Dinner on the night we arrive

[epcotter]

We are arriving the night of April21 at 5:40 in Orlando . I was wondering should I try to make a PS somewhere (WHAT TIME?? - I am also renting a car onsite at the Airport) or should I stop on the way to WDW and grab dinner. Please keep in mind I have a 3yr and a 10yr DS and they ussually eat at around 6:00 - 6:30. Should I give them a snack on the plane and try to hold them off and have a late dinner. They are ussually in bed by 8. 9PM the latest.
I also want the kiddies to feel the Disney Magic soon after landing. I am also concerned that the later I check in - chances are that I wont get my room requests...

Please help---Thanks!

 

[jl3614]

In my opinion - because of the 3 yr old, I'd suggest skipping the PS on arrival night.

We arrived last Saturday (have 4 and 7 yr olds), we stopped at McDonalds near the AllStar resorts on our way to checking in at AKL.

I'd suggest get food - maybe at your resort food court, and get checked in. Go to bed early and you will have fresh, excited kids the next morning.

 

[weluvpluto]

I would also suggest just getting to the resort and eating at the food court.
If you are really dissatisfied with the room you get, you can ask to be moved to a different room the next day.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

First question - where are you staying?

 

[danny1649]

With other posters and not try a PS on your arrival nite and eat dinner on way to WDW.By the time you get luggage and rental car and get your bearings I think you will nned to have supper before getting to Disney.

 

[epcotter]

I'm staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would eat at the food court and show the kids around the resort. I'd make it an early night for all and be up bright and early to start the magic!

 

[Donaldnut]

I would grab something on the way from the airport or eat in the food court. I also try to keep my child on schedule as often as possible when traveling.

 

[rt2dz]

We went last Sept. when DS#1 was 3.5 and DS#2 was 7m, this May they'll be 4 and 14m. This is what we did last trip and it worked wonderfully.

When we get to WDW, we check in right away--better chance of getting the room we want. If we're early (since we drive), we let them hold our luggage until the room is ready and we go do something (DTD, Boardwalk, hit the outlet mall). Otherwise, we go to our room and unwind. I try and let the kids run around and work off energy. If possible, I then get them down for a nap (even if later than normal). We make PS, late, for a character meal.

The baby will keep his schedule regardless and I don't care if he sleeps through dinner. My older DS makes up for staying up late with the earlier nap (he gave up naps a long time ago ) and he'll wake up at the same time regardless. Both kiddos usually go to sleep about 8:00. It helps get them into everything for the rest of the trip and starts everything with a bit of Disney magic .

 

[Terk-1]

I'm jumping on the band wagon and voting for a meal in the food court. I think once you get everything (car, luggage, etc.), then drive to your resort, check in, then head for your room, I think you'll find yourselves a bit tired. I'd recommend a quick meal in the foodcourt, then why not go for a dip in the pool before bed. This way the kids can blow off steam and be ready to crash when you get back to your room. Then you can start off fresh in the morning.

On a side note regarding CBR, make sure to request a room close to the foodcourt & main pool. It can be quite a walk from various buildings.

 

[epcotter]

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.

CBR Food Court it is...AND a dip in the pool with the kids and then
to bed - that works for me....

Thanks Again!

 

[MazdaUK]

Because of the time difference for us it was really late when we arrived UK time (and still 8.00 Florida time!) at CSR and younger DS (5) was asleep in the car. We shifted him into his stoller while we checked in and grabbed some sadnwiches, drinks etc at the convenience store before going to our rooms as we knew we wouldn't have the energy to go back once we'd unpacked the car. This worked fine, as younger DS woke up while being carried from the car to the room, so I bathed the boys while DH brought the bags in then we grabbed a quick bath, all ate something and straight to bed. I'd recommend putting PJs in a ziplock bag in your hand luggage - we found this worked well as we just pulled them out and didn't need to unpack that night.

 

[alien]

I definitely wouldn't make a PS that night. Last year we were supposed to land at Orlando at 2:30, so we made a PS at Chef Mickeys for 5:00. Our plane was delayed due to weather (thunderstorms in July) so we didn't even make it to the Polynesian until 5:30!
I would suggest a definite snack for the plane in case of delays and eat either at the airport or on the way to the hotel. Don't forget, you still have to get your luggage and make it over to the car rental counter. By that time, it will be after 6 p.m. and it's about 1/2 hour drive to WDW.
Your check-in time at the Caribbean should be okay as it's later, but if there are a lot of people, it can take a lot of time at check-in. You will also park at the check-in house and after checking-in, get back into your car to drive to your building. By the time you check-in, get to your room, and then try to make it to the food court . . . I think your kids will be very hungry by then!!!
The airport has several fast food restaurants and you won't feel rushed to get the kids something to eat!

 

[vicb]

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.

CBR Food Court it is...AND a dip in the pool with the kids and then
to bed - that works for me....

Thanks Again!

A wise choice, last two trips we have arrived around dinner time have eaten at ESPN because we stayed at BWI and also swam in pool because that's what most kids want to do first! Good luck!