Navigating the Parks For Newbies, Part 1, Getting Into the Parks

There are lots of things you should know on your first trip to Disney World! First of all, there are FOUR parks in Disney World. People who have never been before sometimes think the picture of the castle IS Disney World but it's just one park.

This info applies to all four parks!

Arrival:

People will get there early, anywhere from 30-60 minutes early just to get a head start in the mad dash to their favorite ride. When you first come into the park, the "runners" may seem like they're being rude. They don't mean to jostle you, just stay to the side and they'll go around you. They are literally running to get to their favorite ride first. If they smile at you while they whiz by, it's not poking fun, they're just happy to be there.

If you don't move to the side, you can just follow them and see where they go!

Most parks have opening shows if you're in the first crowd to arrive. If the park has extra magic hours in the morning the show may not happen, so keep that in mind.

Speaking of extra magic hours, if they're morning EMH, not every section may be open when you arrive. Cast Members will guide you towards open sections and away from sections that may not be open yet.

Wait! Extra what?!?

Those who stay in a Disney resort have a perk called Extra Magic Hours. One park each day is either open early or stays open late, but only those who are staying onsite get to enjoy these magical perks. Cast Members will check your room key or magic band during these hours to make sure you are an on site guest. 

Strollers: 

When you first come into the parks, strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent. If you plan to rent for more than one day, let them know and there is a multi day discount they can apply. Keep your receipt. It has a ticket for each day.

If you leave the first park and plan to park hop, the strollers stay there. However, you can present your receipt at the next park and they'll provide you with another stroller at the new park.

Also, if you like to take your stroller with you back to your resort, consider renting a stroller offsite. There are only a few stroller companies that are preferred stroller companies.  They are allowed to deliver and pick up at each resort. Of the four, my best recommendation is Magic Strollers. They have provided me with nothing but the utmost in the dozens of rentals I have handled for my clients. Of you're thinking of renting, please let me know so I can apply my discount for you.

You made it inside!

Once in the park, you should grab two things: a map, and a times guide. The times guide tells you exactly what's going on in the park that week, and includes show times, firework and parade times, character locations, and even special events. Note, not every event (parades and shows, especially) occur every day. If you plan to be in the park for more than one day, and I am not your travel planner, make sure you don't miss out on a parade or fireworks because you left early on the "wrong" day. 

Make sense?

Now that you're officially inside the park, stay tuned for Part 2 in this series for newbies!

See ya real soon!

°o° ~ Karen