Make ADR on first night at WDW or relax?

[Joshy443]

The day we arrive at WDW is also my daughter's second b-day. We're not sure what to do - whether to schedule Chef Mickey's (I'll order a b-day cake) on our first night there or to hang around our resort & relax. I'm sure the kids would like to go swimming and then we could get something at our resort - I'll still order a cake and have it delivered to our room. Not sure where to order it from (we're staying at the Poly) but thats another thread.

Any advice on first night at WDW after a day of travel? OUr kids will be 7,4 & 2.
TIA!

 

[Ms.Mouse]

I'd say it depends on what time you get there. We went with a 15, 9, and 3 year old and we did do our first ADR on the first nite. We arrived at our resort at about 1pm and had a quick lunch at the CS there and went back to the room to unpack some of our things and rested up. We then went to our first ADR rested up, went to DTD to look around and went back. We did not go into the parks on our first day there and probably won't next time we go.

 

[bolgers love wdw]

Every trip my husband and I make, we always go to Councourse Steakhouse for dinner that first night. Almost always it is a nice quiet place for a really good meal, especially after travelling all day!!! Then we usually just wander around the monorail resorts and check out the shops to see if any new merchandise has come in since our last trip.

 

[dixiedizfan]

I can just about guarantee your kids would be much happier swimming in Poly's fabulous pool than going somewhere for an ADR. At their ages the pool is a vacation in itself, so I vote for staying put, relaxing, and having dinner at one of your resort's wonderful restaurants.

 

[Evil Queen]

We will be arriving around 11 or noon-ish. We have an ADR for that night.

 

[thelionqueen]

I have to disagree with PP. My kids always are tired right when we get to the resort and unpack/clean etc. Then after about 30-45 mins of hanging around, they want to go. They want to explore, eat and see Mickey.

While going to the pool @ the resort is also at the top of the kids list, the 1st night is like a welcome night, and no welcome night is complete without seeing Mickey. We always do Chef Mickey's on arrival night and it's great!

 

[cara loves the poly]

I think Chef Mickey's is a great ADR for the first night. That's what we did! Just hopped on the monorail and we were back at the Poly by 7:30! The kids LOVED it!!!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

We hang at the pool on arrival day = then have b-fast with Mickey at Cape May or Chef Mickeys