Hey Lisa!
Our family likes to skip the theme parks on the day we arrive at Walt Disney World. We use our arrival day to decompress from traveling, settle into our room, and explore our resort. Disney's Art of Animation Resort has an amazing feature pool "The Big Blue Pool", surrounded by Nemo and all of his friends. There's a splash pad for the littlest guppies and a great arcade inside for the older kids.
Once you've explored your resort, head on over to the Downtown Disney Area for some great food and shopping. We always kick off our trip with dinner at Earl of Sandwich. It's counter service, so reservations are not required. After dinner, we explore the shops and just stroll around Downtown Disney. Then it's back to our resort for a movie under the stars by the pool or to just relax and turn in early. This way we're ready to hit the parks first thing in the morning.
You could also visit one of
Walt Disney World's miniature golf courses, Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens. If you're traveling with smaller children, I recommend Winter Summerland as Fantasia Gardens can be quite challenging.
Walt Disney World Resorts also offer some spectaular dining choices, which do not require theme park admission. How about a character meal at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or a dinner show like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground?
I hope this gives you a couple ideas for fun ways to kick off your Walt Disney World vacation, Lisa. I'd love for you to come back and see us again real soon. Please feel free to write back if you have any other questions.
Pixie Dust,
Ashley