What do we do next?

[RobinJ]

We will be arriving to Orlando via plane around 5:30 p.m and probably will get to the hotel Dolphin by 6:30 pm (guessing!) on Sunday night Nov. 23rd. This is our first time, so I am not sure what to do once we get to the motel. Do we go to the parks? Rest? Eat? Any suggestions??? I don't want to waste the evening... help!! Thanks!!

 

[jcanary]

Since you are getting there later in the day, evening, I would unpack and take a leisurely walk around your hotel and the boardwalk area of Disney. It is a beautiful area. I would get maps and sit someplace outside, weather permiting and plot out your next few days. I love it in that area and there are alot of places to sit and have something to eat. the next day you can start your hectic pace of touring the parks. I wouldn't waste a park day on such short time.

 

[LoveWDW]

We would go over to Epcot and mosey around and when hungry stop and eat. Have fun!

 

[Kristineamb]

Since your staying @The Dolphin your near DS or EPCOT if you don't want to waste a day on your passes walk around The Boardwalk area or take a bus to DTD.

 

[StageTek]

My very first trip was just about the same. I arrived at the resort
around 7PM. I walked around the resort for a while taking in the
theming and enjoying the atmosphere. Then I hopped on a the
EPOCT bus and then rode the monorail to MK. I then took a boat
to the Floridian hotel and had a drink. From there I went to DTD
had a late supper and back to my resort.

I got a nice overview of the place and didn't feel even a second
was wasted.

 

[RobinJ]

wow, your replies have been very helpful! I am so excited about this trip, yet overwhelmed at the same time! I want to make sure that my family has a great time... I feel so "ignorant" at what all I need to do to prepare for the trip. I am reading the threads here like crazy!

 

[bsbrady]

If u don't mind using a day of your tickets I would goto Epcot for 930 to see illuminations. Its awesome, or November 23 is an Extra Magic hour evening for magic kingdom, that means normal closing is 11pm, but for Disney resort guests its open until 2am. Or if u have park hopper tickets u can do both after illuminations head over to MK

 

[daginch]

You are on vacation, do whatever you want to do!!

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Sorry about the double post.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

We will be arriving to Orlando via plane around 5:30 p.m and probably will get to the hotel Dolphin by 6:30 pm (guessing!) on Sunday night Nov. 23rd. This is our first time, so I am not sure what to do once we get to the motel. Do we go to the parks? Rest? Eat? Any suggestions??? I don't want to waste the evening... help!! Thanks!!

If your flight lands at 5:30, you should expect to arrive at the hotel in about 90 minutes, depending on your mode of transportation. Orlando is a large airport and it takes time to get to the main terminal to collect your luggage. And then the drive time from the airport to WDW is about 45 minutes.

Arriving at 7 PM and allowing time for check in and getting your bags to your room, you could be out and about by 7:30ish. There are lots of great restaurants in the S/D and also over at Yacht and Beach Club and Boardwalk. You would still have a time for dinner and to enjoy the Boardwalk entertainment.

 

[Harambe]

Doesn't the Dolphin have that beautiful grotto pool? I'd check-in, grab a sandwich at the Fountain (right at the Dolphin), then head for the pool! While the kiddos are swimming, you can sit on a lounge chair with all the park maps and time sheets!

Then early to bed, and early to rise for your first fun-filled day!

Have a blast!

 

[Northern_Julie]

I would explore the resort maybe drink in the boardwalk. Lots of places to grab a bite. Just use it to unwind.

 

[rcraw45425]

The Boardwalk is tons of fun, also, I would reommend walking over to the YC/BC to see the decorations. You could take the bus from there to MK and hop a monorail to the resorts to take in their decorations or take the boat to WL and see the Christmas decorations there. All of this would not involve park tickets unless you have budgeted in enough days to use one. The Disney resorts really do go all out for Christmas (not sure about S/D though)

 

[let'sgo]

Try out the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf behind the Dolphin hotel. We just did this and had a great time! Visit the Boardwalk and watch the street performers and go thru the shops. Then get a good nights' rest and hit the parks early the next day!

 

[carcam51]

Last year, we didn't mind using a day of our passes so we went to Epcot and grabbed something light to eat. Later that evening we went over to Beaches and Cream and ordered the Kitchen Sink. This was a first for all of us! My FIL was joining us on this trip and he thought this was the greatest thing in the world...no pun intended He even asked later that week to go back and get it again. I personally have no business eating that much ice cream ever, let alone twice in one week

Have a great trip!!!!!!

 

[bookwormde]

If you are night owls, I would get dinner and hop a bus to MK for EMH, if your tickets are for more than 5 days it is only a few $/day for the extra days (unless you go over 10 days). This is definitely commando style but it that is your style, go for it.

If you time it right you might be able to eat dinner on the boardwalk at one of the outside tables and watch the higher illuminations fireworks and just take the bus at BW to MK.

bookwormde

 

[bsbrady]

Here is the price chart for the tickets, the difference between a 4 day & 5 day is only 3 dollars:
1 Day Ticket $125.00
2 Day Ticket $199.00
3 Day Ticket $262.00
4 Day Ticket $269.00
5 Day Ticket $272.00
6 Day Ticket $275.00
7 Day Ticket $278.00
8 Day Ticket $281.00
9 Day Ticket $284.00
10 Day Ticket $287.00

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

I second going to the Boardwalk and walking around. The are several restaurants there too. And the kitchen sink, well, that is an evening all in itself!!

 

[bsbrady]

FYI, the kitchen sink is at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club

 

[RobinJ]

I am not quite sure I know what the kitchen sink is...??? sorry, my first time to disney!!