Sounds like a good plan! I wouldn't consider Garrett too shy but it wouldn't hurt for him to know a couple of kids before going in!! Our last trip they never wanted to go to the kid's club. Towards the end of the week, Garrett was really enjoying it and wanted to go. I definitely know he would love the Lab with the video games, dodgeball, etc.
Lynn
My older DS is 8yrs old and had fun meeting up with some of the kids prior. I think it will be great to meet up the first day so they can all get acquainted. My younger one is a bit shy and may take a bit to leave him in the kid's club.