What NOT to do at WDW?

[tjewelcat]

I have seen so many great things to do at WDW it is almost overwhelming. Is there anything that we should not waste our time on since this will be our family's first visit?
Staying 6 days in Feb, 3 adults 1 child age 8. Thanks for suggestions in advance.

[#1donaldfan]

...to try to see everything....you can't ..... take your time and have FUN !!

...by the way WELCOME to INTERCOT !!

[bruin1344]

6 days should be enough to accomplish most attractions, etc.

2 major things I would skip:
-Universe of Energy - long attraction and very boring
-Disney Quest - i am not a big gamer

[BigRedDad]

It really depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Since you are asking for things to avoid, here are my reasons. I know people will disagree and everyone has their opinions. When I grew up down near WDW, I could map out every ride, attraction, store, etc in my head for the MK when I was 10 (that was all that was there).


Magic Kingdom (I have been a gazillion times growing up in the 70s and 80s):
Snow White: Dated, looks much like something at a state fair.
Pooh: Same as above
Mad Hatter's Tea Cups: Always fun, but can be missed because this is something at a state fair.
Donald's Boat: It is a playground basically
Tomorrowland Transit Authority: It is a nice slow ride, but I would skip it if time were short
Stitch's Great Escape: I love Stitch, but not an attraction I have to see
Swiss Family Tree House: If you have the time, it is a nice walk. But if time is constrained, not worth it.
Aladdin's Carpet: The same as Dumbo, just different theming
Tom Sawyer's Island: Fun to run around and relax. Not a must do on any trip

Epcot:
Journey Into Imagination: Very boring and no more fun than it was in the early 80s when I first went on it.
Ellen's Energy Adventure: Not my thing and jsut don't enjoy it.

Disney Hollywood Studios:
Disney Playhouse Live and Little Mermaid: If your child has outgrown these it may not be needed.
American Idol: I don't like the TV show, so no need for this attraction for me.

Animal Kingdom:
Much of Dinoland. It is just very carnival-ish or Busch Garden like

[tjewelcat]

Thanks so much for all of the "non suggestions".
Everyone is so helpful on the message boards.

[clausjo]

I think with 6 days, you should have enough time to do quite a bit. I would take your time and see as much as you can. Only you can decide what you like and what you don't like. There are things I would skip, but my kids love it. Since it's your first time going, I suggest you decide in advance with your child and be sure to do what you've decided are "must do's", then everything else is bonus!

Have a great time and welcome to Intercot!!!!

[Polynesian Dweller]

Got to agree with the last poster, only you can really decide and that's by trying things. For almost every attraction there is somebody who hates it while others love it.

A good strategy is likely to make sure to do the major rides and then try the others but don't write something off just because somebody dislikes it. It may turn out to be a gem for you.

[SandmanGStefani24]

gotta disagree, i LOVE the universe of energy ride. i think it's worth it!

the only things i think are worth a skip are
-stitch. no, just...no.
-teacups. (done it, and loved it, but a long wait for such a short ride.)

-circle of life film (preachy and boring to boot)


I'd say everything else you could fit into your trip is worth a shot! Have fun!

[wdwfansince75]

I do believe that 6 days is enough to do all the "Must do's"...but not enough to do everything...and there are some things you will want to do more than once...Plan at least two days at MK....for a first visit, the shows are not "Must do's"....although none of them are definite "Don't do's." Essentially, everything is Disney, and everything has at least some magic in it. Seeing it through an 8 year old's eyes will make some attractions different...at that age, the backlot tour and the great movie ride can be a waste of time, but Toy Story Midway Mania is a repeater...At MK, Hall of Presidents is a yawner at that age, but our kids and grandkids wound up singing "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" from Carosel of Progress all the way home....And the Tomorrowland Transit Authority is a great way to relax, and to get a different view of the park...Take your time, see as much as you can....get Fast Passes for the most important rides, but slip into any short line you see...And start to plan your next trip!

[tjewelcat]

I like the concept of Fastpass, but does it create more walking by going back and forth?

[faline]

I like the concept of Fastpass, but does it create more walking by going back and forth?

It does but, if used judiciously, it can be a huge time saver!

As far as what to see and what to not see, everyone has different tastes as well as likes and dislikes as you can already see from some of the responses you've received. What I always recommend is that you take the time to get a general description of each of the attractins in each park - a book like Birnbaum's official guide is good for this. Then, based on what sounds like fun to you and your family, crease a list of the must-dos for your family. Once you have accomplished the must-dos in the park, you can tackle as many of the other rides/attractions as you have time for.

With a six day trip, you will never be able to see all and do all in Disney World!

[tjewelcat]

I have the 2010 Birnbaum Guide book right next to me!!! LOL

[GrumpyFan]

Congratulations on making your first trip to WDW. You guys are sure to have a great time. As for what NOT to do, I tend to agree with those who would say to try everything that sounds like fun to YOU or your family. You know the saying on opinions, well, that's true even at WDW. So, go thru your guide with your family and highlight the attractions that sound the best for you. As also been said, 6 days is enough time so you don't have to worry about trying to squeeze in stuff.

[BluewaterBrad]

My first suggestion would be to not listen to ANY negative comments about WDW. There are some rides, meals,hotels,etc. that I do not particularly care for, but you might love them!! This site has turned extremely negative by some people lately. You have six days............see all you want,soak in "the details", and have fun!!

[azcavalier]

I like the concept of Fastpass, but does it create more walking by going back and forth?

Yes, but this is why you split up.

We usually give one person all of the park tickets and send them off to get fast passes while we do something else, like a bathroom break or in line for a restaurant, etc. Or my wife will take the kids on something I don't care for (Aladdin's carpets) while I go get FPs for Splash Mountain. So, while I may be walking more (and that's not a bad thing), we're not wearing the kids out by going back and forth.

[HiHoKermitTheFrogHere]

I agree that with everything, some people might like it while others do not. With that in mind, my subjective view is that you will be wasting your time doing Stormchaser at Innoventions. That is one of the very few "must skip" items for me at WDW.

[WelshieLover]

I have to disagree those who dislike Universe of Energy. My family loves it. The dinosaurs are so well done. It is long, but we find it a great attraction when we are tired and there is never a wait for it.

I think you need to try whatever you can fit in. Nothing should really disappoint you. I do think DisneyQuest not worth the extra cost as it is really a supersized arcade.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

You should have plenty of time with 6 days like everyone said and I liked Ellen's Energy Adventure, don't skip it if you have plenty of time

Here's some things I'm not crazy about:

DHS-
Narnia
ABC Commissary-yucky food

Magic Kingdom-
Magic Tiki Room
Country Bear Jamboree

Animal Kingdom-
The carnival style games in Dino land

Epcot-
Journey Into Imagination

[Belster]

gotta disagree, i LOVE the universe of energy ride. i think it's worth it!

the only things i think are worth a skip are
-stitch. no, just...no.
-teacups. (done it, and loved it, but a long wait for such a short ride.)

-circle of life film (preachy and boring to boot)


I'd say everything else you could fit into your trip is worth a shot! Have fun!

I agree to a T!!!

[GBBT]

Let's see...don't harass the Cast Members, don't claim you have explosives on your self ,don't cut the lines,don't be rude to other guests .... sorry,you mean the rides and such.... Since it's your first time you need to do everything that you feel you can do in 6 days.Don't rush and above all else...have fun!!