*What Can We Do at the Crack of Dawn?

[DisneyaHolic23]

Here is our dilemma: We arrive in Orlando at 5:30 AM (after being on a plane since 7:30 PM, Seattle time!). We can't check into our timeshare that early... The parks don't open until 9:00... We will be exhausted. Any suggestions? I thought about trying for a PS before the parks open...
Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Sharby]

I wouldn't go to any of the parks.

If you are renting a car (I assume you are) I'd do breakfast at one of the deluxe Disney resorts - not at the parks - and hang out in the lobby - pick one with lots of comfortable chairs! and relax and try and blend in for a couple of hours.

Then I'd go to the timeshare and crash until dinner. Then I'd get up - do dinner and go to the parks and do some evening things - fireworks, nighttime parades and other things for several hours until bedtime.

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

You also might pick an inexpensive airport hotel and check-in to get a few hours of sleep.

 

[donmil723]

I agree with the suggestion about breakfast at one of the resorts. Then I would go to your timeshare and lounge at the pool until you can check in. At least you will be able to stretch out and catch a few zzzzzzz.

Donna

 

[Micca]

By the time you get your bags, get a car, and get to WDW it will be breakfast time! I agree with those who say have a nice leisurely breakfast(not too much coffee if you're planning to nap),
then go check in. If you can't get into your timeshare until afternoon, check out EE at a park, but don't try to stay all day.

 

[Eljay]

May I suggest Boma at the AKL for breakfast? Warning: you won't want to leave!
Boma is a lovely buffet style breakfast in a beautiful setting.
It's very easy to get to the AKL, exit the FL Tpk. at Osceola Pkwy,. head west for about 15 miles & you will bump into AKL by following the signs. I'm hungry just thinking about it!

 

[kelljacques@aol.com]

I agree with Eljay what a great place to eat breakfast! We go to akl everytrip for breafast! (at
least once)

 

[Eljay]

I almost forgot, while you're there at the AKL, stroll around the hotel & go out to the animal viewing area. Mornings are a great time to see giraffes, zebras, bongos, Thompson's gazelles, etc.
I'll bet that next time you'll want to stay there!

 

[danicaw]

Hey, thats the flight hubby and I took last Sept.
And just go ahead and schedule a nap that day. Boy was I tired.
Also, sleep on the plane. Don't let that in-flight movie distract you, just close your eyes and sleep.

We made PS Ressies at Boma (AKL) for breakfast. It was great. We arrived a little earlier than our ressie but were seated quickly. The great breakfast provided a burst of energy for our morning. We went into the AK after breakfast. But only lasted a few hours. Then took off in search of forgotten supplies/extra sunscreen.
After we got into our room, which was ready several hours early, we napped. Then hit MGM for an hour or so that evening.

Based on how tired I was and how many naps I took the couple of days after the flight I don't think you should plan on serious park time that day. Do a breakfast at one of the resorts. You can always play some mini-golf, do downtown Disney, get your grocery shopping done. Maybe return to a park in the evening.

We wish it didn't take all day (or night) to get to WDW from Seattle. We are glad Alaska is starting there non-stop service to MCO this week. That should cut off a couple of hours.

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

I loved all your suggestions, and will use many of them at some time during our trip. What we decided to do is book a one-star hotel at Priceline for $20. We will go there after getting our stuff, and sleep for a few hours. Then, we can TRY to enjoy a park.

Danica - Thanks for the information on Alaska! I didn't realize they were flying to Orlando now, or I would have tried them! I love Alaska Airlines!