Does anyone have advice for arrival day?

[Lucy6]

We are taking our 8 and 4 year old kids to WDW for the first time. I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on how best to spend our day of arrival. We are going to stay at POFQ for 7 nights in Feb.'05, and I assume we don't want to waste a day of our hopper tickets for only a partial day??
Also, does anyone have an opinion about Spirit airlines? They keep showing up as the lowest airfare, but I have never heard of them? Any opinions greatly appreciated.

 

[frannn]

You may wish to schedule a non-park character meal, go outlet shopping, go to Downtown Disney to browse (epecially the Lego and Once Upon a Toy stores!). You can also go resort hopping, or relax in the pool. There is a movie theatre at Downtown Disney- you may wish to see what's playing there, or maybe go to Disney Quest. I don't think Disney Quest takes a full day, and you can get discount tickets. There are other Orlando attractions you could check out as well, but I can't vouch for any of them.

 

[vmkids]

I asked this same thing on another Board and somebody suggested the monorail ride around and the boat to Wilderness Lodge. The kids would be e4xcited to see the castle from the monorail.

 

[maggiew]

Since you are staying at PO, take the boat to DTD!! Or see Bob the Piano man in the lounge (kid friendly from what I have read). Or take the carriage ride through PO (We did this and it was fun! The driver takes only cash, I believe.) I have also heard that PO has a campfire. They also have fishing at the fishing hole at PO.

Maggie

 

[CindyZMomof3]

Wow!! There is soo much to do without even going to the parks! In August I am taking my youngest son down to WDW for a few days; one of my best friends isn't too much of a "park" person, but she might come just to hang out at the resort and "chill". (i'm more of a commando park Mom myself )
We are planning of doing non-park stuff on our last day before our flight leaves...with so much to do I better pick the latest time possible!

~Cindy Z in CT

 

[AspiringCindy]

If you really want to ride the monorail, than ride it over to Chef Mickey's for some good food and good times!

 

[LuvTigger]

You can also rent your own boat at POFQ and go down the river. BF and I have done that on several trips because we enjoy it so much!

Checking out some of the other resorts might be fun. If you go to WL, you can ask Guest Services for a Hidden Mickey clue list and explore the resort while searching for hidden Mickeys.

I like the other ideas too, going to DTD or just riding boats and monorails around to check things out. You could also go on a pressed penny hunt (although that's addicting, even for adults).

As for Spirit Airlines, I have heard of them, I've seen them in Las Vegas. I don't really know much about them in terms of service, etc., but I know they compete with airlines like Southwest.

One more idea...they also rent bikes at POFQ. You could rent one and ride to PORS, or you could walk to PORS and check things out there.

 

[InstImpres]

We have done dinner at the GF with Cindi and than out to the water for the EWP. If you arrive pre dinner time, enjoy the monorail loop around the resorts. Allow plenty of time and ask to ride up front with the driver (we have waited as much as 1/2 hour for this fabulous treat)


Another option is the petting zoo, followed by Chip and Dale singalong and movie at FW.


Enjoy
Sandy

 

[Lucy6]

Thanks so much for all the great advice, it all sounds good. I am having such a great time planning this trip. And I am learning so much from these discussion boards, they have turned out to be an invaluable planning tool.

 

[Tinkergirl]

Hi there! Its already a great plan to not waste the day of tickets on the first day of arrival! I am going in the summer as well and here is my tentative plan for the first night: Get off the plane, get the rental, stop at the local quicke mart to pick up a cheap cooler ($3-5), stack up on some snacks, check in at the hotel, unpack, head to the pool for a few hours, dress, head over to Downtown Disney, walk around, get into the Disney mood (although I am sure I wont need that), eat a nice but affordable dinner, return to the hotel, go over the plans for the next day, check over the maps one more time to get the initial route down for the early morning lines and get a good night of rest for that first day!! I will also add that I am worse than a little kid and know that it will hard for me to sleep in anticipation of the next day, so I plan to have a drink or two to help calm me down, lol!!

 

[kitkatsmom]

I don't think i'd be able to keep my kids out of the park the first day of arrival.
We are getting there very early.

 

[MyHeartIsInFL]

I've been using Spirit for my trips to NYC. I think they're great. I have no complaints!

 

[FeePeeDisney]

I have used Spirit Airlines to fly out of Chicago for the last 4 years and have never had a complaint. They usually have the best price for me, and fly non-stop (unlike Southwest). Since I prefer to fly out of O'Hare, as opposed to Midway (which is actually closer to me), Spirit has been my choice. I am not a person who has allegiances to one product or company, so I check other airlines for every trip, and for the last four years, Spirit has been the best value for my family.

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[jaross]

On our arrival day, we went to lunch at a resort and went over to The Boardwalk. It's a little like Atlantic City, especially in the late evening. There's lots of shops and strolling entertainers.

However, I think that downtown Disney is a great option, especially for little kids. The lego store is worth the trip alone. Be sure to have your photo taken with the alien family made out of legos.

Chris

 

[briannesmom]

I have flown Spirit airlines several times from Detroit to Orlando, Las Vegas and LA. Have been pleased every time. They always seem to have the best rates. I don't know where you are flying from but keep in mind that they do not serve meals on the flight. Last time we got pretzels and pop.

Amy

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

Lucy6......I wouldn't use a day on your pass either the first day, which will be your traveling day. Most likely you were up early and will arrive tired. You might want to revive with a walk (shop at DTD) or swim at either of the water parks. Then you will only be using an extra from your pass! This worked great for us in Nov. We were up at 3 am for our flight and actually stayed awake until 9 p.m. You'll want to have a good nights sleep for your first official day at WDW!! Have fun!

 

[mikewdw]

we drive down and the travel day we stay offsite for cheap and go to down town disney and shop for souveniers. save money and its like an appestizer for the fun at disney. but if you are staying at the resort the night you arrive of course that wont work.
mikewdw