would be better off getting one-day passes. We will probably do PI and TL or BB, but it's likely that my parents will spring for those tickets for him (plus we have AP's and can get him discounts).

3. What are some other tips for a WDW veteran taking a first-timer? I don't want to overwhelm him, but I want him to have a great time. Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[iluvstitch]

My bf and I went to WDW this past July and it was his 1st trip (we were both 21, too). We went to Downtown Disney and Disney Quest first b/c I know he loves video games. Later that evening, we went to MGM and rode TOT and Star Tours and saw Fantasmic. He was really impressed and said "We are NEVER going to a Six Flags again!". LOL So, I would suggest not overdoing it on his first day, and fitting in some things, you know he'd love. And then, hopefully he will become addicted to WDW! -Stephanie

 

[TIGGER-FAN]

If you plan on going to DTD, think about getting tickets for La Nouba. It is an awsome show I think you both would enjoy. If you are a park veteran, then take the days at your boyfriends pace. Let him pick and choose some of the activities and attractions. Also build in some time to just be with each other i.e. find a park bench on main street (or anywhere) and people watch.

 

[DouglasE]

Basically try to tailor the experience to his likes/dislikes.

As a first timer I think maybe dinner at Boma and then head out to Pleasure Island for his first night. I think that would totally destroy his preconceptions of what Disney is like. Most people think "Disney=kids". This would show him there is something for everyone at WDW.

As for the rest of his visit:

Is he a thrill seeker? In that case, maybe do a day park hopping and just hit all the higher octane attractions: the three mountains in Magic Kingdom; ToT and RnR in MGM; Mission:Space and Test Track in Epcot; Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur in AK. That's a very full day full of excitement.

Is he a big eater and loves to eat? Leisurely stroll through World Showcase grabbing a nibble here and a nibble there. He'll have a full tummy by the time you get through.

Disney does a super job with the night time spectacles. I would definitely include at least one, whether it is Spectromagic, Illuminations, Fantasmic, or Wishes.

Explore the whole AKL resort. Maybe do a Hidden Mickey hunt? The pool is supposed to be awesome. Maybe hot tub action? Get those night vision goggles and spy some critters.

Is he a golfer? I hear those golf courses are pretty good at WDW. Is he a sports nut? Wide World of Sports sounds like the ticket. Go parasailing on the Bay off the Contemporary Resort.

My point is you know your boyfriend. We do not. I have no idea what your boyfriend would enjoy. Maybe one weekend, you could sit down together with some guidebooks and rummage through them and try and find things that he might enjoy. At least he could give you an indication of what would interest him. The official Birnbaum's Guide might be good because of all the color pictures. Nothing beats the Unofficial Guide for detail - that sucker is thick! And Passporter is great for organization.

I took a first timer this past June. He was no help. He kept on saying whatever you want to do. I tried to give him choices. But he didn't care. I took him to Epcot first, since it has less fantasy elements to it. He was immediately hooked and sometime in our first two hours in Walt Disney World he was on a cell phone telling a friend back home how he would definitely be coming back to Orlando he was having such a good time! If you want to read about our experience, check out my website/trip report.