Hi Brian! I’m so happy to welcome you to planDisney. This is a great question, and you’ve come to the right place!
If you’ve visited Walt Disney World Resort, I’m sure you would agree that you can’t possibly do it all in one trip. That’s what makes it so fun to keep coming back and discovering new things on each visit! With that in mind, let’s focus on a few priorities for your friends to make sure they have a first visit that is
practically perfect in every way! Even without knowing the ages and party size, I would make these recommendations for any first-time visitor:
1.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels - I'm a believer that staying in the heart of the magic is
always the right choice, but I would especially recommend this for a first visit. You simply can’t replace the feeling when the magic extends beyond the parks and into your resort hotel. There are options for every budget including Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts, as well as the campground and Deluxe Villa Resorts. Staying at Disney resort hotel also gives them perks like
Early Theme Park entry, earlier access to book
Lightning Lane passes,
extended evening theme park hours (Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and other select hotels), and the option to add a
Disney Dining Plan.
2.
Dining - For me, dining is one of the most important parts of every Disney vacation. I would recommend that your friends try several table service restaurants during their visit. There are so many incredible options that it will be hard to choose! I recommend at least one character dining experience, one family-style meal, and perhaps one signature dining experience. There are literally dozens I would recommend, but my top recommendations are Topolino’s Terrace (character breakfast), ‘Ohana (family style - I recommend dinner), and Narcoossee’s (signature dining).
3.
Length of Stay - If their schedule is flexible, encourage them to give themselves enough time to enjoy each park. I recommend
at least a 4-day park ticket, or more if time and budget allow. This will give them at least one park per day. I prefer five or six park days with the Park Hopper option, so I can experience everything I want and return to the things I love most! I also like to build in at least one non-park day to enjoy the resort, pools, Disney Springs, and more outside of the theme parks.
4.
My Disney Experience - Be sure to encourage your friends to get to know the My Disney Experience app, where they can book Lightning Lane passes, view their Disney PhotoPass media, check attraction wait times, and more. It’s their one-stop-shop for all things during their vacation!
5.
Enchanting Extras Collection - This is where they can sprinkle extra pixie dust on their vacation! There are so many wonderful options, but some I would recommend include fireworks cruises, the Amorette's Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience, and tours like the Keys to the Kingdom Tour or the Wild Africa Trek.
Brian, thanks again for stopping by with this question! I hope this helps your friends start dreaming up a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World Resort. Be sure to tell them about
special offers and encourage them to come see us at planDisney with questions as they plan their magical getaway!
With pixie dust,
Casey