Any suggestions for an early arrival?

[phichi17]

Does anyone have suggestions for an early arrival? We are getting in @ 7:30am and really don't want to rush going to the parks. We will be staying at AKL, I thought a nice b-fast at Boma then pool lounging would be nice but I would like to hear from all of you.

Thanks in advance:wave:

 

[makonyy15]

Perhaps a nice breakfast like you mentioned, but perhaps a nice leisurely walk through Downtown Disney is a way to just ease into the vacation as opposed to going right to the pool, something you've got all vacation to do. This way you can hop right on a bus from DD to any park you want to go to- if you were planning on a park that day at all instead of being a little worn down from the pool. Either way works, it's just a matter of personal opinion. I was always one to rush to the parks but hey, relaxing early isn't a bad thing, i mean hey! it's Disney :hammer:

 

[Vernonpush]

Since you're staying at AKL, you should allow yourself some time to explore the resort. There is quite alot to look at there.

 

[1000th_Guest]

Lounging by the pool can be a good idea *IF AND ONLY IF* you either have your room (in which you can change) or you have sufficient access to your bags so you're not lugging around extra bags.

(I have had very mixed luck checking in early. Sometimes the room is ready, some times it's not ready until after 5:00.)

Wandering around Downtown Disney is a pretty good idea.

I like to visit other resorts in some of my "downtime", but I almost always have a rental car; this makes going anywhere pretty easy.

Is the plane landing at 7:30, or are you arriving at the hotel @ 7:30? This makes a significant timing difference (because DD won't be open until 10:00, I think).

 

[Mickeyman819]

The downtown disney idea is a great idea. You could also explore you resort or you could do something simple like mini golf. Im not sure on the opening time of the mini golf but it could be fun.

 

[Erika]

Breakfast at Boma does sound like a good start- and I am going to jump on the bandwagon with Downtown Disney. We've done that in the past too. Much more leisurely than rushing straight to the parks (though given the choice, that's normally my decision ) and if you plan on buying anything it is nice to get some of that shopping out of the way early on. If you're like my brother in law, you pack only enough shirts for about half your trip, and buy the rest! If you're like me- you start your Christmas shopping waaaaay early to avoid using plastic. But I don't truly need a good reason to shop

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

A hearty breakfast and then a walk - I'd go with either of the destinations selected - your resort or DTD. 7:30 is a bit too early to be taking a swim

 

[phichi17]

Lounging by the pool can be a good idea *IF AND ONLY IF* you either have your room (in which you can change) or you have sufficient access to your bags so you're not lugging around extra bags.

(I have had very mixed luck checking in early. Sometimes the room is ready, some times it's not ready until after 5:00.)

Wandering around Downtown Disney is a pretty good idea.

I like to visit other resorts in some of my "downtime", but I almost always have a rental car; this makes going anywhere pretty easy.

Is the plane landing at 7:30, or are you arriving at the hotel @ 7:30? This makes a significant timing difference (because DD won't be open until 10:00, I think).

Our plane lands at 7:30.....I would think a little too early for DTD....however it is a good suggestion for after b-fast! As far as the pool option goes, we will have access toour swimming stuf as it will be in my carry-on (it pays to plan ahead).

 

[kkgunn]

If you are already buying a multi day ticket, store your luggage at the hotel and go to a park. If you haven't planned on it already you can always ADD a day to your tickets (I don't think they let you subtract one). With the pricing structure as it is, anything longer than a 4 day tickets adds only about $2-4 per ticket to the cost. What a bargain!

 

[phichi17]

I don't truly need a good reason to shop

That describes us to a tee!

 

[Iakona]

Does anyone have suggestions for an early arrival? We are getting in @ 7:30am and really don't want to rush going to the parks. We will be staying at AKL, I thought a nice b-fast at Boma then pool lounging would be nice but I would like to hear from all of you.

Thanks in advance:wave:

Enjoy your breakfast at Boma and then take your time to absorb AKL. Not sure if you have kids with you or not. There is a ton of cultural artifacts and artwork throughout AKL. There are also cultural ambassadors that can answer questions. You can also visit the 3 savanahs or the pool.

 

[disneylands]

this is exacly what happened to us, except we got in at 8:00! what we did was he checked into our hotel and spent about a half an hour exploring. Then we did go into the park - EPCOT - at about 12:00 and had luch at Rose and Crown which was awsome. we then walked around world showcase went on a few rides at a liesurely pace and then left the park at around 3:00 for dinner. It was an amazing unstressful first day, which kills two birds with one stone, not only can you enjoy the park but you are completely unstressed! (which usally happens your first day... at least for me).

I hope I could be of some help! Have a great time!:wave:

 

[col]

if i where you i would check my luggage into the hotel check-in thing then go and get your breakfast, then depending on how long you are eating breakfast for i would go to downtown disney or just lounge by the pool because doesnt check-in open at 11am or 12pm, then after that you check-in go to your room then either go to a park, go to downtown disney or just chill and relax by the pool.

ive always wanted to stay at the animal kingdom lodge, when you get back let us know how it went.

have a fab holiday.

 

[phichi17]

if i where you i would check my luggage into the hotel check-in thing then go and get your breakfast, then depending on how long you are eating breakfast for i would go to downtown disney or just lounge by the pool because doesnt check-in open at 11am or 12pm, then after that you check-in go to your room then either go to a park, go to downtown disney or just chill and relax by the pool.

ive always wanted to stay at the animal kingdom lodge, when you get back let us know how it went.

have a fab holiday.

Absolutely, I'll try to post nightly from the world. I have stayed there before, it's absolutely wonderful.

 

[col]

Absolutely, I'll try to post nightly from the world. I have stayed there before, it's absolutely wonderful.

it looks fab! the closest that i have got to the hotel was when i was there in may 2005 i got the mears taxi to the florida mall and they made a stop at the animal kingdom lodge and it looked fantastic, shame that i couldnt get out and have a look around- but when i go in december that is going to be my first hotel that i visit.

 

[DisneyMarg]

OK well call me crazy but I cannot imagine being within spitting distance of any of the Disney parks, holding park tickets in my hot little hand, and NOT GOING IN AS SOON AS I COULD. You can relax and be non-stressed after your vacation. This is Disney, man. Get in there and have some fun!!!!

 

[wcox377492]

Phichi-

Great avitar! If you want a slightly different breakfast, you may want to go over to the food court at Port Orleans for Beignets. Also the boat ride from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney is a great view (and a relaxing way to unwind-- especially after a flight)

 

[mousebymarriage]

OK well call me crazy but I cannot imagine being within spitting distance of any of the Disney parks, holding park tickets in my hot little hand, and NOT GOING IN AS SOON AS I COULD. You can relax and be non-stressed after your vacation. This is Disney, man. Get in there and have some fun!!!!

I second the motion!

 

[swimmom]

We spent a day out of the parks on our last trip. The day we arrived was the last MVMCP and we were in the MK to the very end of the party. Since the next day was the Saturday before Christmas, we thought that the parks could be pretty crowded with FL residents visiting for the day. We started with mini golf at Winter Summerland, then we went to Downtown Disney to do some shopping. We returned to WL around 2:00 and we had a 5:00 PS at 'Ohana so we decided to ride the monorail. We took a boat to the Contemporary and then rode the monorail to Epcot and back to the Ploynesian for dinner. After dinner we returned to WL for a "sleigh" ride. It really was a relaxing day after a very late night (or actually early morning) the day before.

 

[barnum42]

Does anyone have suggestions for an early arrival? We are getting in @ 7:30am and really don't want to rush going to the parks.

As you are next to Animal Kingdom, toddle over there, it's one park that you do not rush. You can relax there and as it's doe not have long opening hours you won't wear yourself out with your first park. At closing head back to AKL or if you find you have the energy head to one of the other parks for the night time show.