How late is it worthwhile to get to parks?

[jpakstis]

I know our kids are raring to go when get off the ME. Even if it’s to walk around MK they are very excited to just get there.

 

[saraheliz]

I would. I'm a big fan of a quick trip to MK the first night- see the castle, get the initial excitement over with, grab dinner and do a couple of quick rides with FP. My kids have always slept better after having been in the park than if they were still anticipating it...and then I don't feel like my first full park day has to be MK- I can make it wherever seems to make sense!

 

[amberpi]

They have seen a video of our family at a character breakfast from about 30 years ago. It doesn’t seem like it is worth spending the money on a character meal if they are expressing no interest. Now, if there was a Star Wars character meal...

This is our kids. We talked to them about it, and they were very "meh."

 

[Childs1stTime2Disney]

Our flight arrives at MCO at about 3:30 in the afternoon and we are taking the Magical Express. Is it even worthwhile to go to a park that evening? We have 3 young children with us - DN3, DN6, DN7 - and want to be back to the room by about 8:30. Staying at Poly. Only a 4 night stay and leaving for DCL afterwards.

I would go to MK even if just for 2 hours on arrival day if I were you. Close enough, not a hassle.

 

[emilyrachael]

Since you're staying at the Poly, I'd head over to MK for a few hours since it won't take long to travel there by monorail or boat. The kids might be restless after sitting on the plane/ME. I doubt with all of that excitement you'll get them to bed early anyway.

 

[wendlle]

If you've already got the tickets I say go for it!
Who doesn't enjoy more park time?

 

[Smittolis]

We always like a sneaky little trip on arrival day. We do that day in a more 'sightseer' mode and just enjoy the park and take time to check out the new stores, merch as well as the great grounds. We check the ride times and may get a ride or two on our favorites (lines permitting), we always see it as a 'bonus' day and it really allows the kids to appease that 'Disney Fever' itch they get when they know they are so close! We have AP's so its easy for us to do it as it has no cost implications for us, but if the tickets are all locked in and you have the day to burn, I would definitely do it! Go refuel and see the park without any pressure to go on rides or any itinerary to stick too! Freeeeeeedom! haha ;o)

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

We had gotten a free fifth day when we bought our tickets, so we will be going to MK on arrival evening. The main reason is that I want us to be able to do all the “ooh”s and “ahhh”s and not feel rushed. Plus it’s 3 extra fast passes. My plan is to walk down Main Street, have them gawk at the castle, and do maybe 4 rides (3fp and maybe one more). This way, when we return 2 days later for rd, I don’t feel like we never had opportunity to stop and smell the roses and live in the moment. I won’t be guilty about whisking them straight to the rides lineup.