Hi Sarah!
Thanks for stopping by planDisney! You picked a
wonder-FALL time of year to visit, with seasonal favorites like
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival adding to the year-round magic you already find in the parks and at the resort hotels!
Sarah, it sounds like you
bibbidi-bobbidi-booked a fabulous vacation package that includes your
resort stay,
theme park tickets, and a
dining plan. When you book a package, your theme park tickets and dining plan start the same day as your resort hotel stay. As my
planDisney pal Abi suggests, you can
contact a Cast Member at the Walt Disney Travel Company if you'd like to speak more about the specific details of your reservation.
If you have a few days in the area before your park tickets are active, you'll be happy to know that there is no shortage of fun to be had outside of the parks! To start, I'd suggest spending a day at
Disney Springs. With seemingly endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options, there is plenty to explore here. Our family really enjoys
Splitsville Luxury Lanes, where you can combine bowling with some delicious food! And a visit to
World of Disney is the perfect way to kick off your vacation. I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for a new pair of mouse ears to add to my collection!
You may also enjoy a character dining experience in one of the Disney Resort hotels - no theme park ticket required! One of my favorite spots is Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast at
Cape May Cafe in
Disney's Beach Club Resort. Minnie and some of her best pals will stop by your table to say "hello" while you enjoy a fabulous buffet. It's a great way to squeeze in a few character hugs before visiting the parks!
I hope this information has been helpful, Sarah, and that you have the most magical time at Walt Disney World Resort! If you have any other questions, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney - we're all ears!
Cheers!
Kristi