Day of arrival
About This Page: This is a discussion on Day of arrival within the The Porch: Introductions, Countdowns, and Farewells, part of the PassPorter Community - Boards & Forums on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel; Hi Everyone. In Mid-May we will be bringing my 5 1/2 year old daughter to Disney for the first time. ...

CAT · 02-29-2008, 07:54 AM

Hi Everyone. In Mid-May we will be bringing my 5 1/2 year old daughter to Disney for the first time. We are staying at Coronado Springs. We arrive in Orlando at 10:40AM and using magical express. We have dinner reservations at 5:30 at 1900 Park fare. What would you say the best thing to do between arrival and dinner is. Stay at the hotel pool or go to a park?

Thanks
Chris

wayneava81 · 02-29-2008, 07:58 AM

I think it depends how everyone feels upon arrival. By the time you arrive at your resort and check in, and maybe get lunch it will be after noon. Then factor in getting ready for dinner, I'd probably explore the resort and go to the pool. Have a magical time!

RobDVC · 02-29-2008, 08:36 AM

Welcome to the boards Chris!

Since it's her first time, I'm sure she'll be excited about seeing things.... It may be hard to leave a park after a few hours for your dinner ADR... I'd suggest getting settled in to your room, and checking the resort pool and amenities out before heading over to dinner. Just be sure to pack your swimsuits in your carry-on, as your luggage may not arrive at your room from DME for a few hours later.

Your dinner should be over between 6:30 and 7:00, and that may leave you a few hours to head over to the Magic Kingdom and maybe catch the SpectroMagic parade and Wishes.

lauren-roxy · 02-29-2008, 10:06 AM

Sounds like you've gotten some great ideas, just wanted to welcome you to the boards!!

emtpej · 02-29-2008, 10:23 AM

You might consider a little resort-hopping prior to your dinner. Many seem to like to go to Downtown Disney on arrival day.
Enjoy!

**Colexis Mom** · 02-29-2008, 11:50 AM

Welcome to the boards Chris

I'd probably stay at the pool

janicelovesmickey · 02-29-2008, 01:44 PM

Welcome to the boards, depending on how tired you are, either relax by the pool or explore DTD, then catch the parade at night at MK

CinderAbby · 02-29-2008, 01:59 PM

I would say if you can get to the hotel and checked in by 1, go to the MK until about 4:45/5:00ish, then get on the monorail to head for dinner. Then after dinner, catch the monorail back to the MK. That's similar (we ate somewhere else) to what we did our first day with our then 6 year old and it worked out really well. Especially because she was prepared ahead of time. I told her at such and such a time, we're going to take a break from the park for dinner and she was fine with it.

**chezp** · 02-29-2008, 03:00 PM

Welcome to the boards!

I'm another one voting to stay by the pool.

wdwlovers · 03-01-2008, 07:15 PM

Just wanted to add a "welcome"!

**DyanKJ130** · 03-01-2008, 10:03 PM

I'd probably take the time and settle into the resort.

to the boards!!

**Luvsun** · 03-01-2008, 10:15 PM

I agree with going to the pool!
Checking out the resort - this resort is huge!
Getting your refillable mugs - getting settled in your room, taking pictures of the resort - smelling the Disney air!

TinkMulanMickeysMom · 03-01-2008, 10:46 PM

Welcome

to the Boards! I don't know what your travel arrangements are like, but you may be tired. In that case exploring your resort and a dip in the pool before dinner may be a great way to start a vacation!

CelticChick · 03-02-2008, 04:04 AM

and

to the boards.

**Lori Jakiela** · 03-02-2008, 06:59 AM

We are going to WDW in April and plan to spend a relaxing afternoon at the pool or exploring alittle. Our kids will be up very early so I am hoping for just a laid back afternoon prior to dinner so we have pleasant children for our evening meal! If they are up to it we may hit the magic kingdom for a few hours that evening.