Arrival day is one of the happiest times, you have just arrived on your vacation! However, we all know that travel is stressful and exhausting. So I have prepared some tips and suggestions to help you make your day go smoother as well as some suggestions for what to do on your Disney World arrival day.
Make Sure to Check-In Online
Did you know you can go to MyDisneyExperience.com and check in before your vacation even starts? By doing this Disney will already have the information that they typically collect during the standard check-in process. When you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, visit the specially designated Front Desk location. This is where you a Welcome Folder and your MagicBands (if your MagicBands did not already arrive in the mail).
Chill at your Resort
It’s no secret that Disney Resorts are pricey! Once you get into the daily park grind you may find that you are missing out on all your resort has to offer! Don’t miss out on the pools, I even have my recommendation on the best pools at Disney World. Some of these pools have a serious unique factor, like the sand in the bottom of the pool at the Yacht and Beach Club!
Be on the lookout in your information packet when you check in! Most resorts have nightly Disney movies outside, often by the pool! Or if you are Animal Kingdom Lodge they have storytelling by the fire. If you are staying at the Art of Animation you can experience one of my favorites, learning to draw a Disney animated character! Each resort has unique offerings each day so it’s important to look at the schedule so you don’t miss out.
Remember, travel can be exhausting and you have probably started your day way earlier than normal, relax, get yourself acclimated and be ready to hit the parks for rope drop, first thing tomorrow morning.
Disney Springs
If you didn’t know Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) has gotten a major overhaul and is packed with loads of fun stuff to do. You can get a start on your shopping and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine or head to an adult only night out at the Edison. Bring the kids and dine with the dinosaurs at T-Rex Cafe and then spend some time at the Lego Imagination center! We cover all the fun details in Unique Things to do at Disney Springs. You could easily spend the day here with all the possibilities!
Try a Dinner Show at Disney World
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
If you’re looking for some good old homestyle food head to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for Mickey’s Backyard barbeque. This special experience is typically offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 5:30 pm. This experience consists of a buffet of BBQ and a show additionally, certain wines, beer, and sangria are offered complimentary throughout the experience. The show also allows you to meet and greet with Mickey and friends!
Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a fun, rollicking, Western-themed vaudeville dinner show. This show also takes place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Your dinner is served family style and includes a salad, barbecue spare ribs and fried chicken, corn, baked beans, and strawberry shortcake. Additionally, certain wines, beer, and sangria are offered complimentary throughout the experience.
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort located just off the beach. The Aloha Dinner Show features music and dances of the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii, which will be presented while guests dine on a family style feast that is inspired by the flavors of Polynesia. Once again, certain wines, beer, and sangria are offered complimentary throughout the experience.
Challenge Your Family to a Round of 18
A round of 18 holes of mini golf that is! Disney World has two separate mini golf destinations. The first is Winter Summerland Miniature Golf where you will get to experience Christmas year round. This course can be found in front of Blizzard Beach, one of Disney’s water parks. Over the course of a round, you will join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat. They have two unique 18-hole adventures here.
Second, you can head over to Fantasia Gardens across from the Swan and Dolphin hotel. At this course, you can play two 18-hole miniature golf adventures based on Disney’s classic animated film Fantasia. One of the courses here is perfect for serious golfers, it features real grass like you find the pros putting on!
For even more ideas, be sure to read 20 Things to do at Walt Disney World without a Ticket. In the comments below be sure to share what you and your family love to do on Disney arrival day!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!