Disney Travel Days: Fun Activities

Planning a trip to Disney World? Lucky you! There's so much to see and do, but it can be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips on what to do when you arrive to make the most of your vacation.

First, consider your arrival and departure days as part of your trip. While you may be eager to get going, it's worth taking some time to settle in, especially if you arrive late in the day. You don't want to start your vacation sleep-deprived and grumpy! If you have an early departure, plan a fun breakfast before you hit the road.

If you have a longer trip, you might not want to rush to the parks right away. Instead, spend some time exploring your resort and taking advantage of the amenities. If you're short on time, springing for a park ticket on your arrival or departure day might be worth it. That way, you can make the most of your time and experience all the attractions you didn't get to during your trip.

If you're looking for a more relaxed day, consider hanging out by the pool at your resort. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, take a ride on the monorail or the Skyliner to get a birds-eye view of Disney World. You can also visit Disney Springs for some shopping, dining, and entertainment.

To make the most of your time, it's essential to plan ahead. Check the park hours, crowd levels, and special events before finalising your itinerary. And don't forget to make reservations for any character meals or other dining experiences you want to enjoy.

With a little planning, you can ensure your Disney World vacation is full of magic and memorable moments!

Head to the parks

If you're on a shorter trip to Disney, it may be worth buying a park ticket for your arrival or departure day. This way, you can make the most of your time at Disney and experience all the attractions you want to see.

If you have an Annual Pass or a ticket, and you arrive at Disney before lunch, you may want to head straight to the parks. Similarly, if you have a late departure time, it could be worth visiting the parks one last time, especially if the park is conveniently located near your resort.

If you're staying at a Disney resort, you can use bell services to store your luggage on your arrival and departure days while you enjoy the parks.

Enjoy a relaxing pool day

If you're looking for a more relaxed way to spend your travel day at Disney, then chilling by the pool is a great option. All of the Disney World hotels have at least one pool, with some featuring several. There's a great deal of variation in the size, atmosphere, and amenities of the pools at each location, so you can choose one that suits your preferences.

Some pools have elaborate themes, kiddie play zones, water slides, sandy play areas, and even a lazy river. If you're travelling with kids, look out for hotels with interactive water play zones, or opt for a quiet pool if you prefer a more restful atmosphere. Most pools are open from 9 am to 8 pm, with longer hours during hot weather.

Remember to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and if you want to save time, you can even check in online and head straight to the pool while you wait for your room to be ready. You can also make use of the pool after you've checked out, so you can truly maximise your pool time!

• If you want to ensure you get a spot by the pool, head down early and snag a row of chairs.
• Take advantage of the poolside activities, like hula hoop contests, trivia games, dance parties, and more.
• If you're staying at one of the deluxe resorts, you can rent a poolside cabana stocked with comfy chairs, a TV, music, a small refrigerator, fresh towels, and waiter service.
• Keep yourself hydrated! It can get hot in Florida, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
• If you're staying for a few days, consider planning a pool day in the middle of your trip to give yourself a break from the busy park days.

Make a reservation for a character meal

Making a reservation for a character meal is a great way to start or end your trip to Disney World, especially since it doesn't require a park ticket. Character meals are available for both breakfast and dinner, with typical American fare and kid-friendly items on offer.

If you're planning on using only Disney transportation, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your reservation – at least an hour, plus time to transfer. If you're travelling between resorts, a ride service like Uber or Minnie Van is a more convenient option and will save you time and stress.

There are several character meals to choose from, but some happen to be fan favourites. First up, there's Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort, where you'll get to dine with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. For something a little different, try breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort, where you'll be served delicious food and get to meet Mickey and friends dressed in artsy costumes. If you're after a dinner reservation, Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge features Snow White, the Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy.

Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks

Watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks is a magical experience and a great way to end a day at Disney. Here are some tips on how to make the most of it:

Where to Watch

If it's your first time, watching the fireworks in front of Cinderella Castle is a must-do. The projections on the castle are incredible and worth seeing. To get a spot, arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes early, as it can get very crowded, especially during the first few weeks of the show. If you don't want to be in the middle of the crowd, consider watching from the top floor of the Main Street train station, which offers the perfect height to see the castle and the fireworks. Another option is to book a Fireworks Dessert Party, which includes a reserved viewing spot and indulgent desserts.

If you don't want to be inside the park, there are plenty of spots outside to view the fireworks. The easiest is the Transportation and Ticket Center, which provides excellent straight-on views. You can also watch from the beaches at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. If you want to indulge, book a dinner at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort, which offers an off-center view of the fireworks along with Californian cuisine.

When to Watch

The Magic Kingdom fireworks usually start at 9 pm, but the schedule can vary depending on the season. In fall and winter, the showtimes are often closer to 8 pm since it gets dark earlier. Always check the schedule on the day of your visit to be sure.

What to Expect

The Magic Kingdom fireworks show, "Happily Ever After," first debuted in 2017 and features characters from classic and new Disney films. The show includes projections on Main Street, U.S.A., as well as lighting and special effects. The music plays throughout the park, so you can sing along wherever you are. If you're wearing a MagicBand+, it will light up and vibrate in sync with the fireworks and music!

Exiting the Park

After the show ends, expect a mass exodus from the park. Most people will head down Main Street, while others may exit through a gate near Tomorrowland. If you're using Disney transportation, be prepared for crowds and bring your patience. The buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center are usually the quickest option.

Take a ride on the monorail

Taking a ride on the monorail is a great way to get around Walt Disney World and see the parks from a whole new perspective. The monorail is an iconic, safe, and efficient mode of transportation that connects two theme parks – Magic Kingdom and Epcot – and three resort hotels. It's also completely free to ride!

The monorail system consists of twelve Mark VI monorail trains operating on three different lines of service: the Resort Monorail, the Express Monorail, and the Epcot Monorail. The Resort Monorail connects Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. The Express Monorail provides nonstop service between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center, while the Epcot Monorail runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot.

The monorail is easily accessible for guests, with designated stops and clear signage. The trains feature big benches and plenty of standing room, and each train can carry up to 360 passengers. The ride from Epcot to Magic Kingdom can take as little as 10 minutes or up to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic.

Riding the monorail is a unique and exciting way to travel between the parks and resorts, especially on rainy days. It offers a glimpse into the magic of Disney from a different viewpoint and is a must-do activity during your visit to Walt Disney World.

If you're looking for a fun and efficient way to get around, the Disney monorail is a great option. With its convenient stops and free access, it's an excellent choice for guests of all ages. So, be sure to include a ride on the monorail during your travel days at Disney World!

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