Help planning first day at WDW

[jeanie]

Hi,

We are going to Orlando from 4/18 to 4/25. The first few days will be at Universal and we check in at CBR on Friday 4/21. I had been planning on going to AK on this day but since we may not get to the park until afternoon, I am wondering if it's worth it. I am planning on an early day at MK the next day so I don't really want to stay that late at AK. I have ADRs for 5:45 at RainForest

Is it worth going to AK in the afternoon and then dinner at 5:45? Should we just hang out at the hotel and relax? Or maybe head to DD?

Thanks!

 

[pepe of ohio]

When we were there in October, AK closed at 5o or 5:30 pm. As far as I know they close at dark except on EMH. We never go to parks on the first day. We unpack, relax and do the pool and head on to DTD to do our shopping and sightseeing. They also have a Rainforest Cafe there too. We have walked from there to Goodings for groceries, good poke down the road though but 5.00 a beer at disney, its worth the walk or take a cab from there to a near by store for provisions if you don't have an auto. We usually spend that evening at the Contemporary Resort game room and from there take a boat to Fort Wilderness and just walk around and have pizza and beer at Trails End . Arriving back at resort its back to the pool for night time swim.

 

[MareQ]

Check out of your hotel early and move over to Disney ASAP - check in, have bell services hold yoru luggage if room isnt ready and you should still be in a park before lunch

 

[jeanie]

Thanks for the suggestions!

AK is open until 8:00 on 4/21 so I wasn't worried so much about feeling rushed to do everything before it closes but more worried about how crowded it would be in the afternoon.

Do you think that if we can get there around 11:00 we would still be able to enjoy this park? The last time we went to WDW was for 4 days before our Disney cruise and we skipped this park. I like AK alot but this is the one park the rest of my family would not miss...They may change their minds when EE opens

 

[addicted2disney]

As long as AK isnt having their EMH's that day you planned on going, it shouldnt be crowded in the afternoon. In fact, it will probably be less crowded. Most people go and can get out by early afternoon. OR leave after the parade about 4.

What time are you planning on getting to AK in the afternoon? Why dont you schedule Rainforest for whenever you arrive, then spend the rest of the day in the park?

 

[addicted2disney]

Sorry,, I didnt see where you said you could arrive at 11. If the park is open until 8, get there and have a nice big lunch when you arrive. Then you will have 8 hours in the park. I'd head straight to EE to get a fast pass. Just to make sure you get one. The second one Id get is for the safari. You could even send one person to get EE FPs while the rest of you are waiting to be seated if you change to Rainforest for lunch.