Help me pick a first day activity!!

[missy28]

Ok, I am playing tour guide for the second time to my friend's family... I am 30 (single, no kids) Mom 33, Dad 34 (my friends from an old job) and their 2 kids, DS 8 and DD6. The first trip was 2 years ago. We arrive Friday, July 2 in the pm, and want to relax on Sat. and not go to a park. Last time we were there, we only went to the parks and didn't get a chance to explore other areas of the property. We are staying off property at Marriott's Horizon's resort. So, here are my ideas. Please let me know which one you think would be the best!

Spend the morning at the resort pool and then go to the Hoop de Doo Revue, the Polynesian Luau, or Whispering Canyon for dinner

Go to a water park—Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon

Play mini-golf at 1 of the 2 mini-courses and then spend the evening at Downtown Disney

Have dinner at the California Grill (or just dessert) and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the top of the Contemporary

Have dinner at Ohana’s at the Polynesian and watch the fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach

Their 2 children are extremely well-behaved (which makes it a joy for me to travel with them!) so I am not concerned about that. This is my treat to them since they are footing the bill for the lodging. I also am an AP holder so I'd like to utilize some of my discounts. We are also planning on the Family Magic Tour at MK on the day we spend there. Any thoughts for the first day?

 

[noname70]

I would say settle in to your hotel and get eveything ready for the week.
Then go to Hoop de do. It will get everyone reved up for the week and you will still have the anticipation of the parks/characters/magic to come.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I would probably do the mini-golf and then DTD! That would be my choice! I love both Fantasia Gardens and Winter/Summerland. It's fun and it's exciting for the kids!

TheDisneyGirl02

 

[Brad]

Don't you have to reserve the Hoop de Doo Revue like a year in advance?

 

[Laura]

Can you do Blizzard Beach for the first half of the day and the Hoop Dee Doo that night? We are going to do that on the 2nd day of our upcoming trip and the timing seems to work out perfectly.

Although I don't know if you'd have trouble getting reservations this late. I'm not sure how full Hoop Dee Doo gets.

 

[Laura]

Originally posted by Brad
Don't you have to reserve the Hoop de Doo Revue like a year in advance?

No, you CAN reserve a year in advance but you don't have to. I made my July reservation in May with no problem.

 

[1stStarIC2nite]

I would recommend first making sure everything is unpacked and that you have rested well. Next, head out to the resort maybe around 11-12 and to a water park, maybe, or mini golfing somewhere. The water park I would choose is Typhoon Lagoon, but that's just my preference. And seeingas how TL is right next door to Downtown Disney, I would head there when you're all finished. Just shop and walk around, it's actually a whole lot of fun. Then I would go to dinner there (Wolfgang's sit-down restaraunt, or Rainforest Cafe is a good pick) and relax until later that evening. Then, go to DisneyQuest! It's a blast! Anyway, just have fun By the way, I'll be arriving in Orlando on July 3

 

[swimmom]

I would do the mini-golf and Downtown Disney or 'Ohana for dinner and watch the fireworks and the electrical parade from the beach. I have a similar day planned in December after a night at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We are going to play mini-golf, go to either Downtown Disney or back to the resort pool, have dinner at 'Ohana around 6:00 and a carriage ride at Wilderness Lodge around 9:00.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey Missy, I am voting for O'hanas!! I love it there, the food is awesome, it is great for the kids, and afterwardss head down by the beach area in the resort and check out Wishes from a new angle!!! We did that and found 4 lovely lounge chairs to hang on!! It was awesome, the music was piped inas well a bit low but it could be heard!!! Have a great time in any event!!! Belle

 

[VulliamyWDW]

you could go 2 typhoon lagoon and then dtd for dinner and do a bit of first day shoppin?

 

[626]

I agree that going to a water park followed by a visit to Downtown Disney is a great first day activity. That's what we're planning on doing on our first day too.

 

[missy28]

Thanks for ALL the great ideas...

I'm narrowing things down, but have definitely decided to do Whispering Canyon for dinner that night, and then hit the Poly beach for fireworks...