"Welcome to the Magic" first night meal. What do you suggest?

[pixleyyy]

Our flight arrives at 3:45pm so by the time we get to our resort, checked in and ready to go it will be dinner time. Because the parks close earlier while we're there, we probably won't go to a park that night (though we could if something is worthy enough). What do you suggest as the best "Welcome to Disneyworld" meal?

We're a family with 3 kids, ages 8, 11 & 13, we're on the DDP and staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Where are you staying?

 

[Mith]

Last year, we had a similar first day as to what you are describing and went to Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge. It worked well since it was a lengthy travel from Pop Century all the way to WL, but its not like we were wasting park time or anything. It also gave us a chance to check out WL a little bit. Plus, we enjoyed the meal and will be going back again this year.

On a previous trip we did pretty much the same thing but went to Spoodles and then spent a leisurely evening checking out the Boardwalk area. Unfortunately that's not an option this time around.

 

[pixleyyy]

We're staying at POR and are on the DDP.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

My first choice is Ohana for the first night meal. If you can see the fireworks before/after your meal or catch a view of the castle, it is a nice little teaser of what's to come in the next days.

Boma is also a good choice b/c you can check out the AKL...and the food is yummy too.

 

[Targsmom]

My first choice is Ohana for the first night meal. If you can see the fireworks before/after your meal or catch a view of the castle, it is a nice little teaser of what's to come in the next days.

Boma is also a good choice b/c you can check out the AKL...and the food is yummy too.

ooh! that looks good! I forget about the food in the hotels.. am I right in that you don't have to stay at the hotel to eat there? I really want to see a coconut race and get food on a stick!

 

[jenjersnap]

Our traditional first night meal used to be Chef Mickey's; we don't do this anymore because we don't think much of the food these days but we seem to be in the minority and it still is a festive, energetic, Disney place to eat.

Our new first night tradition is Beaches and Cream but it's not a great DDP value and we order a Kitchen Sink anyway so we do pay OOP ourselves.

'Ohana is another good option.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

For us there's nothing like starting off and ending a Disney vacay with
CHEF MICKEY'S.

 

[momfor2kids]

We are in the same boat. Flight arrives at 3:50 pm and we have reservations for the Crystal Palace at 7:50 that night. I figure by the time we get to the resort on the DME and check in we will head over to the Magic Kingdom and maybe hit a few attractions before it is time to eat. Then we will be right there for Wishes fireworks that night. I wanted to do Ohana the first night and they had NOTHING available. Oh well - it will still be great!

 

[blondinkaya]

We plan to eat at Le Cellier and then hit the Candlelight Processional at Epcot (hoping the IPO comes through on this).

 

[NanaV]

It has become our tradition to eat at O'Hana our first night there. We're hoping to catch wishes while we're there this Sept. The only time we could get was 8:20 pm.

 

[pixleyyy]

It has become our tradition to eat at O'Hana our first night there. We're hoping to catch wishes while we're there this Sept. The only time we could get was 8:20 pm.

Can you see Wishes from Ohana? Do they pipe in the music? And do they offer an alternative kids menu. I know for certain my 9yo won't eat any of that ...

 

[bluejasmine]

For the kids Chef Mickeys or Ohanas! Then there is Kona, Grand Floridian Cafe, 1900 Park Fare, Boma or head over to DTD! Trex, Rainforest Cafe! Its a tradition in our family to do something at the Poly..

 

[shellybaxter]

Personally I would recommend that you down play your meal plans for that night. There is nothing worse than having big plans and having your flight delayed to a point that you are not able to make them. We come in from California so we usually land in the late afternoon/early evening. We used to schedule an ADR for that first night but I freaked out one too many times because I was afraid we'd be late. Now we eat CS or go to DTD and get in as walk up

 

[crisi]

It isn't exactly magical - but we are always exhausted from travel that first day and so stay close to the hotel room. For us, that's usually Boardwalk - so we have a lot of options without a lot of effort (including going into Epcot). Last time it was Wilderness Lodge and we had a fancy meal at Artist's Point. We swim a little and are usually in bed early. I'm not sure what it is about flying, but we are always wiped.

From POR Downtown Disney is easy to get to (boat ride). There aren't a lot of "cool Disney" meals in Downtown Disney - but there are some good ones and its a nice place to spend a few hours.

ETA: Shelly's point about a flight delay is also a factor - we've done that more than once where we make big plans for arrival day - and delays in transportation (not necessarily the flight, sometimes the rental gets hung up, or ME takes longer than expected) throw a wrench in the works. I dislike starting my vacation off with a disappointment.

 

[Disneymama5816]

Either Boardwalk or DTD would be a fun night. DTD is exciting to walk around and see the sights. Goofy's Candy Co would be fun for the kids. World of Disney is a wonderful store to explore.

 

[cymbaldiva]

We're going to Ohana - I'm really looking forward to it

 

[lustergirl]

We will get to our resort around 5pm and we are heading over to play putt putt at Fantasia then to the boardwalk to eat at the ESPN Club- which is a must every trip.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I love POR, it was where we stayed on our first ever Disney trip

I agree with making arrival day easy. Traveling is hard and makes for a long day.

I would suggest heading to DTD. Depending on where you are located within the resort, might be easier to hop a bus downtownn (and sometimes the boat launch has a wait). Go, explore have fun!

Plus there are so many places to eat. Make a ressie for a TS if you want,. or just plan on heading over to Cookes of Dublin or Earl of Sandwich or pucks for CS. Easy, good food and no ADR time crunch to deal with.

Wander around DTD, check out the cool legos, poke around the stores, people watch, get an ice cream and just enjoy the night.

When you are done, take the boat back. It is quiet, and so nice to take that boat up the river back to your resort. The wait to take it back is worth it (and SO much better than taking the bus back to your resort)

Have a great time!!

 

[Kat73]

Ohana without a doubt. Nothing says Disney like a ride around the monorail at night! Also, its a good place to watch fireworks and the water pageant after dark.