Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Angela!
I think it is beyond amazing that you are planning to take your two young granddaughters to Walt Disney World Resort next summer. When I was a little girl back in the 1970s, I traveled with my grandmother to Magic Kingdom Park and I still carry those cherished memories with me today. What you're giving your grandchildren in terms of experiences and memories is priceless!
Even though you are arriving at Orlando International Airport midday, you could most certainly spend a wonderful evening in one of the theme parks on your day of arrival. It all depends what type of
theme park tickets you have purchased for your trip. If you have at least a two-day ticket to enter the theme parks, you could spend time in the theme parks on August 17th and 18th. (Do keep in mind that you don't need a ticket for your two-year-old granddaughter as Guests under three years of age enter the theme parks for free.)
You may find, however, that traveling can be tiring for little ones. The pools at Walt Disney World Resort hotels are quite enjoyable for young Guests. Your granddaughters may prefer to explore all the amenities at the hotel you'll be calling home during your vacation instead of entering a theme park on the 17th. Let us know in a follow-up question which hotel you've selected and we can make suggestions for
activities there that would be appropriate for preschoolers.
Oh, I'm so excited for you, Angela! Be sure to take plenty of pictures and record the many wonderful memories your family will be making together next summer. As your granddaughters get older, you'll always want to remember the special trip you took together at a time in their lives when magic was 100% real to them.
Sending best wishes and pixie dust,
Jill