"Help" What should we do on first day

[chrismom3]

Definately not too late to make ADR's. TRY before you leave!!! It just makes life a little easier and 1 less decision to make when you're there.

Have fun.

 

[sameyeyam]

For those who have purchased the grab bags, what are usually in them?

Our grab bag this year had Tinkerbell notepad, clipboard & pen, Stitch antenna ball, wind up Donald Duck Toy, Pumba "Match Box type" car, a magnetic postcard with lots of Disney characters and a couple of other things (can't remember exactly). In past years we have gotten Xmas pens, key chains, refrigerator magnets, etc... We find it is well worth the money.

 

[lustergirl]

this year we are touching down in orlando at 3:08pm, will probably at our resort around 4:30pm. I figure this is too late to waste a day's pass. We will probably relax at the resort, drink some strawberry daiquiris, or head to downton disney. I can't wait- 106 more days- woohoo!!!!!!!!

 

[MomofKatie]

Last year, we drove in to the Pop parking lot at about 1 pm- we unpacked, took a dip in the pool, and headed over to Epcot for dinner, a stroll around the World Showcase, and Illuminations. We did some Future World rides, too.

In 2005, we got to POFQ at around 3 pm, and relaxed by the pool for a while before taking the boat over to DTD. We shopped and had dinner at Earl of Sandwich.

Other fun things to do would be eat dinner at one of the monorail resorts and ride the monorail around to explore the others. Chef Mickey's is fun for a first night dinner, 1900 Park Fare would be good for Cinderella lovers, or try 'Ohana for dinner- and if you don't mind eating late, you can see Wishes from the restaurant.

The Boardwalk area is also fun- we love Spoodles for dinner and people watching and just hanging out on the boardwalk afterwards. You can see some Illuminations fireworks and some of the Fantasmic fireworks, as well.

 

[Disney Doll]

The Chef Mickey's thing might be a good idea, but it might be hard being so close to the MK and not going in!!!!!

You might also consider the Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club which has a character buffet dinner with Admiral Goofy and friends (Chip & Dale & Donald Duck I think) and then you can wander the Boardwalk. There are some fun games and usually a couple of good street performers (jugglers, magicians etc) a couple of cute shops, there's ice cream and treats, and if you had to go to a park, you could always wander into Epcot for IllumiNations, depending on the type of pass you have and if you could just "blow" a day for just seeing IllumiNations. The Boardwalk is one area that I can just meander around, stop, watch the action, play some games, have a snack or treat, sit and look at the water...sigh....

I also like the Earl of Sandwich and some shoppig at DTD idea. The Earl has some great sandwiches, and who doesn't love shopping?

 

[swoodard]

Since we didnt make Dinner reservations whats the odds of getting into the sit down resturants for dinner, anytime anywhere?

 

[cowtownmom]

You can probably still get them - they just may be at some "off " times from what you might have wanted.

On our first trip, we got in late enough that we went to Downtown Disney for the evening. We did that again last year too. Now it has become our "tradition" I guess because both kids are wanting to do it that way again. It's a nice way to start the Disney magic without getting to tired after having been on the road for two days. Staying at POR is great because we get to take the boat in to DTD - a treat in itself.

 

[krissyh]

Make a few ADRs. That helps me decide which parks to go to each day.
Some suggestions/thoughts:
- You may not even be checked in to your room until 4:30 - provided your flight is on time. You'll want dinner - what about heading to DTD, depending on age, the kids might like DisneyQuest and there are neat stores for kids - like the Lego store.
- Also - how old are the kids? This might sound silly to some, but if they are young, you might want to save MK for the end of the trip. Build up to it. Really young kids might not love Epcot the way adults do. I'd go there the first day, then MGM, then Animal Kingdom and last MK. Or do that the first and last day.

 

[BeckWhy]

Speaking from a kid's perspective (though I am no longer a kid):

I think your little girl will want to get one of the hairwraps (I still get them and I'm 23). And if she has long hair it takes a long time; my hair was cut above my shoulders and it took an hour.

I also think it will be terribly hot there. I wouldn't doubt the kids would just want to play in the pools. Along side of that, there are a few beaches that you all can go to.

I also think there are arcades in every hotel. This might be something your kids are into.

You also have Downtown Disney and Boardwalk.

I personally like for my first day there, to explore the hotel (even if I have been there before), taking a nap (flight always makes me tired), maybe watch the WDW channel to see what's going on, and just hang out around the hotel. For me its a big rest day before I spend all my days at the parks.

 

[swoodard]

OK whats a hair wrap? lol My little girl is 7 and she does have long thick hair.

 

[swoodard]

Make a few ADRs. That helps me decide which parks to go to each day.
Some suggestions/thoughts:
- You may not even be checked in to your room until 4:30 - provided your flight is on time. You'll want dinner - what about heading to DTD, depending on age, the kids might like DisneyQuest and there are neat stores for kids - like the Lego store.
- Also - how old are the kids? This might sound silly to some, but if they are young, you might want to save MK for the end of the trip. Build up to it. Really young kids might not love Epcot the way adults do. I'd go there the first day, then MGM, then Animal Kingdom and last MK. Or do that the first and last day.

Kids are girl 7 and boy 11

 

[swoodard]

WOW I just called and got Fantasmic Reservations at Hollywood and Vine for 6:00 PM on Saturday the 10th.....easier than i thought.....