• On Oct 23, 2019
    Kimberly Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    we are not counting our first day in Disney as a park day, but need things to do with our 10 year old daughter. What hotel restaurants are good and fun? What else can we do?

    Hi, Kimberly!
     
    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! 
      
    Beginning your vacation with a stroll through the Disney Resort hotels or Disney Springs is indeed an intelligent decision! 
     
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge would be my first choice, especially if you’re able to arrive before sunset. The lobby at Jambo House is breathtakingly beautiful, and the dining options there are all fantastic. The outstanding Wanyama Safari sounds like a perfect option for your family. This exclusive, 90-minute tour will take you on an adventure through the grounds that ends with a delicious, African-inspired dinner at Jiko - The Cooking Place. 
     
    A dinner at ‘Ohana, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, can also be an excellent choice. This Disney Resort hotel is my favorite for a relaxing trip. After dinner, you can take a stroll through the grounds and end the night at the beach to watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom Park
     
    Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also offers a fun option to meet royal characters (and even their envious relatives). Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare will allow you to sample delicious offerings in the company of Cinderella and Prince Charming.
     
    The Christmas decorations at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are also memorable, so a night out there can be a fantastic option if you like the most wonderful time of the year. Combined with a reservation to dine at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, this can be an exceptional night.

    Since I visited last month, this has become my favorite character dinner. The atmosphere is relaxing and magical at the same time, the meal is well-paced, and the food is fantastic. The 'Cottage' Beef Stew is outstandingly flavorful! 
     
    Finally, Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long is also an adventurous option. This open campfire invites Guests to watch movies and roast marshmallows under the stars, and it’s super relaxing for the first night of a vacation. This activity is complimentary, but parking at The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is restricted to Guests with reservations there. The best way to get there, in this case, is a Minnie Van. They’re as fun as they sound, and you can request one through the Lyft app.  
     
    I hope these options help you make the most of this beautiful first night with your princess, Kimberly! Please come back with further questions as they come up. We’re always here to help!
     
    May the magic be with you, 
     
    Julie
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Meet the Panelist: Julie, California

Hi! I am Julie, a Brazilian brand strategist, and amateur cook. I grew up in Brazil, but I currently live in California. I dreamed of visiting the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort since I was a little girl and now I love to help others enjoy the magic as much as I do. Being an all-things-Disney nerd and Disney Vacation Club member, I'm here to help you find the perfect hotels, park events, and seasonal festivals to make your trip a memory to cherish forever! Learn More About Julie

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