[cmdunn]

My daughter is a high school cheerleader and going to National Competition at Disney World Feb 5-10 2004. This is our FIRST time to WDW and we are over-whelmed! We have read some of the suggested books but we still are not sure what the MUST do's and MUST eats are.....any help would be greatly appreciated! Does anyone know when discount codes come out for FEB 2004? We have made reservations at All Star Sports!!

Thanks!

Char

[llama]

Welcome Cmdunn! Wow first trip to WDW! It's always fantastic, exciting and totally overwhelming. In the first chapter of the Unofficial Guide there is a quote - something like "Doing WDW is kind of like giving birth, you can't explain it but once you've done in you know what it's all about."

My best advice to you is to read, read, read. The Unofficial Guide is great, if a bit overwhelming, also the Official WDW Guide (Birnbaum). We've been there when the cheerleaders are there and the girls seem to travel in packs and look like they're having a ball. For teenagers, here is a "must see" list. I'm sure other's will add to it:

Magic Kingdom:

Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Alien Encounter (if it's still open)

Cause they're teens, there really is no need to do Mickey's Toon Town Fair, if time is a factor. Everyone loves Fantasy Land, but you can give Ariel's Grotto a miss. As well as Dumbo, the Carousel , It's a Small World, Snow White's Scary Adventures. If time isn't an issue, then do them as well. I would definitely do the Winnie-the-Pooh ride.

Disney Studios

It seemed to us that the cheerleaders lived on Tower of Terror and Rock'n Roller Coaster. Other must-do:

Star Tours
Great Movie Ride
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt spectacular
Muppet Vision
Backlot Tour

If they have time - "Who wants to be a Millionaire - Play It"
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Sounds Dangerous


Animal Kingdom:

Dinosaur
It's Tough to be a Bug
Kilimanjaro Safari
Festival of the Lion (fantastic - if there's time)
Kali River Rapids (you will get soaked)


Epcot:

Test Track
Mission: Space
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Body Wars


All this is beginning to sound overwhelming and I havent even scratched the surface. There is so much more to enjoy. So - my advice is read! Undoubtedly there will be girls along that have been to WDW and will know the ropes. And keep checking in here - you'll get invaluable advice!

[Dana]

You just missed the Winter Package. It ended today. Try mousesavers.com. They list all the discount codes as they are available and who they are available to. I suggest getting the Passporter Guide book. It is a wonderful book that will help you out with making decisions on what you want to see. I would definately not miss the parades in each park. They are wonderful and the true spirit of Disney. The Fantasmic! show in MGM is awesome in it's own right. As for attractions, they are all great. It would be easier to make suggestions if you told me what kind of rides you like. I will be happy to help you with any questions you may have. In the mean time, go to passporter.com or try wdwig.com (AWESOME site). wdwig.com has pictures and descriptions of every that is WDW. The people in this forum are wonderful and enjoy helping everyone that comes here with questions about WDW or just want to talk about it. Please ask away.:) And Welcome To Disney Central!!!