Strategies for an afternoon at MK

[av01bps]

Hi
We arrive on a Monday and will be at the Caribbean beach by 2 p.m. We have ressies for Chef Mickey at 6 p.m. and a few days of park hoppers. I think we should go to the MK for the 3 hours or so and then to dinner. Any ride strategies or other ideas would be welcome. We have been to DW a few times so I know about Fast Passes, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

[xraydave]

If you have the days on your parkhopper, go for it. Don't expect to get a lot done but it might be a great time for you to sit back and experience the magic. Do some little things that you wouldn't otherwise try on your "cammando" type days.
We arrive on a Sunday and we plan to go to one of the parks in the evening to catch the fireworks. No other expectations for the evening. If we get to do more than that's a bonus. Most of all have FUN!!!!

If you don't go to MK, try Downtown. It's fun to walk around and shop. When you're there try The Earl of Sandwich. Great food, decent prices.

 

[1of6]

On our first day we got to MK by 5. We had grabbed food in the food court before heading to the park. We went right to Fantasyland and walked on every ride. We also hit most of Tomorrowland before wishes. It was awsome.

I think it is important to go with no expectations for that first evening. Slow down, do what you can do and enjoy the magic.

 

[mattsdragon]

Honestly, I wouldn't even try it. Presumably you'll have another day planned for MK. Think about it this way.
1400 check in
1430 get on bus to MK
1500 enter park
1730 leave park to go to dinner

You'll get about 2-3 hours in the park. Your time would be better served by relaxing at the resort pool or wandering around DTD for that time. IMHO, taking that time doing something relaxing, or wandering in and out of shops is a lot better way to start the trip than trying to get in Splash or POTC or anything like in a hurry. We don't even attempt to go to a park on the first day, but we drive, so I need time to unwind (I get very stressed out while driving because I don't care for stupidity of others while operating 2000 pound death machines, but that's a different thread )

Besides, if you have kids, letting them see the magic and then taking them to EPCOT, may turn into a let down for them.

 

[doombuggy3]

I agree with Mattsdragon, it seems like too much for the amount of actual time you'll have once you get in the MK. Especially if you drive, you'll want to be able to relax and not be rushed when you get there, which is what I'm sure I'd do and I hate being rushed...I'd just get so excited to be there and over exhert myself! If you do decide to go, keep that in mind...Try not to rush just because of excitement (I have a problem not rushing even on normal days!).

 

[Karnak]

There is no way I would recommend the Earl of Sandwitch to anyone. We ate there this past December, and the place was a madhouse. When I ordered our food the guy at the beginning of the counter gave us no hints at all as to how the place was organized. I had no idea that I had to stop at a special location to have the salad I had ordered constructed, and then carry it along the line to the cashier. No idea where the drinks were, etc., Had to make four trips from our table to the serving line before I could get all of order, all of which had already paid for the first time I made it through the line.

And the food was not that good either. And finding a place to sit was not easy either.

What a mess, but I'll know better next time I'm at Disney Downtown.

Enjoy.
___________________________________________

PEOPLE HAVE MORE FUN THAN ANYBODY
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1994 Sept. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
1996 Nov. - Disney Institute
1997 Nov. - Port Orleans - Riverside
1998 Dec. - Boardwalk
1999 Nov. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2001 July - Contemporary
2002 May - Boardwalk
2002 Dec. - Polynesian (concierge)
2003 May - Animal Kingdom
2004 June - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2005 April - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2005 Dec. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2006 March - Port Orleans - French Quarter (upcoming)
2006 Dec. - Resort undecided (planning stage)

 

[Magic Man]

I wouldn't spend a park hopper day for that late in the afternoon. I would ride around on the monorail, visit resorts on the monorail route and rest up for a big day Tuesday. But that's just me.

 

[The Sweetness]

If you want to spend your first 2-2 1/2 hrs in the MK, go for it! If there is one particular attraction everyone in your family will love, go for that, otherwise, walk around a bit, get the *lay of the lands*. Maybe buy a special souvie. After dinner, if theres EMH at one of the parks, give that a try, if you wont be too tired to get up anf get your rears in gear.

In a couple of hours, you can get a decnt feel for where things are, and make your next day or 2 in the parks even better organized, if thats your thing (I know its mine)

 

[av01bps]

If the MK is open to 11 p.m. we can go back after dinner! Whoo hoo!

 

[dimoe]

We got to Mk around 2 on our first day. We got autographs, ate and got fast passes to splash mountain. Then we watched the afternoon parade , rode splash mountain and caught a few other rides too . THen went to cm for our supper reservation. I loved it and thought it was a great way to start our trip. It was crowded but loved it!
So go for it.
Diane