I know this is kind of a no-no but...

[runmom]

Yeah, but we won't arrive into the park until about 1:30 do you think it would still be worth it? I would love to get this park out of the way and have a full day at MGM the next day. Would it work?

 

[pepperw23]

I know a lot of people say not to do anything the day you arrive, BUT...our flight gets into Orlando at 9:30 am and there is no way we are going to sit around the house all day (might be a different story if we were staying at a cool on-site resort).

So...we are planning on heading over to MK around 1 pm or so. I have given my boys "the talk" about how we are not going to try to do everything that day (Dumbo, Peter Pan, Barnstormer etc...) and it is more to get in the mood. But I was wondering if any of you had some good recommendations of things we could do that probably wouldn't be too crowded (stuff like Tom Sawyers Island?). We are going to go back to MK on Tuesday and will get there at rope drop, so this day is going to be much more low key. Is there any chance, at this time of year, that we might be able to do some of the more popular rides with getting there so late? We aren't even planning on staying for Spectro since we want it to be an early night. Thanks for any advice!

We like to hit Downtown Disney the day we arrive, it gets us all in the Disney mood.

 

[goofy's friends]

Runmom, I think it would be doable if you skip the parade and not try to do it all. Even better if it is an EMH night. The park usually closes the earliest of all the parks, like 5 or 6. (I don't remember the park layout, but an example) You could get your fastpass, do Bug's Life, walk the trail, go back for the safari, Kali river, Lion King, dinoland. I would skip the Conservation center with limited time, as it is a time eater. Save dinner for after the park closes and go to a resort.

 

[runmom]

We were not planning on doing the parade there, so that might work, we definately wanted to hit, Bug's Life, Lion King, and Safari - do you think there would still be Fastpasses left for the Safari around 1:30? I'm liking this idea then we could have a full day at MGM and get settled in our room at night. I just need to switch my dinner ressies... Thanks for the advice, I'm going to check it out

Nicole

 

[Madi100]

I know a lot of people say not to do anything the day you arrive, BUT...our flight gets into Orlando at 9:30 am and there is no way we are going to sit around the house all day (might be a different story if we were staying at a cool on-site resort).

So...we are planning on heading over to MK around 1 pm or so. I have given my boys "the talk" about how we are not going to try to do everything that day (Dumbo, Peter Pan, Barnstormer etc...) and it is more to get in the mood. But I was wondering if any of you had some good recommendations of things we could do that probably wouldn't be too crowded (stuff like Tom Sawyers Island?). We are going to go back to MK on Tuesday and will get there at rope drop, so this day is going to be much more low key. Is there any chance, at this time of year, that we might be able to do some of the more popular rides with getting there so late? We aren't even planning on staying for Spectro since we want it to be an early night. Thanks for any advice!

I haven't read all the posts, but wanted to reply. We just went in December. We planned nothing for the first day, but we also had an early flight in. We relaxed for a little bit, and then we went to MK. We did stay until the park closed, and our girls were fine. They are 4 and 8. I would definitely play that one by ear, though. If the kids sleep on the plane, then they might be good to go. If they don't, it might be a long night if you try to do too much.

 

[runmom]

No shot of my boys (7 & 4 1/2) sleeping on the plane, they will be too excited, tho we do have to get up at like 5:30am, so my DH and I are starting to reconsider b/c I don't want everyone to be so tired right away - I am seriously thinking of a short day at AK (hopefully 3 1/2 hours is enough...?) and then a nice full day at MGM on Sunday - which I think they will really enjoy - hopefully be able to catch the PowerRangers too, which we were going to miss on Saturday - so that will be a plus for my DS4! And then MK on Monday - saving that for last!!

Nicole

 

[mickeygirl18976]

Because of the time of year, winter and not a holiday, we came in at 9:30 on a Saturday two weeks ago and hit AK for a short day. It wasn't bad at all and all the animals were out.
After that came back to the room, took the rental car out and got our act together by stopping and getting snacks at a local (off site) Walmart. We didn't feel like we wasted a day because we did get a park in and yet we didn't feel like we were rushing around.
We have also done Sea World, and DD but if it's a weekend I would avoid DD like Disney Quest. It was Mobbed on a saturday or sunday afternoon.

 

[disneymania10]

We go to Disney alot and our flight also gets in at 9:30. We would suggest grabbing fast passes for some of the kids top picks so they can experience them that day without a big wait. This will also get some done when you tour the full day and leave you more time. We like to also get in the mood the first day. The parade really is magical on the first day while you are taking it slower and absorbing disney. Check out the show in front of the castle. A character lunch at crystal palace almost puts the magic in the kids eyes. They have pooh, eeyore, piglet and tigger. Ther is a parade in there for the kids to join in. To avoid being blocked by the parade-go to tommorrow land and take the secret pathway ( by space mtn) to toontown and then you can also reach fantasyland.

 

[runmom]

I wish we could hop over to MK first, but we are saving it for Monday so we can have a full day and really enjoy it - maybe a mistake, but if we can't get it all in, we an always go back there on our last day. How much time to allow from the airport do you think? We land at 10:30am?

Nicole

 

[lcborn2run]

We're arriving this Thursday and about the same time as you are arriving over the weekend (are you coming in from NY too?) Anyway, I plan on doing AK. Definitely doable in the time and I am PRAYING we'll be able to ride EE.

In my opinion (and I know it's in the minority), my family is not crazy for the safari. However, DEFINITELY, try and catch the parade at AK. It really is awesome!

Have a great time!!!!!

 

[Ilovestitch]

My bf and I always take an early flight so we are usually checked in at our hotel and ready to go have fun at about 10:30-11am. We either do one of two things:

1. If there's a new ride we haven't been on, we go to that park first to ride that ride.
Or
2. We walk out to the busstop and whichever bus pulls up first- we get on that one.

 

[MinnieGi]

We also take early morning flights that let us arrive in Orlando about 9:00 am. We love it! Although it does leave us tired by evening. If we go to a park we usually one do a very few rides. Its just fun to get a "preview" of the vacation and really gets us in the spirit. My advice is just don't overdo the first day!!!

On the first day I also like to totally settle in to our room. This means unpacking and also grocery shopping. Once those things are accomplished I feel "at home" for the week and am ready to concentrate on fun!!!!

 

[Mom2tmha]

We arrive on Feb 1st at 9:15 am and are planning on going to Epcott...don't know why but that is what we decided. We always take the early flight so we can have the first day to do something!!

 

[Madi100]

No shot of my boys (7 & 4 1/2) sleeping on the plane, they will be too excited, tho we do have to get up at like 5:30am, so my DH and I are starting to reconsider b/c I don't want everyone to be so tired right away - I am seriously thinking of a short day at AK (hopefully 3 1/2 hours is enough...?) and then a nice full day at MGM on Sunday - which I think they will really enjoy - hopefully be able to catch the PowerRangers too, which we were going to miss on Saturday - so that will be a plus for my DS4! And then MK on Monday - saving that for last!!

Nicole

I didn't think my girls would nap either, but I told them to, and it worked. They both slept. They were both really excited. Last trip they didn't sleep. We spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom this last trip. We were there for the longest amount of time (8 days), and it seems like we did the least. It was more relaxing, and we just spent so much time at MK. Seriously, play it by ear. If your boys are acting really tired, then skip it all. You'd rather have them rested up. In previous trips, we've always just toured the different resorts and rode the different kinds of transportation. Our first trip with kids we planned a nice supper because it was my birthday. My daughter was horrible, all because she was tired. We learned our lesson there. But, we aren't going to not do anything if they are ready to go. I almost think doing a nice sitdown supper is the worst thing to do with kids on the first night there, because they are so excited, they are tired, and the last thing they want to do after a day of travel is sit still. We definitely learned our lesson.

 

[Sleepy]

On our first vacation, we arrived around 3pm. Waited for check-in and got everything into the room. We went at 6pm for Chef Mickeys and then when done there, we went back to the room and then headed to MK just to get a feel for the place. Everyone was crowding on Main Street because of the parade. We headed for some of the rides in Adventure Land. We were amazed at the fact that there were no lines at all. We rode several things in a 1 hour span. It was a blast.

 

[The Sweetness]

My first trip to WDW with my 14y old was a dozen years ago. We had a 4 hour car trip, stopped at the motel to let them know we arrived, I just jumped out of the car while DH, DD, and DM waited. Then we drove to the MK and validated our aps. This was at a bld I think was city hall, by Tonys on Main Street. Then, all hungry, we went into Tonys, and enjoyed a satisfying (but expensive ) lunch. After that, I stepped out and saw plenty of curb space, so I laid down mine and DHs back packs, to leave space for him and DM, who went to browse in the Epourium. The parade was a perfect start to our week

 

[runmom]

Thanks for all the advice, I think I've decided, AK on arrival then Downtown Disney for dinner - no reservaton just play by ear as to where to eat, then the kids can get a fun 'Disney' feel. Plus we can go early b/c AK closes at 5p. Then MGM on Sunday - Sci Fi (4:55p b/c Fantasmic is at 7p), MK on Monday (Plaza), Tues ? (Whispering Canyon). I think this will be good - I feel better about it now. Also, about the weather, are your kids going to be wearing shorts this weekend? I think mine will definately want to - I think I'm going to have to pack them in the backpack - I hear it is chilly in the am..?

(We are coming from the DC area (BWI) airport)

Nicole

 

[Madi100]

Thanks for all the advice, I think I've decided, AK on arrival then Downtown Disney for dinner - no reservaton just play by ear as to where to eat, then the kids can get a fun 'Disney' feel. Plus we can go early b/c AK closes at 5p. Then MGM on Sunday - Sci Fi (4:55p b/c Fantasmic is at 7p), MK on Monday (Plaza), Tues ? (Whispering Canyon). I think this will be good - I feel better about it now. Also, about the weather, are your kids going to be wearing shorts this weekend? I think mine will definately want to - I think I'm going to have to pack them in the backpack - I hear it is chilly in the am..?

(We are coming from the DC area (BWI) airport)

Nicole

We did a lot of shorts with sweatshirts. It's fun to wear shorts in the wintertime. But, it will really just depend on the weather. I think for our February trip a few years ago it was nice enough most of the time to wear shorts.

Downtown Disney for supper is a great idea. We did that on our first lunch. There are couple "new" restaurants - Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Express (I think that is the second one). Those were actually my two favorite eating experiences while in WDW.

 

[ericafny]

On our last trip in July 05, we went to MK in the afternoon (around 4pm) and were able to walk right onto HM and POTC. There were FP's still available for BTM and SM too. I think if you arrive around 1 you should be able to get quite a few things in

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[1of6]

I went to Wallmart and got zip-off pants for the kids. I found them for under $10 on the rack. I also got some for $7 and $5 on the clearance rack. I am hoping this will make it easier dealing with the weather.