Taking a newbie to WDW

[crunkcourt]

Hey guys. I'm taking one of my good friends down to WDW next weekend, and she has never been before. I want her to have the most magical weekend of her life, so my question is, what should I take her to see other than the obvious. If you hadn't been to WDW what would you be most interested in seeing?

[Disney-Fan]

On my first visit, I was VERY interested in the unique Disney things. The various mountains, the shows that sounded amazing, and the scenery. I think a relaxed day around the Magic Kingdom and Epcot will give her a great first impression. Thrills and chills shouldn't be a priority in my opinion, at least not if you want her to get the Disney experience. Don't let her miss the night shows, no matter what the cost. Take her on some dark rides so she can see what makes Disney THE BEST. A nice dinner at Epcot's World Showcase and a visit to the Downtown district could also be nice.

[Kram Nebuer]

I think a relaxed day around the Magic Kingdom and Epcot will give her a great first impression.

I second that! Take your time in World Showcase. There's so much to see in each pavillion, it's very easy to miss if you just walk by. We never really been to the side with UK, France, and Canada before since we always started on the other side with the rides. If you like cultural sights, it'd be wise to spend more of your Epcot time at the World Showcase.

Animal Kingdom is a really nice experience for anyone. You don't get the feel of Disney as much as in the Magic Kingdom, but you certainly feel like you're not in Florida anymore. It's a great park!

You may spoil your trip by going to Magic Kingdom first. First of all, it's usually the most crowded so your friend may get a bad first impression of the Disney parks. Try saving MK for the middle or end of your trip. A good place to take in the atmosphere in MK is Liberty Square, Adventureland, and Main Street. The other lands don't have many quiet areas to just relax in, but for some great Disney attractions, they're the best place to go.

I can't really think of anything else right now...we've been to WDW enough times that it's hard to imagine what would be best for a newbie...

Have fun and don't forget the sunscreen!

[Fidget1234]

dont forget to take in Fantasmic, Illuminations, Spectro, & Wishes.

-Maybe a water park

-Mini golf

-the Boardwalk after dark

-maybe a tour at one of the parks- like the safari tour @ DAK
or Scuba-snorkling at Epcot which is absolutely amazing...

-rent a mouserboat for an afternoon & cruise the waterways around property

and of course...
BEACHES & CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and if you go off property- go get wasted away @ Margaritaville at CityWalk.
It's my most fav place of all (outside Disney property)
Always a good time there....

[MichaeLeah]

It isn't clear how many days you plan to actually be at WDW. If you are going only one day I wouldn't even think of trying to set foot in more than one park. There is so much in the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT that you can't even cover everything in 2 days. If you are only going 1 day then just go to the Magic Kingdom. Try to get there as soon as the gates open and then go straight to Thunder and Splash Mountain. Ride these first so you don't waste your time waiting in line. I would also advise that you use FastPasses whenever possible. They save LOTS of time. My next word of advice is to try to finish exploring one land before going to the next, this way you don't waste your time walking and wearing yourself out. One last thing...don't waste your time going to Mickey's Toontown. There is plently in the other parts of the park to keep you busy and I think the Toontown is the lamest thing I ever saw. (By the way, Tomorrowland looks pretty cool at night and the best place to watch the fireworks is on Mainstreet.

My wife and I got annual passes so we are kind of opinionated about how to explore the parks because we have had lots of practice and we have learned how to play the system.

[Kram Nebuer]

If you are going only one day I wouldn't even think of trying to set foot in more than one park.

You could try awallaceunc's strategy. Just download Episode #10 (.mp3) from his Disney podcast, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod:

Fresh off of a Narnia break, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod returns with a WDW trip report, tips for doing that resort in just one day...

http://aaronspod.libsyn.com/