first night suggestions

[nonzerosum]

Any suggestions as to what to take in on the first night? We're arriving at the GCH at about 6 pm and are 2 kids, 4 adults, 2 of which are grandparents. We were just planning on doing DD, but we now have "5 for 3" park tickets and will only be in the park 4 full days, so thought we might as well use the extra ticket day even if it is only for a couple of hours. Does this make sense? I'm very tired!!!

 

[Dobie]

So, you might want to make a dinner reservation--the Dobies like to have dinner at Carnation Cafe our first night so we can be in the middle of the action. Pirates rarely has a long line, you can pick up Buzz Fastpasses, and there is the parade. This would give you a taste of the park so you will be excited to get up early your first day!!!

 

[Karenann*]

Walking along Main Street, taking the train around the park, soaking up the sights and sounds, seeing the fireworks, and feeling the Magic! Enjoy your first few hours in the park! Bonus!
One year, we flew in at 8pm, got checked in by 9 and were in the DL by 9:30. Went to Splash first and it was not running, got to Pirates entrance and they closed it down! We were smiling anyway and headed over to BTMR and got on our first ride!

 

[reynmagsmom]

That would give you some time to get aquainted with DL get an idea of where you would like to start the following day, we love our first day in, even though it isn't a full day it gives us a chance to get in a couple of our favs and just take it easy as we always drive down and a relaxing time is needed and knowing that we will be going full steam the rest of the trip, it makes for a great start!! I second dinner at the park but I like Cafe Orleans. Pirates is a good ride to start with or Haunted Mansion, a trip on the train was a really good suggestion. Whatever you do it will be all the better as you will be in Disneyland, Have a great trip!!!

 

[bnbheartdisney]

I would definitely take advantage of the extra ticket and stroll the park. Have dinner, get on a couple of rides and soak up the Disney magic!

 

[Mom2micayla]

Considering it's basically free to go in that evening, I'd go and just stroll the parks. Eat dinner, ride some of the easy loading rides (like HM, POTC, etc) and enjoy the evening. Then you have 4 days to catch up on all the rest.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We usually grab a bite at WWS and then head for POTC and HM. When the sun starts to drop we go to GRR, Soarin, ToT and Screamin and then back to the hotel.

Jack

 

[Canadian Traveler]

Yes I agree not to waste the extra day you have... at least walk around and see the sights,,,,

 

[chrissiecutie]

I agree with everyone else- use it, don't lose it!

Lots of Dis'ers have a family tradition to ride the train upon arriving, this would be an awesome way to really immerse yourselves in the "magic".

I suggest you hop on at Main St and do the full ride around the park, then get back off at Main St. and eat dinner at Carnation Cafe or the Plaza. Or you could stop off at New Orleans Sq and eat at Blue Bayou if you're feeling the urge to splurge!

Enjoy a leasurely meal, maybe see the Fireworks, ride a few rides and head back to the hotel to get ready for the big day tomorrow!

 

[nonzerosum]

Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions. My heart is racing with excitment!!

 

[bzkds]

Our tradition (going against all the DIS rules lol) is to go get in line as soon as we get there, for whatever ride we would be most disappointed to have to miss that trip. (in case ride was shut down, someone in our group was ill, etc). Usually it's Space Mountain, even with an hour-long standby line. We love to people watch and know that we've done our favorite ride even if we accomplish nothing else at all! Then we go to POTC, my daughter and I try to outdo our previous number of rides. We usually ride it 8-10 times each trip.

Beth

 

[kkmcan]

We usually grab a corndog or some hot pretzels with cheese for dinner. Something we can eat and walk with. Try to get in a few rides (ones that don't usually have lines) Pirates, Tiki Room, HM, Pooh, maybe see the parade and get that out of the way and then head back to the hotel for the night. Don't overstay on your first night, it makes the next day so much harder and less enjoyable. Been there, done that!

 

[rentayenta]

Love the train idea. Dusk is a great time to be in Disneyland. I love taking it all in slowly and watching the trees start to twinkle with lights.

Like the others have said, a few hours are perfect to take your time.

If it were my family, we'd stroll down Main St, eat dinner at the Plaza Inn, ride JC, POTC, and HM, do the Tiki Room, grab a Dole Float, and then catch the fireworks.

 

[Karenann*]

Gee wiz, now I'm thinking of a 6 daypass instead of 5 just so we can catch some magic on or arrival night in July! I wanna be there now!!!

 

[mystic_path]

Any suggestions as to what to take in on the first night? We're arriving at the GCH at about 6 pm and are 2 kids, 4 adults, 2 of which are grandparents. We were just planning on doing DD, but we now have "5 for 3" park tickets and will only be in the park 4 full days, so thought we might as well use the extra ticket day even if it is only for a couple of hours. Does this make sense? I'm very tired!!!

It makes perfect sense. Actually when I book park hopper passes I deliberately do this. I go through Flight Center and the price between adding an extra day is only like $7. That $7.00 will be worth spent even if we are in the park for 4 hours. How often are you gonna get to Disney? Make each day and second count.

 

[Quilter007]

We like Autopia at night...DS9 likes Autopia especially now that he is old enough for his OWN car! You might be able to get a fastpass for Space Mountain. I would ride Star Tours -- you know before they change it. Small World at night (DSes still like Small World although they pretend that they are just appeasing us)...that Tarzan tree is better at night when it's cool -- at least in the summer time if you can braze the Fantasmic madness. Tiki Room is great.