Taking it easy on first MK day?

[Surgie2]

We will have 4 preschoolers...staying at Poly...early May 2018...spending at least parts of 4 days at MK (8 park days total).

I got some great ideas on these boards for options for good "first rides" that would be suitable for all ages. But I'd really like them to enjoy their very first time in MK without having to rush to a ride at RD. We'll have FP starting at 10:30 or so and we do plan RD. How can we take it easy and soak it all in on the first day we arrive? Stop at Town Square to meet Mickey? Anything else? We will just be visiting Fantasyland on that first day.

 

[Carolyn Louise]

Sounds like it would be a good time to get lots of family photos. Fewer people around and if you're not rushing anywhere you can scope out some good/unique backgrounds.

 

[Tomh]

There is lots going on at park opening on Main Street. Enjoy the show, wander the shops, grab a bite to eat, or drink.

Keep in mind though, that as of late, Mainstreet has been opening an hour before rope drop, so it is quite possible to enter the park, take your time on Mainstreet, enjoy what there is to see there, and be at the hub when the ropes drop as well. That would get you on rides early, and take advantage of the short lines early in the day. You could get through pretty much everything in Fantasyland in that one morning.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Stop at Town Square to meet Mickey? Anything else? We will just be visiting Fantasyland on that first day.

Just be aware that Mickey on Main Street can be a long wait at RD. Ten mins before opening the line was at the 35 min point on Sat. It's not the most magical of lines either. For a first visit I would come early and walk around Main Street. There are some cute things tucked away in corners (my kids loved the old checkers board they have set out by the shop on the far right after you pass the building with Mickey and Tink). Then I would hit a good all ages ride like It's a Small World. If you're willing to walk a little fast right at RD Peter Pan is s good option at that age.

 

[Surgie2]

Just be aware that Mickey on Main Street can be a long wait at RD. Ten mins before opening the line was at the 35 min point on Sat. It's not the most magical of lines either.

Ugh.

 

[sharonabe]

I don't know that I would "plan" much at all. Be at MK about 45 min before opening so you can wander Main St a bit. Try to be up towards the castle for the opening show that starts 5 min before opening, then let the hordes make their way to FL while you take your time. Personally, I would be going THROUGH the castle, so they can see it, but you'll want to hold back just a bit so you don't get in the crowds. Once you're on the other side of the castle, let the kids decide what you do. My guess is they're going to see the Carousel and want to ride that first!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

Just be aware that Mickey on Main Street can be a long wait at RD. Ten mins before opening the line was at the 35 min point on Sat. It's not the most magical of lines either. For a first visit I would come early and walk around Main Street. There are some cute things tucked away in corners (my kids loved the old checkers board they have set out by the shop on the far right after you pass the building with Mickey and Tink). Then I would hit a good all ages ride like It's a Small World. If you're willing to walk a little fast right at RD Peter Pan is s good option at that age.

I had this experience as well. We showed up early and planned to meet Mickey then do a day at Fantasyland. The Mickey line was long and not moving quickly. We hopped out of it and went straight to Fantasyland.

I would try to get a FP for Mickey or save it for your fourth FP of the day. Great first rides are Pooh, Small World, Peter Pan, or Little Mermaid.

 

[GPC0321]

If you've got 4 days planned at MK, I would definitely let that first experience with it be just wandering and looking and doing whatever seems like a good idea at the time. Let the kids wander and just follow their lead. I would suggest Peter Pan as possibly the first ride. You can get your fill of Main St. before rope drop and then walk through the castle (let the masses go through first, they're mostly heading to 7DMT), and go to Peter Pan's Flight. The interactive queue is perfect for the kids and the ride is gentle and fun. Then you can go across to It's a Small World, where there isn't likely to be much of a wait at all, and the kids will love that one too. Mickey's Philharmagic and Winnie the Pooh are close by, and the carousel. You should be able to do all of these without FP+ and without scurrying around in a rush since they are all so close. The Little Mermaid and Enchanted Tales with Belle are also in Fantasyland.

In May (before school is out) between rope drop and noon, I would think you'd have no trouble soaking up the Magic and casually taking in most of the rides in Fantasyland without too much trouble. And the best part is, except for the carousel, the rest of the rides are kind of hidden inside their buildings, so if you don't get to do one, it's no biggie. The kids don't know what they're missing, and you have 3 other days to get to stuff.

Have fun!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

My preschoolers also always are super excited about the carousel. Yes, there are many carousels in the world, but to a 4 year old... this one is just pure magic!!

 

[littledebbie335]

If you don't already have breakfast plans, maybe CP for breakfast? That gives the kiddos an opportunity to meet some characters (Winnie the Pooh) without having to wait in line. Plus, it's right on Main Street, so you can explore a little bit (and show them the castle!) while you're there.

 

[Surgie2]

If you don't already have breakfast plans, maybe CP for breakfast?

I wondered about that but we are staying CL so trying to minimize ADRs for breakfast. It's just so much easier with 4 under 6 years old to get simple breakfasts lol!

 

[Klayfish]

If you don't want to rush around, then don't. No reason you have to. Take your time strolling down Main Street. For me, that itself is quite a site to see. Have some pictures taken. Go into any of the shops the kids might like. If it's open (no shows about to happen), walk up to and through the castle. As long as it's not insanely long, do standby for Pooh, the queue is somewhat interactive. Ride the carousel, see Philharmagic.

 

[Amanda999]

Perhaps walk down Main St., get close enough to the castle for a nice family photo (the photogs will use your camera if you don't want to pay for their pic (about $15 ala carte)); walk through the castle, looking at the Cindy story in tile inside, then out to Fantasyland (with 4 preK kids, that's got to be the most magical part of MK?). Try to get the sword out of the stone near the Carousel; do stand by lines for Dumbo (nice play area there), Barnstormer, Under the Sea, Small World will be fine at RD. (I'm assuming you have Pan FP? If not do that first. Its such a wonderful, classic ride for littles (and bigs!).) Take a break at an AC CS - Gaston's Tavern has indoor and outdoor seating, and big cinn. rolls. HTH!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

I wondered about that but we are staying CL so trying to minimize ADRs for breakfast. It's just so much easier with 4 under 6 years old to get simple breakfasts lol!

I agree! We did character breakfasts when mine were both under 3 and one wasn't really eating food at all yet So, ate a small breakfast in the room, then snacked a little at the character meal and I took was fine if they didn't eat because it was free now that one is older, we skip the character meals and will go back to it when they're both more independent eaters. Right now a granola bar, yogurt, and banana is the easiest and best thing for them.

 

[GillianP1301]

One trip we had a relaxed MK day planned. We got there around opening (just after RD, we didn't line up for that), grabbed a pastry from the Main St. Bakery and sat down on the little side street that is about halfway up Main Street. There is a bench there just off of Main St. and we sat and watched bazillions of people rush by to get to wherever they were going. A CM stopped to chat with us and said we had the right idea to just relax and take it all in. It was such a relaxing start to our day and a good memory too.

 

[Micca]

I love the plan of breaking up MK into smaller "bites" for the kids. There's a lot to take in and it can be a lot of sensory overload for the little ones...maybe even the big ones! The various breakfast suggestions are great but if they happen to sleep a bit late...let them! You have FP at 10:30 so it's not like you'll be waiting in huge lines for every attraction. I am a true believer in getting to the parks early, RD if possible. However, if the kids are well rested that counts for a lot.
I'll also add that when kids are "done", you get the heck outta Dodge (or in this case the park.)

 

[Surgie2]

I'll also add that when kids are "done", you get the heck outta Dodge (or in this case the park.)

We are totally on the same page...which is how I justified splurging on the Poly LOL! Anything to make it easier.