Hi Rodney!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I am so happy to hear that you are planning on spending time enjoying the resort. Restaurants that are located in a theme park require valid theme park admission to enjoy them. So if you are planning on enjoying resort time on your first evening and not using a theme park ticket, you should select a restaurant outside of the parks. Don't worry, this includes some of my favorite dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort! You could enjoy a restaurant located in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, such as
'Ohana or
Chef Mickey's Restaurant. You could also dine at one of the restaurants on
Disney's BoardWalk, such as Trattoria al Forno or Flying Fish Cafe, and then explore the entertainment in this beautiful area that always reminds me of East Coast boardwalks. Finally,
Disney Springs would be the perfect area to spend your first evening. You could dine at one of the many fantastic options, such as The BOATHOUSE or Morimoto Asia, and then explore the shopping and entertainment the area has to offer. My family had such a good time here during our last visit and it is sure to be a great kick-off evening for your vacation!
Please let us know if you have any other questions. T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!
~Crystal B.