What to do first?

[disneyagain]

We'll be arriving around noon on 12/27 (Saturday) at the Dolphin. My 10 year old niece has never been to Disney (the other 6 of us have- 2 adults and 4 children) and she really has no clue what to expect. She thinks Disney is like a town carnival/fair. I have mixed feelings on what park to do first....We want a good first impression! Do we head to MK (Always a good 1st impression) then to EE at MK on Sunday or head to MGM do some rides and fantasmic dinner package (MK EE on Sunday)....We'll only be there for five days (actually 4 1/2)...So I'm not sure we want to do MK Sat PM and again Sun AM.

THANKS!

 

[missmarimac]

Just got back from the Dolphin and fell in love with it. Amazing views and staff. Jimmy and I always start our holilday in the Magic Kingdom. There's nothing more special than walking down Main Street and seeing the castle. Can I recommend perhaps a character dinner at Liberty Tavern or the Crystal Palace? What ever you decide, sounds like your trip will be magical.

 

[swilphil]

I also loved staying at the Dolphin. I think after traveling, it would be nice to head to MGM for the Fantasmic dinner. You also should be able to fit it at least one show, like Beauty and the Beast, as well as the thrill rides--RnR and ToT. I would avoid MK on a Saturday at all costs, especially Christmas Week. I think you will definitely want to take advantage of Sunday's EE into MK, but I would head to another park after the park gets full. When we stayed at the Dolphin during July 4th, we liked going to one park in the morning, taking an afternoon break, and then heading to another park in the afternoon. If you haven't already made a PS for the Fantasmic dinner, I would do so NOW. That being said, we were able to get several PS's during our trip through the Dolphin Concierage Desk. I don't know if you could get the Fantasmic Dinner though; it's pretty popular. A big help to us was to make morning PS's in MK and AK before the park opened on non-EE days. That way we got to the parks early and walked on rides right after we finished eating.

Have Fun!

 

[Jodi1980]

We will also be arriving at the Dolphin about 1 pm on Saturday. I haven't decided what to do that day yet but since it's the first day, we might have dinner at Chef Mickey's to really get us into the mood.

 

[kaabost]

I don't have any kids but I have read many posts on here from people who do have kids that say that starting at the MK is not necessarity a great idea. Apparently, the kids usually respond to the other parks (especially EPCOT) better when they are not compared to the MK. Of corse, 10 years old is getting into the "upper age" kid range.

 

[susy]

since you are at the Dolphin, I would meander over to Epcot for Sat night. Have diner at the Garden grill with the characters and see Illuminations.

 

[FloridaCat]

I would tend to agree with susy, unless that is the only night Wishes will be shown during your stay.
Saturday can be the worst day for MK as far as crowds. That would be a bad impression of long lines and waits. Early Sunday s a good plan and the parks empty early Sunday evening as the locals start for home.
If you have not done so, go to WDW site, type MAPS i n the search box and print the park maps so you are familure with all there is to dio and see.
Enjoy the Magic.

 

[bobbiwoz]

As a hs graduation present to a young friend, I'm like an honorary auntie, DH and I took her and her sister to WDW for 4 nights. Neither had ever been.

A few months before the trip, I sent a copy of WDW for and by Kids for the sisters and told them that we wanted to make the trip special for each of them. If each would come up with 4 or 5 "must dos," I would work around those things in making some plans. Some things like Fantasmic, and Mickey's Barbecue (it was summer) etc. I was planning to do, but the kids had some ideas from what they've heard friends talk about. We didn't try to "do it all" but we did hit the things they wanted, and they and we had the most wonderful time. The parks were crowded, it was around the 4th of July. Your niece is going to love this vacation!

Bobbi

 

[TomM]

I would have to say, save MK for the end. Nothing like winding up the trip with the castle lit up at night.
TomM

 

[Mackey Mouse]

As we stay on the Epcot side, we always go right into World Showcase through the International Gateway.........maybe see in the movie in France, one of our favorite movies.. I did read somewhere that they upgraded the movie in China.. Go hear the "Beatles" at England, maybe catch a show of Off Kilter in Canada, and hang out for the fireworks.. it is our favorite way to start the vacation..