What 5 things do you consider a must

[jg22524]

Hi,

As a first timer to WDW what 5 things would you consider a must whilst there? I ask as we are trying to sort out what are the best things to go see/visit/best dining experience etc. I know that the Magic Kingdom etc have to be done but I was looking for top tips, rides or attractions. Any help grateful received and if you have more than 5 then feel free to list them!

Thanks,

Jo.

[foreverducky]

I would attempt to get a reservation for the buffet at Chef Mickey's for breakfast. It's such a disney experience.

Definitely watch Wishes and Fantasmic (my personal favorite).

Enjoy the countries in Epcot.

[jg22524]

Thanks foreverducky, I will google Chef Mickey's and see if you can book in advance.

[Keith]

ooooooo so so so many possible answers :yes:

My very favourite thing is to go and grab a glass of champagne from one of the countries around the EPCOT world showcase and watch illuminations. It's a simple thing but truly memorable.

Go see the Wishes fireworks at the magic kingdom of course and watch them from the station at the end of main street if you can. Truly wonderful view

California grill at the contemporary for a truly awesome dining experience and watch the fireworks from your table or the viewing area if not. It's a very different view than from ground level.

Hood dee doo revue at fort wilderness for a foot stomping, laugh till you cry, dinner show

oh I could go on all night

[jg22524]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for the suggestions!!! Looks like this question will pull out some real gems.

Cheers,

Jo.

[Britchick]

rides

big thunder mountain

haunted mansion

buzz lightyears space ranger spin

peter pan

tomorrow land transit authority!

[Tink]

Oh gosh. This is impossible, but let's see.

EPCOT:
Five places to eat: Marrakesh, Bistro de Paris, Le Cellier, Sunshine Seasons Food Fair, Sommerfest
Five things to do: Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, Soarin', Test Track, Maelstrom
Five things to listen to: The Japanese Drummers, Off Kilter, Mo' Rockin', British Invasion, Norway's band, ok 6- Mariache Cobre
Five things to see: The chrysalis box in the UK, the film in France, the film in China, the act in France, the butterfly garden in FW
Five snacks to have: Anything from the French bakery, nearly anything from the Norwegian bakery, anything from Fountainview Cafe, Popcorn, but only if it's fresh, soft pretzel from Germany
Five cold treats: Mickey bar, itzakadoozie, iced mocha latte, chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich, gelato
Five drinks: No brainer, there are 11 countries to choose from and each has a specialty. :D There are several types of sake on offer at Japan in the back of the huge shop there. This is often overlooked... :D


Oh, did you mean all the parks or just my beloved EPCOT? :D :D :D

[Skywatcher]

1. Don't try and do it all - you won't be able to you will be exhauted trying and you won't have a good time as a result. The success of your holiday will not be judged by how many rides and things you can squeeze in.
2. Take time each day to sit and watch the world go by, Disney trips are exhausting - also plana couple of 'rest days'
3. I personally don't like to over plan - some people go with a ridgid itinery - Have a few days planned but go with the flow
4. Buy a guide or use this site to choose 3-4 things that each of you definitely wants to do and make sure you see them
5.The firework dhows in each of the 3 parks that do them are pure magic and each is very different from the other - for me 'Wishes' just is Disney

I know thats not maybe what you wanted :unsure:

[uscwest]

Thanks foreverducky, I will google Chef Mickey's and see if you can book in advance.

Any restaurant at WDW can be booked 90 days in advance right now.

[Taja]

Thanks foreverducky, I will google Chef Mickey's and see if you can book in advance.

Oops! Uscwest already answered this one! :)



Oh gosh. This is impossible, but let's see.

EPCOT:
Five places to eat: Marrakesh, Bistro de Paris, Le Cellier, Sunshine Seasons Food Fair, Sommerfest
Five things to do: Spaceship Earth, Mission Space, Soarin', Test Track, Maelstrom
Five things to listen to: The Japanese Drummers, Off Kilter, Mo' Rockin', British Invasion, Norway's band, ok 6- Mariache Cobre
Five things to see: The chrysalis box in the UK, the film in France, the film in China, the act in France, the butterfly garden in FW
Five snacks to have: Anything from the French bakery, nearly anything from the Norwegian bakery, anything from Fountainview Cafe, Popcorn, but only if it's fresh, soft pretzel from Germany
Five cold treats: Mickey bar, itzakadoozie, iced mocha latte, chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich, gelato
Five drinks: No brainer, there are 11 countries to choose from and each has a specialty. :D There are several types of sake on offer at Japan in the back of the huge shop there. This is often overlooked... :D


Oh, did you mean all the parks or just my beloved EPCOT? :D :D :D

Tink, Fountainview Cafe is no more. I think it's an ice cream shop now. It wasn't open in March, 2007 and I didn't pay attention in December, 2007--pain does strange things to me! :lol:

[BigThunder]

My 5 Must Do/See/Eat Things:

Magic Kingdom & early on. Don't wait & do it days into your trip, do it the first day because no other park gives me that magic feeling like MK does.

Biergarten in Germany at EPCOT. Very nice buffet, very atmospheric & a nice selection of food for even the pickiest of eaters (like me). Try to do it during the show tho, that's what makes it!

Splash Mountain. It's the one ride that just makes me feel all sprinkled in pixie dust, even if the drop is scary!

Visiting certain Resorts. We call it Resort Hopping & we love it! The Beach Club, for instance, even if we aren't staying there that trip we have to go visit (& usually eat at) & walk around the grounds & stuff.

Swimming. All the pools are so well themed at the Disney resorts. Take the time to enjoy the pool at least a couple hours one day. It's a nice break.

[Tink]

It's still called fountain view. They have Edy's ice cream and other treats, still. :yes: The banner announcing the ice cream makes it appear that the place has been renamed, but it's not really. :)

[jg22524]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, you are all a really helpful and friendly bunch :thumbsup:. I know it's an impossible question but it great to get a feel of what everyone enjoyed and what makes it magical. My head is spinning with all the things we could do so everyone's contributions are really helpful. I know that we won't be able to do a fraction of what there is on offer but we want to try make the most it without dying from exhaustion! Also I'm hoping that there may be a few ideas that may only be known to those that are experienced in WDW. So a big thank you to you all for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[BigThunder]

OH jg, hope you have a wonderful time (no doubt you will!) but as someone else mentioned, don't try to overdo it or you will burn yourself out & probably not have as good a time as you hoped...this happened to us on our first visit.

Also, not sure where you are staying but if it's a resort that shows the Electric Water pageant do take time to watch it. It's cute.

[Mari]

this is a great thread!!

I would say...

1. Fantasmic
2. Rock and Roller Coaster
3. Ride the Monorail, even if you CAN take a bus, or hire a car or whatever, ride it, just for fun!!!
4. Margaritas at the Mexico pavillion in Epcot
5. At least one NICE seat down meal... anywhere you like, but there are so many excellent restaurants, great food and ambiance, that you cant not do it... andits a great opportunity to relax, enjoy and rest!

[Beccaberry]

Awesome question!!!

I guess my answer would depend on one very important thing...if you have children, will you be bringing them with you? I think my "big five" would vary depending on that answer....

I'm guessing by your lovely avatar that you *do* have children?

[jg22524]

Awesome question!!!

I guess my answer would depend on one very important thing...if you have children, will you be bringing them with you? I think my "big five" would vary depending on that answer....

I'm guessing by your lovely avatar that you *do* have children?

Yes we have a son who will have turned 7 years old a few months before we go and he will be coming with us.

[jg22524]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Just over 100 days to go now so are going to start planning out what we intend to do!

[mumof2]

oh yes, get planning!! that time will soon pass and before you know it you'll be on board the 'plane and on your way! :yes:

[PsychoAlice]

Margaritas at the Mexico pavillion in Epcot

Amen...I could drink them over and over and..oh wait I did..

[jg22524]

Amen...I could drink them over and over and..oh wait I did..

Sounds great!

[Johnie]

5 things?

1. Must try the slushies in France. Both kinds because they are both yummy!!

2. Must see Off Kilter when Jaime is there. He was not there last Wed :sorry:

3. Watch the street performers at DHS

4. Sit and enjoy the atmosphere in Epcot and MK especially

5. Meet the characters even if you have no children with you

[jg22524]

Thanks Johnie.

Excuse my ignorance but what is/who is Off Kilter?

[Johnie]

http://www.offkilter.net/

They are a Celtic rock band that plays in Canada in the World Showcase in Epcot.

[jg22524]

http://www.offkilter.net/

They are a Celtic rock band that plays in Canada in the World Showcase in Epcot.

Thanks for the link!

[josh.p.]

1.) Fantasmic - In disney hollywood studios. Go here a few hours early as it is brilliant and it packs out REALLY quickly.
2.) Wishes - Just excellent. It's amazing!
3.) Spectromagic - Again, a brilliant show, love the experience of seeing the characters and the lights
4.) Spiderman - This is in Islands of adventure but it is just really cool. It's brilliant.
5.) The lion king show in Animal kingdom. This is just :Awesome:

Those aren't in any particular order. if I could just pick one it would be the Lion King

[jg22524]

Thanks. Am seriously having issues over what to plan and what tickets to buy:decision:What to people think about Discovery Cove and is the swim with dolphins really worth the money? DH not too keen on the swim and not sure what my 7 year will think? Can those that don't swim watch those that do?

[jg22524]

What to people think about Discovery Cove and is the swim with dolphins really worth the money?

I don't think I have seen it in people's top 5 lists so maybe it's not that special :shrug1:.

[Tink]

The original post only stated WDW. :yes: Discovery Cove is not at WDW. :D

There are folks here who have gone to Discovery Cove and had a lovely time. You could start a separate thread for that discussion so it doesn't get lost in this one. :yes:

[jg22524]

Thanks TINK ... you can tell I'm a first timer!:embarassed:

[Britchick]

Thanks TINK ... you can tell I'm a first timer!:embarassed:

no worries Jo, that's why we're here- Orlando has so much to do we all had the same problems when we first went and as you can see we still have loads of questions :yes:

[jg22524]

no worries Jo, that's why we're here- Orlando has so much to do we all had the same problems when we first went and as you can see we still have loads of questions :yes:

Thanks ... it's all a bit mind blowing.

[Tink]

Isn't it though! :eek: Being a first timer is wicked exciting though. As corny as it sounds, there will be no time ever like the first time, so don't worry at all about asking as many questions as you need to (or want to!) in order to get your plans made. :yes:

We'll drive you batty if you let us. :D We can tell you what table to ask for at which restaurant, when to queue for a show, when not to bother, what park to visit which day, where to stand for the parades/fireworks, ect.! :lol: In other words, we can be a great help to you, or contribute to the mass confusion so beware! :D

Seriously, one of the best parts of a WDW holiday is the planning and exploring all the options while realizing that you must choose from the wide array of things to do and will have to leave some things undone. :yes: It's just the way it goes.

[jg22524]

Thanks Tink. Part of me wants to get the balance right and am slightly scared of mucking it up! Sounds a bit daft I know but as you say the first time is special. A big thank you for your offers of help, I'll probably be driving you all batty with my questions instead of the other way round.

So question/suggestion request number 1: Hubbie will be celebrating his birthday while we are way (a Friday) do you have any suggestions for a place to go for a birthday meal that is also child friendly as our 7 year old will be with us. His main food loves are seafood, sushi and steaks. Not necessarily together!

Number 2: I hear that it is best to avoid the Parks that have the Extra Magic Hours. We are not in a Disney resort so the EMHs won't be of use to us. Is there a way of finding out which Parks are doing what when?

Thanks.

Jo.

[Tink]

OOOOOH! Birthdays at WDW are fabulous!!! Get him a birthday badge. :yes: It will say Happy Birthday, and his name can be written on it. They are usually available at any WDW park's guest relations although I got my most recent one at the International Gateway ticket booth (World Showcase of EPCOT).

Loads of choices for dinner. Maybe Japan in the World Showcase? He could certainly have a variety there. :yes: We like Cape May's Dinner Buffet for all the shellfish (clams and mussels) shrimp and fish (battered and fried, and another choice that won't be) plus carving beef, chicken, ribs, pasta, veggies, mash, cold salad bar selections, variety of desserts...

Puck's Cafe in Downtown Disney has a nice menu and also has very good sushi. Not so much on seafood and steak however, but a good selection for all that. :yes:

Le Cellier in Canada at the World Showcase will have a great selection of beef, as will another favorite of ours, Yachtsman's Steakhouse at the Yacht Club.

Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge has a nice, if a bit unusual menu. The seven year old might not like it overmuch though. :unsure:

Have a look at our menus here and you'll get a feel for what is available. :yes:

As to the other question, I know they are posted but not sure exactly where... the hours, I mean. :sorry:

[Taja]

Cape May might be a good compromise for dinner, as Tink says. They have a terrific children's section--although they certainly can choose from the main section, as well.

My only issue with Cape May dinner was the selection was heavy on the shellfish, which I'm allergic too. I love fish, just have to avoid shellfish. Trust me, there was enough other food that I didn't go hungry! :)

[Tink]

The original name of the buffet was New England Clambake. :D It's main feature is the shellfish. Years ago they actually offered, lobster, crab legs and steamed oysters too. :yes: (The Lobster and crab were for an extra cost).

[jg22524]

Thanks for all the replies on restaurant suggestions :thumbsup:. Just need to get DH to wear a badge now :laugh2:

[Tink]

If he wears a badge to dinner he'll get a nice birthday dessert (for free)! :D Will that entice him to wear the badge? :D

[jg22524]

It may just :laugh:!

[Watchinherskip]

May I wade in too?

wow, tough tough question. Where do you start and where do you limit?:surrender:
Of course there are wonderful attractions - destinations at WDW
Here are 5 must do for us that may not be on the radar for most folks(in no particular order)

1. Get a Dole whip at the MK.
2. Take a tour of the MK resorts via monorail. Get a snack, drink or tea and spend some time in the lobby of the Grand Floridian - soak it all in.
3. Not sure if it is still there, but always started our day with a latte and danish at the little shop near the fountain in Epcot.
4. Margaritta from the little outdoor cantina near the Mexican pavillion.
5. Volunteer for any and every audience participaton offering a cast member offers! If you can't embarass your family what good is it?:wiggle:

[jg22524]

May I wade in too?



Of course .... we are open to any suggestions!!!!

Thanks for the ideas. There's just so much that we could do so I wanted to see what people really enjoyed and take it from there. So a massive thanks to everyone for being so friendly and taking the time to suggest something :hug2:

[jg22524]

May I wade in too?

If you can't embarass your family what good is it?:wiggle:

I'm sure DH is up for that ... he normally loves norking around :laugh2:

[Watchinherskip]

A man after my own heart..good for him.

[MoeMoe]

It's hard to pick 5!!! LOL!!! Here we go...in no specific order

1. CHEF MICKEY'S..........I never EVER miss it
2. Peter Pan.... my kids have outgrown, but I never will
3. Expedition Everest.....need I say more
4. Fantasmic.....its FANTASTIC
5. Soarin

The most important advice I can give though.....is to sit and soak it up. All too often we are rushing from fast pass to fast pass and dinner reservation, but nothing beats just being there and soaking up a lil magic!

[Keith]

very true words moemoe :yes:

I'll have to try chef Mickey again, we haven't been there in years!

[winkwink]

my list of musts is as follows

1) go back lots n lots (we r going 3 times this year)
2)make a list of places u want to visit
3)go for at least 3 weeks each time
4)try not to pack everything in
5)enjoy yourself relax n absorb the fun

:wiggle::wiggle::wiggle::wiggle::wiggle::wiggle:

[jg22524]

Thanks all!

Hope you are having a good Easter.