10 Things Every First Time Visitor Needs to Know

While there is so much you should know when visiting Walt Disney World for the first time, I've narrowed it down to my personal top 10 things every first time visitor needs to know.  Most of these I've learned my lesson from the hard way- these aren't just random things!!

1. Bring comfortable shoes! You will be doing a LOT of walking.  Unless you wear flip flops 24/7 at home, you will want to bring comfy walking shoes.  
2. You can get FREE water at any counter service restaurant.  Bottled water is great, but it won't stay cold all day. Save yourself the hassle of carrying around a bunch of water bottles, and just ask for some free ice water when you stop for a break, or to eat.  
3. Download park maps from Disney before your trip.  You can find out where your favorite rides and character meets are, so you aren't randomly walking in circles trying to find Dumbo! 
4. Get your souvenirs off Disney property.  You can get the exact same t-shirt you saw in the Magic Kingdom for about half the price, just by driving a few miles off Disney property.  If you're on a budget, this is a HUGE money saver (and nobody will know the difference!)
5. Interact with the characters!!  When you meet the characters, don't just walk up, get an autograph, and walk away.  Actually talk to them.  Tell a joke, ask them questions, anything.  Even the costume characters, who can't talk, can have some pretty fun interactions.  
6. Be patient.  You will be spending several hours per day with thousands of strangers.  Odds are someone will annoy you.  Just remember the golden rule, and show people kindness and patience.  You never know what they are going through, and a kind word from you could make their entire day. 
7. Book your dining reservations 6 months ahead.  This is a big one! You can book your dining reservations 180 days prior to checking into your hotel.  You need to do this if you plan on eating at any Table Service restaurants.  While you may get lucky, and be able to walk in to certain places, there are many that fill up.  You don't want to be scrambling to find somewhere to eat with cranky kids and tired parents!
8. Schedule your Fastpasses 60 days in advance.  I know, I know- how do you know what day and time you will want to ride Expedition Everest?!  Here's the thing... it's better to have a Fastpass, and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  You will probably know what parks you will visit on which days, so schedule your Fastpasses around that.  
9. Take a stroller (or rent one).  Even if your child has been walking for years, they aren't used to walking 10-15 miles a day, and their little legs will give up on them (probably at the most inconvenient time).  My 7 year old and 3 year old took turns riding in our stroller, so I was able to get away with just a single stroller.  My 9 year old did fine walking all day.  
10. My last tip for this post is to have fun, and know that you cannot possibly see or do everything there is to do at Walt Disney World.  There are people who have gone dozens of times, and still haven't done everything.  So, don't even try.  It's supposed to be a fun vacation, after all!!