Where should we start?

[tedison2]

We will be arriving at WDW Friday afternoon. What is the first thing we can do after we check in? Where should we go? This is our first trip to WDW. Thanks.

 

[cindrela]

If your room is not ready, your hotel will hold your bags until it is. I'm assuming you are staying on property? I would check which park is having Extra Magic Hours. I would head to that park. At a specified time and location you can receive a wristband ( receiving a wrist band entitles Resort guests to stay in the park to ride selected rides-which are usually the best ones). Guest services can tell you when and where to pick them up. This is my plan when we check in on Sunday!!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

We usually arrive around noon, and we're from northern Ohio and in the fall we like to put on our suits and hit the pools. We usually have AP's and might then slip into the MK for awhile but if we just had day passes we wouldn't waste them on a half day visit to a park but start doing parks the next day. We also like going to DTD and doing some shopping, wife does, I just go along and we always end up at FW, Trails End for pizza and pitchers of beer, so quiet over there and hash out the rest of the trip, thank everyone for coming on our adventure and return to the resort for a dip, some drinks and then retire. Hasn't changed much in over 38 visits, its become a ritual.

 

[EeyoresBuddy]

We have been planning out first day for a long time now. The first ride we are going to ride is Space Mountain and then we are going straight over to Splash Mountain.

 

[midwestdee]

The Magic Kingdom gets my vote - follow the suggestions about extra magic hours also - you can find those listed on this site (and early opening) for your vacation days - it really helps you see as much as possible. You did not mention kids - if you have some - just don't over schedule - it can be grueling for anyone - and it is a temptation to run yourself ragged trying to get your money's worth. Have a wonderful time - I'm going soon for the first time in 6 years and I can't wait! Kids are grown now - but I'll still be stampeding toward Space Moutain!

 

[sweetspicy]

I would go to the Magic Kingdom too, but if you don't want to use up a day of your admission, especially if they don't have Extra Magic Hours that night, I would go to Downtown Disney and walk around there for free. You can go shopping and eat at a restaurant there and just see the sights! I love DTD.

 

[Goofyluver]

Downtown Disney was the first place that we went and we got in late afternoon! We had a nice dinner and looked and shopped. What's better than that?

 

[MinMouse]

My vote would be for the hotel pool (especially if there are kids on the trip), get the lay of the land of the resort or DTD unless you happen to purchase an Annual Pass. I wouldn't plan on spending a day of a park hopper to go in for the evening. If you do choose to visit the EMH park be sure to take EVERYONE's room key. Everyone will need to show a room key to get a wristband. We are not a fan of the evening EMH as it has been very busy at the parks when we have used it. Our gang prefers to get up early and use a.m. EMH or just getting to a park when it opens. That's when we get the most rides done. Have a great time!