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First Things We Do When Arriving at Our Walt Disney World Resort

Arriving at Walt Disney World is an exciting milestone for any Disney fan! After months of planning, packing, and anticipation, your dream vacation is finally becoming a reality. If you’re staying at one of Disney World’s iconic resorts, the experience starts the moment you check in. The Disney Resort Hotels are full of charm and magic, setting the stage for an unforgettable trip. So, what are the first things you should do when you arrive at your Walt Disney World Resort? Let’s walk you through it step-by-step to ensure your Disney vacation starts off right!


1. Check-In with the My Disney Experience App

Gone are the days of long check-in lines at the front desk. Walt Disney World offers a streamlined check-in process through the My Disney Experience App, which you can use to check in up to 60 days before your stay. Here’s how it works:

Family with Cell phone at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney
  • Online Check-In: Simply check in via the app and complete the necessary steps ahead of time.
  • Room Ready Notification: Once your room is ready, you’ll get a notification with your room number on the app. That means you can skip the lobby entirely and head straight to your room—no waiting in line!
  • MagicBands: If you’ve pre-ordered your MagicBands, they’ll be mailed to you. If not, you can pick them up at the front desk upon arrival.

Not only does this save time, but it also ensures that you can dive straight into the Disney magic without delay!


2. Take a Quick Photo of Your Room Number

In the excitement of your arrival, it’s easy to forget small details like your room number. And believe us—navigating the sprawling Disney resorts can be a bit tricky! To avoid wandering the resort in circles, snap a quick photo of your room number, either by taking a picture of the room key or screenshotting it from the My Disney Experience App. Having a backup will ensure you don’t get lost or waste precious time looking for your room!


3. Explore the Resort and Take Pictures

Each Walt Disney World resort is unique and full of surprises! Whether you’re staying at the whimsical Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the tropical paradise of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or the sophisticated charm of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, take time to explore your surroundings.

A family poses for a photo with Daisy Duck at a theme park. Two young girls stand on either side of Daisy, making peace signs, while an adult woman stands beside them smiling. A man takes their picture with his smartphone. The background features a building and greenery.
Credit: Disney
  • Photo Opportunities: From the stunning lobbies to themed pools and gardens, Disney resorts offer plenty of photo ops. Be sure to capture the magic as you discover all the little details.
  • Room Photos: If you want to remember how the room looked at the start of your stay, snap some photos right when you walk in before the chaos of packing, unpacking, and excitement takes over.

This is your first taste of Disney magic—don’t forget to document it!


4. Review the Resort’s Transportation Options

Walt Disney World offers fantastic transportation options, and understanding them early on will make your life much easier. Whether you’re planning to visit the parks, Disney Springs, or other resorts, Disney’s transportation system connects everything seamlessly. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Disney World Monorail
Credit: Disney
  • Bus Service: Check the schedule for Disney’s free bus transportation that takes you to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom).
  • Monorail & Boats: If you’re staying at a resort on the monorail loop (such as the Contemporary or Polynesian), familiarize yourself with the monorail schedule. Boats are also available at certain resorts, offering a scenic route to Disney Springs and select parks.
  • Skyliner: Resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach and Pop Century are connected via the Disney Skyliner gondola system, which offers a fun and scenic ride to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Knowing your options will help you plan your day better and avoid unnecessary stress when it’s time to head to the parks.


5. Check Out the Resort’s Dining Options

One of the most exciting things about staying at a Disney Resort is the incredible variety of dining options available right at your fingertips. Each resort has its own unique selection of dining, whether it’s a quick-service meal or a signature sit-down experience.

House-made Artisanal-style Duck A L'Orange Pizza
Credit: Disney
  • Table-Service Restaurants: Take a peek at the menu and make reservations early for any sit-down restaurants. Popular dining spots like Ohana at the Polynesian or California Grill at the Contemporary are often booked months in advance, so securing a reservation early will ensure you get the best dining experiences.
  • Quick-Service Dining: Even if you’re in a rush to get to the parks, quick-service restaurants offer delicious meals without the wait. Use the Mobile Order feature in the My Disney Experience app to place your order ahead of time and skip the line.

By checking out dining options as soon as you arrive, you can plan out your meals and avoid last-minute decisions when you’re hungry!


6. Visit the Resort Gift Shop

It’s no secret that Disney resorts have some of the best souvenir shops, often with exclusive items that can only be found at the resort. Take a stroll through the gift shop to:

  • Pick up resort-specific souvenirs: From T-shirts and mugs to plush toys and pins, there’s something unique to each resort.
  • Grab Essentials: Forgot sunscreen or need some snacks? Resort gift shops typically stock the essentials, so you don’t have to leave the property for a quick fix.

Picking up a few souvenirs on your first day sets the tone for the rest of your trip.


7. Take in the View from Your Room

One of the simplest, yet most magical, things to do when you arrive at your resort is to take in the view from your room. Depending on your resort, you might have stunning views of:

  • The Magic Kingdom Castle: From resorts like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle.
  • Animal Kingdom: Stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and enjoy a view of the savannah with real, live animals roaming outside your window.
  • EPCOT or Hollywood Studios: Some resorts offer fantastic views of the parks and fireworks shows, which makes for an extra special touch during your stay.

If you splurge on a preferred or upgraded view, it’s definitely worth spending a little extra time enjoying the scenery.


8. Hit the Pool

After the excitement of checking in and exploring the resort, there’s no better way to kick off your Walt Disney World vacation than by hitting the pool. Every Disney Resort boasts a themed pool, and some even offer water slides, lazy rivers, and poolside activities. Whether you’re ready to take a refreshing swim or just want to relax by the water with a cool drink, the pool is the perfect spot to unwind after your journey.

Children play joyfully in a pool at the base of a waterslide surrounded by lush greenery at Coronado Springs Disney Resort. Two girls in colorful swimsuits are in the foreground while other kids enjoy the water in the background, with a pyramid-like structure topping the slide.
Credit: Disney
  • Fun for the Whole Family: From the Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to the iconic volcano pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Taking some time to relax at the pool helps you ease into vacation mode and recharge before heading into the parks!


Wrapping Up Your Arrival at Walt Disney World Resort

Arriving at your Walt Disney World Resort is just the beginning of the magic! By following these first steps, you can ensure your vacation starts off smoothly and stress-free:

  1. Check-in via the My Disney Experience App for a hassle-free arrival.
  2. Snap a photo of your room number to avoid getting lost in the resort.
  3. Take in the resort’s beauty and capture photos to remember your stay.
  4. Familiarize yourself with transportation options so you can navigate Disney property with ease.
  5. Review dining options and make reservations for your must-try meals.
  6. Explore the resort’s gift shop for Disney-themed souvenirs.
  7. Enjoy the view from your room, whether it’s a poolside retreat or a park-facing vista.
  8. Hit the pool to unwind and begin your vacation in true Disney style.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a magical Walt Disney World Resort stay. So, grab your MagicBands, put on those Mickey ears, and get ready for a vacation of a lifetime!

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