View Full Version : First day
Hello Experts
I am planning the itinery for our first ' Holiday of a lifetime'
in Florida.[clap][clap][clap]
I am unsure whether we should go to Epcot/MK on the first day after our arrival or not.
Reading this forum I guess that jetlag after arriving in Florida is not so much of an issue..but I don't know if it would still be too much?
We are a family of 2 adults and 3 (active :D ) boys of 10,12 and 14
Thanks for any advice!!
Ramona
Well, you are right, the jetlag on arrival really isn't a problem. If you are anything like us we are usually up and raring to go early the next morning, with all thoughts of jet lag and transatlantic flights forgotten.
Expect your boys will be so excited at the prospect of going to Disney that they will be ready for the off!
Why not try MGM for a first day? It has plenty of things to occupy all ages, and a wonderful show in the evening - if you can last that long. But to be honest, any of the parks are great so its really difficult to choose. Epcot is our favourite, as we love Mission Space, and the fantastic fireworks in the evening, but it does have more for adults.
If it is your first visit then perhaps you should do the most famous park, Magic Kingdom, first - you really will know you have arrived in Florida when you see the Castle!
Whatever you do, you will have a great time.[8D]
Madabouttigger
04-05-2005, 21:03
I would say that Epcot or Mk would be fine on day one. I find that I am usually up early and we can get into the parks for the 9am opening.
However, I like to do Seaworld on our 1st day, this park is a nice gentle introduction to Orlando, there is plenty to see and do, good mix of rides / shows / attractions but not too demanding.
What ever you do on the 1st day I'm sure it will be fantastic, how I wish I was setting of on my 1st trip - I'm sure it won't be your last!
Have fun[msncool]
Diane.
You will find that you are all up very early on the first day.
We always go out to breakfast and then do some food shopping. We then spend the rest of the day checking out all the brochures and deciding what to do the following day.
You may find that you are ready for bed quite early, with the 5 hour time difference, so may not have the "staying power" for a full day at the parks. Mind you with 3 boys the ages of yours, it will probably not be a problem!!
Hi Ramona
Yes your right jetlag isn't that much of a problem on the out bound journey just means staying up for another 5 hours due to the time difference.
We did Epcot on the first day of our last trip, had a nice relaxing time around the pool on our first morning in the Villa them headed to the park just after lunch as Epcot is open till approx 10pm. You could watch the spectacular firework display called Reflextions of Earth at 9pm. Lots to do around the lagoon visiting the various area's, you might even fancy having your tea there at one on the fantastic restaurants. Our favorite is the Tapenyaki Restaurant at Japan.
Good Look and have a fab Holiday [clap]
When we took our boys to Florida for the first time we went to MK on our first day - it was fantastic and they could not get enough. The jet lag bit menat it was the first (and only) day we were actually at a park for opening[msnembarrased] as we usually have very slow starts to our days in Florida[msncool]
hurricanesarah
04-05-2005, 21:52
I think it HAS to be MK on day one.
Lesley and John
04-05-2005, 22:07
You'll probably be getting pretty tired towards late afternoon and MK/Epcot are full days visit. So you don't want to use up a full day ticket if you can't manage a full day.
We normally take it a little easy on the first day and go to a Water Park (Typhoon Lagoon). We go back to the villa for a early evening meal (Pizza, KFC etc) and hit the pool if we have the energy. The only thing you have to be careful of with this approach is sunburn - So put high factor suncream on and wear a Tee Shirt and use shade where you can.
DisneyDreamer
04-05-2005, 23:18
We usually find we are up and about very early on the first couple of days but by the same token we get tired pretty early.....I would personally prefer Epcot but only because its a little bit gentler on us, then do Magic Kingdom when we have more energy.
WOW....what a quick response !!!
:D
Thanks....Yes I can put MK/Epcot down as " Day 1"
[clap][clap][clap]
Do you know whether MK is busy on a wednesday ??
Don't laugh it is still ages away...but I can't stop planning!![msnembarrased]
I have got 2 charts....one recommends to avoid, the other "light crowd"[confused]
thanks Ramona
DisneyDreamer
05-05-2005, 00:08
This book has been mentioned before, The Brits Guide to Disney and Orlando by Simon Veness (not sure if that is the correct title, you can order it off of Amazon) and it is a VERY useful book when you want to plan your days. It will tell you everything from the busiest days in the parks to the first ride you should take...we have found it invaluable on previous holidays. It has a planner in the back of the book too so you can take it with you and it will have all the info you need :)
We always like to see MK as the first park as you will be up early if travelling from the UK.
we usually go to Sea world on that first day, we're generally up aound 6[:O]
It's a nice relaxing park to break you in ( assuming you're going there on this trip).
you'll have a fantastic time wherever you go [msnsmile2]
linda allen
05-05-2005, 02:59
If you do decide to do the MK on day one, why not take advantage of the fact that you are still on UK time and get there for the opening. There is a show at main street station where all the charactors arrive for "work" off the train. Well worth seeing and you get in first.
Southsider
05-05-2005, 04:25
Lucky you Benfilo getting a lie in until 6.00!! [msnwink]
We always seems to awake at 4.00
Mona - If it is your first time to Florida, I think it has to be the magic Kingdom after a nice big eat as much as you want breakfast in Golden Corral........yum
(Only 1 month and 5 day to go for meeee[msnsmile2])
For us it would also be MK. When you see the castle you really know you have arrived at Disney. Wherever you decide to go you will have a great first day.
Magical Dreams
05-05-2005, 09:20
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mona
Hello Experts
I am planning the itinery for our first " Holiday of a lifetime"
in Florida.[clap][clap][clap]
I am unsure whether we should go to Epcot/MK on the first day after our arrival or not.
Reading this forum I guess that jetlag after arriving in Florida is not so much of an issue..but I don't know if it would still be too much?
We are a family of 2 adults and 3 (active :D ) boys of 10,12 and 14
Thanks for any advice!!
Ramona
[/quote]
Hi Ramona
We, as others have said are raring to go on our first morning.
Our first Disney day is always Magic Kingdom.
Its just such a magical place. And it starts before you get in the gate, arrive before the gates open and you will see Mickey and Friends arrive on the WDW Steam Train.
It realing bringa tears to your eyes, especially when ou see the look on your kids faces!!
ITs just fabulous!!
[msncry]
njstringer
05-05-2005, 12:00
If your villa is close enough to the theme parks (eg. within 30 minutes) why not go into the park first thing. When the park starts getting buzy, about 2pm, leave go back to the villa for some food, a swim and a short nap. Then return refreshed at about 6pm, when the park starts emptying, and spend the evening there watching the parade, fireworks etc..
We normally follow this routine and it works well for us.[^]
pieman790
05-05-2005, 12:45
Out of the two i would do MK. Epcot always seems to invlove alot of walking and you maybe a little tired after your journey to Florida.
Personally we like to either rest on the first day then do MK or do something like seaworld which does not invlove too much walking as it mostly shows.
Cruella DeVilla
05-05-2005, 12:59
When we arrive we stay up til 10 pm Stateside (by then 4 am back home) and get up around 8 am Stateside so we have a decent sleep and then use the next day to unpack, sort out the villa, go to the supermarket and chill by the pool or just doss around. We are normally in bed by 11 pm that night. Day two is a different story as we are totally adjusted and hit the place with full throttle, normally shopping!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by njstringer
If your villa is close enough to the theme parks (eg. within 30 minutes) why not go into the park first thing. When the park starts getting buzy, about 2pm, leave go back to the villa for some food, a swim and a short nap. Then return refreshed at about 6pm, when the park starts emptying, and spend the evening there watching the parade, fireworks etc..
We normally follow this routine and it works well for us.[^]
[/quote]
that sounds BRILLIANT....as does everything else.!!!
I love the idea of having an "all you can eat breakfast" before going down to the park.
NOW....how do I stop myself from getting toooo excited ????
[clap][clap][clap]
Ramona
nicklangdon
05-05-2005, 13:15
You can't because it's just tooooo exciting!!!!!!![clap][clap][clap][clap]
Ali
Just one point regarding Epcot. It is by far the biggest park ( twice as big as MK ) so there will be a lot of walking! It's still my family's top park but if you are tired on day one maybe try another park and save Epcot for another day.
Have a great holiday!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by RIS
Just one point regarding Epcot. It is by far the biggest park ( twice as big as MK ) so there will be a lot of walking! It's still my family's top park but if you are tired on day one maybe try another park and save Epcot for another day.
Have a great holiday!
[/quote]
thanks Roger
Yes I think we will got MK on the first day whether it's packed or not....!!!
I really just want soak up the atmosphere, being there and knowing that we finaly made it. [clap][clap]
We'll then do Epcot day 2 or 3 when we are more energetic...
Ramona
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Southsider
Lucky you Benfilo getting a lie in until 6.00!! [msnwink]
We always seems to awake at 4.00
Mona - If it is your first time to Florida, I think it has to be the magic Kingdom after a nice big eat as much as you want breakfast in Golden Corral........yum
(Only 1 month and 5 day to go for meeee[msnsmile2])
[/quote]
I'm awake long before ,i have to keep a low profile until the rest of the mob rouse, 1 month 4 days[msnsmile2].
One thing i would say Mona is don't bother with a meet and greet with the reps, you'll be hanging around wasting time until there 10 o clock start. they'll only try to sell you tickets, which you'll get cheaper off this site.
p s
never relly thought about going to MK on our first day, makes sense really it earliest you'll be up the whole holiday
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by benfilo
[i]
One thing i would say Mona is don't bother with a meet and greet with the reps, you'll be hanging around wasting time until there 10 o clock start. they'll only try to sell you tickets, which you'll get cheaper off this site.
Benfilo
Which reps are they then ?
We are staying at a villa, so I don't know where and when we would meet anybody, as I intend to walk through the MK gates 9.00 am sharp!
[confused][confused][confused]
please explain ?
Ramona
sorry didn't mean to cause a panic[msnembarrased] on our first trip we were told to meet the holiday rep the next morning where they would hand out "essential" information. we were staying at an hotel then, but even on our fly drives we've been invited on them.
It probably doesn't happen any more anyway
linda allen
06-05-2005, 12:00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mona
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by benfilo
[i]
One thing i would say Mona is don't bother with a meet and greet with the reps, you'll be hanging around wasting time until there 10 o clock start. they'll only try to sell you tickets, which you'll get cheaper off this site.
Benfilo
Which reps are they then ?
We are staying at a villa, so I don't know where and when we would meet anybody, as I intend to walk through the MK gates 9.00 am sharp!
[confused][confused][confused]
please explain ?
Ramona
[/quote]
If you want to be the first in to MK, you need to arrive at the car park about 8.15am. The opening ceremony begins about 8.50am and you need to get accross to MK. I would take the monorail, its quicker and get the boat back. Have fun!
Thanks Linda....sounds good to me!!
Just can't imagine going on a holiday like this without the precious advice from all you EXPERTS on this forum.
[clap][clap][clap]
Ramona
I would visit MK on the first day.
I suffer from jetlag real bad, but normally I am so excited that I wake up early anyway (jetlag or not)....
[msnsmile2]
Steve and Dawn
07-05-2005, 18:03
We normally opt for a Swim day if the weather is ok.
Steve & Dawn
bluebirds
07-05-2005, 18:36
Mona i am like you i have been planning this Once in alifetime holiday. Its soo close and we can't wait. We are doing Epcot first as the boyz want to do Test track. Also we thought it would be less crowded as it has no magic hours either morning or evening. We can not wait for the whole Orlando experience.[8D]
First day for us is always a chill day[msnwink]
nicholson
08-05-2005, 00:38
We always chill out on the first day and enjoy the villa and pool.
I'd only do MK on the first day if you plan to go back again. The time difference means you will be up really early, but might not want to stay to the end.
If you are planning alternate days in the parks with other less taxing days then make the first day one where you go to something like gatorland.
If you are going to parks every day then MK is a good one to begin with.
PS With Boys of 10 12 and 14 MK might be a bit tame! take them to IOA instead!