Hiya, Neil. Welcome to planDisney!
It sounds like you have an exciting start to the new year planned with a stay at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village and a visit to
Magic Kingdom to bookend your vacation. As you count down to your magical vacation, consider building excitement with this
Disney Parks Blog article about vacation countdown ideas. From creating a paper chain to watching Disney movies with themes that match your itinerary, there’s no shortage of ways to make the wait feel like part of the fun!
The benefits of
Early Theme Park Entry and
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are available to Disney Resort hotel guests on check-in and check-out days; there is no need to have physically checked into your room yet. I recommend downloading the
My Disney Experience app to link your Disney Resort reservation and using the
Direct-to-Room Service to virtually “check in” for added peace of mind. On the morning of your visit to Magic Kingdom, you can leave your bags with Bell Services at Kidani Village and head straight to the park, bypassing the front desk. On check-out day, you can do the same: drop your bags at Bell Services, let them know you’re heading to the parks, and enjoy one more ride on your favorite attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, or "it’s a small world."
I also recommend taking advantage of some valuable extras for a smooth stay. Use an online grocery delivery service to deliver snacks, drinks, or breakfast directly to your Disney Resort. Pick up a Resort Refillable Mug, which gives you unlimited coffee, tea, and soda refills at self-service beverage stations throughout your resort. Don’t forget to grab a Refillable Popcorn Bucket, which is perfect for discounted popcorn refills. The snack keeps kids and parents happy during busy park days.
I hope this helps, Neil! If you have more questions, whether it’s about planning park days or dining recommendations,
feel free to submit them to me. I’m here to help make your vacation planning as smooth as possible.
See you real soon!
Brent