How to Make the Most of Your Arrival Day at Walt Disney World

So, you’ve finally arrived at Walt Disney World, and after the chaotic adventure of packing, navigating the airport, and the inevitable “Are we there yet?” from the backseat, it’s time to kick off your vacation. But wait—before you rush into the parks like a kid in a candy store, take a breath! Your arrival day doesn’t have to be a sprint through Cinderella Castle. Instead, let’s embrace the art of taking it slow. Whether you want to lounge by the pool like a Disney princess or indulge in beignets that would make even Tiana jealous, there’s plenty of magic to experience without breaking a sweat. So grab your Mickey ears, put your feet up, and let’s dive into the best ways to spend your first day at the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Relax and Swim at Your Disney Resort

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

After a day of travel, nothing says “vacation” quite like lounging by a Disney resort pool. Nearly every Disney property has a unique and well-themed pool area, offering a perfect way to start your trip. Our family has stayed at every single Disney resort and we have enjoyed all of the pools. Here are of our favorite pools:

• Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort, which features a lazy river and sand-bottomed pool. I have a love/hate relationship with this pool, its amazing but also for a mom of 4 with 3 different swimming levels it makes it a lot of work and steps to keep up with my kids. It can be exhausting.

• The Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, themed after Finding Nemo, which is the largest hotel pool in all of Walt Disney World. Has the BEST play area for littles!

• Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, with a volcano waterslide and stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

• Port Orleans Riverside – Ol’ Man Island Pool: This rustic, 3.5-acre swimming area is modeled after an abandoned sawmill, featuring a 95-foot-long waterslide, quiet areas to lounge, and lush surroundings that make you feel like you’re deep in the bayou.

• Port Orleans French Quarter – Doubloon Lagoon: With its Mardi Gras theme, this pool brings the New Orleans party vibe to life. Dive into the fun with the giant sea serpent waterslide and enjoy the vibrant jazz-inspired decor.

No matter where you’re staying, Disney resort pools are thoughtfully themed, providing a relaxing yet fun way to kick off your vacation. Whether it’s a thrilling slide or simply lounging with a good book and a drink, taking a dip on arrival day is the perfect way to ease into the magic. It’s also an ideal way for the kids to burn off some energy after a long trip, while you enjoy a bit of peace before diving into the park adventures.

Go to a Resort Character Meal

If you want to kick off your Disney experience with a little magic and meet some characters, booking a character meal on your arrival day is an ideal option. It lets you start your vacation with a taste of the Disney magic while avoiding the crowds in the parks. also, with the two hour cancellation policy it also takes the pressure off in case your flight is delayed or you’re driving in and arriving a little bit later than you expected.

Here are your options:

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

• Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto
  Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
  Cuisine: American Buffet

• Wish Maker Enchanting Dining at 1900 Park Fare – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  Characters: Tiana, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Mirabel
  Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
  Cuisine: American Buffet

• ‘Ohana – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  Characters: Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto
  Meal: Breakfast
  Cuisine: Family-Style Breakfast

• Cape May Café – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  Characters: Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in beachwear
  Meal: Breakfast
  Cuisine: American Buffet

• Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  Characters: Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Queen
  Meal: Dinner
  Cuisine: Prix Fixe Menu with American fare

• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera – Disney’s Riviera Resort
  Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artistic costumes
  Meal: Breakfast
  Cuisine: A la carte Breakfast (Prix Fixe)

Be sure to book your reservations early, as character meals are incredibly popular. This is a great way to capture those all-important vacation photos before you've even stepped foot in a park!

Explore Disney Springs

Disney Springs is the ultimate arrival day destination if you want to immerse yourself in the Disney atmosphere without using a park ticket. This sprawling shopping, dining, and entertainment district offers something for everyone.

• Shopping: Browse unique Disney stores like World of Disney, the largest Disney retail store in the world, and The LEGO Store, where kids can build and play.

• Dining: You’re spoiled for choice with dining options here, from casual bites like D-Luxe Burger to signature dining experiences like Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ or Morimoto Asia.

• Entertainment: Catch a movie at the AMC theater or enjoy a performance of Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil, a stunning Disney-themed show that’s perfect for your first night.

Strolling through Disney Springs is a great way to ease into the magic while enjoying excellent food, entertainment, and shopping without any pressure or park reservations.

Visit the Parks Only If You're a Seasoned Disney Regular

If you're a frequent Disney visitor and have a park ticket that doesn't require a reservation (such as an Military ticket or a Group ticket type), you might feel confident enough to head into a park on your first day. But I still would not tell the kids because too many delays can happen and you would not want to build up the excitement and than land on disappointment.

Arrival day isn’t usually the best time to dive into the most popular attractions, but you can:

• Stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom to soak in the atmosphere and maybe grab a snack or ice cream at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

• Take a leisurely boat ride in EPCOT’s World Showcase and grab a bite at one of the international pavilions.

• Wander through Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a relaxing evening and catch a nighttime show like Fantasmic!

If you choose to go to a park, keep it simple and focus on experiences that don’t require a lot of rushing around. This way, you can save your energy for a full day in the parks.

Take a Tour of Your Disney Resort

Disney resorts are more than just a place to stay—they’re part of the vacation magic. Each resort is intricately themed, with details that tell a story. Take some time to explore the grounds and discover all that your hotel has to offer:

Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Head to the savanna viewing areas to watch giraffes, zebras, and other animals roam freely.

• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Explore the Pacific Northwest-inspired architecture and check out the Fire Rock Geyser that erupts hourly.

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Enjoy the Victorian elegance and take in the live music in the lobby or a walk along the path to Magic Kingdom.

Exploring your resort is a great way to slow down and ease into the Disney bubble before the hustle and bustle of the parks begins.

Take a Monorail Resort Tour

If you're looking for a fun and unique way to explore Disney without entering the parks, consider doing a monorail resort tour. Hop on the famous Disney monorail and visit the resorts along the loop around Magic Kingdom.

You can start at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you can check out the iconic design, explore the shops, or grab a bite at the rooftop California Grill. Next, stop at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where you can enjoy a tropical atmosphere, sip on a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai, or take in the views from the beach. Finally, head over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s flagship resort, where you can experience Victorian elegance, listen to live music in the grand lobby, or enjoy a relaxing meal at The Grand Floridian Café. This monorail tour is a great way to get a feel for some of the most iconic Disney resorts, and it’s completely free to explore! Plus, it’s a perfect activity if you want to do some light resort hopping before winding down for the evening.

Make Time for Grocery Delivery

One practical but essential tip for arrival day is to get any grocery deliveries sorted before you dive into the fun. Many companies, like Garden Grocer and Instacart, deliver groceries straight to your Disney resort. Stock up on essentials like bottled water, snacks, and breakfast items to save time and money throughout your trip. It’s especially useful if you’re traveling with kids who need quick bites or have dietary restrictions.

Catch the Evening Fireworks from Outside the Parks

You don’t need to be inside the parks to enjoy Disney’s spectacular nighttime shows. If you’re staying near Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, you can still catch the fireworks from select viewing spots.

Some great locations include:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

  • Locations: California Grill (restaurant), The Contemporary Viewing Deck

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: Guests dining at California Grill can view the fireworks from the restaurant’s rooftop deck. For non-diners, the public deck also offers a great view.

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:

  • Locations: Beach Area

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: Grab a spot on the beach for a stunning view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, with the music piped in for full effect.

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

  • Locations: Boat Dock, Gasparilla Island Grill Patio

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: Relax by the dock or on the lawn for a beautiful fireworks display over the Seven Seas Lagoon.

• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:

  • Locations: Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: The lakeside location offers a tranquil spot to catch a glimpse of the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance.

• Disney’s BoardWalk:

  • Locations: The BoardWalk itself

  • Fireworks: EPCOT’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: Head to the BoardWalk for a more distant but still beautiful view of EPCOT’s fireworks, especially around Crescent Lake.

• Disney’s Beach Club Resort:

  • Locations: Beach area facing EPCOT

  • Fireworks: EPCOT’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: Enjoy a relaxing view of the fireworks while sitting along the sand, with a quieter atmosphere than inside the park.

• Disney’s Riviera Resort:

  • Locations: Topolino’s Terrace

  • Fireworks: EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fireworks

  • Pro tip: This rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios fireworks shows during your dining experience.

• The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC):

  • Locations: Ferry Dock

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s fireworks

  • Pro tip: This hidden gem offers a solid view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks without needing to enter the resort hotels.

• The Four Seasons Resort Orlando:

  • Locations: Capa Restaurant

  • Fireworks: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT fireworks

  • Pro tip: Capa, a rooftop steakhouse, offers a luxurious setting with panoramic views of both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT fireworks.

Watching fireworks from outside the parks is a magical way to end your arrival day, especially if you’re saving your park energy for the days to come.

Head to Port Orleans for Beignets and a Scenic Boat Ride

For a laid-back and delicious experience on your arrival day, head over to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter to indulge in some of the best beignets this side of New Orleans. The Scat Cat’s Club – Café serves up warm, fluffy Mickey-shaped beignets that are a must-try for any Disney foodie. After satisfying your sweet tooth, take some time to explore the charming streets of this New Orleans-themed resort, where jazz music fills the air and the atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed.

To add more magic to your day, catch the scenic Sassagoula River Cruise, a leisurely boat ride that will take you from Port Orleans to Disney Springs. This tranquil boat ride offers beautiful views of the Disney property, winding through picturesque landscapes as you relax and enjoy the breeze. Once you arrive at Disney Springs, you’ll be ready to dive into all the shopping, dining, and entertainment that awaits! This combo of beignets and a boat ride is a perfect way to ease into your Disney vacation.

Explore the BoardWalk with Nightly Entertainment and Delicious Treats

Another fantastic way to spend your arrival evening is to explore the Disney BoardWalk, a lively area filled with entertainment, dining, and beautiful waterfront views. As the sun sets, the BoardWalk comes alive with street performers, musicians, and various acts that create a fun, carnival-like atmosphere. You can stroll along the charming boardwalk, soaking in the sights and sounds while enjoying the festive ambiance.

Be sure to stop by Ample Hills Creamery for some delicious, hand-crafted ice cream. With a variety of unique flavors and toppings, it’s the perfect treat to savor as you wander the waterfront. For dinner, choose from several delightful dining options, such as Flying Fish, known for its seafood and elegant atmosphere, or Trattoria al Forno, which offers a taste of Italy with its hearty pastas and wood-fired pizzas. After dinner, consider catching a classic Disney film under the stars at the outdoor movie screenings or simply relax by the water, watching the boats go by. The BoardWalk is a charming and vibrant spot to enjoy your arrival night, creating lasting memories before the adventure in the parks begins!

Unpacking and Getting Settled in Your Room

Once you arrive at your resort, take some time to unpack and settle into your room. This is an essential step in ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible. Unpacking allows you to organize your belongings and set up your space, making it feel more like home during your vacation. Lay out your essentials, such as clothes, toiletries, and any snacks you've brought along, so everything is easily accessible for the days ahead.

Take a moment to explore your room, whether you’re in a standard hotel room, a themed suite, or a villa. Familiarize yourself with the amenities, such as the refrigerator, coffee maker, and TV options, to maximize your comfort. If your resort has a beautiful view, enjoy it while taking a few moments to unwind and recharge after your travels.

This is also a great opportunity to jump-start your Disney "second shift" early, setting yourself up for a smooth start to the next park day and ensuring a good night's sleep.

Revisit Park Plans

Once you’re checked into your room and settled, take a few moments to revisit your park plans. Log into the My Disney Experience app to check the latest park hours and any last-minute changes to the schedule. Confirm which parks you’ll be visiting each day, especially if you've made specific park reservations. It’s also helpful to double-check dining reservations, review Lightning Lane selections to make sure everything is set as planned. This is also a good time to review any special events, parades, or character meet-and-greets you want to experience and note where they’re located within each park. Additionally, familiarize yourself with ride wait times, mobile ordering options for quick meals, and the locations of Guest Services and Baby Care Centers. Checking these details now helps to streamline your days in the parks, ensuring you’re ready to go without any surprises when the magic begins!

Get a Good Night’s Rest

A good night’s sleep is essential for an exciting day ahead at Walt Disney World. Ensure that everyone in the family gets enough rest to recharge for the adventures awaiting them. Settle into your comfortable accommodations, relax, and prepare for the magical experiences that await you in the days to come.

What's your favorite thing to do on your arrival day at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

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Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.

As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!

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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.

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