Uh oh! We don't support IE due to its failure to integrate new web standards.
For the best browsing experience, please use

More Info →

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January Crowd Calendar
        • February Crowd Calendar
        • March Crowd Calendar
        • April Crowd Calendar
        • May Crowd Calendar
        • June Crowd Calendar
        • July Crowd Calendar
        • August Crowd Calendar
        • September Crowd Calendar
        • October Crowd Calendar
        • November Crowd Calendar
        • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Disney binder planning workskeet
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
        • Mask tips for Disney World trips
        • Cast Member with a mask
        • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
        • Disney Park Pass choose day
        • Where to find characters right now
        • Joy
        • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
        • How to tour Disney World right now
        • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
        • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
        • Choosing when to visit in 2021
        • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
        • How transportation works now
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Become a WDW Prep Patron
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Things We Recommend
      • Contact
      • Search

How to plan Disney World arrival and departure days

Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
WDW Prep School → Planning and Tips → Basics → Featured → How to plan Disney World arrival and departure days
  • Heather Thomas
  • July 27, 2018
  • June 5, 2019
Resort Monorail

If you’re like most people, by the day you are scheduled to leave for your Walt Disney World vacation you’ve probably been counting down for weeks or months (and sometimes even years).

Your Disney World arrival day will probably be full of lots of excitement and anticipation, but it is also an important time to set the stage for the rest of your trip.

And, conversely, the day you plan to head home will probably be filled with some dread and sadness, but there are some things you can do to make the return trip a little less of a downer.

The most important thing is to not leave your arrival and departure days to chance. Check out the tips below for suggestions and tips on how to best plan for each!

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Let the length of your trip guide you
    • Shorter trips (1-6 days long)
      • Head directly to the parks
      • Starting (and ending) your vacation outside of the parks
    • Longer trips (7+ days long)
      • Schedule a character meal
      • Catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park
      • Explore your resort
      • Take a ride on the monorail
      • Visit Disney Springs
  • Walt Disney World arrival and departure days do’s and don’ts
    • Do
    • Don’t

Let the length of your trip guide you

We usually recommend that you start and end your trips with a bang (more on that below), but how long you are planning to be at Disney World should help determine what your arrival and departure days look like.

Shorter trips (1-6 days long)

Head directly to the parks

If your trip is shorter, you may want to maximize your vacation time by heading into the parks on either your arrival or departure day (or both).

If that sounds like you, you’ll want to plan ahead.

If you have purchased a Walt Disney World Vacation Package, you’ll need to officially check-in before you’ll be able to access your park tickets and/or Dining Plan credits.

The good news is, with online check-in you can do that without ever having to go to the resort.

Just make sure that when you do online check-in that you select an arrival time that is before when you’d want to head to the park. Doing that will ensure that your tickets and credits are activated.

If you don’t have a package, as long as your tickets are bought and linked to your account, you’ll be good to head directly to the parks without having to worry about checking in.

Magical Express

Planning on using Magical Express?

Magical Express loading bus

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to take it directly to a park OR to any resort other than yours. Magical Express can only be used to take you from the airport to your resort. That’s it.

However, if your goal is to get to the parks as fast as possible and you want to use Magical Express, we recommend hopping out at your resort, dropping your carry-on bags off at Bell Services, and then heading to the park.

If you aren’t within walking distance or staying at a monorail resort, your fastest bet to the parks will be either an Uber, taxi, or Minnie Van.

Starting (and ending) your vacation outside of the parks

If getting in enough park time isn’t a cause for concern, then one of the ideas below for longer trips will be a great option for you.

Longer trips (7+ days long)

If your trip is longer, you may not need to use your Disney World arrival and departure days for park time. In that case, here are some other ideas to help you start (and end) your trip with a bang:

Schedule a character meal

Dining at one of the resort character meals is one of our favorite ways to start and end our Disney World vacations.

Probably our favorite choice is Chef Mickey’s because of the setting; you can’t get more “Disney World” than sitting inside The Contemporary Resort with the monorail whizzing by while Mickey Mouse is walking around.

If you are planning on doing a character meal (or any meal) at a resort other than yours, the least stressful way to get there will be via Uber/taxi or Minnie Van.

If you plan on using only Disney transportation, you’ll need to allow at least an hour to get there, plus keep in mind you’ll likely need to transfer at least once.

When your plans have you traveling between resorts, it is a lot less stressful to just budget for the $10ish (for an Uber) or $25 (Minnie Van) fare than it is to have a very expensive meal ruined because you were stressed and rushing around trying to get there.

Catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park

We recommend that you plan to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from inside the park at least once, but your arrival day is a great day to catch them outside the park.

This is especially true between late fall and spring when they are shown earlier in the evening (meaning you can still get to bed at a decent time after a busy day of travel).

There are lots of places to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park and you could even pair a nice dinner (like at California Grill) with the show.

California grill fireworks

Explore your resort

We often hear people mentioning that they wish they would have set aside more time for relaxing at their resort.

The Walt Disney World resorts are amazing, but it is easy to find yourself so busy with the parks that you forget to make time to explore them.

surrey bikes

Your arrival day (and departure day) are a good option for that. Even if your room isn’t ready or if you’ve already checked out at the end of your vacation, you’ll have full access to all the amenities in the resort, including the swimming pools.

If you’re creative, you may even consider putting together something fun like the scavenger hunt below to help get everybody introduced to the resort.

All of the Disney World resorts will have special activities scheduled each day (things like movies or crafts). Schedules for those will be available at the front desk.

You’ll also find bike rentals, watercraft rentals, and at some resorts, even carriage rides. Check out the How to tour Disney World resorts post for more ideas.

surrey bike rental sign

Thinking about swimming on your arrival day? If you are taking Magical Express, you’ll want to make sure that you pack your swimsuits and a TSA-approved size bottle of sunscreen in your carry on bag.

Take a ride on the monorail

Nearly every trip I’ve made with my family has started off dining at a resort on the monorail just so after we eat we can hop on for a loop (or two).

This is also the perfect time to check out the Epcot loop, especially if you aren’t staying at a monorail resort. You’ll get a good view of the park from up there.

The monorail is totally free for anybody to use, regardless of whether or not you’re staying on property. Just keep in mind that recent changes will have you going through a security checkpoint before you board.

Visit Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a great option, especially for departure days.

There you will find lots of options for shopping, dining, and even entertainment.

Disney Springs at Night

Looking to do some souvenir shopping? Disney Springs is your best option.

You’ll find the HUGE Disney Store plus tons of other Disney (and non-Disney) themed shops and kiosks.

Walt Disney World arrival and departure days do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Try to start and end your trip out with a bang.
  • Make full use of Bell Services and Resort Airline check-in.Resort Airline Check in Boardwalk
  • On your arrival day, save time to get your room organized, your bags unpacked, and your park bag ready to go.
  • Remember to pack your TSA-approved sunscreen and swimsuits in a carry-on (if you plan to swim on your arrival day).
  • Save room in a bag if you plan on buying stuff on your departure day OR plan to have stuff shipped home.
  • Schedule grocery, stroller, and scooter/ECV deliveries on your arrival day so you’ll be ready to go on your first full day at Walt Disney World.
  • Remember to book a Bounceback offer before you leave. It is a lot less sad to leave Disney World when you already have another trip to return scheduled!

Don’t

  • Schedule a reservation too close to your arrival. If you are flying, we recommend not planning any reservations (either FastPass+ or dining) for any closer than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time. If you are driving, give yourself 2 hours after you plan to arrive to your resort.
  • Try to do too much on your arrival day, especially if you have a full day of travel before you arrive. You don’t want to start of your vacation sleep deprived and grumpy.
  • Underestimate the fun you can have by just spending your arrival day checking out your resort.

***************

Do you have some other Disney World arrival or departure day ideas or traditions? Feel free to share in the comment section.

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • Budgeting for food at Disney (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • Nassau, Bahamas (Disney Cruise Line Port of Call)
  • Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)
  • Walt Disney World is reopening, here's what you need to know
  • How to rent a camper at Disney's Fort Wilderness (w/tips and a review)
  • Privacy Policy
  • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • Planning and Tips
    • Basics
    • Families
    • Money and Shopping
    • Projects and Downloadables
    • Special Needs

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now

9 Comments

  1. Laura April 25, 2019 Reply

    mini golf and disney springs on arrival day. always. i personally have never understood a park day on arrival or departure day. you simply lose too much time and it winds up being a waste.

  2. Sarah KNIGHTLEY December 29, 2018 Reply

    That was really useful information and just what I was looking for, thank you!

  3. Angela Romanelli November 10, 2018 Reply

    On my arrival day, I have done Disney Springs. Going to my favorite stores and trying out a new eatery. Last time I was there, I went back to Disney Springs on my last day, but next go around I may do a breakfast somewhere.

  4. Valerie September 2, 2018 Reply

    Ordering groceries ahead of time was the best decision we made after 15 years of annually going to the Park. Having snacks, drinks, amd fresh fruit to choose from in our rooms is cheaper and faster than stopping in the cafes. And for those with little, ordering a stroller to meet you at your hotel is fantastic. They are much more comfortable than Disney strollers, and you can take the,—obviously—outside of the parks.

  5. John August 1, 2018 Reply

    We are arriving late afternoon on May 1st and will be checking in (Pop) then taking a bus to Hollywood Studios and switching to a Port Orleans Riverside. We will then go see YeeHaw Bob for a fun filled first evening at the World. Big Fun!!!

  6. Margaret Beyer July 27, 2018 Reply

    we check our luggage at the resort then head to Disney Springs for lunch on our departure day. Goofy’s Candy store is a great place to spend any extra snack credits you may have left

    • joan January 1, 2020

      I didn’t know that you could still use what snack credits you have once you checked out of resort

  7. Deb July 27, 2018 Reply

    If you are using the Magical Express and have checked in online at your resort, rumor has it that you can get off the ME at the first resort it stops at. Then you can use Disney transportation to get to your park. Usually the bus has the potential of stopping at 4 resorts and will take approximately 5 minutes at the least before traveling to the next resort. Okay it will save you about 20 minutes.

  8. chad bredderman July 27, 2018 Reply

    We like mini golf on arrival day.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January Crowd Calendar
    • February Crowd Calendar
    • March Crowd Calendar
    • April Crowd Calendar
    • May Crowd Calendar
    • June Crowd Calendar
    • July Crowd Calendar
    • August Crowd Calendar
    • September Crowd Calendar
    • October Crowd Calendar
    • November Crowd Calendar
    • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2021 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower and Garden! Starts March 3.
It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @kat It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @katiedidlynn
New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-mont New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-month long 50th celebration that officially begins on October 1.

Colorful outfits for Mickey and Minnie (do you like them better than the previous confetti version?), embellishments on Cinderella Castle, plus projections on the other park icons have been announced so far.

Was hoping for more, but I suspect they’ll be dripping the info out as they learn more about how things are going safety-wise.

What are your thoughts? Will you be making a trip for the 50th? We will!

Swipe to see all of the announcement pics. ➡️
It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King retur It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King returns this summer!

It’ll be in a modified form for safety purposes. No specific reopening date given, but so happy the list of things to look forward to keeps growing. 🙌
Load More... Follow on Instagram