Answer:
Okay, I will begin from the top.
Since it's the end of January, you'll want to bring a light jacket. Yes, it's Florida and it's supposed to be hot, but it has its cool moments too. Bring a couple pairs of jeans, some shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Sneakers are good because there's a lot of walking involved, but flip-flops always work as well. I prefer flip flops if you want my opinion. Also bring the typical vacation items (toiletries, etc.) Are you staying in a Disney resort? If so, I have some transportation and miscellaneous tips.
If you're staying in either the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, or Polynesian, then you have perfect transportation to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The monorail (which is pretty much like a high-tech train that is high in the air that travels around a lake–pretty cool) goes directly through each of those three resorts and you have free access to them. The monorail will take you to the Magic Kingdom, and in order to get to EPCOT, you have to get off at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer to another monorail to get there. Yeah it's confusing, but once you get there you'll understand. If you're not staying in any of those resorts, then look at this other information…
If you're staying in either the Boardwalk, the Yacht/Beach Clubs, or Swan and Dolphin, then you have access to the "Friendship" boats. These will take you around to the other hotels and to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's incredibly convenient. And it's also free of charge. Also (if you have the Park Hopper option on your Park Pass), you can take the boat to EPCOT, go through EPCOT to the other entrance, hop on the monorail and get to the Magic Kingdom or anywhere else on the monorail line! It's that easy. If you don't want to take a boat, then it's about a 15-minute walk from any of those resorts mentioned in this paragraph to EPCOT in one direction and Disney's Hollywood Studios in the other. More resort information if I haven't gone over yours…
If you're staying at any of the other resorts, well you're kind of out of luck. HOWEVER, there is a bus system that goes to all of the Disney resorts and all of the Disney parks. This, too, is completely free. There are designated bus stops at all resorts and parks and each bus is directed toward at least one place. It's very convenient. Even for the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the only way to get to the Animal Kingdom is by bus. Sounds silly, right? So the only places that can only be reached by bus are Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney (except at Saratoga Springs and Old Key West–for the former, there's a path that you can take to Downtown Disney. For the latter, you can rent a boat and go there, but it does cost money), both of the water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and any other resorts that I haven't mentioned. If you are not staying on Disney property, then you might have a problem. The best way to get to the parks is by rental car, but you're not old enough for that. If you're staying off property, then good luck!
Also, in order to get to your resort, you can sign up for Disney's Magical Express. It'll take you directly from the Orlando International Airport to your designated Disney resort. And it's free! Just search Magical Express (go on the official website http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/benefits/airport-service/) and make sure you do everything right. It's a very simple process and it's so convenient! Plus, a video is shown on the bus ride (approximately 45-minute ride) that gives you great tips on your vacation.
Have you settled on your Park Passes yet? If not, make sure you get the Park Hopper option! If you get this on your Pass, then you are able to enter multiple parks on the same day. It's so nice! Another option that you should be aware of is the Water Parks and More option. Don't get this option unless you're really positive you're going to go to both water parks and Disney Quest. Otherwise, it's not really worth it. Because if you say "oh yes we'll definitely go to Blizzard and Typhoon!" but you don't end up going, then it's a waste of money. So it's better to decide to go on a whim and pay for a pass that day than plan it ahead and back out of it.
Okay, now for the fun stuff! I'm going to list the attractions that you definitely won't want to miss! They're organized by park.
KEY:
Easy = very simple ride
Mild = kind of thrilling
Wild = extremely thrilling
* = must see!
MAGIC KINGDOM:
Space Mountain* -Wild
Splash Moutain* -Wild
Big Thunder Mountain* -Mild
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin* -Easy
Tomorrowland Transit Authority -Easy
Pirates of the Caribbean* -Easy
Jungle Cruise -Easy
Haunted Mansion* -Easy
Peter Pan's Flight* -Easy
Mickey's PhilharMagic* -Easy (4D show)
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster* -Wild (this is my favorite ride, don't miss it!)
Tower of Terror* -Wild
Muppet Vision 3D -Easy (3D show)
Indiana Jones Stunt Show* -Easy(live stunt show)
Lights Motors Action* -Easy (live stunt show)
Great Movie Ride* -Easy
Star Tours -Mild
EPCOT:
Test Track* -Wild (another favorite, don't miss it!)
Mission: SPACE* -Wild (choose the green if you don't like spinning/zero-gravity. you'll get it later)
Ellen's Energy Adventure -Easy
Maelstrom* -Mild
Spaceship Earth* -Easy (a classic favorite)
Soarin* -Mild (definitely a favorite, don't miss it!)
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience* -Mild (4D show)
The Seas with Nemo and Friends* -Easy
World Showcase* -it's not a ride, but you can visit 11 countries in about 45 minutes by walking around the lake in EPCOT! It's pretty cool.
ANIMAL KINGDOM:
Expedition Everest* -Wild (huge favorite, don't miss it!)
DINOSAUR* -Wild
It's Tough to Be a Bug* -Easy (4D show)
Kilimanjaro Safaris* -Easy (another favorite)
Some notes about the rides… if I mentioned that some of those rides are my favorites, that also might mean that a lot of other people love them too. So for rides like Soarin, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, etc. you MUST get to the park early. This is so that you can easily get on line or you can get a good time for Fast Passes. Fast Passes can definitely run out quickly for the good rides. Even Space Mountain has issues with that. But you're going at kind of an odd time of the year, so I don't think the crowds will be quite as big as peak season or something, but just keep the timing in mind.
As for eating, all parks (including water parks and Downtown Disney) have quick-service restaurants that sell the general foods like chicken, burgers, vegetarian stuff, etc. So if you just want a quick bite to eat, then those restaurants are very convenient. If you want a sit-down place, here are some of my suggestions:
MAGIC KINGDOM:
Cinderella's Royal Table (book in advance!)
Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern
EPCOT:
There aren't many good sit-down places I like that aren't fancy or expensive (most sit-downs are in World Showcase, so it tends to be expensive)
But I love the Electric Umbrella, which is quick-service.
ANIMAL KINGDOM:
Tusker House
Yak & Yeti
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:
50's Prime Time Cafe (all-time favorite!)
Sci-Fi Dine-In
DOWNTOWN DISNEY:
T-Rex
BIG TIP: Save your major souvenir shopping for the last day or so. That way you'll see everything that is out there. There is a HUGE Disney store in Downtown Disney called World of Disney. Seriously, it's like a Disney overload. It's so overwhelming but you'll find everything there. So if you see something in the park that you like, but you're not sure about it, chances are you'll find it in Downtown Disney so you have time to think about it and see what else is there.
Oh I forgot to mention fireworks! There are two fireworks shows that you don't want to miss: Fantasmic! in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth in EPCOT. Both are incredible, and the latter is so beautiful.
Nightlife, at least for 21 and under, is kind of rough. There are two dance halls that I know of: Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls, both are at the Boardwalk. These are both 21+ unfortunately. Also, Pleasure Island was just closed and that used to be 18+ so that doesn't work. But it is fun to just roam around Downtown Disney at night. Even the Boardwalk has some fun things. But you can't stay out too late. If you're not staying near one of these places, then your best mode of transportation is the bus and I believe they stop running at about 1:00AM, but don't quote me on that.
I hope this information doesn't overwhelm you too much! This is everything I could possibly think of. If you have any questions, feel free to message me or whatever. Have a blast! It's a magical place.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok I go there all the time i can answer anything you want
Basically the 2 parks you have to go to are Magic Kingdom and Epcot but those are my favorite. Anyways get up early and get to the parks at least around 8:30 there will likely already be alot of peopel waiting at the park entrance. first disney security will look through your bags bascially they just ask you to open it, look, and you walk by…no big deal. When the park opens get a map and go directly to one of the more popular rides and Get a fastpass. Then you can race over to another ride and hopefully get in its line and get on it quick.
Please email me with more info and i can tell you every thing you want to know like where to eat, how to get around from park to park, and rides you have to ride.
I suggest bringing a light jacket and a pair of jeans just in case, otherwise you can get by on summer clothes.
And you have to go to the four main parks! They are all so much fun! Theres the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. You probably need at least a day for each park. Then if you have more time, go back to your favorites.
You should travel by bus. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can just hop on the bus and go to any park of your choice. And there are bus stops at each park so you can go to two parks in one day.
Hope I helped. Have a magical trip!
Check the weather for Florida. I believe that they will be getting some cooler weather there this week. We were there last Feb. and we had a couple of 80 degree days and a couple of 60 degree days with wind. It is not pleasant walking around WDW if you are not properly dressed. Everything is very casual.
WDW is a very casual place, and even at the nice restaurants (except V&A), you will see people dressed in the clothes they wore at the parks that day (jeans, shorts, t-shirts, etc.). Wear what you are comfortable wearing and definitely pack shoes you can walk in for the parks.
Since its winter and it can be cold in Fl. pack a sweatshirt. You can purchase tickets for a bit cheaper at the Walmart in Orlando or at the disney store nearest you. Before you enter WDW go to the supermarket in Orlando pick up some things for your hotel room mini fridge because any food in Disney is really expensive. Also take advantage of Disney's fast pass option when you purchase your tickets ask about it. Check all of the parks firework and parade schedule you would like them, also if you go to Disney's website you can print and customize your own maps for free. Enjoy your trip!
Wow, you've gotten some great tips; especially from "Stand clear of the doors". The more you can plan ahead, the better. Go on the Disney website & plan as much as you can, & get Fastpasses (free) for rides to save time. If you are staying on site you can buy a mug that can be refilled throughout your stay. Don't forget a light rain jacket & sunscreen. We bring a water bottle & fill it before we go to the parks, & we bring our own snacks. Have Fun!
This site has videos of all of the Walt Disney World parks (and hotels…).
http://www.kingdommagictravel.com/disneyworld/bigworld.htm
It already snowed this month and can be cold, it's Florida
I like to call the reason of these temperatures the "Inhaling and Exhaling Mr. North and South." Basically, in the summer, Mr. South "exhale's" warm tropical cloulds, which the North (in this case Florida up) inhales. Mr. South's breath is hot and wet, almost like an acidic spit (which "he" does every August day with rain).
Then comes winter. Now, Mr. North inhaled Mr. South's breath, Mr. North (a Canadian citizen) is going to exhale his breath (also known as a Canadian Arctic Front or Cold Front) of which Mr. South is going to inhale (North US border to Florida). His breath is cold and very dry (about 10% humidity). This caused snow in Orlando this year as the high temperature never topped above 32 degrees F.
Spring (oh gosh) can be harsh as Mr. North and South forget to take turns in breathing and breath at the same time. Their breath mixes up in the middle and causes Tornado's… a story you won't want to know.
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
The quenues are busy in the winter, skip all the long waits, trust me, waiting in that freezing or warm weather will only result in a bad migrain headache. Eat lunch early or later, as during luch hours, lines are shorter. Also plan to come early, go on the most popular rides first thing before lines build up.
But what if I overslept? You can purchase a Fastpass, those are life savors too. Just think, What's better, spend the whole day in a waiting line, waist all that money I paid for Disney, or pay a few dollars extra on a fast pass and have a blast and get something out of that trip to Disney?
I hope you have a very enjoyable trip, have a blast, and get the most full out of your trip!
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