Arrival day....what to do?

When planning itineraries for my client, on thing that inevitably comes up is arrival day. There are so many questions!!

  • What time should we arrive?
  • How long will it take to get to my resort?
  • What time is Check-in?
  • Should we go to a park?
Today I want to touch on each of these questions!!

What time should I arrive?
This is a two fold question as price often dictates arrival time.  If you can find an early flight that doesn't kill your pocket book, book it! The more time at Disney the better!  Keep in mind that most airports still recommend arriving 2 hours prior to your flight so you'll need to factor in travel time to your local airport, the time it takes to get checked, get through security etc.    Find what works for your family! Be sure to take advantage of checking online at home and printing your boarding passes to save you time!

How long will it take to get to my resort?
The answer to this question is going to depend on what mode of transportation you have selected! Orlando International Airport is approximately 25-30 minutes to Disney (depending on your route and resort).
Magical Express
This awesome service is completely FREE! Not only will they take you to your resort but they'll even get your bags for you! Downfall is that you could potentially stop at multiple resorts before your own, your luggage will take at least 3 hours to show up AND will take you a bit longer to arrive at your resort. Also note that Magical Express could take up to 2 hours from touchdown to hotel.

Car Service
If you are looking for more personalized service and to arrive at Disney in style (without stopping at other resorts) I can't recommend Quick Silver Tours and Transportation enough! They offer amazing service and great rates on Town Cars, Limos, Vans and more!! Click the picture below to head to their website and be sure to tell them I sent you! We have used their services multiple times and are always more than pleased!

Car Rental
If you are familiar with the area or comfortable exploring a new one, a rental car might be a good option.  If you are planning any time away from Disney....although I know you wouldn't....this would the way to do it!  I  usually recommend Alamo. It's on the airport grounds so you won't have to take a shuttle. Plus they have great prices, a kiosk for quick service and you can pick out your own car in the lot!

What time is Check-In?
Check-in at most Disney resorts is 3 p.m. however you can check in ANYTIME! As soon as you check-in your Magic Bands will be activated.  The bands will serve as your room key, park tickets and dining plan credits (if you opted for this). If you brought your bags with you, Bell Services can hold them while you go and enjoy the parks! If you used Magical Express they will arrive magically in your room when you get back! This let's you start enjoying the magic right away!

Should we go to a park?
There is a lot to consider with this questions. The main point I want to make is that if you have booked at least a 4 day park ticket, each additional day works out to be only about $13 more, per person! If you arrive early enough and how late the parks are open, why not head to a park?  You might not be able to ride a lot of attractions, depending on the time of year but you can always grab dinner and enjoy the fireworks or other night time entertainment!

If you'd rather save your first park visit for the first full day of your vacation, you still have lots of options!!! Downtown Disney is a free entertainment and shopping district and is easily accessible by bus and boat.  The area offers restaurants, shopping, a brand new bowling alley, a hot air balloon ride and more!! Read more about Downtown Disney here.

Disney's Boardwalk is also a fun place to grab a bit to eat!  Or you could relax and explore your own resort; swim, eat and just enjoy being at Disney!! Or head to another resort you've always wanted to try but haven't! With Disney there are endless options!!

Disney also offer 2 fun filled miniature golf courses! If you've purchased a Magic Your Way package look for a coupon!  If you've added the Water Park Fun and More option, you'll have visits available on your ticket!!  Disney's Winter Summerland (my favorite) is located at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water park, while Fantasia Gardens is located at the Swan and Dolphin resort!




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