What to Do on Walt Disney World Arrival Day

You have finally arrived at Walt Disney World! But what do you do on Walt Disney World arrival day? If you are traveling across the country as most people do, here are some idea of what do on Walt Disney World arrival day when you might not yet have activated park tickets or want to keep it lowkey after a long day of travel.

What to Do on Walt Disney World Arrival Day

Arrival day at Walt Disney World can be just as fun as any other day of the trip. Well, minus departure day. No one really likes that day. There are many wonderful accommodations and ways to relax a little on travel day before preparing for all of the fun at the Disney Parks on park day!

Disney Resort Hotels

There is already so much to do at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. On arrival day at Walt Disney World, why not take some time to enjoy the pools at your resort hotel? Relax and enjoy the time together as a family and maybe turn in for an early evening.

Each Disney Resort hotel has different amenities you can enjoy. Some locations offer bike rentals, arcades, fishing, and other recreational entertainment. This is such a fun way to enjoy what your resort hotel offers. Some even have hammocks and lawn chairs on a small beach at the resort. Perfect for relaxation and a good book.

This is also the perfect time to become acquainted with your resort hotel food court. You can purchase a reusable mug and get acquainted where refill stations are at your resort. The Disney Resort hotel food courts are mostly quiet during midday so this is a good time to grab some snacks for the room.

Often times, Disney Resort hotels offer fun and free activities for the entire family too! Be sure to look through your welcome packet upon arrival or ask a Cast Member for times. There might be an evening movie outdoors or other things to enjoy.

Quick Tip: Use online check-in and receive text messages for when your room is ready. You can head straight to your room when they text your room number and make your way straight to the pool after getting settled. No time standing in line at the front desk to check-in.

Take a Ride on the Disney Skyliner Gondolas or the Monorail

Hop onto one of the new Disney Skyliner Gondolas (due to open Fall 2019) for a short trip arou nd select areas in Walt Disney World. You can also head over the Ticket and Transportation Center to take a trip on the monorail. These are fun ways to see Walt Disney World from the sky.

Explore Disney Springs

Disney Springs has so much to offer and often times gets overlooked. With shopping, great eats and more, there is a lot do to here. You can easily spend an entire day enjoying the sites.

You can take a hot air balloon ride on Characters In Flight Balloon. Quick Tip: If you ride before 10:00 AM, each person rides for just $10.00 (subject to change).

The LEGO Store is fascinating and fun for all ages. There are even areas that kids and adults can sit and build their own creations. Take a peek at what amazing things are built out of LEGO outside of the shop and indoors.

If you need something sweet, check out the cupcake ATM at Sprinkles. It is a lot of fun and something new to try. Plus, Sprinkles cupcakes are beyond amazing. Some of the best cupcakes I have ever had and I am picky about my cupcakes. The frosting has to be on point and theirs are.

Also, don’t forget to stop into Ghiradelli for some free chocolate. Often times they will hand out one square per person at the door or register. Plus, you can always grab a milkshake there too. Some of the best!

The AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24 is the perfect spot to catch a movie and dinner. It is a restaurant and movie theatre in one. Reserve your seat and enjoy a made-from-scratch menu with their in-house chefs or order a drink straight from the bar. Just push the service button at your seat to order.

Disney Springs also often has live music around the district. There are also moving statues and other fun things going on. The beauty alone of the springs and water fountains is breathtaking. You’re going to love it here.

Mini Golf

Why not have some fun and try mini golf at Winter Summerland Miniature Golf or Fantasia Gardens & Miniature Golf? These two courses are each themed with recognizable Disney characters. What a fun way to enjoy a classic family activity with a bit of magic around it.

Quick Tip: Winter Summerland tends to be the more “kid-friendly” course.

Dinner and a Show

Try booking an advanced dining reservation with a dinner and show location. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort offers hula dancing, an all you can enjoy family style feast, and amazing fire dancing.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a timeless classic. Comedy and loads of laughter are ahead along with a country style feast. This show will leave you joyful and ready for a fun vacation ahead.

Quick Tip: Try the Minnie Van™ Service to easily navigate to these resort hotels if you are staying elsewhere on the property.

Watch the Fireworks from Your Resort

If you are lucky enough to be staying at a resort near the Magic Kingdom or even somewhere like Carribean Beach near Epcot, you might just get a sneak peek of some of the fireworks from areas of your Disney Resort hotel. Ask a Cast Member at the front desk if they know where you might be able to view some from afar.

Places like the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, and the Polynesian even have areas of their resort where music is pumped-in from the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. A wonderful ending to the first day at Walt Disney World.

Arrival Day at Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be jam-packed with a lot to do right away. In fact, I find that having one relaxing afternoon at Walt Disney World makes for a comfortable vacation. With so much to do outside of just enjoying the parks, you will have a lot of fun and memories to make.

Be sure to take a look at your arrival time and compare it to what activities you might be able to enjoy on arrival day. Then, take it easy and have a good time.