What to do the first day?

[RNCNJ1]

Our family (including 2 kids ages 8 + 9) is arriving at WDW at about 11am on a Wednesday in October. First time at WDW and I was wondering what people recommend to do on the first day when you arrive later in the day. We are there for only 4 days and I want to see alot, but maybe the first day should be a little "quieter". What do you think? Should I go to MK or AK (staying at ASMo) for half day or maybe a waterpark, or maybe just the pool? I was thinking of an early dinner at Chef Mickeys. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[MikeBW]

Going to the pool is always a good thing to do as soon as you arrive at your hotel. Chef Mickey's is a good way to get in the Disney spirit for a first dinner. After dinner, maybe the Boardwalk or Downtown Disney?
Make sure that you get to bed early so you can hit MK EE!!

 

[deeshie]

We always seem to gravitate to EPCOT on the first day. IMHO it tends not to be as crowded as the other parks, and it is open later than the other parks. Also, if you are only four days, it will give you a chance to check out EPCOT, since it probably wouldn't be your kids first choice. If you get there around 11, that is when the International Gateway opens, so FW may clear out a little. When we've walked in around 1, we have walked right into space ship earth, whereas the lines are horrible first thing in the morning.

AK will close around 5 or 6, so if you want to go to Chef Mickey's, that would be a good choice. For that matter, you could go to MK, and then just monorail to Chef Mickey's.

If you do decide to go to EPCOT, but you want a character meal, the Garden Grill has a character buffet. I don't know much about it, other than it is served family style, and it has Mickey, Chip and Dale.

 

[mareka]

We have been many times. Now we are DVC members.

A few years ago we took my grandson for his first visit. He was so excited.
We got to the hotel (All Star Sports) and the room wasn't ready yet so we left our bags and headed to Epcot. We had made dinner res at the Garden Grill.

Well right after we got to Epcot my grandson started crying. When we asked him what was wrong he said "I thought wew were going to DisneyWorld". we tried to explain that all of this was DisneyWorld. While he stopped crying, he didn't look thrilled. Until we got to dinner.

We sat down in the Garden grill (it slowly turns as you eat. The food is served family style and... Its a Character Meal. Well the look on his face when Mickey mouse came to our table was priceless. And then right after that Chip 'n Dale came by. That meal really set the entire vacation. He was on cloud 9

The next magical look was when we entered the Magic kingdom the following morning.
That's what its all about.

By the way we phoned from Epcot to our hotel to check on our room progress and they told us we didn't have to come back. They moved our luggage to our room and we only had to stop at the desk to pick up our key when we weere done with the park.

They are so terrific. Love them all.

Go enjoy the Magic.
I'm almost 50 and I can't wait for Feb - 1st trip as DVC member. inkbounc inkbounc

 

[pooh2001]

We will arrice at WDW also around 11 am on a Wed.
We are going to catch a quick bite to eat at our resort.
Check in if possible - or "dump" our luggage.

And on to AK. I heard AK can be done in 1/2 a day. Or at least 1 day.
So we would do AK our first afternoon and if required do AK one morning.

We are eating a late lunch/early dinner at the Rain Forrest Cafe - 3pm.
Then back to our resort (hopefully room will be ready).

Thursday is MK -EE , so we will get up at the crack of dawn and do MK
till the kids feet are tired or the parents are exhausted - which ever occurs first.


Those are our plans. Just a thought.

 

[RAV]

Though it may not be relaxing, I suggest going to the MK. If this is the first trip for your family, there is nothing liking standing on Main Street and looking at the castle to make you believe you are finally there. Don't try to do everything that afternoon but you may see quite a bit. I also suggest an early dinner and early to bed in order to do the early opening the next day. Have a great trip.