will we have time to do anything our first night?

[audrey13]

Okay, I need some planning help. We arrive on a Saturday afternoon (get into Orlando airport at 3:15). I was hoping to spend the evening at one of the parks but MK is only open until 7:00 that night, same with Epcot Future World. Epcot WS is open until 9:00 and MGM is open until 8:30. None of the parks has EMH that night.

How long will it take to get to our hotel from the airport (using Magical Express)?

Is it worth trying to squeeze in a few hours at Epcot WS or MGM? Or should we just rest up for an early start on Sunday?

We will have our DS (4) with us.

Thanks!

Audrey

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Not sure where you are staying, I think that will make a difference. If you are staying at a resort "in a park" yes, you should be able to get to that park before closing, provided your flight is on time, etc. Have never taken ME so I don't know those time frames. You may want to explore your resort, go for a swim, have a nice dinner and rest up for the full day ahead! For me, it would really depend on what time I started my day and how my flight went. Good Luck!!

 

[kj2mom]

We have reservations at the Hoop Dee Doo for the first night. I know it isn't the same as a park but we were looking for something that wouldn't use a park day. We have similar flight plans so we booked the second showing. Maybe that would be an option for you?

 

[becfehr]

We had a similar situation, and used ME. We stayed at Poly. We were able to get off the plane, and check in to Poly, get on monorail and be at Epcot all within about 2 hours or less.

We were able to ride the following at Epcot:
Soarin, The Land, Fast Track, Mission Space, Mexico ride, reservations at Mexico, and Spaceship Earth. And left about 10 minutes before closing.

Saying that... it was HARD. We were EXHAUSTED. My poor DH was so tired, he was a zombie during supper. We made it back to the room, and he fell asleep across the bed, fully clothed! Now, this is all in part of flying. Flying usually wears him out.

So, yes, it is possible. Will we do that again, no.

 

[ryanally]

I would use about 1&1/2 to 2 hrs as a guide for Magical Express. If flight lands on time, you still have to take the tram at the airport over to ground transport and stand in the ME line. While I found it to move faster in January than waiting in line for a rental car, it takes some time. Then they line you up by what resort you are going too. Each motor coach makes 3 stops. You may get lucky and you bus is ready to board just as you get in line... we were not lucky and waited about 20 minutes, but at least our resort was the 1st stop.
So you might get not get to your resort til about 5pm. I agree with exploring the resort, or maybe going to Downtown Disney for dinner and shopping.

Have a great time!!!

 

[AJKMOM]

You could hop on a bus at your resort and head to DownTown Disney. We love to eat dinner there and explore the shops. The "World of Disney" Store is there, it's fun for a 4 year old, too.

 

[scarboroughmom]

It also depends on your family's "style". If you are early to bed, early to rise I would recommend enjoying the resort for the evening. You probably won't be checked into your room before 5:00PM. We usually get into MCO at about 2:30, do carryons only, and take a cab to the Poly. I have tried going to MK for a couple of hours the first night, and I am always sorry the next day. We always seem to get there just as a parade is starting so you can't get anywhere. (We don't care for parades) Also, how long are you staying for? If it is a short visit, it would influence me to try to get some time in at the closest park. If you tend to stay our late, and your child either sleeps in a stroller or is tolerant of late nights, then go for it.

 

[audrey13]

Sorry, I should have said we will be staying at CBR.

I hate to waste a night that could be spent at the parks, but I also don't want to tire us (and particularly DS) out before our first full day. I'm also worried that he will be upset if we DON'T do something that first evening. Hmmmmm.

If Epcot FW closes at 7:00 but WS is open until 9:00, do the FW attractions just close but you can still walk around/through FW to get to WS?? That must be a little weird, like walking through a ghost town. . . .

ETA: Downtown Disney is a good idea. We hadn't planned on going there but it might be a nice way to ease into Disney for a few hours. Thanks!

 

[Linzybrooke]

We also tend to head downtown for dinner and shopping and then go to the resort for poolside fun. We used to try to get to a park but decided we would rather save that days pass for one where we could really enjoy ourselves and take our time.

If your kiddo is only 4 the chances of them enjoying World Showcase are pretty slim, especially that late in the day when I think the kid activities have gone by-by. Keep that in mind as you make your decision.

 

[iloveeeyore]

I agree with those who mentioned HDDR or Downtown Disney. Here are just a few more suggestions for your first night:

Take the resort bus to MK and "ride" the monorail to the CR for dinner at Chef Mickey's. We love to start our vacation off with dinner there. Loads of fun with the characters and your 4yo will love it. CR also has great shops.

Stroll the Boardwalk and have a leisurely dinner somewhere there (I've always wanted to try the Cape May Clambake). Play miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens. You'll save a day's park admission, feel less rushed, and be able to get to bed pretty early for a fresh start on your first full day.

If you don't care about admission, plan to see Fantasmic! that night (check scheduled time and arrive early). You'll be able to check it off your to-do list and it's another great way to start the vacation.

 

[Feralpeg]

A nice slow paced evening at DTD might be the way to go.