WDW First Timer vs. Frequent visitor

**DHI** · 05-24-2011, 05:44 PM

I've been to WDW 22 times in my 18 years of life and I would consider myself a Disney buff. I am taking my girlfriend of 4 years for her first trip in January. What would you suggest I do differently for being with a first time visitor, being an experienced visitor?

**doconeill** · 05-24-2011, 06:30 PM

Hmm...tough question. Probably a lot of opinions.

I think WDW can be a lot to process for a first timer...you certainly want them to "see everything", but if you aren't careful and do it too aggressively you can burn them out on it.

Use your knowledge of things like Fastpasses, hints, etc. to plan - but for be sure to enjot the queues that are worth it - especially taking in to account her particular interests.

If your trip is long enough, leave in some "free time" - use it to revisit things she liked, or catch things you might have missed. If not, just note things to do, you know, on the next trip...

**WDW4Ever** · 05-24-2011, 07:24 PM

As you're doin attractions for her very first time, watch her face as she's experiencing the magic. Its as if you're seeing it for the first time all over again and os quite magical for you. I did that in Disneyland just last Saturday!

**DHI** · 05-24-2011, 10:31 PM

thanks for the opinions! We are looking at going for probably 6 nights so there will be plenty of time. Unfortunately, we can't afford to add on the park hopper option so we are doing only 1 park per day, doing Magic Kingdom twice.

**NC_WDW_Daddy** · 05-25-2011, 07:37 AM

Use your knowledge to avoid bottlenecks and long line, and slow down to give her a chance to experience what is new to her, but old to you. Share the little details with her. Take breaks when you need to so long days stay enjoyable days.

**doconeill** · 05-25-2011, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by DHI

thanks for the opinions! We are looking at going for probably 6 nights so there will be plenty of time. Unfortunately, we can't afford to add on the park hopper option so we are doing only 1 park per day, doing Magic Kingdom twice.

I would have avoided the park hopper anyways in this case. Stay at the park and take it easy instead of trying to rush through it to then hop to somewhere else.

**BamaJenn** · 05-25-2011, 11:45 AM

I've taken 1st timers quite a few times now. One of the things I've made sure to do is point out the stuff that 1st timers typically miss. Things that are "less obvious" like the windows on Main Street etc.

Another thing to do with a 1st timer that is fun is look for Hidden Mickey's. It keeps your newbie guest looking around and catching all the wonder that is WDW rather than just focusing on one ride after another.

Oh and definitely schedule yourself a character meal. It's a chance to see the characters truly interact vs. standing still as a line moves toward them to have an autograph book signed.

Last piece of advice... take your time. You know the parks and are more likely to be able to navigate quickly to get as much in as possible. Take the time to slow down and let your gf take it all in.

**N.J.boy@N.C.St.** · 05-25-2011, 12:28 PM

Best advice I can give is to be smart. You're experienced, so you know what to do and where everything is. Like, don't sacrifice going on Test Track to do Universe of Energy, or Space Mountain for Stitch's Great Escape. Get things you know have to be done first, then get to the lesser popular things later on. Just make sure to show her around everything, but don't make it seem as overwhelming as it can be.

Regardless, I think your girlfriend will enjoy herself no matter what since she's never been.

**JNota0005DakMC** · 05-25-2011, 03:30 PM

it ook my g/f last year, and she was a first timer herself... make sure the first thing you have to do is visit magic kingdom AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE!!! there is nothing like seeing their faces as they actually see the castle the first time... past that i agree with NJ... be smart... use your experiences in the parks as a guide to make her first time special... watching Wishes from the California Grill might be a special touch...

**InStitches** · 05-25-2011, 03:38 PM

I would advise her to do a little research before she goes. Maybe look at some maps to get the lay of the land and that way she will be able to be more observant of her surroundings. I always do research on a place before I go on a trip and it helps tremendously.

**DHI** · 05-25-2011, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by BamaJenn

Oh and definitely schedule yourself a character meal. It's a chance to see the characters truly interact vs. standing still as a line moves toward them to have an autograph book signed.

Last piece of advice... take your time. You know the parks and are more likely to be able to navigate quickly to get as much in as possible. Take the time to slow down and let your gf take it all in.

I would most definitely like to take her to a character meal, unfortunately, we're both college students and money is tight everywhere you look.

I think your last bit of advice is going to be my biggest obstacle. But I will work through it!

Thanks for all the great tips everyone!

**WDW1014** · 05-25-2011, 06:44 PM

this is going to be the same question for me next year, ive been there soo many times in my 19 years of life lol and my gf has never . its going to be crazyy, I would just take it slow and enjoy it and not try to see eveything in one trip. Deff plan it out so u know what to do everyday your there

**TXTaylors5** · 07-08-2011, 07:35 PM

Since you know the lay of the land, leave navigating the parks to you and let her go with the flow for a worry-free vacation. Show her the park maps online and have her make a "must do" list for each park. From there, you can plan out getting fastpasses and how to tour the parks. She's going to be very impressed with you when you are whizzing past the guests in the stand-by line with your fastpasses.

Magic Kingdom Park Map
Epcot Park Map
Disney's Hollywood Studios Park Map
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park Map

Since a character meal is out of the question, find out if there are any special characters she wants to meet. They're are plenty of meet and greet opportunities in each park. I think I even saw a list from a post on another thread. So, if you need to find a certain character, ask on here. Someone is sure to give you a list of where they can be found.

They now have the FP option at the MK to meet Mickey, Minnie and some of the princesses. So, that would be a timesaver too.

Don't forget to get her a "My First Visit" pin upon check-in!

(Do they still do the celebration pins? I heard a rumor they were going to stop them. But, never heard anymore about it. Does anyone know?)

Have a magical trip!