Checking in first day ???

[MandMLUVMMandDVC]

I think the Downtown Disney idea is great. It's different from the 'norm' and there are nice places there to eat.

 

[mikmouse]

Unless you really wanted to spend time in the parks the night you arrive, you have several options. You can get to the Contemporary by boat, or to Wilderness Lodge by taking the nature trail or boat. And then there's Trail's End. The food in Trail's End is quite good. If you wanted a fun dinner you might consider the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge. It's a hoot.

We like to get the Disney fix ASAP but not go into a park. Either we eat at Trails End and rock on the porch watching the boats come in while sipping a drink, or take a boat ride over to the Contemporary which gives us a "ride", then eat at the self-serve restaurant on the 2nd floor by Chef Mickey's. No waiting and very good food.

Some have even suggested taking the boat to the Contemporary and just using the monorail around to the hotels or just for a ride to get their "fix" satisfied and no tickets required.

Have fun!

 

[jester911]

Not worried about blowing a day cause we have expiring 10-day passes. We are in the area for 11 days and not gonna hit a park everyday so that opens up the options for evening visit only or so. I would love to go hard and hit the parks everyday but dont think the family could keep up lol