first day ideas?

[MKCP5]

Okay we are Disney Vets, but are trying to decide what to do our first day. We arrive at about 10:30 am and it will be noon before we get car etc. We can't check into timeshare until three. DTD for the afternoon? ANy other ideas? We want a little magic right away! The plan is to play for a while then get to our resort and get an early bedtime as we will have to leave home about 4 am to make our flight etc. and will be too tired that night to start at the parks. We will attack the parks our first morning waking up there. Can't wait

 

[CheapMom]

Have a relaxing afternnon- lunch, shopping... (outlets maybe) and then check in- relax... then dinner at Chef Mickeys.

 

[disneysteve]

We almost always do DTD on our arrival day. Visit the shops. Check out the latest souvenirs. Have dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express. And just get in that Disney spirit. DW always comments how doing this just makes her feel at peace, like coming home again. After a hectic day of travel, this always relaxes us.

Other ideas: Visit some of the hotels. Park at TTC and ride the monorail to the 3 hotels on the route. Maybe plan dinner at one of them. Watch fireworks from the Contemporary. Or head over to Yacht and Beach Club. Eat at Beaches and Cream and watch Illuminations from there. Or stroll around to Boardwalk and soak up some atmosphere there.

All kinds of great Disney things to do without entering a park.

 

[rae662000]

Great suggestions Steve, but can you tell me which Contemporary restaurant can you see the fireworks, I would like to consider that for my first day trip- also I have 2 little ones DD 5,2. Thanks

 

[disneysteve]

Great suggestions Steve, but can you tell me which Contemporary restaurant can you see the fireworks

Actually, eating there and seeing the fireworks were two separate thoughts. However, you can see the fireworks from California Grill up on the 15th floor. There is also an observation area where people gather outside on the Concourse level (where all the shops are). Its basically the landing of the outdoor stairway. Great view from there.

You used to be able to go out on the observation decks on the roof but last I heard they weren't letting you out there unless you were dining at California Grill.

 

[Taja]

My flight usually arrives late afternoon, so I spend my first evening gathering "comfort" supplies off site. Bottled water, a few snacks, breakfast rolls and fruit, etc.

With the time change in the wrong direction, I have a hard time getting up early ET to hit the parks, so I try for an early night. Like you, I have to be up at 4 a.m. (MST) to catch an early flight, so I usually can fall asleep by 9 p.m. ET.

Touring either the monorail resorts or the EPCOT resorts on your first day/evening is a relaxing way to start your holiday!

 

[Merriwind]

Chef Mickey's for dinner the first night is a tradition for us! We just get settled, maybe hit DTD or the pool, have dinner with Mickey and friends and hit the hay early! Enjoy.

 

[CheapMom]

We did a 8:00 reservation for Chef Mickey's, had a great dinner- then went right out on the balcony area for the fireworks. You can see the castle and the fireworks but it is kind of far away- not that spectacular.

 

[lindsey]

We enjoy going to DTD and exploring. Rainforest Cafe is there and also McDonald's.

 

[KLL]

On our first day at WDW, we had dinner at O'hana's at the Polynesian. Our grandkids participated in the coconut races and the hoola-hoop contest. The food was great. I had a priority seating for one hour prior to the "Wishes" fireworks at Magic Kingdom. We were able to watch the fireworks from our table and listen to the music since it was "piped" into the restaurant. A great way to get into the mood for the rest of your trip.