One of the commonly asked questions by Walt Disney World guests is “What should we do the night we arrive?” The question itself is actually too broad without any context. I say if you have an annual pass then the answer is easy, as you should spend that time in the parks. For those guests who are just visiting for a week or less and don’t have a ticket for the night they arrive there is still plenty to do in Walt Disney World. Here are 5 ways to optimize your first night in Walt Disney World:
1) Watch the fireworks from Disney’s Polynesian Village
A not so hidden secret about Walt Disney World is that the Magic Kingdom fireworks display is visible from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Sitting on the sandy beach across the Seven Seas Lagoon is a way to watch the fireworks for free on your first night in Walt Disney World. Personally this is my favorite location to watch the fireworks because it is less crowded, you can sit down to watch the fireworks, and the perspective from across the Seven Seas Lagoon is beautiful. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has plenty to do before the fireworks start. Adults 21 and over and stop by Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto for an adult beverage before or after the fireworks, and family can stop by the Pineapple Lanai, which serve the Walt Disney World classic Dole Whip.
2) Jellyrolls
Located at Disney’s BoardWalk is Jellyrolls. Jellyrolls is a dueling pianos bar for guests 21 and over. Jellyrolls’ popularity creates an energy, and as guests of the bar begin to sing along to the pianists the bar begins to come alive. With all genres of music played everyone gets to hear at least a little of the music they like. Some nights the bar does fill up fast so be prepared to wait for a table.
3) Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney)
Disney Springs is the obvious choice if you are planning on spending time in Walt Disney World outside of the parks, and it is for good reason. There is so much to do here, and as construction walls continues to come down, Disney Springs will only become better and better. When choosing a place to eat at Disney Springs there are lots of choices. With high end options like Fulton’s Crab House to more affordable choices like Earl of Sandwich there are plenty of options here. My personal favorite place is affordable and also serves quality food: Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace. With so many great restaurants and shops you can spend a lot of time in Disney Springs.
4) Explore your resort
Walt Disney World resorts are full of things to do and explore. Taking advantage of what your Walt Disney World resort hotel has to offer that first night is a great way to have fun, and also familiarize you and your family to your new home away from home for the next few days. Each resort offers something different, and experiencing the thing that makes your resort special is what makes Walt Disney World resorts so unique.
5) Getting to bed early
This might sound lame, but later in your Walt Disney World vacation you’ll be thanking me. The average guest in Walt Disney World walks around 10 miles a day, and when you add that to the heat and humidity of central Florida you body is going to want lots of sleep. Unfortunately for your body you are most likely going to want to spend time in the parks for extra magic hours, which are additional park hours for Disney resort guests. These late nights and early mornings means less sleep. This is why I recommend going to sleep as early as your body will allow on your first night.
