What would you tell a 1st timer to skip?

[atilley01]

That's for all your opinions, guys. It's exactly what I was looking for. I know ultimately we'll make the decision on what works for our family but I also think it's good to get some guidance from people who've been there. My daughter shares my love of movies and she has a very magical spirit. I love the idea of doing anything that brings that magic to life for her.

As far as Epcot, I think we'll just do a few attractions in Future World and then do the loop around the World Showcase. I'm planning for 1 or two character meet and greets along the way to keep her motivated.

 

[nkereina]

I would give yourself a full day at Epcot and make DHS or AK your half day. Even though it may seem like there aren't as many rides at Epcot, it's a much larger park so even walking around and between attractions takes up more time. I would skip Captain EO and all of the movies in the World Showcase if you're on a time crunch.

If I were only doing a half day at one park, it would be AK. I would skip the Nemo show (opt for FOTLK instead) and I would skip Rafiki's Planet Watch - not worth the time and trouble to get back there, IMO. The Flights of Wonder show is cute, but we skipped it last trip and didn't feel like we missed anything.

 

[jagoffee]

I might add that you should skip "sleeping in". I know it is tempting, but the parks are always nicer when they first open. I would never skip Pooh, Peter Pan, or Dumbo with a DD5. My Grandson (9) told me Sunday that he does not want to do Stitch and I did not even ask. I guess he has bad memories from 2 years ago.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I'm surprised that no one has said it yet... Captain EO. I really don't like it at all. I guess for some people it might be nostalgic, but if it's your first time then it wouldn't be nostalgic and I would skip it.

Oh goodness, yes. And Captain Eo. Sorry, it's so bad I forgot it was there.

 

[Masonmj84]

I generally avoid things that fall into 3 criteria: (1) carnival type ride that can be done anywhere; (2) anything that's a huge time suck that provides, at best, only marginal enjoyment/entertainment; (3) anything that's just plain bad.

That being said, the following are things I find to be skippable:

MK:
Stitch
Astro Orbiter
Barnstormer
Mad Tea Party
Magic Carpets
Tomorrowland Speedway is also skippable for adults (kids seem to love it however).
(Note that I don't include Dumbo as I find this attraction somewhat iconic. I'd also put Carousel of Progress in the iconic category but I'd only do it if I had a lot of time).


EP:
Captain EO
Ellen's Energy Adventure

HS:
Lights, Motors, Action
Disney Jr. Live on Stage (don't like sitting on the floor)

AK:
Primeval Whirl
Triceratop Spin
Rafiki's Planet Watch

 

[DisneyFive]

Yes, it works much better in my opinion to name the must do's, then the pretty good's, then the iffy's.

I wouldn't tell anyone to skip an attraction at WDW.

Dan

 

[kiapepito]

My child was probably extremely unique. Her favorite park from the first was Epcot. We would spend at least 2 1/2 days at Epcot and only one at MK. But like I said she was very unique. She loved the countries and would chat with the cast members for as long as she could when she got her passport stamped. Small World was the only ride she would skip.

This made me giggle!! She had her fair share of countries around the world at Epcot that there is no need to see them on a ride!!

 

[Eolyn]

I'm hopping on the "if your are a first timer, don't purposefully skip anything just because other people told you they don't like it." Your DD's age, likes and dislikes will play a lot into what you end up doing and I think with two days, even if you did a half day each day, you should come close to doing most rides/shows. Everyone enjoys different things. I've noticed that sometimes on this forum people can be real downers about things, lol. See what looks most fun and go for it; if you don't think you or DD will like it, then move on! Some of the things people aren't hyped about are part of my best memories, so you never know!

A few tips for MK:
Dumbo, Magic Carpets and the Astro Orbiter are basically the same ride. I would not suggest riding all of them unless your daughter just really wants to. My personal pick would be Astro Orbitor especially if you're going to be there when it gets a bit dark and Tomorrowland is lit up. If she's afraid of heights, hit up Dumbo or the Carpets instead.

Unlike most people, I don't hate Stitch's Great Escape. I actually like it a lot; it's cute. The first time I went it on it was when it was still Alien Encounter, though. I was older than 5, maybe around 10, and I didn't think it was scary. The change to Stitch has made it less scary in some ways, but it can still give people those jump scares. Whether you opt to do this or not depends on if your daughter scares easily and what will frighten her. I wouldn't put it a "definitely skip" list, but I would take her age into consideration. (Dark room, bar on shoulders to simulate Stitch bouncing/moving and some loud sounds. This is basically a show.)

Similar situation with PhilharMagic. You sit in a loud theater and 3D elements come flying at you. I have a blast, but younger children may get scared. She may think it's super fun, though! I'm sure you know her well enough to be able to tell.

Tom Sawyer Island can be kind of a time sink, but my family has pictures of 5-6 year old me having the time of my life. It's not great as an adult, in my opinion, but your DD might enjoy it.

Any show where you are in an air conditioned room sitting will feel like a blessing on a hot Florida day, don't forget that!

Also, I know FPs make it so that sometimes people end up running from one side of the park to another. I have a "route" so I planned ahead and choose appropriate times for mine, but not everyone has that luxury. Nevertheless, I'm a fan of doing everything you can in a land before moving to the next. It helps cut down on needlessly crossing the park.

 

[atilley01]

I'm hopping on the "if your are a first timer, don't purposefully skip anything just because other people told you they don't like it." Your DD's age, likes and dislikes will play a lot into what you end up doing and I think with two days, even if you did a half day each day, you should come close to doing most rides/shows. Everyone enjoys different things. I've noticed that sometimes on this forum people can be real downers about things, lol. See what looks most fun and go for it; if you don't think you or DD will like it, then move on! Some of the things people aren't hyped about are part of my best memories, so you never know!

A few tips for MK:
Dumbo, Magic Carpets and the Astro Orbiter are basically the same ride. I would not suggest riding all of them unless your daughter just really wants to. My personal pick would be Astro Orbitor especially if you're going to be there when it gets a bit dark and Tomorrowland is lit up. If she's afraid of heights, hit up Dumbo or the Carpets instead.

Unlike most people, I don't hate Stitch's Great Escape. I actually like it a lot; it's cute. The first time I went it on it was when it was still Alien Encounter, though. I was older than 5, maybe around 10, and I didn't think it was scary. The change to Stitch has made it less scary in some ways, but it can still give people those jump scares. Whether you opt to do this or not depends on if your daughter scares easily and what will frighten her. I wouldn't put it a "definitely skip" list, but I would take her age into consideration. (Dark room, bar on shoulders to simulate Stitch bouncing/moving and some loud sounds. This is basically a show.)

Similar situation with PhilharMagic. You sit in a loud theater and 3D elements come flying at you. I have a blast, but younger children may get scared. She may think it's super fun, though! I'm sure you know her well enough to be able to tell.

Tom Sawyer Island can be kind of a time sink, but my family has pictures of 5-6 year old me having the time of my life. It's not great as an adult, in my opinion, but your DD might enjoy it.

Any show where you are in an air conditioned room sitting will feel like a blessing on a hot Florida day, don't forget that!

Also, I know FPs make it so that sometimes people end up running from one side of the park to another. I have a "route" so I planned ahead and choose appropriate times for mine, but not everyone has that luxury. Nevertheless, I'm a fan of doing everything you can in a land before moving to the next. It helps cut down on needlessly crossing the park.

Thanks for the great advice. My initial question was really just to get an idea of what most people don't enjoy so I can look into it a little closer and decide if it's something we want to do or not.

And I heard the same great tip somewhere else about doing everything you want in one land before moving on. I'm definitely keeping this in mind when I plan my touring plan and fast passes.

I've also heard people say plan your must do's first. So I guess mine would be:
MK - Peter Pan, 7DMT, Prince Charming Carousel (DD loves carousels), Dumbo, Voyage Of The Little Mermaid, BTM, SM, Haunted Mansion, FOF Parade & the Cinderella-Rapunzel & Ariel M&G.
Epcot - Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk & Soarin and then a M&G with Mulan
AK - Kilamanjaro Safaris, FOTLK, Finding Nemo, Dinosaur, EE (if DD is tall enough at the time) and a M&G with Pocahontas
HS - Pretty much all the shows geared toward younger kids, TSM, the Honey I Shrunk The Kids playground (my daughter loved this movie) and Fantasmic

 

[itchin2go]

Similar situation with PhilharMagic. You sit in a loud theater and 3D elements come flying at you. I have a blast, but younger children may get scared. She may think it's super fun, though! I'm sure you know her well enough to be able to tell.

I have to say, in all the times I've seen Mickey's Philharmagic, I have never seen or heard anything to indicate anyone in the theater is scared. Mostly, kids are trying to "grab" the 3D stuff - and I never get over thinking how cute that is. I know there are other attractions that are cooler and more exciting, but for me, Mickey's Philharmagic is one of the most charming attractions I've ever seen. It has everything that's good and special about Disney.

 

[elaine amj]

The stuff I don't do (and am fine missing) every trip are:

Epcot
Ellen's Energy Adventures (5 trips and still keep skipping it! 45 mins long + I am not a big Ellen fan...one day)
Captain EO (its cheesy fun though)
Figment (we do think its cute)
Nemo (but it's easy to ride this before Coral Reef - Turtle Talk with Crush is AWESOME!)
By the way, the movies in World Showcase are pretty cool. I do get that time is a factor though. With a half day, it's unlikely you will get to walk all the way around - it is huge! Make a dining ressie (or choose a CS) for somewhere appealing and at least commit to go that far. We only made it from France to Germany last trip and had to skip China, Norway, and Mexico.
Also, think about stopping in to do the Great Piggybank Adventure in Innoventions in Epcot. It was surprisingly fun and was a big highlight for my kids.

DHS
LM and Beauty & the Beast - I do love them but when time is short, they get skipped. That said, they would be must-dos for a first trip.
Lights Motor Action & Indy - again, more a once and done although we watch one or the other most trips

AK
Primeval Whirl - very cute though
Triceratops Spin (I would argue Dumbo is so much better because of the cool waiting play area)
Rafiki (isn't this where Pocahontas meets?) We like it but its such a big time suck we end up having to skip it most of the time.

MK
Country Bear Jamboree - I do like it though
Carousel of Progress - another family like that sometimes gets skipped
Magic Carpets
Astro Orbiter
Hall of Presidents

 

[bigcrit]

I have to say, in all the times I've seen Mickey's Philharmagic, I have never seen or heard anything to indicate anyone in the theater is scared. Mostly, kids are trying to "grab" the 3D stuff - and I never get over thinking how cute that is. I know there are other attractions that are cooler and more exciting, but for me, Mickey's Philharmagic is one of the most charming attractions I've ever seen. It has everything that's good and special about Disney.

I have to agree. My family loves this show. Great show with air conditioning. I think most kids love this show too.

When are you going? That would determine a lot for me.

I also agree that you should do your "must do's" but keep in mind Disney does a pretty good job on most rides. Not to many rides ever felt like a terrible waste of time.

We are planning a trip for this July and my twin 18 year old girls are excited about going on some of the rides mentioned here to avoid. They have been to Disney at least 10 times and still love Philharmagic.

 

[atilley01]

I have to agree. My family loves this show. Great show with air conditioning. I think most kids love this show too.

When are you going? That would determine a lot for me.

I also agree that you should do your "must do's" but keep in mind Disney does a pretty good job on most rides. Not to many rides ever felt like a terrible waste of time.

We are planning a trip for this July and my twin 18 year old girls are excited about going on some of the rides mentioned here to avoid. They have been to Disney at least 10 times and still love Philharmagic.

We wanted a lower crowd time so the best time for our work schedule was the end of April, next year.

 

[Eolyn]

I have to say, in all the times I've seen Mickey's Philharmagic, I have never seen or heard anything to indicate anyone in the theater is scared. Mostly, kids are trying to "grab" the 3D stuff - and I never get over thinking how cute that is. I know there are other attractions that are cooler and more exciting, but for me, Mickey's Philharmagic is one of the most charming attractions I've ever seen. It has everything that's good and special about Disney.

To be honest, I've never seen it myself though I can't say that I've paid attention. But!: I've seen posts where people have mentioned that it scared either their children or someone else's in the theater. Figured I'd include it just in case!

 

[bigcrit]

Did I mention they love the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue for dinner too? Just saying.....

 

[bigcrit]

April can be a great time to go. We did our first trip in early May a long time ago. Great weather, decent crowds. I think with good planning you can do everything in the parks very easily.

Is she getting close to some of the height requirements for rides?

 

[hultrain]

I have to agree. My family loves this show. Great show with air conditioning. I think most kids love this show too.

When are you going? That would determine a lot for me.

I also agree that you should do your "must do's" but keep in mind Disney does a pretty good job on most rides. Not to many rides ever felt like a terrible waste of time.

We are planning a trip for this July and my twin 18 year old girls are excited about going on some of the rides mentioned here to avoid. They have been to Disney at least 10 times and still love Philharmagic.

See, goes to show that it's hard to recommend what people should "skip" and what is a "must see." My son doesn't like loud, surprising noises and things that appear to be flying into his face, and he's been like that ever since he was little (he's 8 now and still would rather see the 2-D version of most movies). So, he's not a huge fan of Philharmagic. I've learned that we are the best judges of what our kids will like and won't like, and to plan accordingly. Even then, we get it wrong some times.

 

[atilley01]

April can be a great time to go. We did our first trip in early May a long time ago. Great weather, decent crowds. I think with good planning you can do everything in the parks very easily.

Is she getting close to some of the height requirements for rides?

She's right at 42" right now. We'll probably skip SM, RnR and Mission Space but I would love to do Expedition Everest so hopefully she'll grow those two inches by next year.

 

[bigcrit]

LOL. You have to..... It's your vacation too.

We went on our first trip for our kids. Not any more! We all love to go. In fact, our girls are going to college this coming year and my wife and I are already giddy with the thought of a trip by ourselves.

We may have drank the Disney Koolaid on that first trip

 

[lauradis]

Anything that doesn't interest their traveling party.

Actually what I tell new people is to pick everyone's top three.

Then everything else, just let it happen.