DisneyQuest or a late park arrival the first day

[KandK'smom]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to figure out what will be the best thing to do our first day and am interested in your opinions. Our flight arrives at 9 am on Friday, April 11. I figure with a grocery stop we should get to our resort at 11ish? Our kids are 8 and 12. We are planning on getting the UPH. DS wants to do DQ at some point this trip, so I thought that maybe we could check in, relax at the pool for awhile and go to DQ in the late afternoon. I have read though, that it gets too busy in the evenings. Would it be best to go on to a park, even if it will be after noon and do DQ another day? My other concern is the tired factor. We will have to be up at 4:30am to get to the airport. I am wondering if the kids will "hit the wall" in the afternoon. I guess I want to maximize the day without wearing them out too much. What have you all, maybe in previous experiences, found to be the best things to do? Thanks so much for your help!

P. S. We are staying for a week (along with the other zillion Spring Break folks! )

 

[kdibattista]

Our first day normally consists of familiarizing ourselves with the hotel, getting some rest, a nice dinner and heading to Downtown Disney. We have never tried to do a park before on the first day (and we normally get there around the same time you will) so I would suggest Disney Quest.

 

[twinz]

I would suggest Disney Quest as well. Have a great time!

 

[Chip126]

On our last trip in December 2001 we arrived at our resort at approximately 11:00 a.m. We were not able to check in, so we changed in the bathrooms and left our luggage. After that we hopped on the bus and off to MGM!! We just had to make Rockin Roller Coaster our first attraction!!!

We had lunch at 50s Prime Time, dinner at Hollywood & Vine and then saw the 7:30 showing of Fantasmic.

We are heading back this December with the same plan of heading straight to MGM. The only thing I will do differently is have one meal (50s Prime Time) and save Fantasmic for another night. This was all a bit much for the first day. (I know what you mean about getting up at 4:30 a.m.)

I think it is a matter of opinion. Have a plan and whatever your family decides will probably work out fine. If you are staying for a week I'm sure you will be able to make adjustments.

Have a great time!
Kim

 

[RyMickey]

DisneyQuest is a good start for your trip. . .a little taste of Disney before you trek into the parks. I would suggest going to DisneyQuest right after you check in, rather than going swimming first. This way, you can beat the Friday night crowd. You could go to DisneyQuest, then go over to the Marketplace for a bit, grab a bite at the Rainforest Cafe (one of our favorites), and then head back to your hotel. Then you can swim and/or rest and be up bright and early in the morning for the parks.

Have fun!

RyMickey

 

[iowa mommy]

we just returned from disney and my 9 yo boy and 7yo girl could not be dragged away from DQ let alone my 40 yo husband ...go right away and plan to go back...my boys said it was their favorite..so go first and plan on going back...also there is a cheescake factory inside ...eat dessert!!!!....also make sure you ride the pirates game with them and dont just drop them off..I had a blast!!!