what to do first night?

[irisheyesliz]

We arrive at AKL on a Friday night around 5-6pm. I didn't want to spend the money on a ticket. Can you get into Downtown Disney or do you need to buy a ticket for that. What can we do? I have a 7yr and a 4yr old. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[disnaholic]

Hi
You do not have to have a ticket for Downtown Disney, only for Pleasure Island. PI is an area of Downtown Disney with several clubs, I am not to familiar with PI.

Downtown Disney is the perfect place to go for the first day.
There are so many shops and restaurants. My kids love the Lego shop and the new toy store at DD (I can not remember the name - Once upon a toy??) The kids could spend hours in these 2 shops alone.

I am not sure what the hours to the mini golf are, but you could always go to the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf. One of our favorite things to do the first day is to relax and enjoy the pool.

I don't like to go to the parks either on the first day. I would rather wait and be able to spend a whole day at the parks.

I hope this helps, Have a great time!!

 

[bigsky]

I asked the same question. We'll be getting into POR about 5:30. We were planning on taking a boat ride to DTD. Someone said you could, so that's what we're planning!

Laura

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would suggest DTD also. I am usually there a little earlier, around 2 or so, but frequently stop there for a few hours (I always have a rental car) before checking in at resort. A nice way to get in the mood. Enjoy!!!!

 

[Gorechick]

I would agree that Downtown Disney is a good place to go on the first night. See if you can make a reservation at the Rainforest Cafe at the Marketplace end. Although it's pricey, the atmosphere makes up for it. I'm not sure if you can make advance PS's, but it's worth checking out.

 

[stacy6552]

Mosey over to the FT Wilderness resort. See the Hoop Dee Doo Revue and go to the campfire with chip and Dale afterwards.

 

[billybaruch1]

Many of the above suggestions also appear here: http://www.wdwig.com/fnight.htm Have fun deciding!

 

[Harambe]

Check in - unpack.

Ask for a list of things to do at AKL - night vision animal sightings. Fire pit storytelling with the CM's directly from Africa - sit on your balcony and watch the animals - shop at the huge Marketplace shop right at AKL! Make PS's for a glorious, no-hurry dinner at Boma to set the stage for your exotic stay at AKL!

Early to bed and early to rise - gets you a seat on the morning bus!

 

[tinaw]

We are going to the Whispering Canyon in the Wilderness Lodge for dinner. We have heard a lot about the restaurant and it sounds like a lot of fun "to get us in the mood". They have stick pony rides for the kids during dinner and a few other surprises that you'll run into.

 

[Bethel]

We like to let the kids have fun in the pool - especially after the long car trip. The "big kids" (mom and dad) can enjoy an adult beverage or just an icy Diet Pepsi.

Then a drive and a nice sit-down restaurant or order in pizza if too tired.

Of course we check out a few gift stores!

 

[Elk34]

I recommend going to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. It ensures that the kids see Mickey and the other "big" characters and really gets you in a Disney frame of mind to start the trip.

 

[missypie]

I would use the time to see as much as I could at the AKL. I don't know how much you're trying to fit into this trip, but with people who leave for the parks very early and arrive back at the hotel when the parks close, when do they get to enjoy the animals?

 

[Tsunami8]

Irisheyesliz,
If you're going to AKL for the first time w/ a 7 and a 4 year old, they will head immediately to the pool. No if, ands, or buts, they'll make a bee line for it and it'll be tough to do anything else. My suggestion is to enjoy the hotel on the first night. The dinner buffet was surprisingly great. It truly is a magnificent hotel situated in a great setting.

Have a great time!

 

[Eljay]

I very much agree that the AKL is a destination in itself. You can take a free hotel tour, use the beautiful pool & hot tub, observe the animals or look at the amazing art collection. Jiko, the upscale sit-down restaurant might be a little grown-up for your little ones, but Boma, the magnificent buffet, will be perfect. Don't miss the Zebra Domes for dessert! Notice the details in the lobby, take in the smells & the music. Can you tell it's my favorite deluxe?

 

[gduvall]

We usually go to Ohana's or Chef Mickey's to eat, then onto Downtown Disney for some shopping.