Hi, Krystel! Your trip is coming up so soon! I bet you can already taste the Dole Whips and hear the Expedition Everest shrieks. Planning how to start your Walt Disney World Resort vacation is a huge decision. I have a few ideas for you, along with a sure-fire way to make your decision.
If you do not want to use one of the days on your theme park tickets, head to Downtown Disney for shopping, fun, and fantastic eats. My favorite shop to visit is the Marketplace Co-op, full of amazing products being tested before they are fully launched in the parks. You could spend the afternoon bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes before claiming ice cream as a dinner at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Soda Shop.
Completed check-in at your Resort and you find yourself melting on a hot, sunny day? Head to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park for a zip down Summit Plummet or to float around Melt-Away Bay.
Need a bit of instant magic? Then do like we do and hop on the next Magic Kingdom bus you see. Nothing gets us in the vacation state of mind faster than passing under the train tunnel and spying Cinderella Castle for the first time. Several years ago, my daughters insisted on riding the Magic Carpets of Aladdin before even looking at the more popular rides. What started out as a big joke has become a tradition for us, and I honestly do not feel like I can relax and let the vacation start until I am spinning high above Adventureland on my favorite Magic Carpet.
So, Krystel, are you still stuck? Take a look at
a really fun Disney Parks Blog entry from Jennifer Fickley-Baker, where she provides a great flowchart to help you decide how to spend your first Disney day. Water park, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, wherever … it’s totally up to you how to let your #DisneySide shine on your first Disney day.
Brandy