1st day not at a park

[drewswife]

Now that there is a 3 day park hopper option I was thinking of not running to a park our first day. Any suggestions with an afternoon on site but not at one of the 4 parks? Thanks.

 

[Leota]

Try doing a search on it, I know there have been several threads re. this. Also, at Allearsnet.com, there is a whole section on things to do on arrival day that don't require ticketing.

 

[yecats]

Sure, first theres the shoppping. Shopping at DTD, Shopping your way around the monorail resorts, shopping at the Boardwalk. Then there is golfing or minigolfing (depending on time of day as well). There is the movie theater at DTD or purchase tickets to Cirque DuSoleil. There are various options if your staying at a Disney resort for various things at Fort Wilderness (horseback riding, children's petting zoo, sing-a-long with Chip and Dale/movie, hayrides, walking trail, boat rental, not mention Hoop Dee Doo or eating at buffet at Trial's End). Not to mention Spa Treatments or half a day at a waterpark (depending on time of arrival). I've spent many hours my first day there just touring the various resorts and eating at a different restaurant. My lastest thing is to take an afternoon checking out the Epcot resorts (shop at DTD, YC/BC, walk around Swan/Dolphin then head on back to YC/BC to Beaches and Creams for Hamburgers and dessert). When Illuminations goes off you don't even need a ticket to enter the park, you can see the fireworks and hear a good part of the show from anywhere around the lake or the International Gateway area. I also like to watch Wishes from the 4th floor observation area at CR. Then again if you are staying someplace like CSR, spending the evening enjoying the pool, spa, slide and bar. Trust me times passes by so fast when your at Disney.

 

[wintergreen]

We had a half day on a travel day recently, and went to the Wilderness Lodge, rented bikes, and rode over to the FW campground. Stopped at the petting zoo, looked at the horses, rode through the campground, and ended with lunch at the Trails End Buffeteria. It was a lot of fun, and we would definitely do it again.

We've also played mini golf at Fantasia Gardens. Very cute, and lots of fun!

 

[turnerx5]

A resort Character meal and a ride on the Monorail would be a nice way to start. Also spend some time in your hotel pool to get it out of the kids system at the outset, otherwise they'll be begging the rest of the trip if they are young.

Good luck!