25 sleeps to go. First timers - any hints/tips/recommendations

[thefergies]

Originally Posted by First timer loz

It’s our first time in 25 days as well ! 2 children staying off site ! So I’m going to be following this thread !

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What area are you staying in? And what do the kids like to eat? Happy to offer some suggestions for meals off site. The parks are expensive and know how to separate you from your wallet -someone said 12 dollars for value meal but I think that will only get you The burger eand fries these days and drink will be on top so 15dollars a head more likely. We are 4 adults as "kids" are 20+ and we just get 3 meals and share to keep costs down. I am not a big eater during the day so I am not seduced by all the other options scattered around like donuts or cinnabons or butterbeer or the main rip off otherwise known as Epcot Food and Wine.

[Sazzle114]

Originally Posted by First timer loz

It’s our first time in 25 days as well ! 2 children staying off site ! So I’m going to be following this thread !

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Oooooo where you flying from who with etc etc

[Sazzle114]

Originally Posted by thefergies

What area are you staying in? And what do the kids like to eat? Happy to offer some suggestions for meals off site. The parks are expensive and know how to separate you from your wallet -someone said 12 dollars for value meal but I think that will only get you The burger eand fries these days and drink will be on top so 15dollars a head more likely. We are 4 adults as "kids" are 20+ and we just get 3 meals and share to keep costs down. I am not a big eater during the day so I am not seduced by all the other options scattered around like donuts or cinnabons or butterbeer or the main rip off otherwise known as Epcot Food and Wine.

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All I know is IDrive. Looks like a bit of a crappy hotel given the tripadvisor reviews. If it’s unbearable we’ll move. Kids love everything to eat especially sushi ! So food wise we’re easy. I know it’s a chain but I have to go to Bubba Gumps. We went 15 years ago in SAN Fran and loved it.

[thefergies]

Never stayed on idrive but they have same options as all the other villa areas to the south and then a whole lot more besides. Really, every cuisine you can think of will be covered. The thread on restaurants and the one for food reports should also help you.

[WDWfangirl]

Definitely make use of the free water in all the Disney parks. If you must take some of the Robinsons water enhancers with you. We took bottles with us to the parks every day to top up with the free water.

Maximise use of fast passes by trying to get a fourth as soon as you have tapped in for your third fast pass.

Don't skip the shows, they are really good and provide a welcome break from the heat and/or rain.

Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys

[boltyboy]

My advice would be take time to relax, you will not be able to do everything. You will be going back.

[First timer loz]

We fly 4/11 Gatwick to Orlando, staying in a villa at lake Wilson preserve.
My children are 13 and 8 but eat like adults ! 2 hungry growing boys ! And they will any foods but not Chinese 🤷🏻 We are hoping to do some cooking in the villa after park days but also want some nice meals out. I’m starting to worry about the cost of food shopping to take back to the villa though ! Where do you all suggest ?

[cornishfrogboy]

Originally Posted by First timer loz

We fly 4/11 Gatwick to Orlando, staying in a villa at lake Wilson preserve.
My children are 13 and 8 but eat like adults ! 2 hungry growing boys ! And they will any foods but not Chinese 🤷🏻 We are hoping to do some cooking in the villa after park days but also want some nice meals out. I’m starting to worry about the cost of food shopping to take back to the villa though ! Where do you all suggest ?

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Walmart is generally cheaper whilst Publix is generally better for fresh produce. I haven’t been in a US Lidl yet, so cannot advise.

[Sazzle114]

Originally Posted by First timer loz

We fly 4/11 Gatwick to Orlando, staying in a villa at lake Wilson preserve.
My children are 13 and 8 but eat like adults ! 2 hungry growing boys ! And they will any foods but not Chinese 🤷🏻 We are hoping to do some cooking in the villa after park days but also want some nice meals out. I’m starting to worry about the cost of food shopping to take back to the villa though ! Where do you all suggest ?

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So you’ll be on the same flights as us then. I wish had booked a villa. That will have to be next time lol.
So are your boys having the adults meal on the flight? I wasn’t sure what to book for my 11 year old. My 7 year old barely eats.

[writersblock]

Hi! We fly out four weeks tomorrow so I will keep an eye on this thread. First timers too. Just the two of us adults, staying at AKL for 10 nights then RP at US for 4. So excited!