The First Day At WDW

[NatalieO]

Single parent with 3 little ones here again....My question is we arrive in Orlando at 12pm, should we do a park that day or should we just hang out. I am almost positive my 5,7,8 yr olds are going to want to go to a park but I am not sure if its worth it wasting a day on our pass. Any advice? Also, its the first time any of them have been on an airplane. Any advice on ear popping techniques or anything?

 

[lclark0621]

As far as the plane, have them do BIG yawns to help pop the ears. Also chew gum.

I know some say that it is a waste to go to the park on day one. But we always do! And with the MYW ticket, an extra day is usually only a couple of bucks.

When we get to WDW, we cant wait to get into the parks! Hanging around the hotel or doing nonpark things, would just frustrate us. We want to get into the park & get going!

 

[NatalieO]

Thank you so much I was kinda thinking the same thing. I am more excited to go I think than my kids so I am not sure if I would be able to contain myself. And I think that by the time we check in and eat lunch it will be a good time to have some fun and get our feet wet. As of right now I am teaching my youngest how to chew gum (he always swallows it) so that it will help on the plane ride. Thanks again.....

 

[jennyf917]

My question is we arrive in Orlando at 12pm, should we do a park that day or should we just hang out. I am almost positive my 5,7,8 yr olds are going to want to go to a park but I am not sure if its worth it wasting a day on our pass. Any advice?

I am taking my DS by myself in August, and since we will only be there 3 nights we will do a park our first day. We'll get in around noon, too. I figure it's our first time and we will be so excited, might as well make the most of it and hit the parks straight away. I don't know who's more anxious for it to get here, my 4 yo or me! I did price adding another day, it was super cheap, so you could always do that if you needed to.

Jen

 

[tinkwannabe2]

We had the same scenerio and we compromised... we did Chef Mickey! It was great because we got to use the Disney transportation and see characters, but didn't have to have park admission since it's in a resort.

 

[hannahsmomma]

we like to go to the MK on our first day and just kind of sight see and figure out where everything is and maybe do a ride or two. Then we hang out for the parade and fireworks. I love to do this on the first day, because after that everyone is too tired to stay at the park that late. It is such a magical way to start your trip! Good luck.

 

[skooniebird]

Single parent with 3 little ones here again....My question is we arrive in Orlando at 12pm, should we do a park that day or should we just hang out. I am almost positive my 5,7,8 yr olds are going to want to go to a park but I am not sure if its worth it wasting a day on our pass. Any advice? Also, its the first time any of them have been on an airplane. Any advice on ear popping techniques or anything?

If they get some sleep on the plane, then definitely go to a park! You could also go to Downtown Disney which is free and let them get a souvenir or something. The Lego store and candy store and things are cool. You can ride the ferry from Downtown to Port Orleans riverside and French Quarter (free) and they will get beads and coins. Then you could bus it to Epcot and ride the monorail and check out scenery too. Lots of things to do. Have fun!

 

[MichelleChell]

I am doing the DTD thing on the first day and swimming.

I wanted to jump in on the plane info. I once had a lady tell me that was a Nanny for a family that flies alot. She said to give little one's fruit by the foot. You know by fruit roll ups. You give it to them just at take off and by the time they are done the plane is up. Eating it helps there ears pop.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I also agree, if you are getting in at noon, go to a park! We always get the first flight out so we can get there in time to still make use of the day. I'd say bus to Epcot and then ride the monorail to MK. What a great way to get the "oooh and aaahs" from the kids! Don't worry too much about crowds and strategizing on the first day, just let the magic happen! To me, the magic is at it's best when you first arrive (especially if this is a first trip).

 

[joanchris]

Our flight was supposed to get in at noon from New York.....we got in about an hour late. Our plans had been to get to Epcot for a few hours (lunch, looking around). We all were up soooo early to get on the flight, hadn't eaten in hours....missed our ADR bec we were late, so had to find some quick counter food that wouldnt' interfere with our planned Early ADR at Ohana's (with other family that was coming in).....
What I'm trying to say, is, if I had it to do all over again (or next time!) I would not go to a park the first day, even getting in at noon.....we got in a bit late, 1 pm, having gotten up early etc. I wish we had just checked in to our hotel (the room WAS ready, but we were prepared with suits etc in our carryons), gone to the pool, maybe a monorail ride around MK and/or Epcot and then had our nice relaxing early dinner, gotten to bed early and been up fresh for the next day.
Just my opinion, and what we'll definitely do next time
Adding or buying an extra day on a pass isn't really very much money, that wouldn't be my concern (esp on the longer passes---I think it would have been $12 to add an extra day to our 7 day hoppers), just the ability to be rested and enjoy the next day!

 

[NatalieO]

The fruit by the foot idea is awesome my kids love them so that is a must do. I don't really think they will sleep on the plane since its their first time, but then again our plane leaves Omaha at 6 am so we have to be up pretty early and my kids are not morning kids. Not to mention the last day of school is 18 May and we are flying out 19 May. I really like the idea of doing the ferry ride and the monorail I thinkg they will get a huge kick out of that and finishing off with Chef Mickey sounds awesome!! Thanks for the advice.