Suggestions for First Half Day at MK??

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

This is our Family's first trip to WDW. We are staying at a Disney resort, and after check-in on our arrival day, we would like to head out to MK. Mostly we want to figure out the bus system, and get our bearings before hitting the parks "for real" the next morning. We'd also like to try to get some stuff, like pictures in front of the castle, or some character meet and greets, out of the way so we have more time for rides and other things on our full days. I was hoping to try to meet Anna and Elsa that evening if we can get a FP. Any other suggestions?

 

[mom2rtk]

Welcome to the DIS!

What time of year and what day of the week will it be?

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

We are going the last week in August. Our arrival day is a Saturday. we get in at 11, and then will relax at the resort until Check-in and then hope to head out to MK for a few hours.

 

[Cynister]

Welcome, & yes the time of year & time of day would be helpful to guide the advice.

 

[mom2rtk]

MK will indeed be very busy that evening. I would still probably do it, especially with the benefit of FP+. I'm not a fan of FP+, but for arrival day it is a nice bonus. Just keep your expectations realistic, go do a few rides and see how things are doing. I'm not sure I'd count on doing MSEP and Wishes that night, but I'd play it by ear and see if the opportunity presents itself.

Even if you just do your 3 FP rides and get a bite to eat, I think it's worth your time (assuming you are on a multi day ticket or AP and not paying too much for admission that night).

 

[matthewhavens]

This is our Family's first trip to WDW. We are staying at a Disney resort, and after check-in on our arrival day, we would like to head out to MK. Mostly we want to figure out the bus system, and get our bearings before hitting the parks "for real" the next morning. We'd also like to try to get some stuff, like pictures in front of the castle, or some character meet and greets, out of the way so we have more time for rides and other things on our full days. I was hoping to try to meet Anna and Elsa that evening if we can get a FP. Any other suggestions?

First trip to WDW - wow - how exciting! It can definitely be overwhelming but you've come to the right place for advice on parks and planning.

Arrival day is a great day to explore the parks. As noted above, you will be arriving on a fairly busy day, but with FP+ you can pick three headliners and have a great first evening. Maybe pick three rides that are in different lands, so you can walk the entire park that day and really get a feel for how big the park is and how long it takes to get from place to place. This will give you ample opportunity to take everything in, while taking pictures and riding a few rides.

Don't know which resort you are at but the bus system is simple enough. Find the stop nearest your room and wait for a bus with MK on the top front banner. You shouldn't ever wait more than 10-15 minutes unless you just missed one. The MK bus drops you in the loop just outside the park entrance. Just follow the crowds to bag check.

Your plan to explore in a casual fashion sounds like a good one for your arrival day.

 

[fivikse]

I am pretty sure that Anna and Elsa will not be at the Magic Kingdom in August (you mention meeting them that evening). But the rest of the plan sounds good!

 

[megster1123]

We have this plan as well, I'm grateful you asked the question OP!

We're arriving on a Monday, first week of October, and should be at AoA by 1pm I imagine? We have a 7:55 ADR at Kona - will this give us enough time to FP+ a couple of attractions and give the kids a sneak peek of the park? I'm sorry to piggyback on your original question, they just seem like the same situation.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

Unless you would just like to hang out and wait to check in, you can go to the parks as soon as you get to your resort. The will be happy to store your luggage for you if your room isn't ready. That would give you more time to explore the MK on arrival day.

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

I am pretty sure that Anna and Elsa will not be at the Magic Kingdom in August (you mention meeting them that evening). But the rest of the plan sounds good!

Will Anna and Elsa only be at EPCOT with FEA open? We have an 8am Akershus reservation one morning. Does anyone know if FEA will be open right away at 9 for us to get on and meet Anna and Elsa, or does it wait to open until the rest of World Showcase opens at 11? And would it make sense to use a FP for that if we are at Akershus at the time of RD?

 

[mom2rtk]

Will Anna and Elsa only be at EPCOT with FEA open? We have an 8am Akershus reservation one morning. Does anyone know if FEA will be open right away at 9 for us to get on and meet Anna and Elsa, or does it wait to open until the rest of World Showcase opens at 11? And would it make sense to use a FP for that if we are at Akershus at the time of RD?

Only at Epcot once they move. And it opens at 9.

 

[RustManFan]

You can check in immediately and will be notified if your room isn't ready. Luggage can be stored at the resort and you can head over to MK. I have never been to a park on day of arrival since I think it is a waste of my money to go for half a day but if you can get there early enough and stay all the rest of the day it will be amazing on your first trip.

 

[megster1123]

You can check in immediately and will be notified if your room isn't ready. Luggage can be stored at the resort and you can head over to MK. I have never been to a park on day of arrival since I think it is a waste of my money to go for half a day but if you can get there early enough and stay all the rest of the day it will be amazing on your first trip.

I'm kind of torn...if we can get to the park by 1 it seems it would be ok with FP and just getting familiar with stuff. I see what you mean through about paying for a day ticket for essentially 6 hours in the park. But it felt almost like a waste of a day to just hotel it on arrival day. My kids are not big on pools either so that kind of limits options for staying at hotel.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would plan on booking your FP starting at around 3 or so, you should be able to enjoy a few attractions, take in some MK ambiance, and still have plenty of time to get to have a bite to eat. I know it may be hard to get the kids back out, but I would suggest that you do nto stay too late on an arrival day, especially if you want to get back out early the next day. August is hot so ariving in the afternoon is rough to begin with, being tired on top is nto going to be fun.

I almost never go to a park on arrival day, but we do explore the resort and then usually go to a character meal and a spin on the monorail.

 

[RedWhiteandBlugold]

Thanks everyone! My whole thought on going on arrival day (because the extra day of tickets was a very minimal cost when buying multi-day tickets) was that we could buy some mouse ears, take some pictures, meet some characters, and have that all "out of the way" when we hit the road running on the first full day. I'm still debating staying late enough for the MSEP or saving that for the next night. not sure which night we'll be more exhausted.

 

[megster1123]

Same. I've got a short list of must have souvenirs (the little silhouettes!) that I just want to get knocked out right away and not have to worry about it.
I would kind of feel bad as well for having the kids up early and traveling, just to arrive and YAY, here's the hotel!