Arrival day options...

[Joel Mills]

Trying to decided between two parks/restaurants...

Either Epcot or AK for the first park on arrival. Was looking at Tusker House (or yak and yeti but currently no ADRs available) or San Angel Inn at Epcot (also considering Garden Grill...)

I have a 2 year old so I'm trying to pick something that would be good for them. Will be a party of 8.

Do you guys have any recommendations on the park and restaurants?

 

[GoMegGo]

What time are you getting in and where are you staying? We don't get in until mid-afternoon for most trips, so we try to stick "close to home" on arrival day just to cut down additional transportation.

Between Tusker and San Angel with a 2 year old, I'd go with Tusker.

 

[Joel Mills]

Well, we haven't booked our flight yet but I would assume we would get in around 12 or so... Staying at the Poly, so maybe Epcot would be better?

 

[GoMegGo]

Well, we haven't booked our flight yet but I would assume we would get in around 12 or so... Staying at the Poly, so maybe Epcot would be better?

If you're staying at Poly, it's hard to pass up going MK on arrival day. Taking the monorail or the boat over to MK from Poly is a great "We're here!" moment. Epcot would be my next pick for the same reason.

 

[Hopefully]

Travel day is a difficult day. It is full of unexpected delays that are usually out of your control. If you expect to arrive by noon, you will likely be up before the crack of dawn to catch a flight. If you are taking Disney's DME to your resort you should plan on about 90 minutes from landing to your resort. Your room may not be ready for a rest for the 2 year old.
All this leads to my thought that we usually do not do a park on arrival day. Rather we check in, check out our resort, chill out, eat an early dinner there and head to bed early for a rested start to a great week.
Kona Café or the Grand Floridian Café would both be good choices
Have Fun

 

[DisneyWishes14]

EP would be easier to get to and I would choose Garden Grill with a 2-year old.

Have you considered going to MK that day to keep the traveling down?

 

[alliecat523]

We always hit the parks on arrival day. How can you get all the way to Disney and then sit in your hotel? I just can't do it.

That being said, I also vote for MK on arrival day. Second would be EP.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you want a park, of the two you mentioned, I would choose Epcot and I would go to Garden Grill. This is a wonderful way to introduce the little one to Disney. If you are not married to a park, I would suggest Chef Mickey. I know folks don't like it, but I don't think it is a bad way (and close to "home") to start a Disney vacation.

 

[LuvinDisney83]

Garden Grill all the way! One of our favorites! Great food and awesome character interations, my 1 year old was in heaven last december. We have both a breakfast and dinner booked there when we go this summer.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

I'd eat at the resort. Arrival day can be unpredictable and your 2 year old will be tired from the flight.

 

[joannamet]

We don't do a park on arrival day. Its better to get settled in and relax. It also saves a potentially expensive park ticket for a full day when we're rested and ready.

We usually go to DS or have dinner at another resort and get to bed early. Maybe swim.

 

[minnie mum]

Going with what you've said so far, I'd probably say Garden Grill, although my preference for us would be to head to AK. Which park is recommended on the crowd calendar?

When are you going? If it's late spring/ summer, AK will be open into the late evening, with the new shows and attractions/entertainment.

What day of the week are you arriving? If you're arriving on a weekend during F&W, Epcot would be an absolute zoo - not some place I'd want to take a little one.

 

[got15]

Garden Grill! Its our MUST DO with our 2 year old! We have so many wonderful character interactions there. One time, Mickey sat down with him and colored for about 7 minutes. It was glorious! The food is great as well- and its a nice quiet character meal, especially on a travel day! I couldn't think of a better place for a 2 year old and your first vacation day!

 

[winterman]

Just want to mention that you may be able to get an ADR at Yak & Yeti by calling them direct. Google them for the phone number.

 

[tinkerbella16]

We love doing Epcot on arrival day! We always save MK for our first FULL day.

I would suggest Garden Grill also! It is our favorite, and we always make sure it is on the dining lineup for each trip. The characters are great there and they come around more than once.

 

[jimmytammy]

I would hit MK since it will be so close to your resort. Travel can take its toll on us, so taking it a bit easy the 1st day can set you up for great days to follow, or going wide open can leave you feeling worn out and behind the eight ball the rest of the trip. Kona would be right in your back door, or if the park is on your mind, try The Plaza.

 

[Joel Mills]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. We decided to eat at the resort early and then head out to Epcot afterwards. Was able to get a Ohana ADR for 4:30! That way, the little girl can get a nap after the flight.