What Words of Wisdom Would You Give Disney "First Timers"?

[jw24]

Aside from everything that has already been said, don't flip out about rain. A good chunk of the attractions are indoors so while a good portion may head out of the park, you can take advantage of the short lines when the people leave. And it's been noted that the rain doesn't last very long generally speaking.

 

[pixiesteno]

All excellent recommendations from previous postings. Let me add, a variety of different sized plastic ziplock baggies can be really handy to have. Also for those with short hair or who wear their hair up, one of the worst sunburns I ever had was on the top of my ears! Sunscreen on the top of the ear is a really good idea. Most of all, slow down enjoy, find a bench sit and relax and just watch the world go by.

 

[CheshireCat12]

Reapply sunscreen on your face as you will sweat it off in the summer months
Go up to any QS that sells fountain soda and ask for ice water instead of spending money on soda or bottled water- they will all give it to you
Bring ponchos into the park

 

[RoyWalley]

The 3 o'clock parade is at 3 o'clock...

 

[Brer Rabbit 33]

I know some people who have never seen Fantasmic and Wishes, and have never gone to AK. End of the day fireworks(including Fantasmic) are all very good. Also go to EVERY park.

 

[DVCOwner]

I agree with so many have said already: Plan ahead, take your time and do not try to do it all in one trip (you cannot).

 

[Tiggertoo56]

As al other posts - remember you won't see it all on the first visit, nor second,third, fourth or even fifth. We're doing the sixth next year but so much changes in a couple of years that we plan for every visit to make sure we don't miss the new things. Plan for what/when you actually want to do, wear comfortable shoes, use sunscreen, go out of season, don't worry about the transport and lines - just enjoy! Don't try to follow what everyone thinks you should do, just live the experience.

 

[JillC LI]

It depends on whether:
(a) that first timer is an only-timer;
(b) the ages of the attendees; and
(c) the time of year they are going.

I suppose the advice that would apply to all is: have a Dole Whip Float!

 

[Susan Savia]

Read up about the parks before you go and familiarize yourself with the park layouts, where bathrooms are, etc. Be at rope drop each day and make any dining reservations ahead of time. If you need to stop with your family/group to discuss plans, read the map etc, please move out of the way of people. Take your time, take it all in and if you miss something because of a long line or a closure, move on and come back at another time.

 

[pumpkin7]

Take me with you!

 

[jharvey]

I have two pieces of advice:

1. Don't expect to see and do everything in one trip. It's impossible. Just take time to enjoy the moment of each thing you do get to experience.

2. If you aren't used to walking (exercising) then start walking each day about 3 months before your trip.

Wow.... Actually perfect advice. Lock the thread, nothing else needed. You win the internet for the day.

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

Wow.... Actually perfect advice. Lock the thread, nothing else needed. You win the internet for the day.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[Tink0102]

We had a lot of dinner reservations and found that they interfered with our fun. Our next trip we will make more reservations for breakfast and less for dinner. That way we won't have to stop what we are doing to rush to a ressie. Another would be to make time for rest breaks....it doesn't matter how hard you go you will not do it all so don't kill yourself trying. And last but not least try to make Rope Drop at MK at least one morning!

 

[plaz10]

I didn't read any other comments so I may be repeating

Early mornings are your best friends. Most people love sleeping in and eating breakfast (which I totally do - just not in Disney) so the parks are relatively empty in the early mornings. Even during Spring Break we were able to ride everything we wanted with a low wait in the first hour or 2 of the parks. I suggest going to a big ride and grabbing a FP and then getting in Standby to insure 2 rides. (we do this for toy story, soarin' and splash mountain - but that's us)

Since getting up early can be rough on sleeping habits - go back to the room around 1:30-2 when the crowds pick up. Enjoy the pool. Take a nap. Re group and head back. Stay late. You can really accomplish a lot at MK during Wishes/parade.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Tink0102]

Re group and head back. Stay late. You can really accomplish a lot at MK during Wishes/parade.

HAVE FUN!

I agree! Our best night was when we went back after dinner one night and rode a ton of rides while every one else was watching the parade and wishes.

 

[Belowthesurface]

Listen to everything a Cast Member tells you to do.

 

[ml123_9]

Join this forum and ask questions

 

[Magenta Panther]

Bring a nice shady hat.

Also, an umbrella. Preferably a mini-umbrella that you can fit into your purse or bag or whatever. This is especially important if you're going to WDW in the fall. It rains a lot then.

 

[righttrack]

• Give yourself enough time. For everything. You visit, transportation, lines, crowds, etc. That is the first rule you need to follow.
• Visit each park once and sample. Much like you would in line at the buffet the first time. One spoon of everything. Then visit each park, and do what you really want to do, again, or for the first time.
• Be fearless. Just about every ride/attraction is made for people of all ages, sizes, etc. Ride the rides. The thrilling ones aren't as thrilling as other places and the mild ones aren't as babyish as in other places. Think 6-60+ for age groups for everything!
• Eat and drink. Disney has lots of nice treats. Take in a nice sit down meal once a day.
• Don't leave property. There is no reason to. This is an all-inclusive vacation on a cruise ship, only the cruise ship is 47 square miles!

 

[draybook]

Don't skip any of the theme parks and don't for one second think you will see everything.