Park on arrival or not?!

[taraaplin]

Would you recommend doing an afternoon park day the day of arrival (March 29) or do down town disney/resort day? Last year we did and it was a total waste as Epcot was super busy (it was Easter week and we came prepared for crowds). We still had a lot of fun but still felt as if we wasted a park day. We will be there from March 29- April 4. (April 4 we leave early so no park day). We have 5 day park tickets. So if we don't do a park day on arrival there will be no "rest" day during the week. We are a family of five (me, DH, DS11, DS8, and DS3-seriously brand new 3 turning 3 day OF arrival- what would you do in our situation?

Last year was our first year ever and thanks to the dis boards we were very successful during a busy spring break/Easter week!

 

[mtmbyck]

Are you staying on property? If not, no way as most fastpass+ times will be gone I am guessing and lines could be very long.

If staying on site, you can make fastpass reservations in advance for your top 3 rides so it would still be worthwhile.

Parks shouldn't be too bad as Easter is late but I think there's a lot of cheerleaders around then.

 

[taraaplin]

Yes we are staying in site. Flight is supposed to arrive at 11.

 

[Khara]

Then I would tentatively tell you to go for it!

I stayed onsite for my trip early Feb and was able to book FP+ for our arrival night. Having Space Mountain all set up and ready to go was awesome. I love jumping into the parks right away, it gets me excited for the week!

But I would keep in mind the risk of flight delays throwing a wrench in your plans. I scheduled my FPs as late as possible with delays in mind and it worked well for me.

 

[AliceandAriel]

Would you recommend doing an afternoon park day the day of arrival (March 29) or do down town disney/resort day? Last year we did and it was a total waste as Epcot was super busy (it was Easter week and we came prepared for crowds). We still had a lot of fun but still felt as if we wasted a park day. We will be there from March 29- April 4. (April 4 we leave early so no park day). We have 5 day park tickets. So if we don't do a park day on arrival there will be no "rest" day during the week. We are a family of five (me, DH, DS11, DS8, and DS3-seriously brand new 3 turning 3 day OF arrival- what would you do in our situation?

Last year was our first year ever and thanks to the dis boards we were very successful during a busy spring break/Easter week!

Since I do my trips either with my SO or on my own, I can't really put myself too much in your shoes. Personally, I'd go straight to MK, and soak in the fact that you're in Disney. No other park can get that feeling there until you hit MK. Unless you are saving it for a special day.

But please make sure to listen to your children. I am not saying you don't, as I'm sure you are the best parent to them! But at lot of times when vacation comes around kids and parents both push themselves in the name of seeing 'one more thing'. If the kids are tired when you arrive, snooze! See DTD in the evening and catch some magic there. If they're ready to rock, head to a park and do what you want and what you can within your personal limits.

 

[Belle stitch]

Yes, go to a park in the later afternoon or early evening. Make your FP+ selections and enjoy yourself! You are in Disney World, after all!

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

I say go for it!

Then again we're Disney nuts - to us there are no rest days - we're down there to be at Disney!

and we drive 10 hours (generally leaving at midnight when Dh gets off) and then we go directly to a park when we arrive (sometimes we'll stop at the resort hoping the room is ready so we can drop off our stuff and have a quick shower). But we love Disney - just being there - like a PP mentioned - walking into a park - especially MK and soaking in the atmosphere is amazing!

 

[Sam33]

We always do Epcot on arrival day with the sole intention of doing nothing but walking around World Showcase. It holds crowds well, no lines because we don't do any attractions and it's pretty chill.

 

[sleepingbean]

I'd go for it If you have time for dinner or fireworks ... all fun!