Greetings Jenny and thanks for the question! I am so excited to assist you with the planning of your FIRST Walt Disney vacation! What an honor!
My family has created so many fabulous memories on Disney-bound road trips, and when we finally pass through those "Welcome" gates, we are all hyped up and ready to roll. I think you'll have plenty of time to make it over to Epcot for dinner, but it may not leave you much time to explore the park itself, which depending on your situation, may be a waste of a day's park ticket.
My family loves to visit Downtown Disney or Disney's Boardwalk on our first night. Both locations are FREE to visit, and boast lots of dining and entertainment opportunities, so we can get a taste of Disney before actually entering the parks. Please use the links below to check out the dining options at these fun destinations:
Another one of my favorite "first night" rituals is to dine at the Polynesian Resort's
'Ohana restaurant. If you time you reservation right, you can watch
Wishes, the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks display right from your table! I just love sitting in this island paradise, gazing at Cinderella Castle, and dreaming of the adventures that await. This dining experience is extremely popular, so be sure to make an advanced dining reservation as soon as possible
ONLINE or by calling (497)WDW-DINE.
Best Wishes,
Amanda F.