Suggestions for first day...not in park?

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Registered: 04-18-2004
Suggestions for first day...not in park?
8
Sun, 05-27-2007 - 5:44pm

Hi! I'm new to this board but not new to Disney. We leave on June 28th for our 4th trip to WDW. This trip will include me, DH, 8-yr-old DD, 5-yr-old DD, and my FIL. We have a 10-day park pass, staying at Pop Century. We should get to our hotel around 1:30 on our arrival day and are planning on swimming, settling in and getting to bed early rather than using one of our park days. (We're staying for 12 nights, so we're not going to the parks on our travel days, and we also have an off-day scheduled for mid-trip.)

DH and I are wondering if we should make dining reservations for the first night at one of the resorts or at Downtown Disney. We're thinking we'll need something to do besides swimming to keep the kids occupied. We've got the dining plan, but all of our vouchers have already been budgeted for the trip....so we would be paying out of pocket for that first night. Any suggestions for something that is family-friendly and not too expensive?

Thanks!
Amy

 

Amy

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Registered: 03-24-2007
Sun, 05-27-2007 - 6:42pm

My first thought was Rainforest Cafe. However, that is a little pricey :( I think you can get into the one at AK with out admission. But, I am not sure. That would surely keep the kids busy :) I know they have a kids night where kids eat cheap, maybe that is the night you need???? Another option that came to mind was eating at one of the resorts, then watching either Wishes (I think you can see it from Poly?) or the light parade (I think you can see it from the Beach and Yacht club, I know you can see it from several resorts.) Yeah, walking around the different resorts keeps me entertained for hours!!! You could even eat at the food court at one of the hotels :) Not cheap, but cheaper than the alternative :) Good luck and have a blast!!

Leslie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 05-27-2007 - 7:51pm

We often like to just hang out at Downtown Disney for the day we arrive. Check out the shops, etc.

What about visiting Ft. Wilderness? They have pony rides for the kids and other activities. Or just exploring the resorts?

Will you have a vehicle? What about exploring something off-site just for that day? Eating somewhere (and if you're looking for somewhere cheap, but good, and like buffets--Golden Corral and Ponderosa Steakhouse are great!), maybe visiting some obscure destination. One that comes to mind is the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum and there's also a cool children's science museum.

Have fun whatever you decide!

Alysha






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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2004
Mon, 05-28-2007 - 9:21am

I'd say check the movie schedule at Ft wilderness to see what (if anything) is being offered that night.

If your room is ready, I'd check in, let the kids explore your resort then swim for an hour or two, then either head to DTD (Wolfgang Puck Express is reasonably priced and the portions are pretty big so you may be able to share, here!) and shop and eat here - maybe take in Disney Quest, play at Lego Land, have a "snack" at Goofy's or Ghiraldis OR head to Ft Wilderness for either Campfire or movies.

Another alternitive would be food court at your resort, then go play some Mini Golf! Have a family challenge. Boys Vs Girls, YOung Verses young at heart, whatever.

If you are not in the mood to "sit" then go resort hopping on the monorail loop. See the neat things each one has to offer and then check the schedule to see if Wishes is offered that night or the Electric Water Pagent and stay on one of the beaches to watch both or either.

There is plenty to do to keep busy!!

Have fun!

~Elena

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2005
Mon, 05-28-2007 - 9:23am
I love the Rain Forrest Cafe. I think you get on Downtown Disney for free. It's Pleasure Island you pay for. Pleasure Island is basically for adults 21 and older from what I remember.
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 05-28-2007 - 11:24am

I thought of 2 things: Downtown Disney (Goofy's candy shop) and maybe renting a boat (I know you can rent one at Wilderness Lodge). Renting a boat is not a expensive as you would think (that is what I hear).

All the other suggestions were GREAT also.

Josette

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Registered: 09-15-2005
Mon, 05-28-2007 - 11:42am
Welcome to the board, Amy!

Val, Co-CL Disney Vacations

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 05-29-2007 - 9:10am

Hey Amy!! I don't know how I missed your thread, but oops!!! (here's my advice from one addict to another....LOL):

I think I'd check out DTD. There is plenty to do there to stay busy for an evening. We had dinner at Wolfgang Puck's Express using CS credits this past trip, and it was a great meal. The portions are quite large, and the menu is varied (everything from big salads, to roasted chicken, to pizza). We all enjoyed our meals very much. You could then go down to Goofy's to burn a few snack credits for dessert. You can use your snack credits for the "create your own" treats. Believe me when I say you'll want to start using snack credits. We felt like we were using ours quite a bit (although we were full from our big meals most of the time), but on our going home day, we still had 12 credits to burn.

Between exploring, and swimming earlier in the day, I'm sure your girls will tire quickly at night. After dinner and a bit of exploring at DTD (check out the My Little Pony stuff at Once Upon a Toy....you can fill a box with Disney themed accessories...very cute!!! I checked it out while my boys were building their own lightsabers! LOL), you'll probably be ready to head back to Pop! (which we loved, BTW!!). Take them over to the 70's at some point to play a game of Twister~

Have a great trip!!!

Hugs,
Marcy

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Registered: 06-12-2007
Tue, 06-12-2007 - 11:39am
There's a shopping center across the street from Disney (the Crossroads) that has a wide variety of dining options (from fast food to sit-down). You can probably find something for every price range in there. Regarding activities, Disney has mini-golf courses (or at least one that I can think of, but I believe there's two). There's also another mini-golf course in the same Crossroads shopping center. Ft. Wilderness is a great spot to take the kids, as another member posted, or you could check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge -if you walk around out back, you can often see some of the animals! If you're willing to splurge a bit, you can also rent (small) boats at Downtown Disney. You pay by the half hour/hour, and can boat around behind the resorts, golf courses, etc.