First time to WDW

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Joined: 03/28/2012
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First time to WDW

Hey guys!

So, a friend and I are both going to WDW in April and it will be the first time for both of us. We are women in our early 20's and plan on doing a few days at WDW along with other attractions in Florida.

So my question is simple. Any advice? Tips on what are a must see/do etc. We are both big kids so we want to have the whole Disney experience. Been reading many of the posts here and there are some great ideas. Hoping to get some more Smile

Thanks!

MrHub's picture
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Hi juliette917 and welcome to the friendlest forum on the web! Well regarding your question, if your willing to get up early, do rope drop at the Magic Kingdom. That is an experience all in it own, plus the park should be empty enough that the lines won't be long yet and you should be able to get through some rides pretty quickly.

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Hello Juliette 917 and welcome, I would like to say that just about everything at WDW is must see/do BUT you can not do it all in one trip so go at your own pace and don't try to overdo it. You won't see it all in one trip and (hopefully) what you missed will still be there on your next trip. Like Mrhub said there are ways to maximize your visit such as going early and if you have have park hopper passes, switching parks if the one you are in gets too crowded.

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Kristen K.'s picture
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welcome Juliette!!

How fun to almost be on your way! I agree with Vettelover, you won't be able to get the "whole Disney experience" in one trip. LoL... heck I've been going for 40 years and still haven't had the whole experience! There's so much to see and do, and it's always changing. What sort of things do you like to do? If you give us some ideas, we'll be better able to direct you to activities that you'll love!

Kris1971's picture
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welcome You're going to love the Disney experience, but like others have said, you can't do it all in one trip. Are you both into thrill rides, or are you foodies? Tell us what you like to do and I'm sure we'll all have some good feedback for you!

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welcome I just got back from my first trip about a month ago!!! You guys are going to have a blast!!! And this board is GREAT to help with planning it all out!! Thats my #1 tip, plan your trip! Not your entire days, but just plan your meals, what park you would like to at least start out in each day.. that sort of thing! It definately makes the trip easier if you have a plan!!!

That being said, I second Kristen K. What type of things are you guys looking at doing, are you staying on property? doing a dining plan? What are you most excited about???

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park hoppers, rope drops, meal plans....all good advice!

also, let me know if you want to know anything else about other stuff in the Orlando/Central FL...I lived there for a few months and did everything touristy there was to do. There are other people here who actually live there also!

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Wow I can see why this site is great!

Umm I honestly don't know what we would like, we are pretty open to anything. I like to keep myself busy so the thrill rides and anything interactive would be nice. I read somewhere that they had workshops for animation or something? Is that worth a try? We both are involved with art and music here at home, hence me asking. We are both Disney fanatics (own every animated film) so I'm going to be the nut running around taking pictures with all the Disney characters. My friend is more outgoing/party girl and will probably be scouting for the drinks when we take a break.

We are staying off site near Universal so we don't have a meal plan.. Should I be thinking of getting one? Cuisine isn't a major thing, we are open to whatever is available to fill the void in our stomachs. Looking for the best bang for our buck since we are young and broke. lol.

For other stuff in Florida, doing a day (maybe 2 if we have time) at Universal, we also want to have a day trip to a beach. Any recommendations? On the east coast would be closer right? Anything on the way that should be seen?

Man I feel like such a newbie with all these questions! Appreciate all your advice here Smile

Brad's picture
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Hey Juliette! Welcome aboard!

Some quick answers:

1.) Can't get the dining plan if you're staying off-site, but that's okay because it probably wouldn't be the best fit for you anyway. So that's one question down!
2.) You mentioned the animation workshops. Here's a post on the "Animation Academy" which is probably what you've heard of:
http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/animation-academy
It's quite fun, although I doubt too many great artists were born there. If you do go be sure to post your results on our drawings thread:
http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/your-animation-academy-drawings
3.) As far as best bang for your buck on food, you probably want to eat things off-site. Disney is notorious for high prices on food items and if food isn't the highest priority for you, I'd spend my dollars elsewhere.

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Welcome to the board! You will get great advice here!

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Juliette - I echo Brad's suggestions, plus have a couple of my own.

Though there are cocktails in most Disney Parks, the Magic Kingdom is a dry park. The closest bars will be at hotels on the Magic Kingdom Monorail route. Most of them open about 4pm and are a great spot to relax for a bit before heading back to the park. http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/great-lounges-walt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom-monorial-loop

The Tambu Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian Resort is my favorite and sits next to a couple great restaurants ('Ohana, Kona Cafe', and a small Sushi Counter). I know that you said food isn't really important, however if you do want to eat at any of the Disney Table Service restaurants (ones w/a waitress) then you will need to make advance dining reservations, so give it a thought! http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2012/03/do-you-need-advanced-dining-reservations-at-walt-disney-world/

I'm not a beach girl, but my BFF swears by the Gulf Coast side. I think those are Clearwater, St. Pete, and Treasure Island areas. Someone else will have to fill in the beach details.

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Welcome to the boards!

Everyone has such great suggestions!

Here's a thread about Favorite Florida Beaches!

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/fave-fl-beach

Before we had our son, we really liked Cocoa Beach, it's a good beach with big waves and lots of shops and bars. Now that we have our son, we go to Clearwater which is a bit more quiet. Both are not a bad drive from Orlando!

You can bring food into the parks, so you could also think of bringing snacks in to eat to save money!

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Welcome Juliette

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Wow! Some great suggestions!

I have a better idea now on what to do and will definitely look at all the info you guys provide.

I'm excited ^.^

Thanks guys!

Kristen K.'s picture
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We're excited for you! Keep us posted as to what yo decide to do! mickey

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Welcome welcome!!!!!

I hope that you'll come back here and tell us all about your trip!

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