Fourteen of us going in March. first night??

[Miscoehill]

My extended family (ages 67-3) are going the first week in March...any ideas on what we could do the first day there. We don't arrive into Orlando until 2:30pm... Two kids (6,3) have never been before. I'm not sure about going to the parks because they all close early. Any ideas or suggestions?? Thank you!

 

[lovesdumbo]

How about get settled at the hotel, maybe swim and dinner at OHana? Then you could watch the fireworks from the beach and see the Electric Water Parade if you stay til 9. You could also ride the monorail and check out GF and CR.

 

[canwegosoon]

I was thinking the same as lovesdumbo, but would suggest Chef Mickey (if you are the indoors type or have special concerns with adults) or Trails End (you might be able to see EWP or go to the Chip and Dale Campfire/poss. stay for movie) walk around either area, poss. take monorail over to epcot and back. If you get lucky you might be able to see Wishes from the Monorail.

 

[Grand Canyon]

The first night in we usually order pizza delivery (or you can go get it and bring it back - we LOVE Flippers Pizza!), swim, get settled in and 'well-rested' for the next day. Sit on the beach at the Polynesian - the fireworks are beautiful from there. I wouldn't want to waste a day of ticket when many in the group are tired, grumpy, etc.

 

[Poohnatic]

A nice dinner at 'Ohana or Whispering Canyon. 'Ohana is my family's favorite, all you can eat grilled meats, dipping sauces, ukelele players, games for the kids, a view of the castle.

Whispering Canyon has a loud, entertaining crew on hand to entertain. Good food, but be warned: you don't want the ketchup! Have now eaten here three times and we've loved it almost as much as 'Ohana!

Both resorts offer enough scenery for you to look around and soak it all in!


Suzanne

 

[Donnask8pro]

Grand Canyon, Where are you eating in the picture? I want to go there... lol

 

[ceecee]

Depends on if you are staying onsite or off. Downtown Disney is fun! We've done that several times on a first night. We did Chef Mickey's once and watched the fireworks from there. Since we were relying on Disney transportation, it took us forever to get back to our resort. A lot depends on your transportation options. Assuming with 14 people you'll have cars? It may be just better to get carry out with that many people. We did our family thing at Whispering Canyons last year (12 total). We had a long table and didn't get to talk to everyone and we didn't think the food was great at all and we waited 30 min to get it (the waiter wasn't funny either....he did say Goofy was working in the kitchen that night after the 3rd mistake on the order). The kids liked doing the parade with the stick ponies, but other than that it wasn't as good as we had heard.

 

[Miscoehill]

Where is O'Hana's? and do we need ressie for it? We are staying off site and each family will have their own car. Three weeks and counting! Yipeee

 

[gigi1313]

'ohana is in the polynesian resort/hotel in wdw... you should make a priority seating which differs from a reservation... it's all you care to eat, lots of meat and some appetizers, salad and dessert... there are alternate kids selections if necessary...

 

[Grand Canyon]

That is the Kitchen Sink at Beaches And Cream at the Yacht/Beach Club. With all of us in that picture we couldn't finish it. I was queasy afterwards, too.

 

[Grand Canyon]

Hey, Gigi! Is your name really Gigi? Our DD is arriving on 03-24 and we picked Gigi for her first name. You're the first real person we've 'met' named Gigi. Did the name cause you any trouble in school? If the answer is too personal - but you're still willing to share - pm us. We really like the name but have had a few concerns as to how the name will work as she gets older. Usually when people ask we tell them the name we've chosen they just look at us blankly. My sister even told me it "wasn't a real name".

 

[ceecee]

Grand Canyon: Your pictures are AWESOME, what kind of camera do you have???

 

[Grand Canyon]

Canon EOS Digital Rebel (a.k.a. 300D), 6.3 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Kit with Canon 18-55mm 1gb card
I shot 5700 pix last summer.
It is not hard to get some good pixs if you shoot that many.

 

[rsschneck]

We have 14 in our group for May. The first night's plan is everyone's arrival, ordering pizza and relaxing and finally the campfire sing a long at Fort Wilderness.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Since you are staying offsite... what I speak is heresy...I'd say do something offsite! It'll probably be the easiest day to do something not disney. There some rather interesting things to do that might take up just 2 hours on I-drive. There is SO much to do in Orlando. While there are probably better guides take a look at www.iloveorlando.com

I'd just go do something fun like go carts or minature golf and get an inexpensive dinner either from a local grocery store or go one of the many restaurants in the area. Only going to Disney if you have transportation and are already offsite is a lost opportunity.

If you share where you are staying you might be able to get more information about stuff to do where you are staying...for example Westgate Lakes had a nice, inexpensive BBQ restaurant the last time I stayed there. Easy seating, tasty food, no contending with traffic just to get into the world for one meal or to shop.