metsno1
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2005
I think the TGM touring plans are a great idea for a first timer. And I don't blame you for sticking with the DxDDP. The ressies you've made sound great-just be sure to plan your park days around them to minimize your transportation times.
Some things I tell friends who are going for the first time:
1. While I don't think it's necessary to rent a car when you're staying on site, recognize that the Disney transportation system takes time. If you're thinking about renting a car anyway, I'd suggest saving that $$ and just getting a cab occasionally. It's usually not terribly expensive and the time savings can be huge-especially when you're trying to get from resort to resort, as there is no direct transportation available. And a cab is invaluable when you're trying to get back to the resort at park closing with an exhausted five year old!
2. It's really really easy to fall into the "Disney Commando Style" trap on your first visit (heck, even on your tenth trip!). You're trying to squeeze soooo much into such a short time that you end up practically running from attraction to attraction, going full steam from sun up till midnight, and by day three, everybody's tired, cranky, and it's not nearly as much fun as it *should* be (especially true for a five year old!!). You're staying at an absolutely **awesome** resort that deserves its own scheduled time. Take advantage of it. Slow down and relax for a bit each day. Use the pools. Be back at the resort to watch the fireworks from the beach. If you're going to go totally commando and spend virtually all of your time at the Parks, and the resort is nothing more than a place to sleep, outside of improved transportation options, there's no great reason to stay at a deluxe.
3. I guess my "controversial" advice would be to avoid EMH parks like the plague. We always plan to visit each park on the day *after* they've had evening EMH. Our experience has been that crowds are always minimized the following day, as most on-site guests attend evening EMH and then don't do the same park the next day.
4. Before you arrive, have each family member choose their own "must-do's" in each park. Give every person's choices the same priority, and make sure that nobody leaves without hitting their own personal must-dos!!
5. Whatever you do, if you find yourselves in a situation where your plans aren't working, your family is getting cranky, and you're just not having fun, STOP!! Toss the plans out, have a discussion about what everybody really wants to do at that moment, and then just DO IT. Forget your reservations. The heck with the touring plan. Who cares if you miss a "must see" if nobody's happy? Give yourself permission to go with the flow. Do all of your planning up front, have a really good idea of what you want to do each day. Then relax and don't be afraid to change your plans to suit your families' immediate needs.
Have a BLAST!!
Some things I tell friends who are going for the first time:
1. While I don't think it's necessary to rent a car when you're staying on site, recognize that the Disney transportation system takes time. If you're thinking about renting a car anyway, I'd suggest saving that $$ and just getting a cab occasionally. It's usually not terribly expensive and the time savings can be huge-especially when you're trying to get from resort to resort, as there is no direct transportation available. And a cab is invaluable when you're trying to get back to the resort at park closing with an exhausted five year old!
2. It's really really easy to fall into the "Disney Commando Style" trap on your first visit (heck, even on your tenth trip!). You're trying to squeeze soooo much into such a short time that you end up practically running from attraction to attraction, going full steam from sun up till midnight, and by day three, everybody's tired, cranky, and it's not nearly as much fun as it *should* be (especially true for a five year old!!). You're staying at an absolutely **awesome** resort that deserves its own scheduled time. Take advantage of it. Slow down and relax for a bit each day. Use the pools. Be back at the resort to watch the fireworks from the beach. If you're going to go totally commando and spend virtually all of your time at the Parks, and the resort is nothing more than a place to sleep, outside of improved transportation options, there's no great reason to stay at a deluxe.
3. I guess my "controversial" advice would be to avoid EMH parks like the plague. We always plan to visit each park on the day *after* they've had evening EMH. Our experience has been that crowds are always minimized the following day, as most on-site guests attend evening EMH and then don't do the same park the next day.
4. Before you arrive, have each family member choose their own "must-do's" in each park. Give every person's choices the same priority, and make sure that nobody leaves without hitting their own personal must-dos!!
5. Whatever you do, if you find yourselves in a situation where your plans aren't working, your family is getting cranky, and you're just not having fun, STOP!! Toss the plans out, have a discussion about what everybody really wants to do at that moment, and then just DO IT. Forget your reservations. The heck with the touring plan. Who cares if you miss a "must see" if nobody's happy? Give yourself permission to go with the flow. Do all of your planning up front, have a really good idea of what you want to do each day. Then relax and don't be afraid to change your plans to suit your families' immediate needs.
Have a BLAST!!
(So do my kids which are similar in age to yours)
