Helpful Advice for First Timer!

[joyrob18]

Hi,

I actually have been to Disney before, but many many many years ago and we are going in November. This will be the first trip ever for my husband and for my 4 year old son. I am so excited, but a bit crazy! There is so much information to absorb! I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share with me their best pieces of advice for us newbies! You guys are such a wealth of knowledge it is awesome!

We are staying at Port Orleans in the Royal Rooms.

Thank you so much! :-)

Disney here we come!!!!!!!!!

[bruin1344]

are you going thanksgiving week or outside of thanksgiving week?

how many days are you going?

[ThanxForNoticin]

Sounds like an amazing trip. I'm a very simple person, so I'll share with you what we usually tell our first-time friends:

- Quality over quantity. It's better to enjoy a few things than it is to try and rush around to do it "all".

- Work your day around your 4 year-old. If they are having a great time in the parks, let them enjoy. If they can use a break and want to enjoy some pool time in the afternoon, let them enjoy. If they want to stop and enjoy an ice cream, go for it (within reason, of course!).

- Take a camera, have many GBytes of space on your memory card, and take as many photos as you can.

- HAVE FUN.

Hope you have a great trip.

[Dulcee]

Plan to take it slow. You may think the picture perfect moment may come when the little guy is riding Dumbo but he may find the monorail to be the greatest attraction in the whole resort. Follow his lead

Along those lines, some kids adore characters and rides and others are terrified. Your more likely to have a happy kid if you let him make those first introductions slowly.

Plan a "park" bag in advance with necessities. A well packed bag or stroller can save you the headache of finding child safe tylenol or spending $15 on a dry pair of socks.

[joyrob18]

We are going Nov. 9-16th.

[dobby2010]

Well be staying in the royal rooms at POR the 12-19, as well! See you there, lol! Well be the ones with the two year old boy. Say hi if you see us!

[cuteduck223]

i always suggest--in regards to characters--watch a few youtube videos and talk about how much bigger the characters are in real life (rather than on tv). Keep it positive, and dont force much. The characters are great at trying to interact and play to make a kid comfortable.

[Fangorn]

We are going Nov. 9-16th.

An excellent time to go!!

I think the number one thing to keep in mind is that there is no possible way you can do everything. If you get that fact firmly fixed in your brain, it will help you to slow down and actually enjoy the trip.

As others have said, let your 4 year old more of less set the pace. It's in everyone's best interest to do so.

However, you do want to have some sort of a plan. Make a list if those things you really want to do: What 5 rides at each park are you, personally, really looking forward to experiencing? What shows do you want to see? Having a short list will help to make the trip "successful". Doing something that's not on the list (and you will) is just a bonus.

Be sure to check out the various street performers (schedule and locations will be noted in the Entertainment Schedule you can pick up upon entrance to the park). These can be some of the best times of all, especially with little ones. Take time to watch the Fountain show at Epcot.

We were there last December (early) with our 5 year-old granddaughter. She loved the boats, trains and monorail as much or more than any of the 'rides'. Several times a day she would just want to sit and watch everything that was going on around her. It's those things she talks about now - not the rides. (Well, except for IASW. I think I rode that with her at least 20 times. But even there the big deal was riding with Papa.)

Anyway, pay attention to what's going on around you - there's so much more than just the rides. Be sure to point out to your little one the beauty of the place and the little things that are all around. Most importantly, have an amazing trip.


Steve

[NewDVCowner]

I saw someone one time mention bringing young children to a place like Chucky Cheese before the trip to get an idea of what the characters are like. That way you'll have a good idea of how he'll react and he'll have an idea of what the expect in terms of the characters.

[faline]

Disney World has so much to offer, it can be quite overwhelming. Don't attempt to do everything - it's just not possible. If you have not already done so, get a book on the parks and the attractions - Birnbaum's Official is a good one. Figure out your must-dos in each park and make sure you do those things first. Don't spend your time rushing from ride to ride in the hopes that you get to ride every ride during your trip. Your 4 year old may find something that fascinates him that you might not feel is the best use of your park time - never mind - go with it. Don't be surprised if your child's favorite ride is something "free" like riding on the monorail!!

If your child is tired, go back to your resort and rest or enjoy some things at your resort - you want this trip to be enjoyable for everyone. A tired family dragging themselves from attraction to attraction is not enjoying themselves.

If you have not made any dining reservations and you have some places you'd really like to try, make reservations. It might be too late for the most popular places.

Download the Disney app on your phone. It's helpful to show wait times and you can even figure out restaurants that still have availability.

Something will NOT go as planned. Don't worry about it. Adapt and change plans as needed. You never know - your alternative may turn out to be the best experience you have on your vacation.