Where to take a first timer on arrival day!

[NewfieFan]

So, you know I have to plan every detail and it all has to be perfect... so, where do you take a Disney "virgin" on arrival day? The choices are either MK or Epcot. Our last two trips we've always hit Epcot the first night but I just want to give my friend the best "first experience"! We won't get to the park until supper time (it's a long travel day for us) but we still have to see a park our first night!

I was thinking Epcot, supper at Sunshine Seasons, walk around/take it easy, and finish the night with Illuminations! What do you all think?

 

[disneygirl76]

Magic Kingdom all the way!! :sohappy: The pic in front of the castle, ride Pirates and Haunted Mansion, get a Mickey premium bar for the parade, and dinner at the castle!!! How fun! To be planning a first timers trip!!! :sohappy:

 

[polynesiangirl]

It really depends on your friend's preferences/age/etc...MK is such an iconic Disney Landmark that I'd normally say it only feels "right" to show them that first, but if your friend is a somewhat reluctant WDW visitor, then Epcot might be the better fit since it's less crazy/overwhelming than MK (generally speaking).

I'd also avoid MK if you think it's going to be insanely crowded that day for some reason - a lot of people who've never been assume that WDW is nothing but waiting in long, hot lines...

I think your plan sounds great, especially if your friend is the more laid-back sort. Plus, IllumiNations never fails to amaze my Disney-newbie friends.

Then again, MK and Epcot are two of my favorite spots on the planet, so I think you can't really go wrong either way. Have fun!

 

[swimmom]

Two years ago we took my MIL for her first trip and MK was our very first park. She was absolutely in awe at the site of Main Street and the Castle.

 

[SchultzFamily]

In 2004, we took our oldest son and his "then" girlfriend for his high school graduation trip. She had never been to Disney. We took her to the MK first and the awe in her face and the tears when she saw the castle for the first time was a treasure.

 

[macsmom]

I am in luck this year. I am also taking a "newbie" and our first day at the parks, MK has EMH in the a.m. and then EPCOT has them in the evening. And, I have never seen Illuminations so it is a double treat for each of us.

danna

Oh, I was going to say go to MK on the first day!

 

[accord99cutie]

For some reason i just feel any new timers first park should be MK, even if that means, going for an hour or two, just to walk around, and then taking the Monorail to Epcot to end the night.

 

[Rob562]

I'm going to WDW in June with my roommate. This will be his first trip, and he's leaving most of the planning up to me.

Our flight gets in around 12:30PM. We'll probably grab a quick lunch in the airport (we're on Free Dining, but we'll have left home before 7AM, so I know we wouldn't last until we got to the hotel, checked in and gotten our dining credits).
Check in, relax in the room a little, and then head out to Epcot for dinner at Le Cellier, followed by Illuminations. Depending on what time we get to the park, we'll hit an attraction or two.

It is my opinion that nothing gives you a better "welcome to WDW" than RoE.

-Rob

 

[brent2124]

If its an adult then go to Epcot for Illuminations and a nice dinner. If its a kid then its the magic of the Magic Kingdom and Spectro Magic and Wishes. But either way its there first day and it will be an amazing adventure.

 

[Jenna]

I'd be inclined to take them to Epcot. That was where we went the first time we went to WDW (simply because we thought it would be the park we'd enjoy least). We were amazed by it but when we seen the other parks we decided it was infact our least favourite but it meant we still got the wow and woopay factor! So I suppose I'm actually saying take them to the park you think they'll like least first :shrug:

 

[NewfieFan]

Thanks for the suggestions! She's an adult (a long time friend of myself) and she's coming with my family (myself, hubby, and two kids). She's basically "along for the ride" as she knows nothing about WDW at all! She's really close to our family and really close with my kids... so she will enjoy doing "kid stuff" as she loves to see them excited as well!

The only reason I'm debating about the MK is I'm wondering if it would be better for her to see the MK first thing in the morning after watching the opening ceremonies!?! I love starting the day at the MK, when it's so nice and cool, the crowds are low, etc. I'm trying to give her a good first impression that's all! I'm sure where ever we go she's going to be in awe!

Of course, I haven't seen the calendar yet so there may be something going on that will make my decision for me!

If I go to the MK... where should we eat supper that night? I'm looking for a good CS. I don't like planning a TS my first day b/c I never know what time we'll get to a park and of course we want to eat right away (you don't get fed on planes these days)!

 

[KC82271]

If I go to the MK... where should we eat supper that night? I'm looking for a good CS. I don't like planning a TS my first day b/c I never know what time we'll get to a park and of course we want to eat right away (you don't get fed on planes these days)!

My CS suggestion would be Pecos Bills in Frontierland. Grab a seat outside late enough - you can catch the light parade right from your seat.

 

[NewfieFan]

My CS suggestion would be Pecos Bills in Frontierland. Grab a seat outside late enough - you can catch the light parade right from your seat.

Sounds nice!

 

[Susan Savia]

Probably Epcot for a leisurely walk around and then MK first thing the following morning. Nothing like the sunshine hitting the castle first thing...

 

[Craig & Lisa]

If your freind has a preference then go with hers, but if she wants to leave it to you, then I would suggest going to the park that you like the most, whichever it is she will be in awe of the fact that she is in WDW!!!

 

[WDWRLD]

Definitely MK for the "wow" factor. At Epcot there is really no spot that you get to walking in and go "wow". Epcot is great but nothing compares to MK. When Walt designed the MK he designed the park as a show. When you walk under the train station and come out into town square that is the opening of the curtain of the show. Then as you come around the corner by the Emporium and Confectionery you get your first look at the Castle front and center and them you will get the "wow" factor.
Just remember to not get there just as Spectromagic crouds are packing mainstreet or you will have to work you way through all those people and that definitely will take away some of the magic. Try to watch wishes from right where the trolley tracks split at the hub. It will definitely be a night to remember.

 

[NewfieFan]

I'm starting to lean towards the MK now! I love Epcot but I know what you all mean about the MK! She doesn't have a preference at all... she's leaving everything up to me! She won't even give an opinion on where she wants to eat. I just want her to have a good time and I'm hoping to convert her!:drevil:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

EPCOT...then the next day MK.

 

[eroyee]

Definitely MK. You could eat at Peco's Bills and then watch Wishes and Spectromagic if youre lucky! You can still go back to MK in the morning for the opening show and the rest of the park. I think MK is the wow factor for a first time visitor. Me, too, and I have been many many times!!

 

[Scooter]

I'd hit Epcot on the first night.
Spaceship Earth is a very good first impression attraction and a nice leisurely walk around world showcase w/Illuminations is a great way to end a first night.

You can "Wow" her all over again the next morning when you show up at The Magic Kingdom full of renewed energy after a good nights sleep. MK can be a bit overwhelming when you are tired from a day of traveling.
Just my opinion.
Scooter