Disneyworld?

[Greg Nelson]

First off Happy Thanksgiving to all! Next, my wife and I would like to do a day Visit to Disney. We do have a car or is something else better? Best days to go and best to see. I've never been there..thanks much!

[blueeagle65]

Driving is no big deal, especially if you have a GPS -or- someone to pay attention to road signs (it is WELL marked!). Hop on the turnpike and you're on the way (aprox 1-1/2 hours from TV to parking at WDW)! Take toll money and some loose quarters. It costs less than $20 to park, and a small fortune to get it (check their web site for specifics). If you are going for one day you need to decide which park you wish to visit since you can only do one per day. Wear comfortable walking shoes (not flip flops) and a cap/hat. The more homework you do regarding the park you wish to visit the smoother your visit will be. Have fun!

[village dreamer]

I would think mid week is the best time..........magic kingdom

[Sandtrap328]

When I first went to Disney World, it was 1973 and I was living in Gainesville. Ticket price was $4.50 and included a book of tickets for the rides. Extra tickets were from 10 cents for the "A" ticket to about $1 for the "E" ticket.

Tickets now are just a smidgen over $100 for one day!

It is a lot of fun no matter the cost. We are Villagers!

[rayschic]

First off Happy Thanksgiving to all! Next, my wife and I would like to do a day Visit to Disney. We do have a car or is something else better? Best days to go and best to see. I've never been there..thanks much!

Disney is HUGE. Check out this link for how to plan a trip to Disney, how to get discount tickets, maps of the parks, etc.
My favorite park is Epcot. I love to visit all the countries. Have fun.

MouseSavers.com - Planning a Disney World Vacation (http://www.mousesavers.com/walt-disney-world-vacation-discounts-and-deals/step-by-step-guide-to-planning-a-disney-world-vacation/)

[kstew43]

get a florida resident weekday annual pass. its about 225 per person and good for an entire year...monday-friday only. Pass is good for all 4 parks.

but thats when you want to go anyway to stay away from the crowds.

[John_W]

Not to put a kink in your plans, but Magic Kingdom is nice to see once but it's actually a family or kids type of venue. I always loved Universal Studios. Everyone has different likes and dislikes, but that is something to consider. If you're set on Disney, then you'll probably enjoy Epcot best. It's like taking a tour of the world, which is what it is.

As someone earlier posted, you can get yearly or multi-day passes, also a Florida resident can get a discount. A one day pass is probably close to $100, you can probably find a 2 day pass isn't that much more. That's what I would do, make it a 2 day trip and stay in a motel one night. Search online and you'll find a Florida resident online Disney ticket website.

As far as best time, right now is the high season. I use to always close my business from Christmas to New Years and go to Orlando. That's actually the worse time, the most crowded, but you have to do what fits yourself.

If you have held off this long, I would go in May or September. Why, because June, July and August are when kids are out of school and the families all go to Orlando, not to mention it's very hot walking around on that pavement. It's like being in a parking lot all day. With May and September, schools are still in session or haven't let out yet and the weather is not quite brutal. May and September is also good because snowbird season has either ended or hasn't started yet.

[villagetinker]

All the parks are great, our favorite is Epcot. Stay away from Downtown Disney, as it is under reconstruction. I have been going to Disney since '79, after the first 3-4 visits, we were able to get down to 1 day per park, as we went to the NEW attractions, and a few of our favorites.
I agree with many of the above posts, especially 1 day is a short amount of time.
You will be doing LOTS of walking, wear comfortable shoes/sneakers.
If you can swing it, I suggest a mid week package, 3 or 4 days, staying in the park. This gets you a LOT of benefits, including early access to one park per day.
Hope this helps.

[Retiring]

If you buy FL resident tickets, check blackout dates. You don’t want to drive down with the expectation of a discount to find you’re there on a blackout date.

December 17, 2015 - December 31, 2015,
January 1, 2016,
March 19, 2016 - April 1, 2016,
June 6, 2016 - August 11, 2016.

I suggest you buy the Park Hopper add-on. This allows you to visit all parks (except water) on the same day.

Start with the Magic Kingdom. My favorites are “Carousel of Progress” and “It's a Small World.” When you’re done with the magic kingdom head over to Epcot (my favorite park) for dinner at the country of your choice and conclude with the Epcot closing ceremony of lasers and fireworks. An exhausting day, but in a good way.

Also, one of my favorite activities is to rent a boat at the Contemporary Hotel. The little boats for 2 are tons of fun. The monorail makes a stop inside the Contemporary Hotel.



https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets/?affiliation=FL_RESIDENT&numDays=1

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/motorized-boats/

[Jima64]

After reading the suggestions think about what interest you about Disney and why you want to visit.

[MikeV]

Check out this link to find the best times to visit Disney World.

Best Day To Go To Disney World » EverythingMouse Guide To Disney (http://www.everythingmouse.com/best-day-to-go-to-disney-world)

[Shadow8IA]

if you are a snowbird and own a home here you can also get the Florida pass. I think you need to take a mortgage statement, bank statement or home insurance. You'll need something with both of your names on it. Check the website for what you need. We're going to buy the weekday pass for $285.74 (which is less than a 3 day pass) the next time we go but as mentioned above there are blackout dates. Last year they offered a 3 or 4 day pass when Epcot had a flower and food show for less than $150.

[Greg Nelson]

WOW! Thanks for all the help! we're renting for the second year in Quail Ridge. We're here until Jan. 1st...then Islamorada

[klc1923]

We were just there on Sunday - Parking is now $20 even
I think all of the parks decorated for the Holidays are beautiful.

[Buckeyephan]

We have annual weekday passes. You must present a Florida driver's license to prove you are a resident. When our kids want to visit, I send them the calendar of blackout dates. We don't want to go on those days! They are the busiest days of the year and crowds and lines are huge. Parking is now $20. Have fun and enjoy being a kid again.

[SIRE1]

If you and your guest do not qualify for the Florida residents discounts, you can go to SAMS CLUB and buy Walt Disney gift cards at a discount. They came in increments of 3-$50 cards and for something around &120 we got $150 worth of Disney money. It took 3 of those $150 sets to get the 4 of us into the park. And as other people have said, driving down to the park is really easy. You take the Turnpike down to exit 267A (route 429) and follow the signs to the park. All of the route from the turnpike to the parking lot is very well marked. And they, of course, direct you to the open parking spaces and have the shuttles to and from the park entrance. So getting there is easy. Have Fun!!!

[Deseylou]

As a current Disney Cast Member, the Magic Kingdom is so much more than a park for kids as a previous poster wrote.
It's an amazing place.
You find fun if you find it

[EnglishJW]

As a current Disney Cast Member, the Magic Kingdom is so much more than a park for kids as a previous poster wrote.
It's an amazing place.
You find fun if you find it

My wife and I have been to Disney World many times both by ourselves and with children. If you have never been there, I agree entirely with Deseylou - start with the Magic Kingdom. This park is the essence of Disney (but, as others have said, all of them are great in different ways).

[Greg Nelson]

Epcot or magic kingdom? we're mid 60's..no kids..one day for now thanks again TV RULES!

[villagetinker]

Epcot or magic kingdom? we're mid 60's..no kids..one day for now thanks again TV RULES!

One day, no kids, I would definitely go for EPCOT.

[Buckeyephan]

The Disney World app is very helpful. It has maps, wait times, and suggestions of attractions in each park. There is also free Wi-Fi in all parks. If you will visit during the Christmas season, be sure to see the Osborne Family Lights in the Movie Studio park. This will be the last year for that wonderful event.

[Liebdoc]

This is the last year for the Osborne Family Lights in Hollywood Studios. It is my favorite Disney evening during the Holidsy Season. Try to experience it before it disappears! We are making the run in two weeks and really looking forward to it!

[graciegirl]

First off Happy Thanksgiving to all! Next, my wife and I would like to do a day Visit to Disney. We do have a car or is something else better? Best days to go and best to see. I've never been there..thanks much!



NOT now, brown cow. Every kid in the country is out of school because of Thanksgiving break.


You have never been to Disney??? Oh my heart.

[kstew43]

We were just there on Sunday - Parking is now $20 even
I think all of the parks decorated for the Holidays are beautiful.

Do you wanna know a trick to get out of paying for parking?

If you make a breakfast reservation at any of the Disney hotels, you can get breakfast for around $12-17 per person. You park free in the Hotel Lot..and take disney transportation to the park of your choice...free....so you are spending a little extra than parking, but you are gettting a wonderful breakfast out of it....so its a win win...

Disney Dining...make a reservation on line.

PS...they do check your reservations at the hotel so you cant just say you have one to get past the guards...you really do have to have one......

[Greg Nelson]

Very good suggestion! Where do you make a reservation and which hotel? thanks again!!

[RickeyD]

Do you wanna know a trick to get out of paying for parking?

If you make a breakfast reservation at any of the Disney hotels, you can get breakfast for around $12-17 per person. You park free in the Hotel Lot..and take disney transportation to the park of your choice...free....so you are spending a little extra than parking, but you are gettting a wonderful breakfast out of it....so its a win win...

Disney Dining...make a reservation on line.

PS...they do check your reservations at the hotel so you cant just say you have one to get past the guards...you really do have to have one......

Make reservation, get past guard, skip reservation, take monorail to parks, cost to park nothing.

[circletrack]

Epcot or magic kingdom? we're mid 60's..no kids..one day for now thanks again TV RULES!

If you've never been to a Disney theme park before, I'd say you must experience the Magic Kingdom first. If not, head over to EPCOT.

As everyone else has said BE PREPARED!

Slow times don't really exist anymore. Take a look at a park map ahead of time to get an idea of what you'd like to experience.

BOOK FASTPASS BEFORE GOING. They are free. You can book three in advance which essentially lets you reserve a time in the day when you can skip the standby line for an attraction. To reserve these in advance you need to also buy your tickets ahead of time instead of at the gate and set them up on their website. Please take advantage of this.

And most of all, have fun! And remember it's impossible to see everything, so just pace yourself.

[TV MAN]

Here is another good website to use, it tells you wait times for all Disney and Universal Parks. Comes in real handy.

Touring Plans | Disney World | Disneyland | Universal Orlando | Disney Cruise Line - Vacation Planning Tools (http://touringplans.com/)

[Smeck]

Right after New Years is an good time to go as well as the beginning of February avoid presidents day week. If you wait until March you run into the spring Breakers. Remember busy is relative what you may consider busy by Disney standards could be slow. Go with the mindset that whatever you do you do, the worst mistake you can make is to try to get to much in.

[circletrack]

Make reservation, get past guard, skip reservation, take monorail to parks, cost to park nothing.

They charge your credit card a fee now for skipping reservations. Too many people making them and not showing up, making it tough on the restaurants.

[obxgal]

They charge your credit card a fee now for skipping reservations. Too many people making them and not showing up, making it tough on the restaurants.

I think that's a great ideal considering how some people try to beat the system.

[joldnol]

Stay away from the parks until January

[Greg Nelson]

we go to Islamorada on the first

[joldnol]

we go to Islamorada on the first

oops, take me with you :icon_wink:

[kstew43]

Make reservation, get past guard, skip reservation, take monorail to parks, cost to park nothing.

Good thought...BUT...there is a $10 fee per person if you dont show up.....so you might as well eat if your gonna pay anyway.....must cancel 24 hours prior to release that fee...

good try thought.....

[kstew43]

Very good suggestion! Where do you make a reservation and which hotel? thanks again!!

We love...love..love Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Best country breakfast anywhere.....$16.99 per adults and after breakfast...take the boat to Magic Kingdom or the buses to any of the other parks...

We do it all the time....

[kstew43]

another....way....sort of a pain....but absolutly FREE

Park at Downtown Disney...Disney Springs....They have parking garages now...then walk to the Bus and take the Bus to any Hotel, then take the Hotel bus to any Park.

Bus, Bus then park "an hour or so travel time"....but FREE

[Fraugoofy]

If I stay at a Disney hotel can I park there for free?

[kstew43]

If I stay at a Disney hotel can I park there for free?

that cost big bucks.....

[outahere]

If I stay at a Disney hotel can I park there for free?

Yes, you park for free at any Disney resort as long as you are a registered guest at that resort. You also have free parking at any of the parks if you are staying at any Disney resort. The Swan, Dolphin, Ritz and Four Seasons, along with the hotels near Disney Springs (Downtown Disney) are not Disney resorts.

If you have an annual, or seasonal pass, parking is free at the parks.

[Retiring]

If you plan to go often I suggest an annual pass such as the Disney Platinum Pass for FL residents. You can park hop on the same day, no blackout dates, unlimited parking, plus some other stuff.


https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/passholder-program/

[asianthree]

Since this is your first trip, I would stay on property figure out best price for your tickets. Epcot would be my first choice. If you do like Disney, then figure out if you would like to go back, and what pass would be be for you

[Greg Nelson]

Looks like Epcot with breakfast first! thank-yous

[Sable99]

I hope its okay if I ask a question on this thread. But, this thread has interested me as I haven't been to Disney for many, many years.

Today, a Michigan friend invited me to Disney for a day while I'm in TV in December. Her family has a two week timeshare at Disney. So, it will be two couples and one adult daughter who will be home for Christmas from Brazil.

She thought the best day would be December 15 as they have reservations for a nice restaurant in Epcot that evening. She wants to meet me somewhere on 4 and they will lead me to their timeshare parking.

What would be the best way for me to get a day pass? I am not a Florida resident but I own a home in TV and have my tax statement, VCCD statements, property management statement, etc. Would that qualify me for a Florida day pass? Or, would it be better to use AAA or Sam's Club?

I am so excited as I'm usually in TV with my 91 year old mother and 87 year old aunt and they aren't able to walk the parks anymore! I'm going to leave them for the day at our pool with my soon to be 11 month old puppy!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[RVRoadie]

You can get a "taste" of Disney at the newly refurbished Disney Springs (used to be Downtown Disney). Free parking and no admissions. I've heard the Rainforest is a great place to eat. Lot's to see, and I think they still have a free boat ride on the lake. It'll be Disney prices, but nowhere near what you would spend going into the parks.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/disney-springs/

[circletrack]

Looks like Epcot with breakfast first! thank-yous

Hopefully you do get a chance to go to the Magic Kingdom some day in the future. Have fun!

[Shadow8IA]

I hope its okay if I ask a question on this thread. But, this thread has interested me as I haven't been to Disney for many, many years.

Today, a Michigan friend invited me to Disney for a day while I'm in TV in December. Her family has a two week timeshare at Disney. So, it will be two couples and one adult daughter who will be home for Christmas from Brazil.

She thought the best day would be December 15 as they have reservations for a nice restaurant in Epcot that evening. She wants to meet me somewhere on 4 and they will lead me to their timeshare parking.

What would be the best way for me to get a day pass? I am not a Florida resident but I own a home in TV and have my tax statement, VCCD statements, property management statement, etc. Would that qualify me for a Florida day pass? Or, would it be better to use AAA or Sam's Club?

I am so excited as I'm usually in TV with my 91 year old mother and 87 year old aunt and they aren't able to walk the parks anymore! I'm going to leave them for the day at our pool with my soon to be 11 month old puppy!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

There is no one day Florida pass but the weekday Florida pass is cheaper than 3 days

Here's the info...
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/validation-requirements/

[Sable99]

There is no one day Florida pass but the weekday Florida pass is cheaper than 3 days

Here's the info...
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/validation-requirements/

Thanks!

[asianthree]

You can get a "taste" of Disney at the newly refurbished Disney Springs (used to be Downtown Disney). Free parking and no admissions. I've heard the Rainforest is a great place to eat. Lot's to see, and I think they still have a free boat ride on the lake. It'll be Disney prices, but nowhere near what you would spend going into the parks.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/disney-springs/

Spring's is a ways away from being completed. You can rent a boat by the hour. There is a boat that takes you to the swan hotel. Springs is restaurant's and shopping. Nothing like going to the park.

[RVRoadie]

Just looked at Disney Florida Resident passes, and all passes purchased after Oct 3rd include parking.

[Cedwards38]

I'm an EPCOT guy also, but I really enjoy all four parks and Downtown Disney. The drive is very easy and the Christmas decorations are magnificent. It's the last year to see the Osborne Family Christmas Lights at Hollywood Studios and they are breathtaking. I'd definitely choose a weekday to visit. We go at least once a month and the Florida resident annual weekday pass is perfect for us. Gives you admission and free parking. Also, get the My Disney Experience app (it's free at the app store) on a smart phone and you can get Fast Passes and make dining reservations before you go.

[Bavarian]

Have been going to WDW since it opened, but not often as we lived in DE. First just Magic Kingeom and the Contemporary and Polynesian Hotels. Much different. Now that we live here, we got an Annual Pass, no blackouts, paid parking with FL and AAA discount, Not around now, Looking to see which has least blackouts,

Nobody mentioned the big problem with the Disney Parks Dining now! People book meals 6 months in advance. Before book the morning to the Lunch and/or dinner.

Get the App, go online, book early and maybe schedule trip around restaurant availability. The Norwegian Pavilion is being ruined for a frozen ride. The Norwegian Kaltbord is changed, You are now being charged more because the Disney Princesses are there.

Best in Magic Kingdom is the GE Carrousel of Progress, from the 1964-1965 NY Worlds Fair, Small World is Pepsi. Other good thing in MK is Tiki Room, and Pirates of Caribbean though not as good as original. Tomorrowland is becoming Fantasy Land.

But if you want to dine in Belle's Castle make reservations early.

[John_W]

The last time I went to the movie studio it was called MGM, it's now Hollywood Studios. It has to be just as good, if not better, see map below. I can't see how anyone would have an adult not go here first. You have some really neat shows. The Indiana Jones where Indiana is fighting another guy (real actors) and the two wrestle around on the ground while a twin engine airplane with spinning propellers is rolling around just overhead. Then spears shoot up through the floor as Indiana is running. Nothing is more exciting in person then that show alone.

Everyone needs to do the 'Tower of Terror' as least once. First off, you get to see the late Rod Serling introduce you to the hotel over an old B&W TV. Then you get in the elevator. All day you've been listening to people scream and you look up 9 stories and see a door fly open and people flying by. Well, now it's your turn. The elevator goes up slowly, but it makes a stop at the second floor and you feel like you've moved along horizontally outside the elevator and clocks and baby dolls float around in the air. Then the elevator starts up and when you get to the top, and the door flies open, you get hit by a flash and bright sunshine and a 100' view of the park. After you come back down, you see photos of your faces at that moment, now you realize what the flash was.

If you're a fan of Back to the Future at Universal Studios, then don't miss the Star Wars ride. BTTF you're inside a DeLoren with just 4 people, here you're now in a space ship with 25 people and R2D2 is talking to you over a screen. Suddenly your space ship starts floating around and moving, but in reality it hasn't moved, it's all done with hydraulics. Really neat ride.

I could go on and on, but the point is, go to Hollywood studios if anything and you won't regret your decision.

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/media/disimg/Map_MGM_Studios.jpg

I could of been an original employee of Disney. In 1968 to 1969 I was enrolled at St. Petersburg Jr. College studying Hotel Restaurant Mgmt. During my second year I went in and there was a room set up with about ten people in business suits and attire. I asked what was going on, they said, Disney World is opening in Orlando next year and they are interviewing job applicants, are you interested. Unfortunately I had a change of heart about my major after have worked the past 3 years in restaurants. I enlisted in the Army soon after that day.

[Bavarian]

There have been many changes to the Studios after they were no longer MGM. The biggest loss was the Backlot tour where the tram took you by rooms of MGM costumes, designs, sewing machines and more, then the outside stunt show with the fuel truck catching fire, Was closed with no warning. My guess is that Disney lost rights to all the old movie costumes and drawing. The "I Love Lucy" museum is gone also. They added the high speed stunt show from Disney Paris, Best first time.

[Bavarian]

The Studios are being made into a Star Wars Park, so get there now before changed. Disney either needs to expand the Parks or add a new one instead of tearing out good stuff for new. Like the new GE Pavilion in EPCOT was torn down for the centrifuge. GM had a history of roads and the wheel leading to cars. Now a Test Track Which belongs in Tommorowland along with the centrifuge.