What No One Tells You About Your First Day at Disney World (Until It’s Too Late)

If you’re planning a Disney World vacation, you might be dreaming of when you arrive and what you want to do first! But we’re sharing with you some tips for your first day that might save you a few headaches!

So, you’ve made it — bags packed, ears ready, MagicBands charged. You’re finally at Disney World! The anticipation has been building for months, and you’ve imagined that first magical moment of stepping foot into the parks like it’s straight out of a commercial. But here’s the real tea: your first day might not go exactly as planned. There are a few surprises no one talks about until you’re already knee-deep in them, and that’s where we come in to help. Here’s what you need to know (and plan for!) before that magical first day takes an unexpected twist.

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Your Room Might Not Be Ready Yet

If you’re arriving early in the day, it’s very possible that your Disney resort room won’t be available for check-in just yet, and that’s something no one really emphasizes in the excitement of arrival day. Disney resort check-in times are typically around 4 PM, but if you took an early flight (or road-tripped through the night), you could find yourself in limbo.

Pro tip: Don’t let this throw off your day! Come prepared with a plan. Pack a small bag with swimsuits and flip-flops for a poolside break, or hop on a bus to Disney Springs for shopping, a snack at Gideon’s Bakehouse, or a ride on the Aerophile balloon. These are things you usually mean to get around to later in your trip, but time just gets away from you, so take advantage of it now!

Disney can/will also handle your luggage. So if you’re planning to go to the parks, just pack everything you need as your carry-on and once you arrive at the hotel, drop off your luggage, and head straight to the parks!

You Might Be Completely Exhausted — Already

It sounds counterintuitive, but yes, before you’ve even scanned into your first Disney park, you might be worn out. Travel is no joke, especially if you’ve wrangled children through security lines, dealt with early flights, or driven for hours. The Florida heat and humidity can hit hard, too.

Rather than jumping into a high-energy park day right off the bat, consider easing into your Disney adventure with something low-key. A leisurely dinner, a dip in the resort pool, or simply exploring your hotel grounds can help you settle in without overexerting yourself. Remember: Disney is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to take your time.

Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On

Let’s talk strategy: Florida weather has a mind of its own. It can be hot, humid, rainy, or all three — and if you’re stepping off a chilly morning flight in jeans and a hoodie, you’re going to feel like you’ve landed on the surface of the sun.

Whether you’re arriving by plane, car, or bus, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on or park bag. You can change in the hotel lobby bathrooms or even at the airport if you are ready to get more comfortable. Think breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and maybe even a hat and sunscreen. If you’re planning to hit the pool or a restaurant before your room is ready, you’ll be grateful for the ability to freshen up and dress appropriately for the weather. Bonus points for tossing in a mini deodorant and face wipes to help you feel like a new person.

Be Cautious When Booking Dining Reservations on Arrival Day

Disney dining reservations can be magical, but they can also become a major headache if you’re rushing from the airport to try to make that Yachtsman Steakhouse dinner when your hotel is Disney’s Pop Century. Delays happen — flights get in late, Magical Express is no longer a thing (so now you might be navigating Mears buses, rideshares, or rental cars), and navigating the vast Disney property takes longer than you think.

Give yourself a generous buffer before your first dining reservation. Better yet, skip the table-service restaurants on arrival day and opt for a more flexible, quick-service option instead. You could also grab a reservation at one of your resort restaurants for easy access or hit up a lounge near you. Save the fancy stuff for when you’re fully rested and fully present.

Your first day at Disney World is filled with possibility, but it’s also easy to overplan and under-prepare. The key is to stay flexible, take it slow, and give yourself (and your travel crew) some grace. No one remembers how quickly they got from the airport to their room, but they do remember laughing in the pool, discovering a new snack, or watching the fireworks at their hotel.

So breathe deep, stay hydrated, and roll with the pixie dust. You’ve got a magical week ahead — and your Disney story is just beginning. Be sure to follow AllEars.net for more tips and tricks to help you on your Disney trips!

A “Calmcation” Is the Newest Vacation Trend, and Disney Adults Will HATE It

What is a tradition you do on your first day of your Disney World trip? Tell us in the comments. 

Comments (1)