First timer Questions

[jjiillee]

I'm new here and have some questions. DH and I are taking our 3 kids (age 1,3,4) to Disney for the first time, Sept 23rd-29th. We arrive at 12:48 on the 23rd. How long will it take to get to our hotel from airport (baylake tower) using Magical Express? Also we aren't sure what to do first when we get there, guess we can't check in until 4? The Magic Kingdom was my first thought but it's only open until 7 that night. Will that give us enough time to do a few things? Also only have one ADR for CRT so far. Not sure how many to make since it's our first time with the small kiddos. Any opinions?

Forgot to say we have a 7 day park hopper so it won't be a problem to go to any of the parks our first evening.

 

[imthatgirl]

I would allow at least 2 hours from the time your plane lands till you arrive at your resort.

You can now check in 10 days before you arrive. The *should* have your room ready if you tell them you are arrivng at 3 that day. Personally I ahve never had to wait until 4 to check in. But., if by chance your room isn't ready you can leave your luggage and get your key to the world.
Being so close to the Mk I think that is exactly where I would start. even if you only get on 2 or 3 rides and see the parade, at least you will ahve gone in and become aquainted with it. Having an early close on your first day is a good thing. You'll be tired from traveling, so you can get to bed early and have a nice early sart the next day.

We use the dining plan so we do make ADRs for all our meals. If you plan to eat Table services I would suggest you make some more. If quick serve is your plan, then it;s not important.

 

[jjiillee]

Thanks for the reply. I think we will go to the Magic Kingdom. I was trying to decide if I should make an ADR for dinner that night but thinking we might just do counter service at the park for that evening.

Have any "must do" table service restaurants we should try with kids?

 

[sharonabe]

Do you have free dining? Since you have such little ones, I would probably do more buffets since everyone can eat and you don't have to share a plate. Ohana would be fun, Chef Mickey's is a little loud, but most kids love it, the Garden Grill at Epcot, Crystal Palace at MK is a Winnie the Pooh spot, and Tusker House over at AK has Donald Duck.

Is MK closing at 7 because of a MNSSP that night? If so, the park will be pretty crowded by the time you get there, and there will be no parade for you to watch. You'll be at your hotel no later that 3:00. We enjoy going to Epcot on a late arrival day. Future World is usually not as crowded as most people are in World Showcase getting ready for dinner. Coral Reef would be a good place to eat dinner that night and just wander around the Seas that evening.