CRT which day would you choose?

[Pamlico]

We are headed down on Oct 11th and leaving the 17th. I know this is all just opinion but I'm having a hard time deciding. I have a reservation for CRT on our arrival day at 5:25 (our flight gets in at 830am) and also our last full day at 1:05. I don't want to keep both since it will be 2 credits on the dining plan. Which meal would you go to? Is it a good way to kick off the trip or a nice way to end it? MNSSHP is on both of these days as well and we are planning to go on our last night if that plays into the decision at all. This is our first trip so I'm not entirely sure what to expect.

 

[WishICouldSpeakWhale]

Last full day.

You have plenty of time after your flight arrives. But we've had weird things happen on travel day: we end up more tired than we thought or we have a later lunch and end up not hungry. We almost always make it to a park on arrival day but didn't on one trip because the kids were so crabby after traveling.

 

[Marissa227]

Who is in your travel party? It might be a long day on your last day if you have little ones. Two years ago we did a late lunch at CRT before the MVMCP and it worked well, but our two year old was sleeping in the stroller before the first parade came through.

 

[gharter]

Since you get there early the first day, even if there are plane issues, etc, you have plenty of time to get there. I would do it on the first day. Seems like a great way to start the trip.

 

[NYCANC]

That's a hard one- I start and end in the MK- so either would work.
If you are planning on getting to MK after you check in- then an early dinner would be nice.
I probably would not do the last day- we tend to only do QS to fit in all the rides the kids want to ride again before we leave.

 

[Pamlico]

Who is in your travel party? It might be a long day on your last day if you have little ones. Two years ago we did a late lunch at CRT before the MVMCP and it worked well, but our two year old was sleeping in the stroller before the first parade came through.

It will be my mom, DH, DD 7, and DS 4. I am a bit worried about how late they'll be able to stay up after a 6am flight. They're both usually night owls but this is a whole different situation. I love the idea of having that be the first place but then it also seems like such a nice last meal. Argh, too hard to decide...

 

[Nancyg56]

I would choose the first day. I think dinner in the Castle is a lovely way to begin a trip.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We are headed down on Oct 11th and leaving the 17th. I know this is all just opinion but I'm having a hard time deciding. I have a reservation for CRT on our arrival day at 5:25 (our flight gets in at 830am) and also our last full day at 1:05. I don't want to keep both since it will be 2 credits on the dining plan. Which meal would you go to? Is it a good way to kick off the trip or a nice way to end it? MNSSHP is on both of these days as well and we are planning to go on our last night if that plays into the decision at all. This is our first trip so I'm not entirely sure what to expect.

I would go on your last day. We've done early morning flights to WDW and by 2:00/3:00 pm, my DS is exhausted. If I were you, I would still plan to go to MK that day, but keep your plans fluid, with no pre-planned ADR's to ensure any travel delays or exhaustion don't get in the way of any big plans made. If you are planning MNSSHP on your last night, I think CRT at 1:05 pm is the way to go. Then you will get a really nice, big meal in mid-day and perhaps just do QS in the evening so you can really enjoy your party time.

 

[Disney Princess]

What hotel are you staying in? If you can travel back and forth relatively easily, I would do it the first day with the plan to rest in the afternoon between arrival and dinner. Even if your room isn't ready until 4, you could rest by the pool or in the lobby.

Hit the MK, take a break when you need. Hopefully your room will be ready and you can unpack and settle in during the rest. Then, head back to MK for dinner. If that's all you do, so be it. Early to bed and refreshed for the next day. If the rest has helped, you could do a few attractions after dinner.

With the party on your last night, I would leave that day clear to rest and prepare, but as you can tell, I'm a big "rest in the afternoon" person. ☺

 

[Pamlico]

What hotel are you staying in? If you can travel back and forth relatively easily, I would do it the first day with the plan to rest in the afternoon between arrival and dinner. Even if your room isn't ready until 4, you could rest by the pool or in the lobby.

Hit the MK, take a break when you need. Hopefully your room will be ready and you can unpack and settle in during the rest. Then, head back to MK for dinner. If that's all you do, so be it. Early to bed and refreshed for the next day. If the rest has helped, you could do a few attractions after dinner.

With the party on your last night, I would leave that day clear to rest and prepare, but as you can tell, I'm a big "rest in the afternoon" person. ☺

We will be at the Contemporary so I think taking a break would be fairly easy. I’m big on making sure the kids take a lot of breaks, I just chug coffee lol. Fingers crossed for the room being ready but not a big deal if it isn’t. I think we can make this work on the first day.

Thank you to everyone for all the input! I don’t know what I would do without this site.

 

[Disney Princess]

That's the best option for getting that midday break! Walk/Monorail back and rest before dinner. Have fun!!

We will be at the Contemporary so I think taking a break would be fairly easy. I’m big on making sure the kids take a lot of breaks, I just chug coffee lol. Fingers crossed for the room being ready but not a big deal if it isn’t. I think we can make this work on the first day.

Thank you to everyone for all the input! I don’t know what I would do without this site.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

Arrival day sounds great. Have a magical vacation!