Magical Blogorail: What to Do on Arrival Day at Walt Disney World

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Red. Enjoy the ride as we share what we do on the day we arrive at the Disney parks.

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We've tried various things over the years but my favorite thing to do on our arrival day at Walt Disney World is NOT MUCH! I know, I know. You are excited to be at WDW and want to hit the ground running but I suggest a slow start is the way to go.

My family just got back on Sunday from 8 days at Walt Disney World. Our first day went quite well so let's walk through it. Our reservation at Old Key West (OKW) began on Sunday, November 3. We decided to break up the 650 mile drive and left on Saturday morning. We met my brother, Chris, near Savannah and caravanned to Jacksonville, FL for the night, using business travel points for the room. The girls got a chance, albeit brief, to play in the hotel pool in the evening and started Sunday with a good breakfast. My husband and brother cruised with the top down on Chris' Mustang and the girls enjoyed Disney movies while I drove the minivan. My parents had stayed in Kissimmee on Saturday night so they had already completed check-in at Old Key West and were doing some shopping. We all decided lunch at Olivia's Cafe was the way to go. I love their po boy, the guys are fans of the Duval Street burger, and the girls love the make-your-own ice cream sundae.

Ready to go to Walt Disney World!

After lunch, our room wasn't yet ready so we boarded a boat for Downtown Disney (DTD). Dad and Chris went to Guest Relations to buy Tables in Wonderland cards and the rest of us did some browsing. We let the girls ride the kiddie train and then my parents went back to OKW while the children played at the Lego Store. Minnie fell asleep on the bus and Tink voluntarily went to bed as soon as we got in the villa. Dad and Chris went grocery shopping for us all and brought home deli pizzas for dinner. Since the villas at OKW have full kitchens, it was easy to cook this simple meal. After dinner, my husband took the girls to the playground while I worked on a MagicBand issue with the front desk.

Taking photos of a toddler is an unpredictable thing

Woody totally photobombed this shot

Monsters University was playing near the pool and playground

We've tried hitting a park on the first night or making reservations for a character meal or shopping later than we should at DTD, but simply relaxing and getting settled in seems to work best. Allowing this time for the kids to not be strapped into a car seat and not waiting in line anywhere is helpful. Letting everyone chat and catch up is nice. Getting a bit of extra sleep before a tiring week is awesome.

Please leave a comment below and let me know what your family likes to do on your arrival day at Walt Disney World.

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Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is My Dreams of Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Growing Up Disney
2nd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney
3rd Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay
4th Stop ~ Heidi's Head
Final Stop ~ A World View

Magical Blogorail: Most Magical Disney Memories

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the Final stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Our blog is all about our magical Disney memories.   I've shared lots of stories about the big things...my Disney wedding, marathon, and so on.  Today I'd like to look at a few of the smaller moments that are wonderful memories.

While these were pretty much the biggest deals in my life, announcing to my parents that I was expecting each of my children were private moments at Disney World.  For Tink, I seized the chance to  weasel my way into a last minute trip my parents were taking.  It took me all day to find the right time to spill the beans but I'm glad I waited, as IllumiNations will forever be connected to Tink since I told them right before the show started.  For Minnie, we had a trip already planned so I got Tink a big sister shirt and arranged for us to have dinner at Olivia's on the first evening.  My brother was in on the surprise so he had his camera ready.  I stopped at the restroom on the way to the table and changed Tink's shirt.  It took my parents a few moments to realize A. that she had changed and B. just what her shirt said.  Since I have set this precedent, my parents hoped we had more news when I've agreed to other last minute trips over the last year and a half but I'm happy to be done with baby announcements.

When I was in college program, my parents and grandparents came down for a visit.  My Granny and I had so much fun shopping with my Christmas discount.

 

 

When on Tink's first visit, we took her to the free character photo session for Disney Visa cardmembers at Innoventions.  Pluto saw my one-year-old and immediately got down on all fours to play with her.

  

And speaking of a first birthday, here's Tink enjoying her smash cake in an Old Key West Grand Villa.  This kid has no idea how good she has it.

 

Minnie's first character meet and greet was Pluto and Goofy in Dinoland at Animal Kingdom.  Watching her totally light up for Pluto was priceless.  (Must be something special about Pluto.)

On our trip in January 2013, Tink was sick enough that I had to take her to the emergency room.  Thankfully my children are normally very healthy and it was tough to see her feel so awful.  She was well enough for one really good day on that trip and seeing her face when Cinderella approached us at Akershus was fabulous.

 

We've enjoyed being a part of the fun...my husband played the bucket for Mulch, Sweat and Shears and had to sing "I'm a Little Teapot" at the 50's Diner, DisneyDad has been "that guy" in the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, Mom likes to interact with the Streetmosphere Cast at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Tink was the featherduster in Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ridge played along with the tiny glass of tea and bathroom FastPass at Whispering Canyon and I've been pulled up to sing about women's sufferage on Main Street, U.S.A.

  

I'll stop now as I could go on and on about the little moments but I think those are what really makes Walt Disney World special.  It's usually not the big plans we make that end up being sweet memories.  It's those moments where we get caught up in the magic that really bring us back time and again.  

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Red this month. We will be back on November 15th with an all new theme. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney news, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney
2nd Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay
3rd Stop ~ Colorado Mountain Mom
4th Stop ~ A World View
Final Stop ~ Growing Up Disney

Photo flashback! -- World Of Disney

Tick Tock stands watch over the jewelry store in WOD.

While Tink watches helplessly as you spend all your money!

 

Glowing Toys for Nights at Disney Parks

Throughout the year, keep an eye out for glow in the dark or light up toys while you are shopping. I've found glow wands for $1 each in the past. This week I ran across the collection below at Target in the kids party section. While you can find cheaper toys from time to time, they have a fun selection of products which are convenient and still far less expensive than the items sold in the parks.  These are party packs and include 4-10 of each item.

When choosing toys, keep in mind that you don't want anything too bright.  A standard flashlight would be distracting for other guests.  Glow sticks, bracelets, etc and toys with a dim light are best.

I Feel So Clever (Or Necessity is the Mother of Invention)

It seems like I always need a little more storage space on my strollers or just one more hand to help. I recently purchased these Jeep hooks and love them. They're only about $6 for the set so I have ordered a second set for our single Bob. I've used them on the single to hold my preschooler's backpack and on the double to carry a shopping basket, among other things.  On the shopping trip pictured, I bought Tink some popcorn (aka bought myself a little peace) and used the hook to hang the bag off the back of the stroller, keeping the popcorn upright and easily accessible.  Later I ran across a stack of shopping baskets in the store and had the idea to hook one on to the stroller.  I got a look or two with this contraption but who cares?  I was able to get around the store in peace knowing my girls were happy and my purchases weren't going to fall.

These hooks don't need to be removed when the stroller is folded so they are always ready to go. So far they seem nice and sturdy and the hooks rotate to any position.  I'm thinking these will be great for traveling.  While I am a big fan of packing as light as you can for the parks, you always end up with something extra and here's a good place to put it.

And to clarify the pictures, my diaper bag is attached to the handles of the stroller, behind the basket and then the shopping bags.






I wrote the above portion of this story a week or two ago.  Since then, necessity was again the mother of invention.  I usually go grocery shopping while Tink is in preschool, allowing me to go with only one child.  The school Thanksgiving party was Monday so the grocery store had to wait until Tuesday.  There are various ways to carry my girls through the store...Tink in the seat of the cart and Minnie either in her carseat in the basket of the cart or being worn by me.  Or, I could push their double stroller and pull a small cart.  Well, that's what I decided to do.  Thankfully, even though the Bob Duallie is the size of a tank, it handles like a dream so we were doing great.  It was a busy day and would have been a bit of a challenge regardless.  Anyway, I was almost finished when Minnie started yelling and I had to hold her.  Now I had one super-sized stroller and a small cart and a baby on my hip.  Hmmmm.  I used the hooks to attach the cart to the stroller and pulled the whole thing by the handle of the car seat.  It worked fairly well but I was really glad we were almost finished with our shopping by that point.  I can't see any way that this helps you with a vacation tip but it was too funny not to share.

--Amy

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Thanks to my husband for finding and sharing this tip!

Don't carry that brand-new (insert item here) around with you all day!

Most merchandise locations at Walt Disney World theme parks and Downtown Disney will offer resort delivery.  If you've bought something you don't want to carry around with you, the store can have it sent to the gift shop at the WDW resort where you are staying.  This takes a couple of days, but even if you are at the end of your visit or staying off property, they still have you covered.  Your purchase can also be delivered to the front of the park where you can pick it up on your way out.  This is especially nice with larger or fragile items but feel free to use it for just about any purchase you don't want to carry with you.

Team Favorites--Non-park Activity

While the theme parks at Walt Disney World are certainly the main reason most people visit the resort, don't miss out on some of the other great recreational activities available to you.  From boating and fishing to golfing and horseback riding to shopping and dining, there are many things to do at Walt Disney World that don't involve turnstiles.  Here are a few favorites of the Growing Up Disney team.

Amy:  I obviously love the theme parks but I also think the resorts are an attraction unto themselves.  My favorite is the Grand Floridian.  It's so beautiful and I find it relaxing just to walk into the lobby.  Afternoon tea with my mom is one of my favorite things to do at WDW and I highly recommend the Garden View Lounge and its tea service.  Depending on the time of day, you may hear a pianist or an orchestra entertaining in the Grand's lobby.  Many times you may spot a bridal party taking pre-ceremony photos on the grand staircase.   They have a great system for taking both the groom's and bride's photos here without the couple seeing each other.  (I really do have to blog about my wedding soon....)  Other favorite resorts for relaxing and exploring include the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Heading to breakfast at Kona Cafe

While this is often more transportation than recreation, I love riding the boats at Walt Disney World.  To get to the Grand for tea, I like to take the Monorail over from the Magic Kingdom and then leisurely make our way back on the boat that provides service to Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian.  We normally stay at Old Key West and the water taxi to Downtown Disney is fun.  Again, we typically take the quicker option, in this case the bus, to get there and return by the more leisurely transportation choice.  If you are going to Wilderness Lodge from the Magic Kingdom, be sure to take a boat! 

Walt Disney World is a great place for shopping.  Since Disney has been homogenizing their merchandise over the last few years, I like to window shop during my trip and then go to Downtown Disney's World of Disney store to purchase.  This ginormous store has much of the merchandise you see at the parks and I like making one big purchase.  Thankfully, not every store on property features the same Mickey 2010 t-shirt.  The World Showcase shops in particular have some very interesting merchandise.

TIP:  Most merchandise locations at Walt Disney World theme parks and Downtown Disney will offer resort delivery.  If you've bought something you don't want to carry around with you, the store can have it sent to the gift shop at the WDW resort where you are staying.  This takes a couple of days, but if you are at the end of your visit or staying off property, they still have you covered.  Your purchase can also be delivered to the front of the park.

Miniature golf is a favorite activity of our family.  I peeked ahead and saw that DisneyDad is covering that so I'll leave it for him.  I already have a full post scheduled for next Monday for Winter Summerland Mini-Golf, so be sure to check it out.

Confession:  I haven't been in a Walt Disney World pool since college.  We're more hit the parks people.  However, now that we have Tink, this will be changing.  WDW has some great resort pools.  I'm especially interested in staying at Kidani Village to let Tink check out the vast water play area there.  Most resorts have both feature pools with fancy theming, slides, etc and quiet pools which are more simple.

Click here for my post on jogging at Walt Disney World.  Most of the resorts offer walking/jogging/running paths and a morning jog is a nice way to watch the World wake up.

Mom at the 18th hole, winning again

DisneyDad:  We usually plan a day where we do not go to a park when we visit WDW.  My wife loves to play mini-golf  and she has a tendency to beat me when we play.  We enjoy Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course near Blizzard Beach Water Park.  The fun begins when you pick up your club at the small airstream looking camper - the Winterbago - which is the starters booth as well as snack bar and gift shop (Annual Passholders get a 50% discount on golf.)  Be sure to bring your camera and climb into Santa's sleigh for a quick picture before you begin.  Then choose your Santa-themed course...Sand or Snow.

The Sand Course takes you on a summer trip to the beach with Santa.  On one hole you'll find him buried in the sand as you putt over his belly.  There is a large sand castle with a drawbridge for you to test your luck.  The Snow Course takes you on a winter trip with Santa and his elves along with some of the Disney characters.  It has a snow castle that matches the sand castle.  Watch out for Squirty the snowman who just might get you wet as you pass.  Both courses end up with a special message from Santa on a computer screen as you finish up on the 18th hole.

Watch out for alligators!  Both courses are near a lake and I have seen a small alligator sunning himself.  This is central Florida after all.

Ridge:  My favorite non-park activity, besides taking a break and just grabbing a nap in the room, is going to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk to hangout.  Both have shopping and pretty nice restaurants.  At Downtown Disney my favorite restaurant is Raglan Road and it's ESPN Club at Boardwalk.  New to the Boardwalk is Kouzzina by chef Cat Cora and has a Mediterranean menu.  Also at the Boardwalk is the Big River Grille & Brewing Works where they make their own unique beers.  It's nice to get out and people watch sometimes, especially at Jellyrolls dueling piano bar.  There really isn't a song these guys don't know.  There is also other entertainment to be seen here right out in the open, so keep your eyes peeled.