1st Disney trip June 07

[akmom]

We arrive at the airport at 11:30. We have 5 day park passes so don't want to use one on the first day since it will be a 1/2 day. Anyone have any recommendations as to what to do on the first day. I will be traveling with DH, DS8, and DD4.5 Thanks!

 

[summerlandjeff]

We have the same "dilemma", what to do on a sunny warm day in WDW? For the past three trips our plan goes like this, we check our bags with ME, purchase our refillable mugs, change into our swim suits and hit the pool! A nice lunch at the pool bar and by 3:00 PM our room is ready. A nap, quick shower and a quiet dinner on site, early to bed and the next day we're ready to hit the parks!
Relaxing poolside after a two hour (actually 6 hour with check in) flight is about the smartest thing......

Easter @ CSR 9 days and counting!

 

[tlhbdm]

We arrive at the airport at 11:30. We have 5 day park passes so don't want to use one on the first day since it will be a 1/2 day. Anyone have any recommendations as to what to do on the first day. I will be traveling with DH, DS8, and DD4.5 Thanks!

Downtown Disney, to go shopping it's free (except for the shopping part)

 

[catherines_mama]

Before I had an AP I was the same way. You just DONT want to waste a park hopper day.

SO I'd always enjoy the resort, get a lay of the land. You are there in June so SWIM. Then I always go to DTD, shop and have dinner. Just getting acclimated.. being your 1st trip!! YAY that will be a full 1st day.

 

[akmom]

Thanks for the help. Hanging out and swimming will probably be best. Maybe DTD, but I know my DD will want to go to the boutique and I don't want to do that on day 1 I don't think. We can't wait!!!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Another vote for swimming.

You might want to consider supper at Chef Mickey's, or touring another resort. Depending on where you're staying, it might be fun to poke around the Poly, GF, or WL.

 

[Kae]

How about Chef Mickeys & a spin on the Monorail.

Kae

 

[alwayspooh]

We are in the same boat as far as what to do since we check in late also. The pool is a great idea. This is our first trip checking in late like this so I didn't know what to do except to possibly waste a day on our package.

Now isn't the this board great!! Everybody does the thinking for me.

 

[aspcamhreditor2]

You could hang out at your resort, swim, enjoy the amenities there. It sounds like you are looking pack a lot into your days, so you miss out on doing as much of this as you like later on.

Another option ... visit Downtown Disney.

Something else you could do ... visit some of the other resorts and check out their facilities. You can get a "ride" or two in if you 1) visit resorts on the monorail and/or take a boat to Wilderness Lodge.

I've always wanted to spend a day visiting the other resorts but we've never taken the time to do that.

Also ... depending on the total # of days you go, you might not totally "waste" your pass even if you did go to our park. On both of our last two trips, we got into WDW early afternoon. We "spent" one of our park hoppers and didn't regret it either time. In both instances, we went for a short time to one park and then made a "late" trip to a park open later. This last time, we went to MGM for a while in the afternoon, went back to the hotel briefly to rest and then did a later dinner at Epcot and enjoyed Illuminations. We aren't all-day-in-the park kind of people.

 

[jeffn5631]

Don't know if you have the time, but Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven is not to very far away and they offer the second day admission free. I got a year long seaon pass which includes free parking for a fraction of what a WDW Florida resident season pass costs. What is great about CG, everything in one park - rides, water show, beautiful gardens, outdoor concert stage (we saw Roberta Lynn and Engelbert Humperdink recently) and a family fun water park all included and without the WDW crowds and hassels. Recommend you check out their web site for all the info.

JN & JN


Fl resident season passholders

 

[MyZoeJane]

I just never "got" the whole not going to the park on the first day thing... Unless we arrive after 5pm, I can't justify NOT going.

How much does the 6th day cost? Like, $3 per person?


Really... the days after the first four cost next to nothing, don't they?

 

[fobo45]

You may want to add a day to your pass. Depending on what day you arrive there may be a good late hour park open. We to are going in June but 10 days after you. What ever you do have fun.

 

[rcraw45425]

Fantasia Gardens, the mini golf place by Boardwalk is a lot of fun. I'm assuming you're staying onsite, hop on a bus from your resort to another park, then hop a bus to another resort and look around, like say you're staying at AKL, bus to AK, then hop a bus from there to one of the Boardwalk resorts and eat dinner, walk around the Boardwalk, there's lots to do there at night. Or hop a bus to a monorail resort, eat, ride the monorail to the resorts and get off at each one and look around/shop, etc. Since you'll be there in June, go over to Ft. Wilderness for the campfire singalong and the outdoor movie.

 

[DebIreland]

You may want to add a day to your pass. Depending on what day you arrive there may be a good late hour park open.

I totally agree!

You can upgrade your tickets at the park entrance - to upgrade from 5 days to 6 will cost a couple of dollars each. Look at this way - for a few dollars extra you get to spend an extra half day in a Disney park. Go for it!!!

 

[cinder1]

We don't usually go to the parks on arrival day unless we get there pretty early. My vote is swimming and dinner at Chef Mickey's. You can ride the Monorail too. Ask the CM if you can sit up front with the driver. He will find out from the driver if there are already people in the front car. My kids love that. Eating at Chef Mickey's really gets you in the mood for the parks the next day and you get some character autographs which can mean less time in line at the park.

 

[Eljay]

Don't forget to get your "first timer" button from guest services!
BTW, where are you staying? That will help us to make suggestions.