Cyndal BenulloThe first day of any vacation brings many emotions—excitement, anticipation, and probably a little stress. Whether you’re landing at MCO or driving in, knowing the best things to do on your first day at Disney World helps you maximize every magical moment. As a Disney expert, I’ve tested every Disney World arrival day strategy—here are the best ways to start your vacation right, from free activities to splurge-worthy fun!
What Time Can You Arrive at Disney World?
Disney’s official check-in time starts as early as 3PM, but you don’t have to wait until the afternoon to kick off your trip — you can start using your resort’s amenities as soon as you arrive. Every resort has a bell services desk where you can store luggage until you get that special “Welcome to Disney World, your room is ready!” text.
Alternatively, if you arrive before check-in, there is a good chance that a cast member will be able to sprinkle a little pixie dust and see if a room is ready early! Just head to the front desk and let them know that you’ve arrived. They’ll accommodate you if they can, but it’s never a guarantee.
I recommend packing a “check-in day” bag with things like bathing suits, sunscreen, a change of clothes, etc., to avoid having to dig through all your luggage if your room isn’t ready right when you arrive.
Ways to Spend Your Disney World Arrival Day
Ultimately, how you spend your Disney World arrival day will depend on a few factors, including when you get to Orlando, if you’re getting to Disney by driving or by plane, and your energy levels. The good thing about being in Disney World is that Disney provides a wide variety of entertainment options for you that will fit any plan. Here are the best ways to spend your Disney World arrival day!
Go To a Disney World Water Park
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel during your vacation, you simply can’t afford to skip out on visiting one of Disney’s water parks on your arrival day. Why? Because it’s FREE!
Currently, anyone staying at a Disney Resort hotel gets free water park admission to one of Disney’s water parks (including both Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon) on their resort check-in day! This is a great way to take advantage of your first vacation day without having to pay extra for a park ticket, but still being able to jump right into all of the Disney action, especially if you arrive early in the morning, as the water parks don’t usually open till 10AM.
Not only are both water parks filled with plenty of Disney fun for the whole family, but nothing beats the word “free,” making it worth it even if you only attend for a few hours! A water park ticket can cost up to $75 per person, depending on your selected dates, so this is a steal for a family of four.
Explore Disney Springs
Spending the day at Disney Springs is one of our non-park day essentials, whether it’s on the first day or not! Disney Springs is your one-stop shop for shopping, dining, and entertainment. And, the best part is that it’s free!
Here, you’ll find Disney’s largest shopping destinations, such as World of Disney, the biggest souvenir shop at Disney World, along with other popular stores like Under Armour, Harley Davidson, Lululemon, and more. Plus, there are over sixty different dining options at Disney Springs, including a variety of snack stops, quick service restaurants, table service restaurants, and bars.
Lastly, you’ll find entertainment options like a movie theater, a bowling alley, and various live music stages throughout Disney Springs – just to name a few!
If you’re staying on Disney property, complimentary transportation is provided to and from Disney Springs from your resort, so you don’t even have to worry about navigating the roads.
Enjoy Your Resort
You spent a lot of hard-earned money on your Disney resort and should enjoy it! There aren’t many months throughout the year that you can’t sit by the pool (thanks, Florida weather), and your arrival day is the perfect time to start enjoying that perk.
Every resort has at least one bar and one dining option, as well as free recreation activities such as campfires, movies, games, and more. Most resorts also have playgrounds for the little ones, and be sure to keep your eyes open for some hidden Mickeys around the resort grounds.
Visit Other Disney World Resorts
Speaking of resorts, there are over 25 resorts on Disney World property, and you don’t have to be staying there to visit them! Disney allows anyone to visit any resort hotel and explore everything they have to offer, including the different themes, dining options, and recreation options! The only thing you won’t have access to are the pools, as pools are reserved for that particular resort’s guests only.
Some of my favorite hotels to visit when resort hopping include the Monorail Resorts (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) and the resorts connected by the Disney Skyliner system (Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s POP Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort).
Go Mini Golfing
Did you know there are FOUR mini golf courses at Disney World? It’s true! Disney is home to two mini golf locations, including Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Mini Golf and Winter Summerland Mini Golf, and each has two courses to choose from.
This is a great arrival day activity, as walk-ups are welcome. Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland are courses full of whimsical surprises, while the Fairways golf course tests golf skills with sand traps, bunkers, and greens.
A round of golf costs around $19 per adult and $12 per child ages 3-9. However, some theme park ticket packages may include a free round of golf!
Eat at a Signature Restaurant
Signature dining restaurants at Disney World offer some of Orlando’s most highly rated cuisine, so come hungry! However, it can be hard to fit in these fancy restaurants once your vacation is in full swing. That’s why I recommend making a reservation at a signature dining restaurant on arrival day! Some signature dining locations I’d recommend are:
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
- California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
Reservations are highly recommended for these restaurants and are available to book through the My Disney Experience app 60 days in advance.
Skip Park Tickets and Go To a Special Event
While I don’t recommend purchasing a park ticket on your Disney World arrival day, purchasing a ticket to a park special event is a different story. Special Ticketed Events are limited-ticket events held after the park closes.
Some events include:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Disney’s Jollywood Nights
- Disney After Hours
Because these events are held in the evening, you’ll have the morning and afternoon to settle in and account for any travel hiccups without wasting your money on a full-day park ticket. Additionally, since they are all limited ticket events, crowds will be smaller, allowing you to experience more in less time and get a head start on your vacation to-do list!
Ride Disney Transportation
Transportation is part of Walt Disney World’s immersiveness! Riding Disney transportation is complimentary and can be quite the adventure.
Disney’s transportation options connect the resorts, the theme parks, and Disney Springs. The options include:
- Disney Bus Transportation
- Disney Boat Transportation
- Disney’s Skyliner
- Disney’s Monorail
As we suggested earlier, this is an excellent option for those who choose to resort hop. And, for adult trips, don’t miss the chance to experience a Disney bar crawl!
Visit Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk is similar to Disney Springs, though on a much smaller scale. At the Boardwalk, you can find multiple dining locations, souvenir and art shops, bars, and entertainment options! You can rent Surrey bikes and enjoy the scenery, have picnics in the grass, enjoy boardwalk-style carnival games, book a fishing excursion, and more. Plus, the Boardwalk comes alive at night with street performers and an adults-only dance hall!
Comments
What’s your Disney World arrival day strategy?! Let us know in the comments if our top tips make your list!
