We will be arriving in Disney early in the morning after being up since 3 AM. We have 3 girls ages 6,8 and 11. What would be a fun day the first day we get there? Anyone like/hate any of the shows? We have reservations for Hoop De Doo Revue, Cinderella in the castle,and Ohana in the Polynesian Resort as the Dinner shows for the week we are there. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
2006-09-05 08:41:12 · 9 answers · asked by Holly 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Orlando
If you want to go to a Park the first day, I suggest the Animal Kingdom Park, Disney-MGM Studios, or one of the Water Parks (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.) The Magic Kingdom takes at least two days to complete, as well as Epcot. *Just a note, the person above said to go to the Magic Kingdom and see the Lion King show, but the Lion King show isn't at the Magic Kingdom, it's at the Animal Kingdom. * The Animal Kingdom Park and Disney-MGM Studios each take about a day to complete. Since it's your first day, and you'll have been awake since 3:00AM, you won't want to do anything too time-consuming and exhausting. I'd definitely say your best choice is the Animal Kingdom Park. It's only open until 6:00, or so, depending on the day and Extra Magic Hours. There's not a whole lot of rides, like at the Magic Kingdom. The rides they do have are awesome, though. There's Dinosaur, the Primeval Whirl, the Triceratop Spin, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the new ride, Expedition Everest. All of the rides are great. There's a few shows, too, like the Festival of the Lion King, and there's this cool bird show called "Flights of Wonder." There used to be a show called "Tarzan Rocks," but it was recently shut down to make room for the new Finding Nemo musical, set to open in around mid-November. You could go to the Animal Kingdom right up until it closes if you wanted, then go to your Resort to relax for the rest of the evening. Go out to dinner, come back, go swimming in the pool, or just go back to your room to watch TV and rest. Watch some of the Walt Disney World Resort channels. They have a channel that has the "Top Seven Must-Sees at Walt Disney World," and one that has information on the hours, and show times at the Parks. There's also a channel that shows Disney bedtime stories/cartoons.
As for the places you've made reservations for, I haven't seen the Hoop De Doo Musical Revue, and I havne't dined at Cinderella Castle. But my boyfriend and I always stay at the Polynesian Resort, and 'Ohana is great. Everyone that goes there loves it. You should try the Kona Cafe, right on the other side of the floor 'Ohana is on. The food is so good, and it's a really cool place. There's a dessert bar and a chocolate statue of Lilo & Stitch. It's awesome, and the kids love it. The kids love the Polynesian Resort! Another awesome dinner show is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Luau.) There's a story to the show and music from Lilo & Stitch. And they call the kids up on stage to learn a luau dance. It's a lot of fun. That's also right at the Polynesian Resort. It's a very popular show.
Definitely start off the first day with the Animal Kingdom Park if you even want to do a Park the first day, or a Water Park if it's hot. Typhoon Lagoon is the best! Then just spend the rest of the day around the Resort.
If you're up for it, in the evening, go to the Magic Kingdom Park or Epcot just to see one of the fireworks shows. Or if you're staying at a Magic Kingdom Resort, you can see them from your Resort and see the Electrical Water Pageant.
Anyway, have fun!
* Downtown Disney is great place to go for your last day. There's tons of shopping to get those last-minute gifts and souvenirs. Anything you couldn't find at Disney shops around the Parks and Resorts, you can most likely find at one of the many shops at Downtown Disney.
2006-09-05 11:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by Katlyn ♥ Disney 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
with little ones, i wouldn't suggest doing the Magic Kingdom first as this is very overwhelming, and nothing can match the excitement of Magic Kingdom.
A good park to start would be Animal Kingdom. It is a large park with rides and animals. Take the Kilimanjaro Safari either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, it will be cooler and there will be more animals out! At this park, don't miss Festival of the Lion King. (try to sit up front and one of the kids might get picked to be in the show.) If you don't mind getting wet, go on Kali River Rapids.
Animal Kingdom is a fun park, but has a more relaxed atmosphere, which might be a good after being up since 3AM!
In MGM, don't miss the Beauty and the Beast show. (I cry every time- lol) A fun restaurant at MGM is 50's Prime Time Cafe. To see the dessert menu, you look through a View Master! In the evening watch the Fantasmic light show, it is awsome.
At Epcot, don't miss Soarin' in the Land section. And for the kids, buy a "passport" in the World Showcase. At each "country" the kids can get their passport stamped.
Finally for Magic Kingdom....(and i don't mean to do this park last, I am giving tips in no particular order, but don't do it first!!) If you arrive when the gates open, get on board the train immediately. Stay on until you get to Toon Town. You should arrive while the rope is still up in front of Mickey's house. People will gather there and when the characters first come out and greet folks, Goofy will pick some lucky kid to ride "Goofy's Barnstormer" with him! Don't tell the kids this, just in case they don't get picked.
In 2004, our family went and my niece was picked by Goofy (we got the pics to prove it) and she was also picked at Festival of the Lion King, so I am giving you these tips from experience.
Have a Magical Vacation!
2006-09-05 13:44:12 · answer #2 · answered by tweetymay 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend maybe a short nap, then to Magic Kingdom. Its the most kid friendly park. Lots of rides for little kids and shows and characters all over the place. The kids will really like it there I'm sure. Plus there are parades and fire works they'll like. All the parks are great and have a lot of stuff for the kids to do, but out of all 4 parks Magic Kingdom is the best for kids, second would be animal kingdom! Have a good time!!! And may I suggest a double stroller, they really do come in handy with little kids!!! Even the 11 yr old can sit for a little while, they help with tired kids and there soar little feet!
2006-09-05 09:27:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recommend taking it easy. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, you won't be able to check into your room until about 3pm. But they will check your luggage for you. I recommend visiting Downtown Disney. You can grab some food, the girls can play at the Lego store and you guys can have a breather from a long flight. I really do not recommend booking anything for this day, unless it can be a bit low key. You may consider going to one of the water parks (have swim suits packed in your overnight bag because Disney will take your luggage and deliver it to your room). This way, the kids can crash on beach lounge chairs when the long flight hits them and you guys can rest a bit too or just float in the lazy river. Definitely go see a dinner show. The Apirit of Aloha show is highly recommended!
If you would like any help researching or planning your trip, or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, I'm All Ears at:
http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/
Have fun!
2006-09-05 11:13:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are likely to find that unless you plan ahead, you will spend a lot of time walking around and waiting in queues rather than actually enjoying the attractions. Try to decide the things you most want to do and work your way around the park in a sensible route, reserving fast track tickets where possible, and fitting in other things to do while you're waiting for your reserved times. Try not to spend too much time in the shops! :-) Travel light. Use drawstring bags rather than big bulky rucksacks. Try to identify places to eat where you don't have to have fast food all the time - you will get fed up (!) with it quite quickly. Hope this helps...
2006-09-05 08:52:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start at the Magic Kingdom! The Lion King show is great, and there are lots of rides for the little ones.
Have fun, and travel safe!
2006-09-05 08:46:50 · answer #6 · answered by Leah 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take a nap, then go to gator land! It's fun for all ages!
2006-09-05 13:53:36 · answer #7 · answered by Xtal 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like alot of stress, leave kids home, now your having fun.
2006-09-05 09:08:58 · answer #8 · answered by GreatNeck 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
buy a bottle of wine
2006-09-05 08:46:14 · answer #9 · answered by JULIE R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋