Your Planning advice to First Timers.

[real mad hatter]

Good Morning Disneyaerians. Now I hope you think I didn't come down too hard on " Bravemouse " this morning.A 21 year old female from Canada,but she asked on the site " What is the DDP all about " ? I have gave her a article to read on today's Disney food blog.And of course her homework.But imagine your a Disney tutor and are taking your first class of first timers.How would you go about spreading the pixie dust of your knowledge? Where would you start,? And what is the most important things to teach them to make their Disney vacation a dream come true.?

 

[Figgy1]

Tell them they need at LEAST 6 full days closer to 2 weeks fot their first trip!!!! Next thing I would tell them is to read the Unofficial Guide to Disney cover to cover and ask questions only after finishing the book!! One can only dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tinkerkell]

Don't try to "do it all." You can't, no matter how long you're staying. Pick some highlights to do in each park, and consider the rest you do as bonus. Take time to slow down and notice the details. Stop and smell the roses (and the cookies on Main Street!). Take an afternoon swim break, especially when it's hot and humid.

 

[s&k'smom]

I agree get the Unofficial Guide and either Birnbaums or the Passporter. I usually point folks in the direction of Mousesavers.com and Allearsnet.com as well.

 

[BigRedDad]

First, I would tell them not to waste their money on a book. For those that love them, great. I find that I can get all the same information for free from here and other sites. Next, I explain to them that they cannot do it all no matter how many days they go. Third, I know what their personalities are like and whether they will "get" Disney. Yes, there are people out there that will not enjoy WDW, it is as simple as that. My one neighbor wants to take his family and it is going to be the most miserable trip they ever take. Lastly, I tell them to research what they will want to do and make a priority list of things and be sure to do those.

I went with my in-laws who had never been on a vacation before and my BIL/SIL. BIL and SIL are Disney fans, but they do not enjoy what we enjoy. Our trip was basically ruined because of it. During Thanksgiving, they want to sleep in, go to the parks when it is the busiest, and "do what the kids want" but complain when the kids want to do something. Never again. Be sure to have a plan and if going with others, plan days separately and times to meet up for meals or to hangout.

 

[chrisd68]

For me it's prepare an itinerary. It doesn't need to be followed to the letter but it does act as a guide and helps ensure you maximise your time in WDW.

I honestly can't understand how anyone could wake up in the morning and ask 'where shall we go today?

 

[Susan Savia]

I would tell them to read everything about the Disney Parks, whether it is online or in a book. Decide what kind of budget they have to work with and how many days. I would suggest at the least one week, two if possible. Decide where you would like to stay, onsite or offsite. Plan to spend one day per park and then return to the favorite parks again time permitting. Pick a few dining places and reserve them. Be sure to enter the parks at rope drop each morning to get the most out of your time and to use Fast Passes. And most of all, to have fun.

 

[littleroo]

I agree!! Read, Read, Read!!! What I would tell them to do, would depend on their length of stay and chances of a return trip. For beginners, I would think a week is enough.

I have been to Disney many times and still have not accomplished everything! It always seems like nostalgia wins out a lot, over trying new things. I think the key is that we love and our obsessed with Disney on these boards and most people won't do disney the same as all of us maniacs! Enjoying an afternoon at the pool or taking a nap everyday is not a bad thing!!

 

[sgtmgd]

Research..whether by internet...or a book like passporters..being prepared is half the battle to really enjoying yourself...

BUDGET: DISNEY IS EXPENSIVE...plan accordingly..I have seen countless families be unprepared for the "hidden" costs of being at Disney...money is th e#1 stresser at a place like disney...if mom and dad are constantly wooried over every dime...the trip wont be magical.

Long Days and Longer nights...patience...

 

[coltow]

Good Morning Disneyaerians. Now I hope you think I didn't come down too hard on " Bravemouse " this morning.A 21 year old female from Canada,but she asked on the site " What is the DDP all about " ? I have gave her a article to read on today's Disney food blog.And of course her homework.But imagine your a Disney tutor and are taking your first class of first timers.How would you go about spreading the pixie dust of your knowledge? Where would you start,? And what is the most important things to teach them to make their Disney vacation a dream come true.?

My #1 piece of advice is NOT to sleep in. I tell my friends they need to be at the parks for rope drop. They can always take a break int he afternoons if needed. But lines are much more manageable in the mornings

 

[BigRedDad]

My #1 piece of advice is NOT to sleep in. I tell my friends they need to be at the parks for rope drop. They can always take a break int he afternoons if needed. But lines are much more manageable in the mornings

This is completely true. I have heard countless times from people that say they slept til 10AM, got to the parks at noon, couldn't find a place to eat, lines were an hour long, it was hot, they couldn't do anything, and were miserable. All I do is tell them "told you so!!!". There are equally enjoyable vacations for half the price and designed for sleeping in and relaxing. Unfortunately, that is not Disney World.

Disney World is not a place for sleeping on a vacation unless you schedule "off" days. On days for parks, it is up early for rope drop and enjoy everything you can. If you want so go on vacation to sleep in, there are plenty of other destinations for that.

 

[Figgy1]

This is completely true. I have heard countless times from people that say they slept til 10AM, got to the parks at noon, couldn't find a place to eat, lines were an hour long, it was hot, they couldn't do anything, and were miserable. All I do is tell them "told you so!!!". There are equally enjoyable vacations for half the price and designed for sleeping in and relaxing. Unfortunately, that is not Disney World.

Disney World is not a place for sleeping on a vacation unless you schedule "off" days. On days for parks, it is up early for rope drop and enjoy everything you can. If you want so go on vacation to sleep in, there are plenty of other destinations for that.

Even on my "off" day I'm at DTD and the outlets (Christmas shopping or at least that's what I tell my dh) early until well after dinner. Why sleep at Disney when you can sleep at work when you get home!

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

While you can get a tremendous amount of info on sites like this one, having a Passporter in hand is better. You see the pictures with the text. You have write-ups on everything and maps in great detail. There are places to store important papers. There are lists of important numbers. I would take mine apart and take only the parts we might need. I would tell a newbie to ask the cm's questions. Don't waste precious time figuring things out for yourself.
There are places for all your reservation numbers. Birnbaum and The Unofficial Guide are good also. We had such fun and excitement studying in these books before our trips. We were pros before we even entered the parks.
We no longer need them, but we still enjoy looking through the new ones. You never know what new little thing has cropped up since your last visit.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I would recommend The Unofficial Guide or a similar resource for the first-timer, which will include things like tear-out itineraries and attraction height limit lists, as well as some nice overviews of Disney resorts, attractions and amenities (the things that get discussed here in so much depth that it may be hard for a newcomer to see the forest for the trees).

While much good information can be obtained online, much of it is out-of-date or just plain wrong. (In researching for our upcoming trip, I just read online today several "interesting" facts about WDW on a Disney fan website -- did you know you can get a "secret" bus from Hollywood Studios directly to any other park? Or that Wilderness Lodge has no bus service to the Magic Kingdom? Or that the dining plan will save you a minimum of 30% over the cost of out-of-pocket food every time? But, I read it on the internet, so it must be true, right? )

 

[rsoxguy]

Nothing deep here. I would tell them to get a list of attractions and dining options, arrive at the parks with a general knowledge of the layout, and enjoy the day as it unfolds. Simple.

 

[flipadeeflop]

-Plan, but not TOO much. Know what parks to do on which days, have a list of must-dos for everyone in the group, and have an idea of where you would want to eat for each meal, so come busy lunch time you aren't waiting in huge lines, hungry and frustrated

-Don't do TS locations everyday. Pick 1 or 2 TS locations that sound as if they would fit your tastes and space out what days you do them. Choose ones that are in the parks you are planning on spending the day in or at your resort, so that you aren't confusing yourself with transportation.

-Comfortable shoes!

-Bags can go on the rides with you as long as they are small enough to fit in the pouch on the ride vehicle. (I usually don't bring anything bigger than 12"x12".)

-Use the bag to bring water in with you in the parks! And snacks! Don't bring too much though or your shoulders will kill. I use a Bobble or Brita water bottle so I can just share 1 water bottle between my boyfriend and I and it's less weight to carry. That way we can just fill it up on the way to an attraction and drink in line!

-Plan for at LEAST 5-6 days in the parks if they are doing only the 4 parks! Plan more if they are doing water parks or Universal etc.

-I PERSONALLY would say no park hopper for a first timer. It might be overwhelming.

-I would tell them about photo pass, ADRs, EMH, Transportation, and fastpasses! How to explain them simply?
-Photopass- they give you a card. You walk around the park and see CMs with cameras taking pictures of people. Wait behind them and hand them the card. They will tell you where to stand, what to do, etc. When you get home log in to the website with your photopass card and your pictures are there!
-EMH- A different park is open earlier or later each day for Disney resort guests. Only visit the parks with this option on these days if you are visiting during that extra hour or 2, otherwise it's not worth it since those parks tend to get more crowded.
-Transportation- Even if you are the type of person who prefers renting a car, you might find it worth it to take Disney transportation as a first time visitor. There are buses from each resort to each park and DTD, but not from resort to resort, or park to park. The buses stop running an hour after park closing, but DTD runs late.
-Fastpasses- There are kiosks with "tickets" being dispensed for select attractions. The tickets have a time to return and ride that attraction. Use this if you don't want to wait in line, but you must return within the hour window listed on the ticket. There is also a certain amount of time listed on the ticket specifying when you can get another fastpass for a different attraction (so you can't hoard 8 fastpasses for attractions throughout the parks, you are only allowed 1 at a time, usually)
-ADRs- If you are planning on dining at a TS location, you most likely need to make a ADR. Just go online and browse the website!

 

[WDW 3]

This is fun. I have a newbie coworker just booked her airline last night and I hope to depart upon her some of the above.
It is an expense! Do your research!
Please, don't go stressed about every penny. Go like it'll be the only time you get the chance and enjoy yourselves.
Close your eyes and swipe the card If you are a miserable worry wart about the money it's going to rub off on everyone.
Be prepared to stand in lines. Don't pass them up and miss something wonderful.

My family and I absolutely will wake up and decide where to go for the day No itineraries for us just a couple ADRs for a week. And the only park we'll be at for rope drop is HS. No worries.. this is not the plan I'm suggesting for my newbie, but spontineity works for us.

 

[draybook]

Research is the number one thing. Because I failed at that on our first trip in 2008, we missed out on free dining and Epcot. I'm helping a coworker plan his family's trip and it's so much fun. Even though my coworkers know I'm the "Disney guy" I make sure to tell them to do their research as I don't know everything about WDW.

 

[toasty]

I try to keep it very brief so as not to overwhelm, but let them know that I'll be happy to answer any questions they may have:

1. Get a book/visit some websites and develop an understanding of what you'd like to see and what gets busy
2. Understand what Fastpass is and use it liberally. There should never be a time when you don't have at least one in your possession
3. If seeing as many attractions as possible is important to you, get there at ropedrop and knock out the things that develop long lines first
4. Have some sort of plan of attack, at least for the first few things you intend to do each day

Oh yeah, and wear comfortable shoes.

 

[toasty]

One other thing: if it's a friend, I'll generally just hop on Amazon and send them a copy of the Unofficial Guide. It's only like $11, and I sincerely believe it's the single best resource a newbie can have. If nothing else, the sheer size of the book will subtly alert them to the fact that this is not a trip to Six Flags and that some planning will be in order.