Ideas for touring the parks for a 1st timer About This Page:

[CinderAbby]

What is the cast of characters going - all adults, adults and little ones, adults and bigge kigs?? For me, not knowing who's going makes it tough to recommend something, but here's how I worked it last year when I took my DH (mobility disabled) and DD (7) for the first time knowing for us, it might be a long while too before returning.

We went at my DD's pace. If she wanted rides, we did rides. If she wanted to sit down someplace and have a soda, we'd sit in the AC and people watch. If she was hot and wanted to go to the hotel for the pool, we did that. Growing up, as you can see by my signature, I went many times with my parents, but we always did what mom and dad wanted to do. Yes, I had fun. But to tell you the truth, I had more fun going at my daughter's pace and doing things with her instead of saying "Let's do this because I want to" the way my parents did. When my parents took me, we literally spent all day from opening to closing in the parks (yeah, not a bad deal, but not when you're 5 and 6). If I wanted to go swimming because I was hot, I got "We didn't spend all this money to come here for you to swim."

But anyway, back to the subject. Go at whatever pace everyone is comfortable with and do whatever sparks your interest at the time. If you get to a particular part of a park and you don't feel like doing something, then don't. Just have fun and relax, that's the big thing. There's a lot that we didn't do last year with DD (all of AK, all of MGM, World Showcase at Epcot) because we let her set the pace, but I don't regret a single moment of it. Neither does my DH who had never been before. We had such fun just spending the time with her that everything we didn't do or see doesn't matter, just being together and having fun is what it all came down to.

[hminneman8]

You have to EAT!!! There are some great restaurants....check out the menus on allears.net and plan to sit and eat a couple of meals together. I love all the ride suggestions, but don't forget to stop, take a few breaths and enjoy each other's company over a good meal in a great atmosphere.

For something really unique, plan a dinner outside the parks at one of the resorts that you'd LOVE to stay at but haven't yet...the Contemporary, AKL, Polynesian, Boardwalk, etc. It's a great way to see the resorts and get away from the parks for a bit.

[HollyH]

Alot of good advice and I see that my favorite attractions have already been mentioned.

Enjoy the atmosphere as much as you can, and my best advice is to visit all of the parks with an open mind. A big surprise for me was that DS (then 4) couldn't have cared less about Fantasyland (with the exception of Mickey's Philharmagic). He also had no interest in meeting characters....not scared, just not interested. What did he love? Epcot! ( Soarin and Spaceship Earth. and especially the fountains), finding pressed penny machines, Tom Saywer's Island, playing the drums at AK.....My point is that we loved many things that I would not have predicted (or even known about). Things that I thought would be a big hit fell flat. I guess that I'm trying to say don't pass something because it's not a "must see/do". For your family, it could be one of the best memories of your trip.

[Reillysmommy01]

Thank you so much for all of your input!

We are on the dining plan and I have ADR's for Crystal Palace Breakfast with Pooh and friends, the Princess Breakfast in Norway, Sci-Fi, Coral Reef, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, the Liberty Tree Diner for the Character Meal, and Boma. Hope they are good picks. I would have liked to explore some more of the other resorts (we are staying at CSR) and as I have had time to look over more menus, of course I am now second guessing my reservations, but I am still very excited to experience the ones I did pick! I loved to hear everyones favorite rides and I also love the suggestions to take everything in (i.e., main street and things off the beaten track) and to let the children lead the way. My dh and I are traveling with our dd (6) and ds (4). Part of me wishes we had waited to tell them where we were going (just say "hey get on this plane we have a surprise for you"); however I have really enjoyed watching them get more and more excited as our departure date gets closer. It has been so much fun watching them through this process--I can't wait to see their expressions when we are there. I also agree with one of the above posters that you need to take time and swim or nap. I really plan on trying to do that almost every day. I don't think the kids would have any fun after day 2 if I dragged them throught the parks for the whole day. Now I just have to make sure I follow through

Thanks again for all the input! I love it! You guys are definately helping make this trip more "Magical"!

Heather

[revral]

Do NOT forget to wear sunscreen and bring it with you in to the parks and reapply regularly. It's very easy to get burned in the parks and not realize it until you're back in your room for the night and see yourself in a mirror.

Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water/juice. Getting dehydrated can make you sick. If you start feeling off try getting out of the sun for awhile and drinking some water. Don't chug the water though you'll just feel worse small sips regularly will do. The chances are pretty good that if your feeling good it's a combination of the heat and not getting enough water.

Bring and wear comfortable, supportive, well broken in sneakers. Your trip to Disney is not the time to try out a new shoe brand/style.

Use the train at MK to cut down on the amount of walking you have to do. You'll be tired at the end of the day but you wont be practically passing out at dinner.

[disneyluvers]

Seconding everyone's lists, and great suggestions! Here are a couple of other thoughts:

Take time to talk to the CMs especially if you visit WS (which admittedly with a 4 and 6 year old you may not!). They love to talk about their countries and truly appreciate when we in the US show an interest in where they live.

Second, I may have missed when you are going, but depending on the season, if Disney offers any holiday-themed events (MNSSHP, Holiday events etc) try to take advantage of one of them. Nobody does holidays like Disney!!

And for heaven's sake, take LOTS of pictures and use PhotoPass! You'll sadly be home before you know it, and the pictures will bring back wonderful memories!

Enjoy your magical trip!