ARRIVAL DAY ITINERARY... Any suggestions / tweaking?

[LadyDiznee123]

Hello All.

Sorry - this may be a little long-winded.
I try to get myself organized well ahead of my trip (the plan is for Sept - only six days. Two days less than my last 2015 trip) - So I am trying to tweak my DAY ONE well in advance.

I am asking this question because some of you may have already been in this position and I'd welcome any tweaking to this.

Here is gist of my history. I went in 2015 and was overwhelmed that there was no longer a "low crowd" season anymore. In particular not the last week of Oct / early Nov., which used to be when I would visit in 97 98 99 and 00 - when the Food and Wine Fest was NEW. I enjoyed my stay in 2015 bud did not get enough down time. NEVER enjoyed my resort. NEVER got a chance to sit by the pool for some chill time, etc. I ended up cancelling about three ADR's and that was what saved my last three days. My actual most relaxing day was my final day. Did a lot of wonderful, relaxing things that I wanted to do.. but still not at my resort. A lot of minor, small things I just never did.

My biggest mistake was to run straight to MK from my resort, as had always been my ritual. I now realize I can no longer practice that ritual. I had already been up since 3am and after EMH.. didnt get to bed until 330.

With that mistake in mind... here is how I plan to manage my Sept visit. Day ONE is the most important day than can make or foil my time management. Please, if you see other alternatives, feel free to offer up your opinion / advice, etc. This forum has always served me well with regard to making adjustments!

Thanks! Below are my notes to self!

**********************

DISNEY ARRIVAL DAY ONE:

NO PARKS!!!​

Your arrival will be about 12 Noonish (You will have already been up since 3 AM).

You will have auto check-in so you can go straight to your room, BUT make sure you ask the front desk about any packages that you may have had delivered to the resort. Get them now, not later.

Do not even unpack unless you are in the mood to. This time is to see / enjoy your resort. Set luggage aside and if you are at ALL STAR MOVIES head over to the Resort food court and gift shop. Get a bite to eat if hungry and get some souvenirs and rain poncho. Take souvenirs back to room, then stroll the resort. If you do feel tired chill by the pool or take a nap in your room. (not longer than 90 minutes?).


NOTE!: Avoid a LONG nap (or any nap!!!) if possible. Better to be tired and get to bed at 8 or 9 for an early wake up for the Magic Kingdom Rope Drop - than to nap too long and not be sleepy by 9pm - which will spoil your early wake up for the next day. This day will be the make or break of your energy levels for the entire trip. Get to bed to be TIRED and sleepy by 8pm to 10pm the latest. Ideal time 9pm. Set your clock for 5:45 - 6 to get out of the door by 645-700 to go to MK rope drop

If you are at POP CENTURY… stroll the Hourglass Lake and take a walk over the Generation Gap bridge and stroll over to see the Art Of Animation resort. Have your first bite to eat at THIS food court instead of POP. Look for the turtles around the bridge.

Walk back to POP and spend time by the pool or take a nap.

Get ready to head off to DISNEY SPRINGS for window shopping and dinner (or Cirque Du Soliel if you have tickets. Their performances are at 6pm and 9pm and are 90 minutes long. This might be cramming in too much for a day one. Better for a day four at 6pm show. Remember day one is for chill). IF (IF!!!) it is still early at DISNEY SPRINGS, and you are not tired only then take a bus to one of the parks for a ride or attraction (Tower of Terror and Hollywood Studios??)... And go straight back to resort.

Head back to room and relax or sit by the pool.

Put your clothes away. And have your clothes ready for the next day.

Be in bed by 8 - 9pm (10 the latest!)

Tomorrow: wake up early for Magic Kingdom Rope Drop. Skip breakfast at resort (You’ve already seen your resort… keep it moving) and have a bite a MK instead.


POSSIBLE NAP ALTERNATIVE?:
Possible?: Take a natural nap and awaken whenever you awaken. Go to 6pm LaNouba. You will be out by 7:30. You can still window shop and eat and hang out at DISNEY SPRINGS and get to bed no later than 11pm. The nap should not spoil your ability to get to bed by 11 and still be sleepy. Remember, you have been up since 3:00 am. What is paramount is that you start your official PARK DAY ONE (and the following days) fresh… with a rope drop.

 

[RyMickey]

I would say that mid-afternoon is a wonderful time to explore Disney Springs (particularly if it's a weekday, although it's a fine time on weekends as well). You can likely walk into any restaurant you choose if you're in the mood for a nicer sit-down meal and you can take a quick "exploratory" walk through the World of Disney to see any merchandise you may be interested in purchasing later. You can still be back to your hotel by late afternoon/early evening and sit at the pool for an hour or two. This'll allow you to head back to your room and unpack and be in bed early.

I'd avoid the Cirque show on Day One just because if you're really tired you may not enjoy it, but if it's really the only time to see it without putting kinks into your park time, your plan of a quick nap before heading over there seems good.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

I would say that mid-afternoon is a wonderful time to explore Disney Springs (particularly if it's a weekday, although it's a fine time on weekends as well). You can likely walk into any restaurant you choose if you're in the mood for a nicer sit-down meal and you can take a quick "exploratory" walk through the World of Disney to see any merchandise you may be interested in purchasing later. You can still be back to your hotel by late afternoon/early evening and sit at the pool for an hour or two. This'll allow you to head back to your room and unpack and be in bed early.

I'd avoid the Cirque show on Day One just because if you're really tired you may not enjoy it, but if it's really the only time to see it without putting kinks into your park time, your plan of a quick nap before heading over there seems good.

Thanks so much! You've pretty-much echoed my thoughts. That's great! I'll be coming in on a Thursday. The one thing I KNEW I had right was my trip to DIS SPRINGS by mid afternoon. I love having alone time to just stroll along and do the entire Springs... and not have to rush through or miss something. And yes, I agree... I won't enjoy Cirque if I'm even the least bit tired that evening. It's too much.

Thanks again and thanks for taking the time to read the post!

 

[Trap]

this will be are day one up at 3 flight leaves at 6 in orlando at 1030 at pofq at 12 eat take a 3 hour break get on boat go to disney springs have supper then get all shopping out of the way back at pofq at 930

 

[Karin1984]

This is a solo trip?
What I read from your previous trip you felt too planned/too focused on tradition. I wouldn't plan anything if I were you, except the plan not to nap too long and go to bed on time for the next day rope drop. See what you are in the mood for, give in to that urge to ride x or see y perform if that's what you want. It is your vacation after all.

Reading how you write your inner monologue as your schedule, I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself. You often write 'Do this', 'Don't do that', incl. an order to enjoy your resort. To me your inner monologue sounds a bit bossy There is nothing wrong with keeping track of your previous learnings, but keep in mind there is no such thing as the perfect plan, as there are a dozen things that can force you or make you want to change your plans.

 

[dkrauss]

This is a nice plan given your previous experience. My only question is what "day" are you arriving.....I'm not a big fan of doing MK on a Monday. We've done it three times and each time its been busy regardless of season. One of those Monday's was actually by design.............one was when we didn't know any better..........and one was just a mistake

Monday tends to be the day many new arrivals go to the MK...........as you said....there's such a pull for the MK

Doug

 

[LadyDiznee123]

This is a solo trip?
What I read from your previous trip you felt too planned/too focused on tradition. I wouldn't plan anything if I were you, except the plan not to nap too long and go to bed on time for the next day rope drop. See what you are in the mood for, give in to that urge to ride x or see y perform if that's what you want. It is your vacation after all.

Reading how you write your inner monologue as your schedule, I think you put a lot of pressure on yourself. You often write 'Do this', 'Don't do that', incl. an order to enjoy your resort. To me your inner monologue sounds a bit bossy There is nothing wrong with keeping track of your previous learnings, but keep in mind there is no such thing as the perfect plan, as there are a dozen things that can force you or make you want to change your plans.

OMG, Karin! Yes. You are correct... on point! I love the heck out of this board! lol.
Yes, this will be my 2nd solo. And yes I tend to be a staunch planner -which got me all discombobulated in 2015. The good part is I still don't think I go overboard... but I do tend to plan. Hence the rope drop! The rope drop is actually my plan to NOT have too many plans. After I do my rides (the first two to three hours).... I will be playing it by ear and moving slowly. I was so rushed trying to get my "rides" out of the way last time that I rarely just STROLLED through Disney. It became a planning task. In retrospect, I hardly even remember my time at MK or EPCOT because of coming too late in the day and running from one FP to another, waiting in FP line for illuminations for 2 hours, to meet the seven dwarfs for 2 hours, etc. It all became a blur. (AK and HS I remember much better - but those are everyone's least favorite parks) That was when I killed 3-4 remaining ADR's to enjoy my last three days and that actually did work. I slowed down. I took my time. But I still didn't get that SUPER down-time. And that was 8 days. This time Im not going to be a sleepy-head. I'm getting out early and then by 12 noon I will go into chill / play it by ear mode.

Thank you guys SO much for reading. It was a long post. I really appreciate it. You guys are making me cry a bit.

Blessings!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

This is a nice plan given your previous experience. My only question is what "day" are you arriving.....I'm not a big fan of doing MK on a Monday. We've done it three times and each time its been busy regardless of season. One of those Monday's was actually by design.............one was when we didn't know any better..........and one was just a mistake

Monday tends to be the day many new arrivals go to the MK...........as you said....there's such a pull for the MK

Doug

Hello Doug:

Thanks for supporting the plan! And thank you for reading the long post. Yes, I've heard about Mondays. I usually start every vacation on a Wed or Thurs. I will be arriving on a Thursday and leaving on Tues eve.

You guys have all been great! I'm really very happy and appreciative of your replies!

Blessings!

 

[caliope]

We just returned from a trip where our arrival day included a 3:30am wake up, a 7:30am flight, and a 10:00am landing at MCO. We were at our resort by 11:20ish (we reserved a town car; my DH can't tolerate DME). Our room wasn't ready, so we stored our bags and did a slow stroll around the grounds, then grabbed a small snack and drink at the pool bar. Our room was ready by 1:30pm, so we grabbed our swim suits and hit the pool until about 3:15pm. Then we were back in the room to get changed and ready for an ADR at Beaches and Cream at 4:30pm. We considered that a late lunch/early dinner. Afterward, we strolled some more and were back up in our room by 7:00pm. Everyone was in bed by 8:00pm. This plan worked perfectly for us to be refreshed and ready for our first park day the next morning.

I should note, we didn't put a ton of thought into this plan. We just kind of went with the flow. We knew we didn't want to go into a park and had the 4:30 ADR, but otherwise our agenda was very loose. But that's also necessary when traveling with a 4.5 year old! I think it's a good idea to have a rough outline of what you "might" do, but also the flexibility to change it depending on how you feel. It's your vacation; do what makes you happy.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

this will be are day one up at 3 flight leaves at 6 in orlando at 1030 at pofq at 12 eat take a 3 hour break get on boat go to disney springs have supper then get all shopping out of the way back at pofq at 930

Sounds a lot like mine. Flight 7am from NYC, in Orlando around 10-10:30 - at resort Noonish.
POFQ is my old stomping grounds! LOVE the boat to DS!! Sounds like a great plan. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Karin1984]

I get it, on a solo trip you can be your own worst enemy as no one tells you to slow down. on my first (solo) trip I forced myself to go to Epcot with 2 adrs (dxdp) and stay till Illuminations on my arrival day. Halfway through the 12day trip, I was so exhausted: after waterpark in the morning, I cancelled my adr for the evening, took a long nap and went to Downtown Disney after I woke up. Best decision of the Day.

The best part about solo travelling is the possibility to be flexible, and that includes your arrival day. If you do decide to go to a park, it's easier for solo travellers to get same day fp. So no rush, no worry!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

We just returned from a trip where our arrival day included a 3:30am wake up, a 7:30am flight, and a 10:00am landing at MCO. We were at our resort by 11:20ish (we reserved a town car; my DH can't tolerate DME). Our room wasn't ready, so we stored our bags and did a slow stroll around the grounds, then grabbed a small snack and drink at the pool bar. Our room was ready by 1:30pm, so we grabbed our swim suits and hit the pool until about 3:15pm. Then we were back in the room to get changed and ready for an ADR at Beaches and Cream at 4:30pm. We considered that a late lunch/early dinner. Afterward, we strolled some more and were back up in our room by 7:00pm. Everyone was in bed by 8:00pm. This plan worked perfectly for us to be refreshed and ready for our first park day the next morning.

I should note, we didn't put a ton of thought into this plan. We just kind of went with the flow. We knew we didn't want to go into a park and had the 4:30 ADR, but otherwise our agenda was very loose. But that's also necessary when traveling with a 4.5 year old! I think it's a good idea to have a rough outline of what you "might" do, but also the flexibility to change it depending on how you feel. It's your vacation; do what makes you happy.

Thank you Caliope! Thanks for reading!
I sort of agree about the flexibility in the planning of that day. The most important thing is that I eliminate running off to the parks on that arrival day. That is what will undo me. Mind you... I ran off to the parks in my early Disney years because I could... but the crowds make time management difficult now. And of course I can now see how evident it is that others, like you and your family... never go to the parks on arrival day. As someone else replied in this post, Disney changes and I am realizing that I can't stay stuck on one ritual. I used to have a ritual that I ALWAYS started day one at MK by very slow doing the FRONT of the park and Main Street very slowly and making a right on to Tomorrowland. Of course now my new plan with the rope drop will not allow such a thing. Oh well. So be it. I will have to get used to doing things differently. The good thing is that after I've done my rides I can still go back to the front of the park slowly partake of Main Street and all of the other little things that I think I didn't enjoy last time around. They key is no park on arrival day... and rope drop!

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

I get it, on a solo trip you can be your own worst enemy as no one tells you to slow down. on my first (solo) trip I forced myself to go to Epcot with 2 adrs (dxdp) and stay till Illuminations on my arrival day. Halfway through the 12day trip, I was so exhausted: after waterpark in the morning, I cancelled my adr for the evening, took a long nap and went to Downtown Disney after I woke up. Best decision of the Day.

The best part about solo travelling is the possibility to be flexible, and that includes your arrival day. If you do decide to go to a park, it's easier for solo travellers to get same day fp. So no rush, no worry!

Yes! Cancelling my ADRs were the best decision ever! Disney can be exhausting even if you don't push yourself. But if you are doing solo - there is no reason why one should be but so exhausted. Now I know how to manage that time.

My final day in 2015 (after killing those ADRs) was morning trip to DS. So nice. Sooo lovely. All by myself. I got on the balloon for a second time (orginally I had been at DS twice with some DISers in the evening. Had a great time... but nothing like strolling alone!) alone. Thats what I'd been trying to do, but would have never fitted it in with all of those ADRs. Then I got on the boat to POFQ to revisit old memories from 97 to 00. Then I got the bus to MK for BOG reservation (the only one I didn't cancel) which was utterly delightful. Then headed back to catch my magical express bus. It was SUCH a relaxing day. This was the type of day I wanted to have on one of my MIDDLE days... not my final day. But nonetheless, it was actually my favorite of all of my 8 days. Crazy huh?

On one of the other last three days (after cancelling ADRs) I took the boat from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT. It was on my to do list (never knew about it in the past and put it in my itinerary as a MUST-DO), but I saw the possibility of it not happening until I cancelled those ADRs. Such a lovely, relaxing ride.

 

[caliope]

Thank you Caliope! Thanks for reading!
I sort of agree about the flexibility in the planning of that day. The most important thing is that I eliminate running off to the parks on that arrival day. That is what will undo me. Mind you... I ran off to the parks in my early Disney years because I could... but the crowds make time management difficult now. And of course I can now see how evident it is that others, like you and your family... never go to the parks on arrival day. As someone else replied in this post, Disney changes and I am realizing that I can't stay stuck on one ritual. I used to have a ritual that I ALWAYS started day one at MK by very slow doing the FRONT of the park and Main Street very slowly and making a right on to Tomorrowland. Of course now my new plan with the rope drop will not allow such a thing. Oh well. So be it. I will have to get used to doing things differently. The good thing is that after I've done my rides I can still go back to the front of the park slowly partake of Main Street and all of the other little things that I think I didn't enjoy last time around. They key is no park on arrival day... and rope drop!

Thanks again for your reply.

One of the things I truly love about a Disney vacation is that it can be customized to whatever we want it to be, and as we get older and our interests (and stamina) change, we can adapt the trip accordingly. That's not to say our rituals aren't still important. We just fit them in so they become part of the fabric of our new experiences.

For our latest visit, we didn't go to MK at all. I know that isn't a popular choice, but we made this an Epcot/HS trip. In December 2016, we did an MK only trip. We now love the concentrated 1-2 park touring plan, with rope drop/midday break/return to same park in the evening, but we know it's not for everyone and who knows what we will decide to do next time. I think that's the beauty of going someplace with such diversity and range.

However you plan it, I hope you have an amazing time and are able to reflect afterward on how you did all the things (big and little) that were important to you. Have a magical vacation!

 

[IndianaRRT]

IMO, you can never go wrong with leisure time at Disney Springs. We've done arrival day both ways--resort exploration, rest, Disney Springs and we've also gone straight to a park. For us, it just depends on our touring plan. Our next trip is 8 nights with one day being completely "free", and it has no ADRs and no solid plans. Since our party is 4 adults, each can decide what he/she wants to do. There's still time to decide on what FP+ one might want, etc. In the end, I think your plan sounds great, but no matter what, just go with your intuition. I sincerely wish you the best vacation yet!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

One of the things I truly love about a Disney vacation is that it can be customized to whatever we want it to be, and as we get older and our interests (and stamina) change, we can adapt the trip accordingly. That's not to say our rituals aren't still important. We just fit them in so they become part of the fabric of our new experiences.

For our latest visit, we didn't go to MK at all. I know that isn't a popular choice, but we made this an Epcot/HS trip. In December 2016, we did an MK only trip. We now love the concentrated 1-2 park touring plan, with rope drop/midday break/return to same park in the evening, but we know it's not for everyone and who knows what we will decide to do next time. I think that's the beauty of going someplace with such diversity and range.

However you plan it, I hope you have an amazing time and are able to reflect afterward on how you did all the things (big and little) that were important to you. Have a magical vacation!

Thank you, Caliope!
Cool about the MK-less trip. If you are able to go that often - that actually makes sense to me. I found on my last trip that I didn't have enough Epcot time. But again, that was in part to arriving too late in the day. This time I def. want to have more EPCOT time.

Thanks again!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

IMO, you can never go wrong with leisure time at Disney Springs. We've done arrival day both ways--resort exploration, rest, Disney Springs and we've also gone straight to a park. For us, it just depends on our touring plan. Our next trip is 8 nights with one day being completely "free", and it has no ADRs and no solid plans. Since our party is 4 adults, each can decide what he/she wants to do. There's still time to decide on what FP+ one might want, etc. In the end, I think your plan sounds great, but no matter what, just go with your intuition. I sincerely wish you the best vacation yet!

Thanks so much Indiana!
Seems like the one thing that everyone agrees upon is that Disney Springs is definitely a go-to for a great free day.

Blessings!

 

[Shellyred8]

A lot has changed with Disney Springs since you were there last. You might want to plan a little extra time there to check it all out. They have more evening entertainment there too (performances out on the walkways...some are pretty good).

Have a great trip!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

A lot has changed with Disney Springs since you were there last. You might want to plan a little extra time there to check it all out. They have more evening entertainment there too (performances out on the walkways...some are pretty good).

Have a great trip!

Thanks Shelly:

Yes. That's why my plan is to get there and remain there to enjoy it slowly - see it all without rushing. Walk around. Enjoy a nice bite. See the rest. The early rope drop days will give me more flexibility with early evenings to visit again. Hoping to meet some DISers for some evening meet-ups if possible!