Day of arrival at WDW

[kdibattista]

We normally get the first flight out and are at WDW by 10ish. We check in (if possible), explore the resort, settle in and then head over to World Showcase for dinner and Illuminations.

 

[keithomas]

In June 2000 it was just DW and I staying at BWV, we arrived about 3-4 pm. After checking in, we wandered over to WS and ate some Chinese counter service, rode Maelstrom, saw the fireworks, and walked back to the room.

June 2002 was with the whole family...DS-6 and DD-3. We arrived about 2 pm staying at WL. We went over to MGM and saw the Stars & Motorcars parade. That is a GREAT way to start the trip seeing all the characters. Also, just going for the parade we could get some snacks and sit on the curb and get really good seats without the pressure of riding rides etc. I highly recommend this, and we will probably do this this June when we go again.

 

[Alice28]

I've been twice and have done two different things:
The first time was our honeymoon in 95; we took a red eye from the West coast and it was horrible- a 3 1/2 hour layover in Chicago, at 3:00 AM to 6:30 AM. (I didn't make the reservations- my mother in law did- what was she thinking!!!!!!!!!) We arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 1:30 and we went to Epcot around 3:00. Bob and I were completely zoned out and I hardly remember a thing. We ate dinner at Teppanyaki. What I learned- I can't handle a red-eye flight, esp. one with a layover!!!

We went last month and had our two young boys in tow...we had an EARLY flight- left at 6:25 AM and arrived at the Contemporary around 4:30. We checked in, unpacked and went to Chef Mickeys. Again, not something I would do again. It was just too noisy and chaotic for us being so tired. Next time, if I have the kids, I will choose to unpack, grab some casual food and maybe hit the pool or hotel shops, explore the resort and go to bed. Coming from the West coast is just really tiring for us and to try and do anything taxing is too much!! I am planning a trip with just my Mom this October and we may go to Cape May Cafe our first night. I think it will be entirely different traveling solo, with no kids---I may actually have a bit of energy when I arrive at WDW!! Sidenote---I will try Chef Mickeys again, but on a night when we are energized. I liked the food and the boys LOVED the characters.

 

[TandyR]

Well we normally plan our first day to be a down day. Last trip was our first trip being DVC members so we went grocery shopping and stopped at Mary Queen Universe shrine so DH would know where it was when he wanted to go to Mass. Then we went back to our "Home Away From Home" unpacked the groceries and then went to Fort Wilderness for pony rides. I expect the first day of our next trip to be a lot like it.

 

[Tess]

We have two scenarios.

If we arrive in the early morning, we check-in and head to a park. We'll grab a nibble wherever we are and return to our hotel around 2 or 3 p.m. for a swim. That evening we will head to Chef Mickey's for a 7:00 p.m. dinner. Then we will either hop over to MK for Spectromagic & fireworks OR return to our hotel for the EWP. The latter depends upon how exhausted we are after being awake since 4:00 a.m.

If we arrive in the afternoon (around 2-3 p.m.). We check-in to our hotel and hang by the pool for the afternoon. We then have dinner at Chef Mickey's followed by the EWP.

Now, if you really throw a monkey wrench into the works (as I did this year)--we will spend the night at a hotel other than Polynesian. This year we are mixing things up by arriving on a Thursday instead of Friday. We have PAPs, but will be hanging out at AKL just to soak up the atmosphere for the evening. Instead of Chef Mickey's we'll be dining at BOMA. Our second night will follow scenario #1 since we will be leaving AKL around 7:30 a.m. for Polynesian.

Got that? It's kind of confusing I know!

 

[Divamomto3]

We're making the first day that we arrive a pool day then dinner at Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney. Then we need a good night sleep for our first day of FUN!

 

[Alice42]

We usually arrive early afternoon, so we check-in and chill out in the room for a while, order room service, take a nap, take a shower, watch the tip for today and disney resort channels. This psyches us up for going to the parks and feeling refreshed.

 

[CuteKatCar]

Our last 2 trips have been to arrive in early afternoon, unpack and head over to Epcot. One of my DD's favorite rides is SE, so that's first. We then have a sit-down dinner (was Mexico last 2 times). We are arriving on a Friday this trip, so I was thinking to go to MK.

Can't wait to get there again....