Tips for first time Disney World visit?

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laughing=fun...wayy to much

I really did write all this myslef! haha you could say i know alot about disney!
Disney is so much fun, if you guys have a time limit on how long your going to go, you could buy park hoppers. these are tickets that let you get in and out of parks (all 4) in one day. Although, im not saying it would be easy to get to all 4 in one day, but most definitely you could hit 2 and then make dinner plans in one like epcot (something me and my family do all the time) these are park hoppers are:
http://www.dwtickets.com/Discount_Disney_Park_Hopper_Tickets_s/2.htm&Click=2?gclid=CMLbxpf625gCFQEoGgodXmajdw

First, Magic Kingdom, there is everything to do if your going with a 4 year old. Although, i would recomend getting up early and hitting the rides like winnie the pooh, snow whites scary adventures, dumbo, and peter pans flight first. These rides get EXTREMELY crowded as the days go on, its a small world does, but the lines go fast so there isn't any use of getting a fast pass. If you don't know what a fast pass is, its basically a machine you put your ticket into, most rides have them and they will be located by the ride, then out comes (along with your ticket) a little fast pass and it will give you a time to come back. This website explains them better:
http://www.kingdommagictravel.com/disneyworld/theme_parks/fastpass.htm

Epcot is fun and they also have a thing for kids to make masks and get little markings and things at each display of a country. There are rides at Norway (its fun, although i suggest skipping the video at the end) and Mexico. Also, test track is one of my favorites at Disney, its fun and fast, although the lines can get crazy. I always ride single ridder, its ten times faster and can normally be within 2 cars of the people your with. Soarin is a fun ride, and if you get there soon i have only been able to do this ride once or twice, and if its your first time i suggest hitting this one first. You would most likly have to ge a fast pass though, for this is one of the worst lines, im pretty sure it can get up to two hours!
heres more about epcot:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/

Animal Kingdom i can't say much about, i feel like out of all the parks, i never go here, i have been here around 3 times and its not to exciting. The tree of life is a ride based on its a bug life (the movie) and its cute..but still this park just never has interested me.
heres some more about animal kingdom:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/

The last is MGM, now Disney hollywood studios. I love the Rockin Roler Coaster, i suggest it, fun and fast! Also, the great movie ride is a ride you sit down in and just go through all these classic movie scene, not scary, well i mean when i was little the alien part scared me haha but i think that was just me. heres some more about hollywood studios:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/

Overall for a 14 year old, here are my favorite rides:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain
3. Rockin Roller Coaster
4. Space Moutain
5. Test Track
6. The many adventures of Winnie the pooh
7. Norway Ride
8. Haunted Mansion
9. Its a Small World
10. Carousel of Progress

*RckNRlL*

Be sure to visit all four of the Amusement parks. I believe your son's favorite will be the Magic Kingdom of course. Take a stoller with a sun shade so you don't have to rent one, raincoats, and umbrellas for the unexpected weather. Trash-able zippy cups to keep your son hydrated! the Aerosmith is awesome but it gave me a headache after. Take Tylenol and allergie over the counter medications just incase. Overall, you'll have tons of FUN!!

RDG78

Bring LOTS of money.

that girl<3

He'll LOVE Magic Kingdom, we always make 2 days for Mk.
Make sure you have sneakers!
Flipflops sound nice, but you have ALOT of walking!
All Star Movies is great, if you want some pictures, i can send some to you. Your son will love it!
Bring water, snacks in a backpack, not too heavy, there is always a place to put it on the rides.
Disney is BIG. Make sure your son can walk on his own for long periods of time.
How tall is he?
Most rides have height requirements ranging for 44-48 i believe.

Donna L

Most valuable advice ever: RESEARCH AND PLAN!!! No one should go to Disney World "cold" or you will waste a ton of time and money. Visit these two websites: www.disneyworld.com and www.allearsnet.com. Read everything! Allearsnet is really fantastic. It's an "unofficial" site, and is loaded with descriptions, tips, photos and answers for every aspect of the World. Also, sign up for their weekly newsletter. Another terrific resource is the book "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World". It's updated every year, and it's touring plans really work.

You don't say where you are staying. If you are staying in a Disney resort (always my recommendation), take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours program. This is where the parks open early, or stay open late, to Disney resort guests only. Last time we went (Dec 07) we took advantage of the Extra Magic Hours in the evening, which worked best for us. No rush in the morning, and late in the evening the parks clear out as frazzled parents with exhausted, shrieking children give up and head back for the hotel. We walked onto every single ride in Magic Kingdom with no waiting. The one park that you want to hit early in the day is Animal Kingdom, and head straight for the Kilamanjaro Safari ride. The animals are a lot more active and visible early in the morning.

Another important tip, since you have a 4 year old going along. Rent a stroller. You will be so glad you did. The parks are HUGE and it's a long, long walk for short little legs. We always rent a double stroller for our 3 year old and 8 year old grandkids. The three-year old sits in the stroller, and the 8 year old has room to perch in front of her for a short break when he starts running out of steam. Also, TAKE THE NAP. Leave the parks midway through your day, head back to the hotel and NAP. OR head for the pool to relax awhile. As I tell everyone, Disney World isn't a relaxing vacation. It's more like an endurance test, and the more rest you and the little one can get the more you will enjoy your trip.

The little guy will be able to ride anything at Disney World that doesn't have a height/weight/age restriction on it. Be aware that the Aerosmith rollercoaster does several complete loops, is dark and fast. Also, you might want to steer clear of the Tower of Terror. The "Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show" is incredibly loud, which scares some kids. The Backlot Studio Tour also has some moments that little ones might find frightening. All these rides are at Disney Hollywood Studios.

Souvenirs: every major ride empties into a souvenir shop, and you know what that means. Additionally, there are souvenir shops all over the parks, in all the resorts, and Downtown Disney Marketplace is one big souvenir shop. They are pricey, but they are nearly all high quality. You will want to budget for your souvenir shopping, or before you know it, your credit card will be smokin'. You might also want to come to an understanding beforehand with the little guy about souvenirs so as to short-circuit the whine and scream when he has to pass up something he thinks he really wants, because, in my experience, the little dears want EVERYTHING.

Dining: As anyone will tell you, Disney World's food is, well, theme park food. It isn't terrible, but it's certainly pricey for what you get. Search out the restaurants that serve buffet-style. They generally offer the most bang for your buck. Also, plan to dine at the counter-service restaurants as much as possible. We always pack along breakfast food and eat at our resort, but that isn't exactly practical if you're flying in (I don't fly.) If there are some of the sit-down restaurants that you really want to eat at, book reservations NOW, especially if you think you're going to eat at Le Cellier in Epcot. They fill up fast. Be flexible as to when you want to eat, and you'll have a better chance of getting a reservation. But do visit allearsnet.com and browse through the menus section so you don't have sticker shock.

I know this sounds a bit intimidating, but believe me, with a little planning and research, you will have an unforgettable time, and will start counting the days until you can go back.

Enjoy your trip!

pink

If you stay near the Buzz Lightyear rooms you will be very far from the main food court, lobby and bus services. It may be cute to stay there the first day but after you have to walk there day after day you will get fed up, especially after a long day in the parks. Request to stay near the main lobby.

Bring a box of bandaids will you for blisters. They charge $5 a box there. Pack extra socks, you will use them. Bring snacks with you. The food courts close earlier than the say (12 am, really it's around 11 pm). So if you want food or a drink late at night you're out of luck.

eriicaaa.

Oh my god!
You're going to have a blast!
Believe me:).
However how old you our it's going to be so magical and so exciting. I went for the first time when I was six and it was amazing, aha. I've been two other times since then and it still is so amazing!

Anyways, going on with your question xD.
I stayed at the All-Start resorts just this past January and it's pretty similar to the Movie resort. It was pretty good:).

Are you going to all the parks? If so, here are some rides that are good to go on for you and your son:).

Magic Kingdom
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
-. Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- It's a Small world
- Peter Pan's flight
- Cinderella's Golden Carousel
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Snow White's Scary Adventure
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Especially for your son, aha.)
- Splash Mountain (It might scare you son, it scared me the first time.)
- Big Thunder Mountain (Also, might scare him.)
- Space Mountain- Stitch's Great Escape Mad Tea Party.
- Goofy's Barnstormer (Roller Coaster for kids.)

Epoct
-The Seas with Nemo and Friends
-Turtle Talk with Crush
-Living with the Land
-Honey I Shrunk the Audience
-Mission: Space
-Soarinâ€™

Hollywood Studios
-The Great Movie Ride
-Muppet Vision 3D
-Toy Story Mania (Your son will also love it!)

And I haven't been to Animal Kingdom, aha.

Use Fast Passes whenever possible!

Hope I helped and have a great time!

Alexiss

1 Bring sunscreen
2 Be patient, lots of long lines!
3. dont expect good food.
4. items arent cheap
5 if you are taking your 4 year old with you i suggest you go to Magic Kingdom and MGM has the Aerosmith roller coaster!
6. there are some parades that go on through out the park hourly or alittle more be sure to see the parades
7. characters sometimes walk around the park, make sure to take pictures with them and have fun!
you will love it!!!

Steph

I have been to Disney world every year for the past 10 years. If you need ANY advice I'd be more than glad to help you. Aerosmith is an amazinggg coster. Your 4 year old is going to have a LOT of fun! At Disney's Magic Kingdom he can enjoy things such as Dumbo, Peterpan, and all sorts of rides and shows. As for you i would suggest like i said the aerosmith coaster as long as you dont get sick because it goes about 0-60 in I believe under 30 seconds? Point is its veryyyy fast but an incredible time if the speed doesnt bother you =) Another ride i think you and your family would enjoy is Epcot's Test Track =D If you like animals another place i believe you can both enjoy is DIsney's Animal Kingdom! You can see all sorts of animals and go on rides such as a river rapid that's not fast but def. a fun time for the both of you.
There's way too much to type about rides and resturaunts but if you have any specific questions about hotels or rides or restrnts i'd be more than happy to help =) I'm familiar with hotels that are on Disney property, I hope you and your family have an incredible time!

Disney Queen

Go to walt disney world .com and order the free vacation planning dvd.Its very helpful,I get it every year.Good Luck space Mountain is going to be closed for refurb at magic kingdom!!!

Mayday

If you are going with your husband/a friend, then be sure to do a baby swap pass to get on the big rides.
There is a greeter at the entrance to every ride. just ask for a baby swap pass, and one rider will go through the standby line and one person stays with the baby. Then when the person finishes the ride the sitter outer takes the baby swap pass and goes through the fast pass line to ride.
If he likes Buzz, then be sure to do Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin @ the Magic Kingdom and for Woody do Toy Story Mania at the Studios (don't get his hopes up about Toy Story Mania, at peak time in September the line was 125 minutes)

Brandon S

MGM studios is by far the funnest Disney park. Hit it if you can.

ZOzo

MGM is good...Areosmith roller-coater is a must
so is space mountain...get to your chosen park when it open stay till lunch leave and eat (cheaper) go back and stay till dark, you're gonna have so much fun!
*Pack snacks/drinks so you don't have to buy food there.(we packed and still spent over $100 in food at the parks)

Polar

Congratulations on your first trip to Walt Disney World! I am absolutely sure that you and your 4 year old will have a great time!

-Try to hit Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom really early in the morning. If you get lucky, you'll be able to see Push the Talking Trash can. Just imagine the look on your sons face. It really is quite amazing.
-Some rides your 4 year old son would enjoy are the slower rides located in Fantasyland. It's A Small World, Mad Tea Party (Tea Cups), Peter Pan's Flight, etc.
-Make sure your son sees the Disney Characters! you can find them spread out all over the park. There are also meet and greet places spread out all over the park. You can find these locations on the map you can grab when you get there.
-About you riding Aerosmith, it would be way to intense for your son and he would also be too short. I'm sure a Cast Member would be able to watch over him for you. Though, I can't be sure since I have never been in this case scenario. But, Aerosmith is an extremely long wait that I don't believe is worth it. I would rather ride Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom. Your son would easily be entertained in the queue, considering it has a whole bunch of Yeti artifacts you could show your son. And both rides have the same thrill level, too. (And it won't blow your eardrums out)
-If you are staying at a hotel, you should stay at the All-Star Movies. Your son (and you!) will be absolutely amazed to see Life Size statues of your favorite Disney Movie characters. It really is quite a site.

Could you update if you're staying at a hotel or not? The more specifics you can provide, the more tips I can give!

hoffmanholly

Plan Ahead! Buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney World book it's at every book store and cost about $15. It tells you what are the best days of the week to visit which park to avoid long lines. It covers every aspect of a vacation to Disney, some things you don't even think about!

Go to the parks early in the morning. Be there ten minutes before it opens. You will ride several rides with no lines! Leave around lunch time. Eat and swim or take a nap. Then return refreshed and ready to experience all the evening activities!

I would suggest at least one character meal. The ones we enjoyed the most were...

1) Cinderella's Castle breakfast (expensive and hard to get reservations) but it was a quiet and relaxing character meal with the best food in Magic Kingdom!

2) Mickey's Backyard BBQ (it's a dinner show at Fort Wilderness campground) You get to dance with the characters for two hours! Buffet style cook out with live country music

3) Chef Mickey's (it's exactly what you would picture a character dinning meal to be times 10) It's fun, fast paced with great picture opportunities!

Try one of the water parks! Typhoon lagoon has the coolest wave pool I've ever seen. It wipes you out my 5 year old son loved it. We spent 4 hours in it.

Pack snacks and bottled water every morning to take to the park with you. Disney allows it! It will save you a bundle!

Take more pictures than you think you need! Two pictures taken seconds apart can be totally different!

Most important~ Stop and smell the roses! Slow down, enjoy where you are, and take it all in stride!

Elizabeth

May is the best time of spring/summer to go to Disney World definitely. Out of all the many times I have been to Disney World, Fast Passes are the best! Sure, they cost a good amount of money, but it is worth it. Lines are huge at the parks, but if you have a fast pass, you can skip everyone in line, and get on the ride with you fast pass in hand, as simple as that.

Also, if you're staying at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort, make sure you watch out for snakes!!! I encountered 2 snakes while staying there one year!!!!!!!

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