Are there any Disney World attractions you can do in your first half day in Orlando?

Answer 1

All of the Disney parks are so big now that it's not likely you could do a half-day in any of them and really see a lot. However, if a half day is all you have I'd recommend Epcot. It's easiest to get around in and you can either concentrate on the cultural stuff or just the rides.

You may want to consider a multi-day or year-round pass if there's any chance you could come back another time and see more. Paying a whole day's gate admission for just a few hours is expensive.

Theme Park or Not?As others have mentioned, the four theme parks are so large with so many things to do, you might as well start your theme park touring when you arrive, even if you don't have an entire day. However, if you want to save some money and not use a theme park admission on a partial day, there are many ways to get the Disney feel.

My favorite is a stop at Downtown Disney with a nice dinner. You might just go shopping at the Marketplace. Or you might try DisneyQuest (which uses one of your "Water Parks and More Fun" visits if you've added that to your Magic Your Way ticket). Cirque du Soleil is also a wonderful event -- a bit expensive, but visiting on your first day means that you don't have to leave a theme park early to get ready and go.

Another choice is miniature Golf. The two courses -- Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens -- are both absolutely delightful! Enjoy a round on the mini-links, then have dinner at a nearby resort. There are many wonderful options.

If nothing else, a relaxing afternoon at the pool at your resort would give you time to rest up after your travel, review the park maps and schedules, and plan the rest of your vacation.

Happy travels!

AnswerIf you arrive before 3 pm, you may not be able to get into your hotel room but most hotels will check you in, sell you admission tickets and store your luggage. Most families are eager to do something �Disney,� but it may not make sense to use up a whole day on your pass when in reality you only have a few hours.

The Animal Kingdom is a smaller park, and the crowds frequently thin out by 2 pm. Arrive about 1pm, and you�ll be able to do most of the park before closing. Get Fast Pass as soon as you arrive, if possible. Other options for the first or last day of your trip, if you don�t want to use up a whole day on your theme park pass, are the two non-Disney water parks, Water Mania or Wet �n Wild. The lines are negligible, and they�re both cheaper than the Disney Water Parks. Gatorland on US 441 about 20 minutes from WDW, has exhibits of alligators, snakes and lizards.

AnswerDisneyquest is a good one for half a day. It was included with our Disney 2 week pass anyway. My son really enjoyed it and we returned several times. It's good if the weather isn't too great either ! Half day at Disney WorldMy favorite thing to do to fill up that half day lull is to just check out all of the Disney Resort hotels. Start out at one of the resorts and tell the guard at the front gate that you just want to look around. Then, when you're done at that hotel, you can just catch a resort bus somewhere else. You can even ride a resort bus to magic kingdom where you can catch a monorail that will take you to the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian Resort. The Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Fort Wilderness Lodge are also excellent places to hang out. I recommend stopping by Fort Wilderness to have dinner. Then, you can relax in the lobby for a while before heading back to your hotel. Touring the resorts really is a fun and inexpensive way to fill in that empty time at the beginning of your vacation.