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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
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1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Hi all - I can't believe I am finally going to Disneyworld - I have truly tried to avoid it until now....not really my thing.
Anyway, we go the 6th-11th - it is supposedly during one of the slowest times of the year. We are leaving the baby at home and taking our 5 year old. We are staying at the Grand Floridian and we assume most of our time will be spent in Magic Kingdom. We have the Bibbity Boppity Boutique booked and some character meals.
My friend just went and got the guide (where they get you in the front of the line quickly) for thousands of dollars and said it was worth every penny. My husband is terrible in crowds - is it worth it to pay to get the guide? Also, what are your recommendations for must-sees...my daughter loves anything princess related.
Thank you so much for any recommendations!!!
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Posted 1/2/13 7:56 PM  |
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ExpectingJoy
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 751 total posts
Name:
Cari
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
We got the guide, but didnt go through disney so it was a fraction of the price. No difference between using disneys guides and one on the outside except the price. Worth it for us but this was bc we went smack in the middle of feb break. You dont need it if you are going during low season in my opinion. Recommend the bibbity bobbity boutique, the royal castle for breakfast (you meet all the characters over the breakfast in cinderella's castle and get in to the park before anyone). For dinner, I recommend the California Grill- top of the contemporary hotel. go at the right time and there is an observatory there where you can see the fireworks from- and can see Tinkerbell fly out of the castle. Nice not to be in the main street to watch and the food was pretty good. HTH.
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| Posted 1/2/13 9:17 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
At this time of year, I really don't think you need a guide. A good touring plan will get you onto everything you want to ride with minimal lines.
Do you have a travel agent? If so, he or she should be able to give you detailed touring plans. If not, it MAY (probably not) still be possible to transfer to one who is willing to do that work for you quickly. If not, you can often pay for the itinerary service and it will be a fraction of the tour.
The tour guides are great. Really knowledgeable, friendly, just great to spend the day with. They'll do anything for you, even wait while you nap, but for the amount of money you're paying them, you could take another vacation. you're also at the GF, which is very close to magic Kingdom, so their transportation services won't even save you much time, if any.
I don't like to tell anyone how to spend his or her money, but I've been to WDW that exact week twice and if you do it right, you won't have to wait in line for more than 20 minutes. I've done 25 attractions a day in that season (I'm insane though so don't go by me, neccessarily  ) The tour IS very cool. You get to enter backstage areas, and they will run and get fastpasses for you OR if you pay extra you can get unlimited fastpasses. You also get special parade seating.
I think if you're worried about crowds, a touring plan will really alleviate that but if you're interested in gaining a lot of Disney knowledge, and just love that pamering VIP treatment THAT is when I'd go for the VIP tour.
Your trip is 3's on the crowd calendar which means it's in basically the least crowded 3rd of all days
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| Posted 1/3/13 10:51 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by ExpectingJoy
We got the guide, but didnt go through disney so it was a fraction of the price. No difference between using disneys guides and one on the outside except the price. Worth it for us but this was bc we went smack in the middle of feb break. You dont need it if you are going during low season in my opinion. Recommend the bibbity bobbity boutique, the royal castle for breakfast (you meet all the characters over the breakfast in cinderella's castle and get in to the park before anyone). For dinner, I recommend the California Grill- top of the contemporary hotel. go at the right time and there is an observatory there where you can see the fireworks from- and can see Tinkerbell fly out of the castle. Nice not to be in the main street to watch and the food was pretty good. HTH.
Unfortunately all of these places would be tough to get 3 months out, let alone 3 days, but there may be some good dining left if PP needs it
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| Posted 1/3/13 10:52 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
I had no idea you could pay thousands of dollars and get a guide to get you to the front of the line  It honestly sounds like a waste of money though when you are going at a slow time. We went around that time a couple of years ago and the parks were not busy at all.
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| Posted 1/3/13 11:18 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Must sees:
You're already doing BBB and I hope you're doing Cinderella's Royal Table or Akershus.
The Princesses currently meet in Town Square when you first walk into Magic Kingdom park on the right if you'd like to meet them again. Merida and Rapunzel also meet at Magic Kingdom in their own areas.
The New Fantasyland area is all about Princesses. My current touring plans include going to get a fastpass for Under the Sea and then getting right in line for Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is an AWESOME experience and you will definitely want your DD to participate. It only lets in a certain number of people at a time and the queue is mostly outdoors and unshaded, so I make this the first stop in the morning. Then of course there's the brand new Under the Sea with Ariel and the Ariel Meet and Greet next door!
Make sure you get to the parks for rope drop. You don't want to miss the opening show at Magic Kingdom. It's so awesome and i cry every time. One of my clients (a lucky LIFer -hello!) got to MK an hour early and was chosen to be the family of the day and be IN the show, which is pretty much the lifelong dream of any Disney fan 
There are so many must-dos at every park and beyond.
One tip - the last night of the Osbourne family spectacle of lights is your first night. It is absolutely worth seeing. I'd start the trip there if your plans allow!
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| Posted 1/3/13 12:34 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Yes def. do Enchanted Tales with Belle. We went on a Saturday, got in line at 8:45am and it was about 15 minutes. My DD played the part of "Chip" (the teacup). It was very, very cute!
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| Posted 1/3/13 1:00 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by BargainMama
Yes def. do Enchanted Tales with Belle. We went on a Saturday, got in line at 8:45am and it was about 15 minutes. My DD played the part of "Chip" (the teacup). It was very, very cute!
I was so sad to not get picked, but they seem to only look for adult men. LOL
The best part is that everyone who is involved in the show gets to go up and meet Belle and get a photo with her which you can attach to your photopass.
OP - have you pre-ordered photopass or photopass +? For a first visit, it's a MUST and today is the last day to add the PP+ to your package
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| Posted 1/3/13 1:05 PM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Jenniferever!! You are amazing! Thank you so much for all these tips. We are using a travel agent, but they kind of suck...you are already way more helpful!
What is the photopass?? We do have reservations at the California Grill and have reservations at Asherkus.
What is the Osbourne family lights?? We are looking for something to do the first night we get in (Sunday the 6th)....
Thank you everyone!!!
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| Posted 1/3/13 1:36 PM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by JenniferEver
Must sees:
You're already doing BBB and I hope you're doing Cinderella's Royal Table or Akershus.
The Princesses currently meet in Town Square when you first walk into Magic Kingdom park on the right if you'd like to meet them again. Merida and Rapunzel also meet at Magic Kingdom in their own areas.
The New Fantasyland area is all about Princesses. My current touring plans include going to get a fastpass for Under the Sea and then getting right in line for Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is an AWESOME experience and you will definitely want your DD to participate. It only lets in a certain number of people at a time and the queue is mostly outdoors and unshaded, so I make this the first stop in the morning. Then of course there's the brand new Under the Sea with Ariel and the Ariel Meet and Greet next door!
Make sure you get to the parks for rope drop. You don't want to miss the opening show at Magic Kingdom. It's so awesome and i cry every time. One of my clients (a lucky LIFer -hello!) got to MK an hour early and was chosen to be the family of the day and be IN the show, which is pretty much the lifelong dream of any Disney fan
There are so many must-dos at every park and beyond.
One tip - the last night of the Osbourne family spectacle of lights is your first night. It is absolutely worth seeing. I'd start the trip there if your plans allow!
Also, is the "rope drop" when the park opens?
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| Posted 1/3/13 1:57 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by JenniferEver
Posted by BargainMama
Yes def. do Enchanted Tales with Belle. We went on a Saturday, got in line at 8:45am and it was about 15 minutes. My DD played the part of "Chip" (the teacup). It was very, very cute!
I was so sad to not get picked, but they seem to only look for adult men. LOL
The best part is that everyone who is involved in the show gets to go up and meet Belle and get a photo with her which you can attach to your photopass.
OP - have you pre-ordered photopass or photopass +? For a first visit, it's a MUST and today is the last day to add the PP+ to your package
You know what, when we went they looked for adult men as well for a couple of parts. Sexism!
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| Posted 1/3/13 1:58 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by johnsae
Jenniferever!! You are amazing! Thank you so much for all these tips. We are using a travel agent, but they kind of suck...you are already way more helpful!
What is the photopass?? We do have reservations at the California Grill and have reservations at Asherkus.
What is the Osbourne family lights?? We are looking for something to do the first night we get in (Sunday the 6th)....
Thank you everyone!!!
I hope you have a great tip. ALWAYS use a Disney Specialist. There's a difference between having done the training and being someone who lives and breathes Disney. Right now I am wearing eeyore PJ's (I work from home..LOL). and a Tinkerbell hoodie. My business cards in a Mickey hand holder. LOL. I'd tell you more but I MIGHT scare you.
The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is an amazing light display at Disney's Hollywood Studios (you will need park admission..if you weren't planning to be at the parks that night you may have to add, but I think it's well worth it). The holiday lights cover a huge area and every 15 minutes they dance in sync to a Christmas Song. It SNOWS there, and there are lots of hidden mickeys and even a Halloween cat who snuck in there!
I freaking LOVE it and could start at it all day. The first time we went to WDW in December the light totally derailed my touring plan because all I wanted to do was stand there and start at the lights.
The resort decorations will probably still largely be up, so you can also enjoy the fabulous decorations at your resort and the other monorail resorts (The Grand Floridian is amazing at Christmas).
Photopass refers to all of the photographers in the parks as well as at character meet and greets and some character meals.
if you buy the photos individually they can cost $17 a piece
 but you have the option of buying a CD with all of the images. You can save $30 by ordering the CD before your trip.
There's also PhotoPass Plus. Same idea, but you also get photos from certain rides and the photo packages from BBB and the character meals will be included on the CD.
I think it's way worth it. If you want to FM me I can link you to some of my photopass albums. They do an awesome job, it takes the pressure of of you to take photos everywhere and you'll have pics with the whole family instead of 2 out of 3. I've gone to WDW many times, but I still pre-order the Photopass on every trip. The memories are just priceless to me and for a first visit with your 5 year old Princess all dolled up, it's really a no-brainer.
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| Posted 1/3/13 2:03 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by johnsae
Posted by JenniferEver
Must sees:
You're already doing BBB and I hope you're doing Cinderella's Royal Table or Akershus.
The Princesses currently meet in Town Square when you first walk into Magic Kingdom park on the right if you'd like to meet them again. Merida and Rapunzel also meet at Magic Kingdom in their own areas.
The New Fantasyland area is all about Princesses. My current touring plans include going to get a fastpass for Under the Sea and then getting right in line for Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is an AWESOME experience and you will definitely want your DD to participate. It only lets in a certain number of people at a time and the queue is mostly outdoors and unshaded, so I make this the first stop in the morning. Then of course there's the brand new Under the Sea with Ariel and the Ariel Meet and Greet next door!
Make sure you get to the parks for rope drop. You don't want to miss the opening show at Magic Kingdom. It's so awesome and i cry every time. One of my clients (a lucky LIFer -hello!) got to MK an hour early and was chosen to be the family of the day and be IN the show, which is pretty much the lifelong dream of any Disney fan
There are so many must-dos at every park and beyond.
One tip - the last night of the Osbourne family spectacle of lights is your first night. It is absolutely worth seeing. I'd start the trip there if your plans allow!
Also, is the "rope drop" when the park opens?
yes!
if you get to the parks before the open you can often get into the park's main areas a bit early, and then they walk you back with a rope to the rides. The first 2 hours a park is open are the least crowded, it's really a golden hour, so I always recommend taking advantage of it
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| Posted 1/3/13 2:04 PM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
|
Re: 1st Time to Disneyworld - Private Guides
Posted by JenniferEver
Posted by johnsae
Jenniferever!! You are amazing! Thank you so much for all these tips. We are using a travel agent, but they kind of suck...you are already way more helpful!
What is the photopass?? We do have reservations at the California Grill and have reservations at Asherkus.
What is the Osbourne family lights?? We are looking for something to do the first night we get in (Sunday the 6th)....
Thank you everyone!!!
I hope you have a great tip. ALWAYS use a Disney Specialist. There's a difference between having done the training and being someone who lives and breathes Disney. Right now I am wearing eeyore PJ's (I work from home..LOL). and a Tinkerbell hoodie. My business cards in a Mickey hand holder. LOL. I'd tell you more but I MIGHT scare you.
The Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is an amazing light display at Disney's Hollywood Studios (you will need park admission..if you weren't planning to be at the parks that night you may have to add, but I think it's well worth it). The holiday lights cover a huge area and every 15 minutes they dance in sync to a Christmas Song. It SNOWS there, and there are lots of hidden mickeys and even a Halloween cat who snuck in there!
I freaking LOVE it and could start at it all day. The first time we went to WDW in December the light totally derailed my touring plan because all I wanted to do was stand there and start at the lights.
The resort decorations will probably still largely be up, so you can also enjoy the fabulous decorations at your resort and the other monorail resorts (The Grand Floridian is amazing at Christmas).
Photopass refers to all of the photographers in the parks as well as at character meet and greets and some character meals.
if you buy the photos individually they can cost $17 a piece
but you have the option of buying a CD with all of the images. You can save $30 by ordering the CD before your trip.
There's also PhotoPass Plus. Same idea, but you also get photos from certain rides and the photo packages from BBB and the character meals will be included on the CD.
I think it's way worth it. If you want to FM me I can link you to some of my photopass albums. They do an awesome job, it takes the pressure of of you to take photos everywhere and you'll have pics with the whole family instead of 2 out of 3. I've gone to WDW many times, but I still pre-order the Photopass on every trip. The memories are just priceless to me and for a first visit with your 5 year old Princess all dolled up, it's really a no-brainer.
Thanks...we did use a disney specialist...i just emailed them and was like WTF? LOL....I guess some (you) are better than others!!!
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| Posted 1/3/13 2:15 PM |
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