Arrival Day

[MK2010]

I am taking a family on a first time trip to Disney World in early June. They are really looking forward to Animal Kingdom as their favorite park. They want to head straight to the parks from MCO. Our arrival time at MCO is approximately 10:30. I figure by the time we pick up the rental car, feed the kids, and check in to the hotel it will be 1pm ish. I want to send them to MK first and they would arrive pretty close to time for FOF. Then maybe send them to AK for the tree lighting? Or do I send them straight to AK for the day? I'm just worried about the heat at AK

 

[Accident]

if they think they are going to love AK, they should really get a full day there or at least start earlier. just to many things that take an hour to do and some are limited on time where they aren't available past 4 or 5 to even attempt to do.

to be honest, with a travel day and 1pm arrival, you'll probably want to wait until closer to find out what park is opened the latest that day and do that first, with the exception of AK because the animals and they have to close some things and not much is opened when ak stay open later so that doesn't actually get you much more time.

 

[MK2010]

Thanks! I agree. I was just second guessing myself. Now, if Pandora would just open.....

 

[ArielSRL]

What day of the week is arrival day? Certain days of the week can be busier at MK. We went last June (6/4-6/11) and are going this June (6/3-6/11). We added a day onto the front to just do a resort/pool afternoon and Disney Springs evening. Last year, we arrived on a Saturday and went to MK, arriving afternoon time but it was just too rushed for us, so we won't do that this time. That Saturday was extremely busy as it was Gay Days.

 

[Ambehnke]

I'm guessing Pandora will be open by June. AK is our (and a lot of people's) second favorite park (so close to being tied with MK for number 1) even without pandora. You'll probably love it. With a 1 pm park arrival I wouldn't hop. I would chose one or he other to start with. Hopefully you're there long enough to have at least a full day at both otherwise. Minimum we would spend 2 days at MK and 1 full at AK... preferably more for each.

 

[MK2010]

Thanks for answering guys, I'm hoping to arrive on that first Friday in June, but it may be a week later. AK is definitely going to be their favorite park (as in I'm in deep doo doo if Pandora isn't open!) I'm getting them 7 day park hoppers. I'm planning on 2 days at MK, 2 days at AK, 1/2 day-1 day at DHS, maybe 2 days at Epcot. Right now, the plan is still pretty fluid.

 

[slford00]

I would never ever ever count on a new WDw attraction being open by a certain date, even when planning far in advance. I'll believe Pandora/Rivers of Light/Star Wars Land etc will be open on a specific date only after they've officially opened to the public.

 

[Owl X]

One thing to consider are the night shows.

When we visited in September, the Star Wars Fireworks time overlapped with the Fantasmic show.
In order to see both shows, we had to spend 2 nights at DHS.

Since you plan to have Park Hoppers, you can spend the evening in a different park for a night show.

 

[broncobill]

I would talk to them and give them some advice. If they want to go to AK first, so be it. After all, it is their vacation too. I would not want to make plans for some one else because if it goes bad...

 

[kmb584]

Our flight in December lands at 9:00a and we should be at BLT no later than 11:00a. We plan to rest there for a bit, then head to DHS for a 4:00p HBD ADR and to catch the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show. I also have FP+ booked for TSMM and Star Tours. Of course, plans may change depending on flight delays and whatnot, but hopefully not as I'm looking forward to that afternoon and evening!