Filler Day Ideas

[LadyLaLa]

Hey everyone,

I have a unique situation. My son (20 mo old) and I are flying to Disney early on a Thursday in September and my husband is driving down later that day. My son and I aren't going to a park or to see characters without my husband because we want to do that as a family. I was thinking about taking my son to swim, downtown Disney and maybe explore a few of the resorts to pass the time. Where should we have lunch? Where are great places to explore or play? I would love some ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

Typically on our arrival day, we don't like to go to a park. We grab lunch at the resort, relax and spend time in Downtown Disney, then have dinner at T-REX. Exploring the monorail resorts might be fun. If you're eating at Downtown Disney, I'd recommend Wolfgang Puck Express. You could also make a lunch or dinner reservation elsewhere-Whispering Canyon Cafe is always fun if you're willing to take the time to travel there and eat there.

 

[Belle72]

Many of the resorts have playgrounds. At 20 mos. my kids liked to burn off some energy after a flight running around. Downtown Disney is a great idea- the Lego store, and World of Disney, Goofy's Candy Co. ....Rainforest or T-Rex for lunch if he is not easily frightened- it can be loud. We also like Raglan Road, Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express. We also enjoyed visiting the Boardwalk area- walking around the Boardwalk- exploring Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk hotels, popping into the shops, lunch, or ice cream. Playing on the beach. Artists do caricatures. There are performers in the late afternoon/evening. Or do the monorail loop and visit Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary. All have gift shops, beautiful grounds, places for snacks...

 

[staceyrhood]

Fort WIlderness is a nice spot to hang out too. You can see the horses, ride a pony, and they have a great playground.

If it was me thought, I would have lunch at my resort, hang out at the pool, and explore there for an afternoon. Especially with a little one, you both might be tired after a morning of traveling.

Have a great trip!

 

[elsbit]

Are you staying on site? The resorts often have activities planned during the day that you guys could do (look up the activity calendars). I would enjoy the pool and resort.

That said, if you are really wanting to go do something different what about Show Case of Citrus Eco tour and picking citrus for you trip?

 

[LadyLaLa]

Loving the ideas! Thank you. We are staying on site. I was thinking about checking out some of the other resorts too just to burn time until around 8 pm when we were going to meet other family members at Disney Quest. Our flight arrives at 8 am and we will have a lot of time to burn, even before we can check-in. Which resorts have the best playgrounds, or are they all about the same?

 

[Nancyg56]

Where are you staying?

You cncheck in as soon as you arrive. You may not be able to enter your room, but you will be ready to go. I would pack bathing suits etc in your cary on s you can use the pool if you choose.

WE tend to relax on an arrival day, so we check in and then explore our resort. What I might do in your situation is head over to the MK, hop on the monorail and take the resort loop, and then get off at the Ticket and transportation stop and take the Epcot loop. You get a lovely overview of WDW. You get to see the monorail resorts, ride through the Contemporary Resort ( a favorite part of the trip for my husband LOL) and ge off and explore if you want. The ride to Epcot is fun as well, and you will have a pretty overview of that park. My DGD loved doing this when she was young.

You could also go to DTD and explore. There are shops and restaurants so plenty to keep you busy and your child engaged.

I would try to get some rest in because WDW can be stimulating and overwhelming for kids, so spending time relaxing after a travel day can be really helpful.

 

[mandis77]

We always stay at our resort on arrival day. We relax at the pool, explore the grounds, play in the arcade, EAT! The resorts are vacations in themselves, and I personally feel we don't take enough time to enjoy them because park days are so busy. My DH and I have already discussed on our next trip we need to plan more resort time.