There isn’t much more exciting than arriving at Walt Disney World on your first day.

There really isn’t anything much sadder than having to leave Disney on your last day.

That said, there are some fun ways to get started and end your vacation on a high note.

Let’s start with a bonus tip:  If you can swing it, arrive as early as you can on your first day and depart as late as you can on your last day.  That may allow you to get value out of a park ticket.  You can always leave your bag with Bell Services if your room isn’t ready or if you are staying past check out time.

Remember, check in time is 3 pm at many resorts and often check out time is 11 am.   But you can still use the resort amenities all day on your check in and check out days – so that means the pools, restaurants, shopping, and game rooms are all yours.

Also of note, if you are using the Disney Magical Express to get back and forth from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’ll need to factor in travel time.  When you arrive at the airport, you’ll find that you may have a wait of 20-30 minutes – sometimes shorter, sometimes longer.  Your travel time can be 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and if you have other resort stops before your final destination.  Good rule of thumb is to allow an hour or so.  Times vary, though, so a good attitude is your friend here.

On your return trip, you’ll find that often they will assign you a pick up time back to the airport at 3 (or a little more) hours prior to your flight time.  This can help you frame when you need to be back at the resort – also noting that you have to allow travel time back to your resort if you are visiting a park or Disney Springs (which could take an hour depending on how long you have to wait for your bus).

So obviously if you can get to a park and start the fun right away or squeeze in one last visit on your last day – go for it!  

But if you can’t make it work timing wise, then here are some great ideas to soak up the magic without needing a park ticket.

 

1. Visit Disney Springs

   This location is a shopping extravaganza.  If you havne’t found just the right gift, you can certainly top off your shpping here.  The Art of Disney, World of Disney, and Disney’s Days of Christmas are great choices to help you take some magic home with you.  Also, the Ganachery is not to be missed for sweet treats.  You could also grab a great dog at BB Wolf’s Sausage Company, tacos from Frontera Cocina, or a tasty drink at the Hangar Bar.  There are locations open some nights as late at 1 am, but be aware that there isn’t a ton going on early in the morning.  This location picks up around lunch time.

2. Check out a Resort Restaurant

   If you love food, you can always find something to eat around Walt Disney World.  If you don’t have time to hit a park or visit Disney Springs, set up a dining reservation for dinner on your first day or brunch on your last day.  There are also usually fun food courts that have food which ties back to the theme of the resort or is just plain delicious.  If you are staying at The Contemporary, don’t miss out on California Grill (but book early) and at Boardwalk there are many dining options available since you can also walk over to the Beach Club or Yacht Club resorts.

3. Go Shopping

   There are so many places to shop, you’ll need to keep a tight leash on your wallet.  Remember that most resort hotels have locations where you can pick up souvenirs even if you can’t make it back to a park or Disney Springs.  The selections might be a little more truncated, but you can certainly find pins, ears, shirts, and mugs – and many resorts have their own branded merchandise, which is fun.  For example, if you are staying at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, or Yacht Club, you’ll find merchandise just for those resorts.  You can also grab those last minute Disney themed sweets or snacks for the road.

4. Hit the Pool

   Remember to pack your swim suit in your carry on if you checked your backs with the magical express.  That way you can change right away and hit the pool when you arrive or grab one last swim before you leave.  This is probably better for the first day than the last since you’ll be left with a wet suit and funny hair – but its your vacation, so go for it.  Swim, soak up some last Florida sunshine, and even hit the pool bar.  For whatever reason a cold beer or margarita always tastes better by a pool at Disney.  Some resorts offer towels and others don’t, so be sure to check that so you have what you need.

5. Sleep

   Its your vacation – don’t let anyone bully you into hitting the parks early if you don’t want to.  Take a little time for you and take a nap when you arrive if you want – or sleep in on your last day so you can head home relaxed and refreshed.  Disney vacations can be exhausting, so why not use that last day to rest up.  Order some room service, enjoy the great in room coffee, and take your time to pack up and head back to the airport.  You are on vacation after all, so enjoy it.

6. Walk the Resort

   The resorts are beautiful – and many of them have great themes.  The moderate and deluxe resorts have deeper theming than the value resorts, but there are some fun things to see at Art of Animation to be sure.  Resorts like Boardwalk and Contemporary have much to do around property and Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, and Wilderness Lodge are beautifully themed and landscaped.  At any rate, grabbing a drink and taking a walk around to soak in the magic at the beginning or end of your vacation is a fun way to relax and enjoy the resort.  You’ll likely find some hidden gems like a quiet place to sit, relax, and connect with your family.  Keep an eye out for amenities like ping pong tables and shuffleboard that can add a little fun to the walk.

While we all want to hit as many parks and rides as we can during our Disney vacation, you may have a bookend day where you might not be able to do so.  That doesn’t mean it has to be a lost day, though.

Use the tips above, your imagination, and your sense of adventure to make the most of each day of your trip.

Have a magical day!

Tony
– LETS GO TO DISNEY –

 

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