Where to go first night?

[2much2do]

Hi,
We will be arriving at WDW at about 3 PM. We want to check in, get settled, and then head out to a park to activate our annual passes, have some dinner, and watch a parade or show. Should we go to Epcot, eat at San Angel's and watch Illuminations? Or go to MGM, eat at ?????? and watch Fantasmic? AK closes early, and MK is the next day. What should we do?

 

[Jodigrl328]

My vote is for epcot. Relax. Settle into your room. Then go to dinner at San Angel's and catch illuminations. What a way to start your vacation!!! :sohappy:

Save Fantasmic for later in your trip! :sohappy:

 

[Thespis]

Epcot is usually the fastest place to activate your AP's. Although, being from Texas I can't recommend San Angel's. We don't think it's as good as the hole-in-the-wall place down the street from our house...

 

[DisneyMom0324]

I would go to Epcot. I've never been to the San Angel Inn, so I can't say how the food is there, but seeing Illuminations would be a wonderful way to start your trip!

 

[GGG1]

I agree with everyone else, EPCOT is a great way to start as you are arriving mid-day. San Angel Inn has a great env't, great margaritas, but so-so food in my opinion. The hours are usually the longest at EPCOT to get more bang for your buck. Have fun!

 

[David]

Ok, just so it won't be unanimous(e), I 'd go to MK. We always go there our first day, no mater what time we arrive. Just seeing the castle as we approach the entrance makes me feel that I really am back at Disney. I don't know about a formal restraurant to suggest, but what's wrong with gettig a hot dog at Casey's, walk aroung Main Street shops, maybe catch an evening parade/fireworks? MK gets my vote.

 

[danamarie27]

Sorry all I would have to go to MGM. You have plenty of time to do the afternoon parade, eat a Mamma's, and do Fantasmic!. Fanatasmic is one of my favorite things to see, so there is no other choice. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[hayuk]

We have always gone to Downtown Disney our first night just to get in the spirit, but we haven't had annual passes. If I had an AP, I would park at the Boardwalk and walk to EPCOT for dinner and Illuminations. It is a very pleasant stroll between EPCOT and the Boardwalk and doesn't seem to be very crowded on the way out.

 

[Luau Cove]

I suggest not making plans for the first night. I know before the trip you are excited and when you arrive you want to do all you can in the time you'll stay, but believe me - after a long trip driving or flying you are very very tired, so don't make any reservations, after all, I never made a Disney reservation in my life and never waited more than 10 to 15 minutes. I say this not because I don't want to be careful, but don't waste your time when you could just go and dine.

-->luau

 

[DisneyKrazed]

The first night is very spontanious. You want to get as much done as posable in the short amount of time you can. When my family arrives for the first time we usualy get so much done is the first four hours then we do outside the parks for the rest of the vacation.

 

[kimrn87]

We are arriving in Florida on May 1. We plan to go to downtown disney and do a little shopping. It is traditional for us to get matching Disney t-shirts to wear in the parks. WE plan to eat there somewhere, stroll around and maybe take the kids to disney quest and/or lounge about the Hotel!

 

[2much2do]

Thanks all for your great replies!!! I think maybe I wasn't too clear in my post. I meant the Cantina de San Angel, not the Inn. We have eaten at both, and personally, I think the Cantina food is better, LOL! The atmosphere at the Inn is great, but the food is really just so-so. We are Latinos, and while we are not Mexicans, we know real, authentic Mexican food, and really, it is much better than the San Angel Inn makes it. So instead, we like to grab a lake front table at the Cantina and have dinner while we wait for Illuminations.
I think we will do that. I like that Epcot is the fastest AP activator. Also, yes, we will want to relax when we get there, but since you don't need reservations at the Cantina, we'll be ok. Anyway, I can't wait to be there! 31 days left!!!! :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[disneyman15]

When me and my family go we usually go to MK the first day but if you are going there on your first full day. I say you go to MGM on the first day you arrive because that is my favorite park to spend time at.

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

Originally posted by 2much2do
Hi,
We will be arriving at WDW at about 3 PM. We want to check in, get settled, and then head out to a park to activate our annual passes, have some dinner, and watch a parade or show. Should we go to Epcot, eat at San Angel's and watch Illuminations? Or go to MGM, eat at ?????? and watch Fantasmic? AK closes early, and MK is the next day. What should we do?

This is funny because I always start a WDW vacation with EPCOT and the San Angel. I suggest that you do that or make priority reservation before you leave to eat at the Rose and Crown Pub in England about 1/2 hour befor Illuminations. You will then get to see Illumination while you eat. I try to do this at least once per trip. I suggest the fish and chips or shepards pie.

 

[Rocknrollergrl]

For the first night, it's pretty customary for us to go to Downtown Disney for a little bit of shopping and dinner. Always a nice way to start off a vacation.

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

Also try Disney Quest and then eat at Bongos Cuban Cafe.

 

[DisneyMom0324]

I voted for Epcot but my family's personal first night tradition is dinner at Chef Mickey's. :slurp:

 

[djmatthews]

I guess it depends on the weather too, as to what you do. The last time I went to WDW, we HAD to do MK on our first day otherwise we wouldn't have seen SpectroMagic. If your in this situation it will be worth looking at the timetables of events incase something isn't going to be on during you stay. It was a good job I used the website to get the timetables.... I love SpectroMagic!

 

[Ijones88]

I think EPCOT is the best idea and if you have annual passes they have a Passholder Lounge in The Land pavilion that you can visit and relax. It's open 11am-7pm every day thru April. Also now they have VIP Illuminations viewing area for annual passholders at Italy Isola(across from Doge's Palace). First come first served though.

I would pick the restaurant of your choice and then get to the VIP viewing area early to get a good spot for Illuminations!!!

Have fun!!!!!

 

[Strawberryblond]

I know what we will be doing on the first night of our trip next march. My Sister's fam will be comming plus my Mom and her two kids and we are all going to the HDDR at 7:15 pm. I hope to have time to do a hayride after, does anyone know the hours? This will be March 2, 2003 a Sunday night.
Don't know what we will do our first night for our immediate family vacation the first week Dec. yet though, lol! I've been so busy trying to coordinate for all my family members. The week in Dec. by ourselves is actually the time I'm looking forward to the most