Need ur ideas FAST!! = )

[Minnie*bell]

So here is my deal. I'll be checking into POP around noon next week & I'm still not sure what to do our 1rst night. We originally were going to do Universal the 1rst 2 days of our trip but they close at 6. Any ideas for a last min resturant or should we just go to US from say 1-6? I won tix for Universal & Islands. I DON'T HAVE WDW PARK PASSES TIL THE 3rd day of our trip. I know there is Downtown Disney, The Boardwalk & all the Disney hotels to choose to eat at. What would u do & WHERE???

 

[spodie]

I would get on the phone with Disney and try to make a reservation. Unfortunately, you're at the mercy of the reservation system, trying to make a reservation so late in the game. Hopefully you'll be able to snag something that someone has just recently cancelled. Some of my favorite restaurants outside of a park are: Chef Mickey's, Ohana, and Whispering Canyon Cafe. Unfortunately, those restaurants are extremely hard to get into, but like I said, you may be able to get a recently cancelled reservation.

If you just want to show up somewhere, I would recommend the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk. I hate sports, but the atmosphere is still good and the menu is diverse (or at least for a sports bar).

 

[JasonsPrincess]

Is there one universal park that looks more interesting than the other? If the studios looks like it has more for your family and islands might not have as much, go ahead and go to islands on day 1 the shorter evening and then day 2 can be spent completely at the studios. If Islands seems better for your crew, then do it the other way around. Since you already have the tickets, might as well.


You can always go to DTD after 6 and grab a bite to eat.

 

[Nadjalu]

I would plan to just hang out and relax at the resort the first night. Take advantage of the pool and recoop from traveling. This helps us to gear up for the vacation activities. Maybe have the pizza by the pool with a nice drink from the bar and relax! Oh that is such a fabulous idea, I can't wait to do it.
I find that will all the excitement of the trip, getting up early, dealing with the airports and flying anxiety, I need a break before my vacation to begin. I am so refreshed when I actually get to the parks I can go longer without breaks.

The following day I would do DTD and have the staff try and locate a reservation for dinner. I am sure they can come up with something, make it an adventure. It may not be exactly what you would've picked but go with it, make it fun and spur of the moment.

Good luck!

 

[jenniferyawn]

My parents went to Orlando last winter and had a "non-Disney" vacation. They did downtown Disney (Rainforest Cafe) and there are two great dinner shows (Midievel Times and another Pirate one) in the Orlando area. Dixie Stampede is also an awesome dinner show in Orlando. I know you'll enjoy those. Also Celebration, Flordia is a Disney owned town that's really nice to look around and see. You'll have a great time!

 

[KatMark]

If you want to go to Universal, there are some really GREAT restaurants at City Walk outside of Univeral--Bubba Gump Shrimp, Emerils, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, NBA City, Nascar Sports Grille. We've done Bubba Gump, Emerils and Jimmy Buffet's--all very good.

 

[Minnie*bell]

Thank you everyone! I'm still NOT SURE!!! I think 1/2 the problem is wayyy to much to do & yet, that does not seem like much of a problem does it? I love ALL ur ideas!! Thanx 4 taking the time for advise. Now I just have to decide!

 

[Traveliz]

My parents went to Orlando last winter and had a "non-Disney" vacation. They did downtown Disney (Rainforest Cafe) and there are two great dinner shows (Midievel Times and another Pirate one) in the Orlando area. Dixie Stampede is also an awesome dinner show in Orlando. I know you'll enjoy those. Also Celebration, Flordia is a Disney owned town that's really nice to look around and see. You'll have a great time!

Dixie Stampede closed awhile back (a year or so ago).

Celebration is a very neat town and previously owned by Disney but no longer.

Liz

 

[Mom21]

If you want to go to Universal, there are some really GREAT restaurants at City Walk outside of Univeral--Bubba Gump Shrimp, Emerils, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, NBA City, Nascar Sports Grille. We've done Bubba Gump, Emerils and Jimmy Buffet's--all very good.

I agree with this. We go to Universal and stay at Royal Pacific, so after parks close we head to Citywalk. Lots to do and plenty to eat. I've never found it overcrowded although usually I get reservations at Margaritaville. Sept we just walked right into Nascar before Blue Man Group for a quick bite. Not crowded. All good food and you can enjoy a walk around Citywalk after dinner. Depending on the day they have outside bands (I hate this however as I don't like loud noises or music, but some love it). Enjoy.

 

[dancin Disney style]

We usually spend our first night at DTD. There are lots of great TS and CS places to eat. We like to do a CS that day so that we can eat when we feel like it. Sometimes travel days can start super early so we often want to nap after arrival. Our fav at DTD is Earl of Sandwich, it's so tastey and cheap to boot. After dinner it's nice to wander through the stores and sometimes there is entertainment on the stage in the marketplace.

 

[TimandTanya]

I would go to DTD. Take a balloon ride, see a magic trick or 2 in the magic shop, and maybe eat at T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, or many of the other great themed restaurants there.

 

[wwaleye]

We usually spend our first night at DTD. There are lots of great TS and CS places to eat. We like to do a CS that day so that we can eat when we feel like it. Sometimes travel days can start super early so we often want to nap after arrival. Our fav at DTD is Earl of Sandwich, it's so tastey and cheap to boot. After dinner it's nice to wander through the stores and sometimes there is entertainment on the stage in the marketplace.

Us too!!