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We Made it to Disney World - Now What?

Arrival day at Disney World is full of emotions.....excitement, nervousness, anticipation, happiness, exhaustion, and relief! Below are just a few of our suggestions for the best things to do the day you arrive at Disney World.

First and foremost, make sure you check in to your resort via the Disney World app or online through MyDisneyExperience. This will allow Disney to already have the information the cast members typically collect during the standard check-in process, and if you already have your Magic Bands, you won’t even have to stop in the lobby!

Head to the parks - If you may want to maximize your vacation time by heading into the parks on your arrival day, drop off your carry-on bags in your room (or bell services if your room is not ready) and go have some fun!



Photo via DisneyWorld

Hang out at the Resort - Depending on what time you arrive at your resort, you may just want a little rest and relaxation after a long travel day. No worries! You can swim at the resort pool, get a bite to eat, or check out what other activities the resort has to offer. Each resort has unique offerings each day, so it is important to look at the schedule - you might even catch your favorite Disney movie on the big screen by the pool!

Schedule a Meal at a Resort - If you do want to take a little adventure, get a table service reservation at a resort. Starting your vacation with a character meal or at a great resort restaurant is an excellent way to kick off a vacation. If you would like to check out the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, look into dining at California Grill at the Contemporary or ‘Ohana at the Polynesian. Be sure to make advanced dining reservations! Reservations at fireworks time go pretty fast!
**If you plan on using only Disney transportation, you may need to allow at least an hour to get to the resort (keep in mind you likely need to transfer). Another option when traveling between resorts is to utilize Lyft or the Minnie Van service. It is a lot less stressful to just budget for the $10ish (for a Lyft) or $25 (Minnie Van) fare than it is to have a meal ruined because you were stressed and rushing around trying to get there.**


Photo via DisneyWorld

Check out a Dinner Show - One of the things that makes Disney special is the wide variety of family entertainment that is found throughout Disney World parks and resorts. If you are looking to enjoy a themed dinner, along with some unique Disney entertainment....you should consider bringing your family to one of Disney’s dinner shows! Each one offers a different experience. Below are a couple favorites. Reservations are recommended and there are different levels of pricing for seating.

- Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and is an all-you-can-eat “Polynesian-style” dinner show with Hula dancing, fire dancing and more!
- The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a fun, rollicking, Western-themed vaudeville dinner show that takes place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.



Photo via DisneyParksBlog

Visit Disney Springs - Disney Springs is a great part of Disney World and, best of all, it is free to visit (even the parking)! Disney Springs is a good way to pass the time on a non-ticket day at Disney World. You will find plenty of options for shopping, dining, movies, and entertainment at Disney Springs. If you want some great dining suggestions, be sure to check with your On The Road Travel vacation planner!

Get Rest - On a final note, you do not want to start your vacation sleep deprived and grumpy. Be sure to enjoy your first day at Disney World, but remember there is a lot of fun to be had and many magical moments are right around the corner! Get plenty of rest and be prepared for your first full day at the parks!!!

To start planning your next trip, contact your On The Road Travel agent! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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