First Trip

[saberry]

We are coming up on our first trip to DW in just a few days. I think I may be more excited than my kids (ages ten, six, and two) as I've never been myself. We'll be staying at the WL for 6 nights. I have a few questions if you don't mind.

Our flight arrives a little before noon and we'll be going to the hotel and then on to MK. How long do you predict it will take to get from the airport to the hotel and then to MK?

Do they allow early check-in if your room is available? Our transportation servcie (Quicksilver Tours) is allowing us a 30 minute grocery stop, but I'm not sure if we should risk picking up any refrigerated items.

Any advice to take advantage of the first half-day (we will be spending another full day at MK later in the week)?

TIA,
Sean

 

[safetymom]

Welcome to the DIS.

They will allow you to check in before 3. Your room may not be ready but they will give you a phone number to check on it. If you have cold items they will hold on to them until the room is ready.

It takes about 1/2 hr. to get to the resort. You might want to spend that first day lounging around the pool, going to Downtown Disney, etc. Unless you want to use a day of your tickets then I would head to MK and get started on the rides.

 

[4greatboys]

We use a towncar service as well and have the grocery stops and it usually takes us between 1-1.5 hours to get our luggage, get to car, grocery stop then get to the resort.

 

[CaipiraBob]

Any advice to take advantage of the first half-day (we will be spending another full day at MK later in the week)?

The travel channel has a show called "great hotels" that will feature WL tomorrow at 3:00PM Eastern.

You picked one of the most beautiful resorts to start with.

 

[ctrabada]

There's a chance that your room will be ready when you check in, but there are no guarantees. I've had a lot of luck in checking in early and having the room ready. However, be prepared if it's not. Keep a bag with swimsuits, toiletries, etc. in case you want to go to the pool while you wait (in case you don't hit the parks right away). The WL is beautiful and we really enjoy walking the grounds or just lounge in the lobby. I like to take it easy the 1st day, but I have the luxury of having annual passes and of visiting several times a year, so I understand when someone from out of town wants to go commando in order to maximize their Disney vacation (when I lived out of town, I was a commando too).

 

[saberry]

Thanks for all the feedback. I set the TiVo to record that Great Hotels show today!

We will definately be hitting MK for a half day, but I doubt we'll stay 'till closing so we don't wear ourselves out on the first day.

 

[twinklebug]

Any advice to take advantage of the first half-day (we will be spending another full day at MK later in the week)?

Take it easy your first day. Wander about and enjoy the pool and scenery. WL is a short walk away from the Fort Wilderness (OK, maybe not so short if you're a little one) at the end of the trail you'll find Trail's End Buffeteria (one of the best and least expensive places to eat on WDW property) and a wonderful PETTING FARM!!!! They also have "hay" rides and a chip & Dale campfire singalong where the kids can roast marshmallows. In the evening WDW puts on a water pagent with music and lit up floats that take the shape of various water creatures. This can be seen from either WL or FW beaches.

ENJOY!

 

[saberry]

Well, we are definately going to MK on the first day - I've already purchased parkhopper tickets for 6 days. I guess I'm looking more for tips as to what would be good to try and fit in considering we probably won't hit the park untill aroun 2pm.

 

[disneyfan67]

We are coming up on our first trip to DW in just a few days. I think I may be more excited than my kids (ages ten, six, and two) as I've never been myself. We'll be staying at the WL for 6 nights. I have a few questions if you don't mind.

Our flight arrives a little before noon and we'll be going to the hotel and then on to MK. How long do you predict it will take to get from the airport to the hotel and then to MK?

Do they allow early check-in if your room is available? Our transportation servcie (Quicksilver Tours) is allowing us a 30 minute grocery stop, but I'm not sure if we should risk picking up any refrigerated items.

Any advice to take advantage of the first half-day (we will be spending another full day at MK later in the week)?

TIA,
Sean

First off, let me say welcome to to the DIS!

You have made a good choice staying at the WL and I know that you will be impressed when you first walk into the lobby. Take advantage of the grocery stop on your way to the resort and the WL will make sure all of your refrigerated items will stay cold. You will appreciate having your own food during the vacation because not only can it get expensive it can also get a little old eating out 3 times a day.

I wouldn't rush out to the parks right away when you first check in. I would bring the swimsuits in a backpack, get some snacks and go swiming for a little bit and sit by the pool to wind down. I find it very stressfull to fly with my twin 7 year olds and you always seem to have all of that "crazy travel energy" to burn off. If you do decide to go to MK while waiting for your room to be ready and have a plan. I hope you have read the good books that are out there to help you. The "offical" and "unoffical" guide books are good reads and very helpfull. Any of the big book stores will have them.

You are lucky in so many ways. What a great resort to be staying at for your first time. GOOD CHOICE! The first trip to WDW is something you and your family will always remember. I still think of my first trip to WDW all of the time and it will always be a great memory for me. I hope this trip is magical for you and your family and the first of many more to come!