What to do 1st afternoon in Disney-Not a park

[the kabuki]

Hello,
Just wondering if anyone had some good suggestions of what to do with hubby and 3 young kids the day we arrive. I figure we'll be all settled and checked in by 1pm and didn't want to waste 1/2 day on park admission. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Harligirl]

Hi

When are you going? You could resort hop and look at Christmas decorations...or go to Downtown Disney...... Or just enjoy some down time at your hotel!!

Have fun!

 

[NCRedding]

My DD always enjoys swimming in the pool at the hotel, playing mini-golf, eating at either Chef Mickeys, 1900 Park Fare or Ohanas; then watching the elcetric water pagent.

 

[kupperman]

I suggest Downtown Disney or a ride on the monoral. Thats what we're going to do!

 

[nicki dahling]

We always hit the monorail our first evening just to see all the lights and some of the hotels ( especially this time of year ). If we know we will be in early we hit DTD or make PS reservations for our fav. dining area ( Ohana's ). Afterwards we hit the beach at the Poly to see the MK fireworks and the water pageant parade.

Cyndi

 

[crisi]

How about a late lunch at Beaches and Cream followed by some pool time?

Use one of the pluses from your passes (if that is what you have) for a waterpark.

We are always exhausted from traveling (including flying out at 6am). So we have lunch, and just relax.

 

[disneygoof]

Where are you staying? If you're on or near the Boardwalk, I suggest the bicycle surrey rides. They're a blast! Then you could have a snack and take in some of the entertainment.

 

[bdcp]

We always go to Downtown Disney and just walk around and shop. There's plenty to do and eat. Last time we saw a movie at the huge theater complex there on our last day before our evening flight. You could also visit some of the resorts. AKL is supposed to have public viewing areas so you can see the animals. Also, if you're planning on a dinner show, you could do it that night.

 

[RealMickey]

We like to dine at Chef Mickey's on the night we arrive! The character interaction really lets you know you are at WDW. That can be followed by a ride on the Monorail. Maybe watch the fireworks from the Polynesian of Grand Floridian.

Have Fun!

 

[Twigs]

We like to do a lot of the things mentioned above, ride the monorail, swim in the pool, and go play mini golf at fantasia gardens or winter/summerland, and then dinner at Ohana's!

 

[HollyJoy]

How about checking out your resort (or others), then going to Downtown Disney for some shopping and a bite to eat! This is what we're planning.

 

[the kabuki]

thanks all for the suggestions! We are going 1-5 to 1-11 staying at the POP Century. I had thought maybe Chef MIckeys, never been to Ohana's. Would that be better than Chef Mickey's? To watch the fireworks from Polynesian, are you allowed to if your not a guest? Downtown is another option too.

 

[rigsby25]

On our first day there, we headed to Chili's on International Drive for a nice long leisurely lunch until it was time to check in.

At 3:00 we checked into our hotel, got our bathing suits on and went down to the pool and relaxed, relaxed, relaxed! The hot tub will ease any sore muscles from being cramped up on the plane.

Then, what worked out super well, is that we had made reservations for the 8:00 Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian. It was the perfect way to start our vaction.

 

[Disneygrl36]

Ohana is great. Your kids would probably love it & you can then watch Wishes & the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach. We did that in November & it was great & we were staying at the All Star Movies not the Polynesian. They even have swings & beach chairs to sit in to enjoy it all. We also did mini-golf at Fantasia gardens the first day of our trip & it was great...some of the holes have special effects when your ball goes in. It was great fun. There's always ice cream at Ghiradelli's at Downtown Disney & some shopping too!!!

Whatever you decide have a great time.