How to kick off the vacation?

[stainbas]

We'll be arriving next Sunday and will get to our resort late morning, hopefully at a park by early afternoon. I figured we should start at Magic Kingdom - the only question is - where? It's the kids' first time ever in Disney World, or any amusement park. 2 boys - 4 and almost 3. Should we focus on Fantasyland? Hop around a bit? We'll definitely go back to MK during the trip, so this is just to give them a flavor. We do have FP+, so we can make some reservations for in-demand rides.

 

[ElenaRN]

We usually do Animal Kingdom on our first day. We know this park won't take us all day. So if we get in late morning we know it's still doable.

MK is always the little kids favorite park. It's not a bad idea. On a Sunday, MK may be more crowded than if you go during the week, so that may be something to consider.

 

[letsgoreds]

What about hoping on the train and riding around the park? I haven't ridden the train in a while, but getting an overview of the park could be fun! Same thing with the peoplemover in Tomorrowland.

Have a blast!

 

[disneypolybride2008]

the train is refurbing til oct 20. i'd walk down main st and get some pics, then go toward rides that interest you

 

[Egdisney]

We usually do Animal Kingdom on our first day. We know this park won't take us all day. So if we get in late morning we know it's still doable. MK is always the little kids favorite park. It's not a bad idea. On a Sunday, MK may be more crowded than if you go during the week, so that may be something to consider.

Next Sunday is actually a recommended day bc of MNSSHP, so crowds should be lighter since the park closers earlier. I think it is probably open til 1 am on Sat, so many people would have went then. We have never been either. Our first day we are attending the Halloween party, using the first 3 hours to just soak up the park.

 

[mm1971]

We'll be arriving next Sunday and will get to our resort late morning, hopefully at a park by early afternoon. I figured we should start at Magic Kingdom - the only question is - where? It's the kids' first time ever in Disney World, or any amusement park. 2 boys - 4 and almost 3. Should we focus on Fantasyland? Hop around a bit? We'll definitely go back to MK during the trip, so this is just to give them a flavor. We do have FP+, so we can make some reservations for in-demand rides.

If my dates are correct, that is a MNSSHP night and you will need to leave by 7PM. If you are OK with that, then crowds should be on the lighter side. Just mention it as you lose the later hours due to the party and party goers can enter at 4 so it may get busier late afternoon. Just a thought that you may have more park time in another park.

If heading to MK, I would say most of the rides for younger ones are in Fantasy Land or Tomorrow Land. So concentration on that side for day 1 may allow you to get more done.

 

[maplevale]

How are you getting to Orlando (early flights?) and have your kids traveled much?

Our first trip - DD was 4 (and YDD was 9 months). We had a 7am flight which ment we were up in the middle of the night. It's exciting being in the airport when you are 4 and your first time on a plane!

By the time we got to the hotel around noon we were all pretty tired and hot. We hung out at the pool a few hours and then went to DTD Disney for dinner (where DD was insanely excited to pose with some Character statues!!). Our next day - after a full night sleep - was an amazingly full day at MK complete with a before Rope Drop ADR. We were all in much better states of mind then we would have been on the Sunday evening.

You know your kids best - but sometimes too many 'new' things in one day will not lead to a favorable reaction.