The archways of the massive and iconic Disney World sign are approaching! You and your kiddos squeal with excitement as the bus load of people you’re with (all just shuttled from the Orlando airport) cheer in anticipation.
It’s really happening! You made it here, mama, after months and months of planning!
You’re at DISNEY!
There is no better feeling than first arriving at the most magical place on earth! Stepping off the bus, taking the first whiff of your hotel lobby as you wander the resort (because those Disney lobbies smell oh, so good!), and getting settled in your room… these are rites of passage upon arrival day!
But what to do after that? For most guests, their check in day is usually not one they plan to visit the parks, so many are left wondering how to occupy the time once you’re settled. Sure, there’s the pool, but what other ideas are there?
After taking countless trips with my family, I have discovered a few surefire ways to kickstart a trip – none of which require park admission!
A Visit to Disney Springs
A great first day excursion to consider is to the dining, shopping, and entertainment mecca that Disney provides guests at Disney Springs, which has free admission and countless kid-friendly play and exploration areas, eateries, shops, and so much more to enjoy. If you are staying on Disney property, buses run regularly to Disney Springs, and it is usually only about a 15 minute ride. Once your family arrives, you can easily spend several hours here moseying around what feels like the most spectacular outdoor mall on the planet.
A few things not to miss here, besides the endless dining and shopping:
- Sample beverages from around the world at the Coca Cola rooftop bar. Pro tip: Order the Around the World flight which includes 16 different samples of soda!
- Seasonally, Disney Springs offers a scavenger hunt for kids that is super cute and fun! You can pick up a free map and check off things for your kiddo to spy and be on the lookout for. During Christmastime, it is a Christmas tree stroll checking off the themed trees. During the summer, go on a quest to find Orange Bird (Disney’s Floridian icon) throughout shop windows. Head to guest services to see if a hunt is being offered during your visit!
- Have the Disney photo package called Memory Maker included with your stay? Pop by the Disney Photo Studio for some professional photos that will automatically be included in your downloads.
- Rent a vintage amphicar for an hour and take off on the water in this unique vehicle that can drive on land and float on water.
- Seek out the live musicians that perform outdoors. Disney Springs has main and patio stages where you can regularly find them at night, and then some even just kick up a beat in alleyways too. House of Blues also has nightly shows!
- A special souvenir option for the Star Wars fan in your family is a lightsaber build, which you can find at the Once Upon a Toy store. No advance reservations needed and you will save a bundle in comparison to the build guests can participate in at Savi’s Workshop in Hollywood Studios.
There are literally hundreds of things you can do and explore at Disney Springs, so this is the absolute perfect side trip on your first day or on a rest day that you are not visiting the parks.
Recreational Activities
Many guests do not realize how much Disney offers at their resorts beyond the typical amenities of the pool and playground. Some of these activities are totally free for staying on property! Our personal favorites are Movies Under the Stars most evenings at the resorts, games (with prizes!) and trivia hosted by cast members poolside, and scavenger hunts that can be picked up at the resort front desk.
Another free option that should not be overlooked is the opportunity to play “Minnie Golf” offered at two locations: Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. If you have a resort package with Disney, a round to play is included with your stay!
In addition to the free activities available, there are quite a few deluxe hotels that offer what Disney calls “Enchanted Extras” that you or your Smart Moms Travel Agent can book in advance (yes, I, and the planning specialists with our sister travel agency, can take care of all of your add-ons so you do not need to stress!). Fancy a horseback ride amidst the wild at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds? Or an enchanting horse drawn carriage ride on the streets of Port Orleans Resort? Maybe captaining your own water adventure when you rent a motorboat from Bayside Marina from the Yacht Club Resort?
Note that staying at a deluxe resort will provide you more amenities and recreational options than staying at the value or moderate tiered choices. If you are interested in learning how to make these deluxe stays more affordable so you can take full advantage, click here to start discussing their price points and some practical savings strategies, but I also have some great savings tips to read here too!
Dinner and a Show
Last – and probably my favorite suggestion – is to make a night out of enjoying a table service dinner followed by, or accompanied with, a show. By show, I am referencing a stage show OR even fireworks viewing. Fireworks without park admission?? YES!
First, there are two true dinner show recommendations worth pointing out. One is located at the popular Irish restaurant in Disney Springs called Raglan Road. Not only is the food absolutely terrific here, but nightly they have live performers on their indoor or outdoor stages. Specifically, in their main indoor venue you will find lively Irish musicians and dancers, who rotate through storytelling as well as performances. My daughter was absolutely mesmerized by them, so much so it inspired her to look into Irish dance classes here in our hometown as a result!
The second option is a dinner show that just made its long awaited comeback. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, highlights the Pioneer Hall Players, who provide zany and comedic musical performances while guests dine on all you care to enjoy home cookin.’ Their high spirited vocal and dance performance is rousingly loud, a fan favorite, and very audience-interactive, so attend at your risk if you prefer a quiet and milder meal!
Finally, you do not need a dinner show to enjoy a special performance that first night. There are various spots on Disney property you can go that make it easy to watch the nighttime fireworks from Epcot and Magic Kingdom from a short distance away, without actually entering the theme parks. If this sounds like the perfect evening, check out the
In the end, there are endless ways to enjoy your first day at Disney, but these are a few more unique options that some do not even consider. And though they may feel a bit like insider secret tips, only those who have visited before would know, here is some excellent news.
When you book your vacation with our sister company Smart Moms Travel, you get this type of guidance and expertise all for free! I am a recommended agent who has been to Disney more times than I can count, and I would love to partner with you in planning. Ready to get started? Simply click here for us to connect! Or, if you are already booked with a Smart Moms travel planner, you’re in excellent hands, so be sure to reach out to them with questions and they will happily guide you toward the best options for your family.
