Arrival tip needed

[aimjay]

:goodvibes I am arriving in orlando at 1:42 and from what I read It take about an hourish to use the magical express to wilderness lodge. I was wondering where I should try to get a ADR for and what the earliest time would be safe. I was thinking wispering canyon or a park dinner, idea's?:confused3. Also do you think guys think MVMCP would be a good idea this night too or should we wait for another day in the week in your more experienced opinions??

[bradisgoofy]

We are usually pretty tired upon arrival but if you have the energy I would try for a late dinner at Whispering Canyon. It looks like the weather isn't going to be too good here for the next day or two, so I would do MVMCP later.

[dunbarfamily]

If you're going to eat at Wilderness Lodge, I'd say you could try for a 4:30 adr. At MK, I'd make it for no earlier than 5:30. I'd wait until later in your stay to do the Christmas party for two reasons. One, you might be tired from flying, and two, if you haven't been to MK, you can get the lay of the land before the party.

[aimjay]

:hippie:Hey guys Thanks for the tips, but I wanted to clarify that I am arriving 12/12 to the 18th and the other thing is I am by no means a seasoned vet but we were at Disney for the first time October2008 so though I may not know it with my eyes closed I kind of have an idea where we are going. :dance3: Any other ideas are very welcomed:cool1::cool1:

[dopeynme]

Well, I usually don't book something like a hard ticket party for the first night.....just in case of some sort of travel delay......It would be bad enough to miss hours of your vacation, or miss out on an ADR.....but missing a party costs you money as well......

[marshmellow86]

:goodvibes I am arriving in orlando at 1:42 and from what I read It take about an hourish to use the magical express to wilderness lodge. I was wondering where I should try to get a ADR for and what the earliest time would be safe. I was thinking wispering canyon or a park dinner, idea's?:confused3. Also do you think guys think MVMCP would be a good idea this night too or should we wait for another day in the week in your more experienced opinions??

Since you are at Wilderness Lodge, I recommend Wispering Canyon. That way you won't be rushed to get somewhere and can relax at the hotel. The other suggestions would be to go to either the Contemporary or the campground - as you can go by boat to both of these. I think the boat ride is enjoyable and different than riding the bus, so we like to do it when possible. You could also take the boat to the Contemporary and then monorail to the Poly or Grand Floridian for dinner. Poly has O'hana or GF has 1900 Park Fair, among others to chose from - just recommend these more for kids, assuming you have kids :confused3

[chrismass]

I wouldn't buy the Christmas party tickets for the first night either - you don't want to take the chance that you'd miss it due to delayed travel plans. Whispering Canyon is a great and fun place to dine - or if you feel you need to get moving take the boat over to Ft Wilderness eat at Trails End and catch the outdoor movie and sing-a-long (I'm assuming that happens in the winter months too). Ft Wilderness also has a great pool if the weather is nice enough.

[happymommy]

We always go to a park our first day - even if it's just for a few hours, 2 or 3 hours or so.

I don't know, though, if you have a very long flight. But, it may be fun to book an ADR in a park. Or do some good counter service and make it more relaxing. Love Epcot for that! And last year, Illuminations added an extra song at the end, they played "Let There be Peace on Earth" and some narration by Walter Cronkite over the holidays - it was so beautiful!

[pixarmom]

Our schedule has been similar to yours for the past two trips - early afternoon arrival, magical express, and we've stayed at WL. We have a family tradition of dinner at Garden Grill at EPCOT the first night, and we've always made it to 6pm ADRs with no problem. It requires a lot of energy, but that's OK for us. I agree that Ohana at the Poly or Whispering Canyon would also be good options. Hope that helps!!

P.S. We don't expect to see our luggage until we get back to the room around 10pm - we always pack what we need for the evening in carry-ons!

[tassma]

DO NOT do MVMCP on arrival night. I thought I would be safe with a 1:30 arrival time, but my Mom missed our flight. Don't ask. :love: She barely got there in time to see the castle lighting.

Enjoy your trip!!!!