First timer here!

[mhendrix]

So for the first time in my life I will be going to Walt Disney World next Saturday.

I've tried taking it all in via videos and online information but the only opinions and info I really trust is the fine members of VF.

Please, help me plan my 10 day birthday trip of a lifetime.

What must I do first? What must I do period? What character dining is cheap but awesome?

Which park would you start out with first?

I'm staying at the Boardwalk Resort... anything I should know?
How about Downtown Disney?

Please folks, I value VF'ers input greatly!

Thanks!

[monkey4057]

Aahhh, Boardwalk, so many memories....

Epcot and the Studios are within good walking distance of Boardwalk, but there are also boats that travel there as well. Magic and Animal Kingdoms, along with a few other places, are accessible by bus. Also in walking distance is a mini-golf course called Fantasia Gardens.

MK: If you want to go see Country Bears while leaving Tiki Room, the latter's exit is next to a small pathway that leads right to the Bears entrance. The cannons on Buzz are much harder to operate, since the trigger is a button that's really hard to press, along with no aiming system like DL's.

Epcot: If you want to do Test Track, USE FASTPASS. If you want to get Soarin' FPs, you have to get there really early, since they can all be distributed around 11 am-ish. There is an exhibit in Innoventions called "Where's the Fire" that should be seen at least once.

If you go to WinterSummerland, the Winter course has more surprises. Both courses, however, have a neat hole where the ball can be putted into a pole. You can see the ball spiral up.

That's all I can think of. Hope it helped.

[popuywewi1]

boardwalk is great! it's almost like a refreshing yet breath-taking environment and as i can remember...i think it's a back way somewhere on the boardwalk property that you can go into epcot without going to the actual front entrance...i stayed at boardwalk some YEARS ago lol so if it's not there dont be mad at me haha but i think it is...

1st park: head to animal kingdom 1st because that park is the only park that closes early...usually around 5:30 it's closed due to the animals that usually are resting for the day...

2nd park: i would recommend MGM studios only because if you're a thrill seeker, it's really only 2 fast rides there to enjoy, it's not that many RIDES but it's alot of shows and stuff

3rd park: I would say either Magic kingdom or Epcot...Magic Kingdom is the park i go to, to end my day because its SOO much to do at that park BUT it's very busy compared to the other parks and it's good to go around the evening time because it's not as hot, and most parents are feeding the kids or perparing for a parade or something so it's more convient to get on and off rides towards to closing time...(sometimes MK stays open as late as 2:00am)

4th park: I would say Epcot but i think Epcot close before MagicKingdom so u MIGHT want to go here 3rd :) but Epcot is more like an educational type theme park...it's different countries,they have attractions explaining the parks and nature etc...but in an exciting way:) plus Epcot in my opinion has the BEST fireworks called Alluminations(sp?)they're AWESOME! but magic kingdom also has a beautiful fireworks show infront of the castle...AWESOME soo it's up to you which park to do last....

I go to Disney world ALOT and my whole family works there lol so i can go to ALL parks in 1 day but as a first timer u may not be able to do all that, for the simple fact that it may be overwhelming at times so just take it easy but no matter what you WILL have a magical time :) any more question PLEASE ask because i know alot about the parks :) FUN HAVE!!!!

[monkey4057]

Originally Posted by mhendrix

Please, help me plan my 10 day birthday trip of a lifetime.

Maybe go take the Stand-by line at Midway Mania in the Studios cause Potato Head might have everyone say, "Happy Birthday!".

[Jezebel]

Originally Posted by mhendrix

So for the first time in my life I will be going to Walt Disney World next Saturday.

I've tried taking it all in via videos and online information but the only opinions and info I really trust is the fine members of VF.

Please, help me plan my 10 day birthday trip of a lifetime.

What must I do first? What must I do period? What character dining is cheap but awesome?

Which park would you start out with first?

I'm staying at the Boardwalk Resort... anything I should know?
How about Downtown Disney?

Please folks, I value VF'ers input greatly!

Thanks!

boardwalk...good choice. the crescent lake (lake surrounding the area) is beautiful. the whole area in itself is beautiful. I suggest you take a walk around the whole lake at night. great experience.

there are two parks you can go to that are right there: Epcot and The Studios. the closest is probably Epcot. start there. then to MGM. i feel it's best to start in places closer. I usually go to AK last. MK second to last.

just about all of the information i can think of now

...go into Epcot without going to the actual front entrance

it is still that way. in fact I prefer that way to the actual entrance.

[Stitch626]

Everyone is giving you great suggestions but I would have to disagree with their choices for your first place to go...... Still to this day Main Street USA gives me the chills when I walk in (and I've been over a dozen times!)

If this is your first trip to WDW then I would suggest starting with the MK (Magic Kingdom). Once you walk through the gates it's literally a "Whole New World". At some point during the day... maybe when you get in so you do not forget... at the main gate walk upstairs to the train ride and take a photo of you and your crew you'll get a fantastic view of the castle and Main Street in the background.... then if you'd like take a ride on the train or just head off on foot! We like to start from Adventure Land and go around.... but I've heard many others say they like to start elsewhere.

P.S. The videos and photos do not give any justice to the reality.... I often get the free DVD that Disney sends out and to tell you the truth, had I seen them before I actually went, I never would have gone....I'm glad that I know better because it's amazing. Now I get them just to see the new additions. Have a great trip!!!!

[kmb728]

Originally Posted by monkey4057

Maybe go take the Stand-by line at Midway Mania in the Studios cause Potato Head might have everyone say, "Happy Birthday!".

ya you have to go past mr potato head!... when we were in DL on vacation he said to my dad
" hey mr can you take off that hat? ..... nvm im just toying with you look what they make me wear!"