Wondering if I should bother getting park tickets the first day we arrive? We likely won't get to Disney until late afternoon.
Upon arrival
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Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:14
Upon arrival
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:24
Just to add to my first post, say we arrive in the afternoon the first day. Which park would be the best to visit for a "half day". Wevare only going to be in Orlando for 3 nights ... We will have that half first day and then 2 full days, leaving early morning the last day.
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:31
Ooh! Tough question! If you're not interested in seeing EVERYTHING, you could head to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk on your half day. If you would like to see everything, I suggest getting a ticket for that first day and do either Future World or World Showcase in Epcot. Then do Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, DHS, and the rest of Epcot on the other two days. 
Looking forward to hearing more about your trip so we can help more!
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 15:49
I'm having trouble envisioning just how big each park is. My only theme park experience has been at canada's wonderland in Toronto which is big enough that you need a whole day to see it all.
I'm thinking that the best choice would probaly be to get 3 tickets and spend the entire day each at one park ... I know we will miss out on one but my wife and I are the types that would rather enjoy each park leisurely and maybe miss out on one, rather than rush around and try to cram everything in.
To be honest I'm more looking forward to the food than anything else 
Wasn't sure about that first half day though if it would be a waste to get a ticket. Even if we get an early morning flight it is likely by the time we arrive and check in it will be 2 or 3 in the afternoon.
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:08
I would think you would want to go into one of the parks for your half day. Depending on when you are going, you could get to do/see quite a few things in even with arriving between 2-3. However, Downtown Disney is a great way to spend a day too!
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 16:13
If you are going to attack these parks "Commando style" Then For that first day, I would pick a park that has EMH (Extra Magic Hours) in the evening and go to that one to get all the time you can in that park. I think seriously that you will be overwhelmed both with the size of the parks and all there is to see and do in the actual parks. As far as food I would do my homework to see where I would like to eat and plan if possible to dine in the parks that you will be in, in order to save precious time travelling to your dining destination. and think of the possibilityof eating at your resort after you are done in the parks for the day. Another important thing is to get ADR's (advanced dining reservations) in order to ensure your being able to eat where you want. It is VERY difficult, most of the time impossible, to just walk in to restaurants and be seated.
Like admin said the more we know about your trip plans the more we can help.
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Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:06
Thanks for the advice.
Regarding ADRs it's likely that our trip will take place in less than 30 days (around April 8 or so), with us finalizing in a week or two. Is that going to be enough time to get dining reservations.
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:23
ADR's are able to be made 180 days in advance and reservations for all the good places such as LeCellier, Boma, Jiko, Whispering Canyon, are usually filled that day so at this point the chances of getting ADR's are probably somewhere between slim & none. But people do cancel so it's worth at least trying. Also possibly the consierge desk in the hotel lobby (At your Disney Resort) may be able to help you check on a day to day basis.
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Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:29
Bamelin wrote:
Just to add to my first post, say we arrive in the afternoon the first day. Which park would be the best to visit for a "half day". Wevare only going to be in Orlando for 3 nights ... We will have that half first day and then 2 full days, leaving early morning the last day.
I would say Epcot is always great for a half a day. You can do everything in the front part of Epcot in a half a day easily. Now... if your wanting to visit the different countries, then it makes it difficult, BUT... with the countries... it is one thing you could do and wouldnt miss if you havent been there. But once you do the countries it will be hard to get out. So I recommend doing Epcot, just out front. Its what we usually do when we get to Disney because we arrive around noon, and by the time we get settled and ready to go its around 3-4pm, and Epcot is great to do.
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Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:35
When I go, my flight usually arrives at 4pmish.. by the time we get on the bus, then to the hotel, and then to the room.. it's usually about 6.. so I always make that my Downtown Disney day. BUT on the other hand, I always have more than 3 days to spend there.
soooo... I think I'd go with the advice about the extra magic hours and try hitting that park.
And never give up on ADRs!! I got my LeCelier reservations last year about 2 weeks out because someone cancelled!!
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 17:42
Thanks all the advice is appreciated!
Sat, 03/19/2011 - 18:19
I definatley agree with what everyone else said about trying to go to the park with EMH that night. Also if you are there more for the food you might really want to do the different countries in Epcot cause there is lots of food back there if you are into the different foods from different cultures. Also I think you have to think about what parks are of interest to you. If you guys are big animal people then you probably will want to hit Animal Kingdom....If not then that one could be skipped. Magic Kingdom has more of the "kiddie rides" but they are still fun for those of us who are still kids at heart. Hope that helps
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Sun, 03/20/2011 - 01:56
Bamelin wrote:
I'm having trouble envisioning just how big each park is.
BIG!
I think I'm going to say skip the half day and do Downtown Disney and gear yourself up for the big days that await you!
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Bella
Sun, 03/20/2011 - 04:09
Under normal circumstances I'd say skip the half day for monetary concerns, but since you're only there for a few days I'd probably say go to World Showcase, look around and eat some stuff.
As far as ADRs, 30 days is still early enough to get some great places. You can get all kinds of advice. As Vettelover said, many of the favorites are gone 6 months out but there are some good places you can get into either as a walk-up or with a last-minute ADR. Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites and you can get in there easily. Here are a few more good, easy-to-get ADRs (in my opinion):
Trail's End
Biergarten in Germany Pavilion
Kona Cafe
Grand Floridian Cafe
Via Napoli (highly recommended!)
also Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse if you're interested in "Signature Dining"
Those are off the top of my head, so let me know if you're interested in more!