First evening for first-timers ... WWYD?

[yakkin' yeti]

We're going to be getting into DL the Wednesday before the 1/2 marathon. The plane lands around 11 a.m., so I'm guessing we'll check into the hotel around 1 p.m.

I got six-day hoppers before the latest price hike went through (THANK YOU, ArchOwl, for the timely warning), so we could go to a park that day. But we'll be dealing with the time change and I don't know if it would make more sense to just swim at the hotel and eat at DTD and start fresh for MM on Thursday morning.

Or ... since it's only going to get more crowded as Labor Day weekend nears, would it make sense to try and make it to a Fantasmic showing that night, but not worry too much about rides?

 

[HydroGuy]

We're going to be getting into DL the Wednesday before the 1/2 marathon. The plane lands around 11 a.m., so I'm guessing we'll check into the hotel around 1 p.m.

I got six-day hoppers before the latest price hike went through (THANK YOU, ArchOwl, for the timely warning), so we could go to a park that day. But we'll be dealing with the time change and I don't know if it would make more sense to just swim at the hotel and eat at DTD and start fresh for MM on Thursday morning.

Or ... since it's only going to get more crowded as Labor Day weekend nears, would it make sense to try and make it to a Fantasmic showing that night, but not worry too much about rides?

It depends on how you are feeling. If it was me I would go in unless you are saving the sixth day for the end. If you have an extra day on the passes then use them.

Yes, Fantasmic might be a good idea. Or World of Color. Sounds like a good idea to not be out too late so you can get your early start the next day.

 

[figment_jii]

If you have enough days on your ticket to get in on your first day, I would go see Fantasmic (and/or fireworks). I love fireworks and would want to see them as soon as possible! . If you leave as soon as the show(s) end, then you should be back in your room at a decent time.

 

[CheshireGato]

I think it would be a great idea to go and just see one of the night shows, you might be too busy with rides the rest of your stay! Also, it would be a good opportunity to grab a map and plan out what you would like to do the rest of the week

 

[yakkin' yeti]

If you have enough days on your ticket to get in on your first day, I would go see Fantasmic (and/or fireworks). I love fireworks and would want to see them as soon as possible! . If you leave as soon as the show(s) end, then you should be back in your room at a decent time.

Hmm, fireworks. You make a very good point. Fantasmic and fireworks sounds like a great combo ... if we can just manage to stay up that late. (Calendar's not out yet, so I have no idea what time those will be scheduled for, but even if it's 9 p.m., that feels like midnight to us. We shall just have to suffer through it http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/laughing.gif. )

 

[yakkin' yeti]

It depends on how you are feeling. If it was me I would go in unless you are saving the sixth day for the end. If you have an extra day on the passes then use them.

Yes, Fantasmic might be a good idea. Or World of Color. Sounds like a good idea to not be out too late so you can get your early start the next day.

We do have an extra day, which is why I was wondering about the nighttime shows. With World of Color, would there still be fast passes left in the mid-afternoon? The talk about the record crowds this summer for Carsland has me a little spooked. (I say this as a survivor of Epcot on New Year's Eve, so it's not like we haven't encountered crowds before.)

 

[yakkin' yeti]

I think it would be a great idea to go and just see one of the night shows, you might be too busy with rides the rest of your stay! Also, it would be a good opportunity to grab a map and plan out what you would like to do the rest of the week

A map would be a very good thing. I'm directionally challenged, so any and all guidance is helpful.

 

[HydroGuy]

We do have an extra day, which is why I was wondering about the nighttime shows. With World of Color, would there still be fast passes left in the mid-afternoon? The talk about the record crowds this summer for Carsland has me a little spooked. (I say this as a survivor of Epcot on New Year's Eve, so it's not like we haven't encountered crowds before.)

Should be enough FPs at that time. Last summer they never ran out even into the evening. This summer will be busier but not sure that much busier to impact WOC FPs so much.

 

[PrincessIM]

Having done both, my suggestion would be to go to DL the first day you are there. The year that we didn't go into the parks on our first day (arrived at 6PM) we decided to venture through DTD and have dinner, do some shopping. It was hard knowing that DL was basically just through the security gates.

 

[yakkin' yeti]

Should be enough FPs at that time. Last summer they never ran out even into the evening. This summer will be busier but not sure that much busier to impact WOC FPs so much.

Thanks, that's great to know. And thanks so much for all your superthreads. They've been invaluable.

 

[yakkin' yeti]

Having done both, my suggestion would be to go to DL the first day you are there. The year that we didn't go into the parks on our first day (arrived at 6PM) we decided to venture through DTD and have dinner, do some shopping. It was hard knowing that DL was basically just through the security gates.

Thanks! I didn't really think of the gate being right in view from DTD. (Too used to WDW.) My DH thought it might be nice to relax and take it easy at the resort, but I'm such an addict, if I can see the entrance, I'll be running through the gates, yelling, 'Mickey! I'm hoooome!" It's better to just face that fact up front.

 

[TEK224]

Hey OP, we'll be getting in about the same time. Are you doing the 1/2?

I'm going to do some sightseeing on Wed. & Thurs. and then just hang out at the parks & resort for the weekend. I'm sure it'll be packed, but driving around the area on the holiday weekend is crazy too. Did that once before and don't want to do it again.

 

[yakkin' yeti]

Hey OP, we'll be getting in about the same time. Are you doing the 1/2?

I'm going to do some sightseeing on Wed. & Thurs. and then just hang out at the parks & resort for the weekend. I'm sure it'll be packed, but driving around the area on the holiday weekend is crazy too. Did that once before and don't want to do it again.

We're going with a friend who's running, so we'll be waving signs and cheering.

Driving in SoCal holiday crowds? You're braver than I am.

 

[ArchOwl]

I like using the first half day to catch a nighttime show or to make time for something that would take a big chunk out of my day later on (such as a tour or leisurely meal). I am usually pretty excited that first day and want to at least enter the parks and poke around. But of course, it all depends on what you like. Have fun!

 

[Argento]

Gotta vote for a night show and a leisurely stroll around the park to get your bearings. Maybe you'll get lucky and catch a short line or two.

 

[pennym]

We fly in at about the same time when we come from NZ and always go into the parks! Either have a nap first if you're really tired, then go and enjoy the evening, or go in when you get there, have something nice to eat, enjoy the ambience and music, and check out a few rides that have short queues, then go back earlyish to get a good night's sleep.