First Day

[Terk-1]

My plans changed a little and instead of flying from NH to MCO in the am (arriving around 11am), I am now flying from CA to MCO (still am flight, but now not landing until around 4pm). I will be traveling on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Was planning on doing EPCOT and the Candlelight Processional dinner package that first night, but am now wondering if it will be too much with the flying & time difference. What would you do?

 

[dhiggs45]

I would relax at the hotel, or head over to the Boardwalk to get dinner somewhere like Spoodles. You'll probably be tired, and this gives you a chance to take in all the great Disney atmosphere without rushing around.

We did a dessert party a few years ago, I thought it would be a great thing for the first night to get everyone together, but by the time Illuminations started everyone was tired & cranky. The pictures are pretty funny, not as many smiles as i would have liked!

Have fun whatever you decide

denise

 

[kerry34]

I also voted for staying around the hotel and relaxing. If your flight is landing at 4pm, assuming there are no delays then by the time you check in to your hotel a while will have passed. If I were in your position the most I would plan for is dinner and then checking the resort out for a while, then getting to bed at a decent hour so you are rested after traveling. We did the CP and dinner package at LeCellier this past christmas. We had an early dinner ADR (I think it was 450pm). We were actually seated a bit after 5pm and left there sometime before 7pm. By the time we got down to the American Gardens Pavillion it was after 7 and the line for the dinner package seats was already formed and was almost as far down as the Morocco Pavillion. You also have to get there early enough to pick up your CP passes at the American Gardens Kiosk before your ADR. Anyway if you are going to enjoy this you dont want to be in a big rush. Also you did not mention in your post if you have kids with you, if so that may be a bit much to take in on the first night. Good luck with whatever you decide and enjoy your trip!!

 

[kaabost]

We drive, thus we are usually pretty tired when we get there....although also quite excited. Also, we have always had normal hopper passes in the past and didn't want to waste a park day. So..............we go to DTD and then back to the hotel.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I'd do the CP another night. Because that's what *I* would do. It's such a busy time flying-wise, what if I got bumped?, or the luggage was delayed, etc...

Plus, I like to get unpacked and rest a little before I start running around. Wouldn't want to have to rush.

...but that's just me.

 

[Terk-1]

Forgot to mention that this is a solo trip and am staying first at Port Orleans French Quarter. The trip is a package plan (including dining), so if I ask for the TA to take off a day of passes, would it be a problem?

 

[shellybaxter]

As someone who lives in California I can tell you its difficult to get a flight that will get you to WDW in time for an evening activity. There aren't a lot of dirrect flights and we always get delayed on one leg or another. And then you have to get from the airport to your hotel. Depending on how you do that it can take a while. Magical Express took us almost two hours last time. Even when you rent a town car you have to wait for your luggage so it takes a while. Every time I've tried to plan something for the evening of our arrival I've never made it. I voted for stay in the resort and relax.

 

[rlovew]

I would suggest doing something else that evening. If you aren't that tired after getting there(since it will significantly earlier for you) I would suggest DTD or PI, you should not use a day in the parks if you have indiviual day tickets.

 

[belle&beast]

We flew in at 3:00 in January and made it to Spectromagic and Wishes. Our kids were so excited and wanted to see Disney World. We chose not to make reservations and played it by ear, which worked well for our family. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Raysplus1]

Head to DD and do a little shopping and get the disney magic flowing and go to bed early and have fun.

 

[Terk-1]

Was thinking along the same lines in doing the Candlelight on another evening. I'm just afraid that if the flight is delayed or if there is a delay getting to the hotel from the airport (arriving the day after Thanksgiving), that I would either be really rushing or miss it all together. Also, I'll be getting up early to get to the airport and think between that and the long flight, will be a bit tired.

Can't decide where to dine though. Was thinking Spoodles or Cape May Cafe, but am wondering about somewhere at Downtown Disney. The only concern I have with DTD, is where it's a Friday night after a holiday, will it be packed?