Walt Disney World Arrival & Departure Day Activities
Disney World Arrival & Departure Days are often some of the most confusing days to plan. You may get to the resort and find that your room isn’t ready or you have to check out but it is not time for your transportation to pick you up. Check your bags with Bell Services and try one of these ideas to start or end your vacation and still enjoy some of that Disney magic.
Explore your resort:
Many of the resorts at Walt Disney World are quite large. Take a walk around the resort to get a good feel for where everything is located. Look for the food court, pools, and bus stops. Some resorts also feature fitness centers and spas. You can even find New Balance Running Trails at most resorts if you want to find a good measured path for walking and running. If you are departing, take one last stroll around and take advantage of those great photo spots.
Take a Swim:
In 2025, guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort are able to visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon (whichever one is open) on check in day. This free check in day admission is a nice savings!
There are shower & changing facilities at the main pools of your resort. Take advantage of these facilities to change into your swimwear to start your vacation or out of your wet suits and into dry clothes for the trip home.
Character Dining:
You may not have a park ticket but there are many resorts that offer character meals. Here is a list of restaurants that have character interactions without going into a park.
Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (Breakfast)
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Breakfast and Dinner)
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Breakfast)
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Riviera Resort (Breakfast)
Artist Point – Storybook Dining with Snow White at Wilderness Lodge (Dinner)
Visit Disney Springs:
With a plethora of shops & restaurants, the new Disney Springs will have something for everyone in the family. You can bowl at Splitsville or take in a show at The House of Blues. Is there a movie that you’ve been meaning to watch? You can head on over to AMC Disney Springs 24 and do just that. This is a fun option for buying souvenirs on Walt Disney World arrival and departure days.
Movies Under the Stars
Check out the activities that are offered at your resort. On many nights, you can enjoy a free Movie Under the Stars. Taking in a Disney movie is a great way to relax after a long travel day!
Miniature Golf:
There are 2 miniature golf locations located on Walt Disney World property each featuring 2 18-hole courses.
Fantasia Gardens is located in the Epcot Resort Area
Winter Summerland is located in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area
Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk Promenade:
Located on the lakefront of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort, this boardwalk is themed after the famed promenades found by the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey complete with games. You may even have a view of the fireworks from either Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
Head to one of the Theme Parks:
The cost to add on one more day to your park tickets is minimal. You can take advantage of an extra few hours in the parks by enjoying a half day for your Disney Arrival & Departure Day Activities. If you decide to add on a day to your tickets, make sure you do it before you use the last day of tickets on your current package.