Hi! A real "newbie" here...

[bfarmer123]

Not only am I new to the DisBoard but I have never been to Disney either. So, this year I am taking my 11 yo daughter and myself on what she is calling the "vacation on a lifetime". 4 days at Disney, then 4 days cruising. We are planning for the end of May 2013. Just a few short months away...

And I am lost, confused and overwhelmed!

If someone could point me in the right direction, I would certainly appreciate it. I'm pretty sure of where we will be staying, what we will be doing, and how we are going to get there and back, but it's all the little "in between" stuff that is getting to me. Like tips?? What tips? We have to tip everybody? Where can I get a list of all the cool restaurants so we can decide where to eat? Someone told me to book through a DVC member by renting points. Good idea? What about extended hours? Where do I go to find out that info?

As you can see, there is alot I don't know. But I feel confident that my new found WDW friends will guide the way!!!

Thanks guys!
Bonnie

p.s. I want a timer so I can count down to my vacation too!

[BearcatsFan]

My replies are in red.

Originally Posted by bfarmer123

Not only am I new to the DisBoard but I have never been to Disney either. So, this year I am taking my 11 yo daughter and myself on what she is calling the "vacation on a lifetime". 4 days at Disney, then 4 days cruising. We are planning for the end of May 2013. Just a few short months away...

And I am lost, confused and overwhelmed!

to the DIS! Congratulations on your first trip - how exciting for your family!

If someone could point me in the right direction, I would certainly appreciate it. I'm pretty sure of where we will be staying, what we will be doing, and how we are going to get there and back, but it's all the little "in between" stuff that is getting to me. Like tips?? What tips? We have to tip everybody? Where can I get a list of all the cool restaurants so we can decide where to eat? Someone told me to book through a DVC member by renting points. Good idea? What about extended hours? Where do I go to find out that info?

As far as tips go, if you eat at a table service restaurant, tips are not included in the price ... just like they aren't included anywhere else when you eat at a nice restaurant.

If you are looking to eat at table service restaurants, you need to make your reservations (called ADRs) now. You can go over to the Restaurants forum here on the DIS and see what everyone is talking about as far as popular restaurants. Be Our Guest is very popular, as are some of the character meals, but everyone has their own preferences.

Restaurants Board

There is also a forum here for DVC - you could check there for any information or questions you would have.

DVC Board

Here is a link to a calendar that will tell you the park hours and extra magic hours for May, 2013:

http://media.disneywebcontent.com/St...lendar_may.pdf

As you can see, there is alot I don't know. But I feel confident that my new found WDW friends will guide the way!!!

Thanks guys!
Bonnie

p.s. I want a timer so I can count down to my vacation too!

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[Metro West]

Welcome!

[belle07]

[jesswindsor]

Welcome!!!

[harmrose22]

Welcome!