The anticipation before your Walt Disney World vacation can be unbearable at times.  Anticipation, excitement, and anxiety often plague those of us heading to Orlando.  So when the day comes and you touch down in Orlando you are eager get your Mouse on.  But there is often a question that hits vacation-goers on their first day, and that is – how should I spend my arrival day?  This article will examine some of the ways to plan that arrival day so that it is not a waste of time and money. 

            Planning activities for your arrival day usually takes into consideration what time you arrive in Orlando.  I have found that the earlier you arrive in Orlando, the more options you have than if you were to arrive later in the day.  When I go to Walt Disney World, I usually arrive in the morning so I can take advantage of the entire day.  For instance, on my last trip to Walt Disney World, I arrived in Orlando at 6:00 am and had the entire Magical Express entire motorcoach to myself as we headed for Port Orleans French Quarter.  Of course not everyone can get into Orlando on the first flight.  So for you, weary traveler, here are some tips for what to do on your arrival day depending on the time you arrive:

Morning Arrival.  Arriving in the morning allows you to travel to your resort, check your bags into the bell desk, and start your vacation with the most flexibility.  I, for one, usually head toward the bus station or my rental car so I can hit the parks.  I usually don’t go commando touring the first day, as I like to spend this time soaking the environment in and getting reacquainted with the World.  I’ll usually people watch, ride an attraction or two, and grab a bite to eat.  It is the easiest answer to the “what can I do on my first day” question, and you’ll find many people agree.

Another popular option if you arrive in the morning is to see experience something new.  For those fortunate enough to go to Walt Disney World multiple times, it is usually important to find something new to experience to “keep the magic alive”.  One of my favorite things to do is to head down to Downtown Disney and do a little window shopping.  And while this may not ber somewhere new to go, I find there is enough to do and see there that it is worth the trip.  It’s free (usually you end up dropping some of your hard-earned money like I usually do) and is a great way to experience what Disney has to offer early on.  Make your way from the Marketplace to the West Side.  Take in a movie or check out the wacky LEGO sculptures.  Whatever you decide to do, whether it be at Downtown Disney or not, try and take the time to do something you wouldn’t normally do.  Change things up – it might be the perfect way to start your stay in the World.

Afternoon Arrival.  Let’s say you get off the plane at noon, make your way down to the Magical Express counter and finally walk into the lobby of your favorite resort by 1:30 pm.  What do you do now?  Well, honestly, your options are still pretty numerous.   Once I get to the resort, I head over to the registration counter and check-in.  Disney has been great to me, as my room has always been ready for me.  With my key card in hand, I head straight for my room.

            While chores might not be your idea of a good time on your first day, arriving in the afternoon really gives you an opportunity to accomplish a lot before you jump into your vacation.  For example, putting away the clothes, stocking up on food and drinks, and purchasing anything you might have forgotten.  Believe me when I say by accomplishing these tasks early on, the more time you will have to enjoy what the World has to offer.  When the chores are done, it is always a good idea to walk around resort to take everything in.  This is especially important if you have never stayed at the resort before.  The first time I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, I was in such a rush to get to the parks, I couldn’t even find the bus stop.  Moreover, it was only when I returned from the parks did I realize where the resort store was located.  There’s something to be said about knowing your surroundings (especially if you are staying in a larger resort like the Port Orleans Riverside or Coronado Springs). And besides, this time can also be devoted to admire the time and effort Disney Imagineers put into these wonderfully themed resorts.

            If chores are not to your liking, no fret!  A lot of what was said in the Morning Arrival section applies here as well.  Why not try some miniature golf?  Or how about resort hopping around the Seven Seas Lagoon?  If touring the parks is more to your taste, just note that you will be paying for a ticket for less than an entire day.  This however, is usually never a problem as the advantage (and the ingenuity of Disney execs) of buying a park pass for multiple days is that after a certain day, the cost of the next day’s admission is very inexpensive. Take a look at this diagram for a Magic Your Way Base ticket and notice the price between a four day pass and a five day pass:

Evening Arrival: The problem about planning your arrival day really comes when you arrive at night.  If you check-in by 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm, what can you do?  Well with a little planning ahead, you can spend your first evening in style.

            Before my arrival, I usually have an advanced dining reservation made far in advance, especially when I stay at a resort with a table service restaurant in or nearby.  So after I check-in, throw the bags on the bed, I have the luxury of walking into Spoodles or Whispering Canyon with little or no wait.  There really is no better way to wind down after a long day of air, train, or car travel than with a nice meal in a great place.  Take your time, enjoy your food, and relish in the fact that you are vacation.

After the meal, depending on where you are staying, check out Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian, or enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant from the dock at the Wilderness Lodge.  When I stayed at the Beach Club, I spent the evening walking around the Epcot resorts.  I took my time to enjoy the Boardwalk, the rather large water fountain in front of the Dolphin hotel, and marveled at how detailed and large Stormalong Bay was.  It really was a nice way to end the evening.

Whatever it is you decide to do – take it easy.  You will want a full night’s sleep for the next day.  Guests arriving at night will want to save their energy for the vacation ahead!

Please keep in mind that this article is not an exhaustive list by any means.  Instead this article is intended to give you some ideas on what you can do on your first day at Walt Disney World by providing you with some of things I like to do on my first day in the World.  No matter what you decide to do on your first day, you will have a great time doing it. 

Until next time!