After all the planning and anticipation, the day will finally come when you arrive for your Walt Disney World vacation! What you do on that very first day can set the tone for your entire trip. How about some fun, undeniably magical, and yes, even relaxing suggestions for your very important arrival day?

Got a few extra days? Try spending your first day at your resort. After hours in the car or on a plane, you need some down time and while the temptation is to go straight to theme parks, consider taking a day to recover from traveling. Traveling can really drain you, and failing to get enough rest may damage the rest of your trip as you try to catch up on sleep.

Your Walt Disney World resort has everything from a relaxing pool, grounds to explore, and may even have some activities that day. Some of the resorts provide arts and crafts as well as plenty of shopping opportunities. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to rest up for the rest of your trip.

Now, if you are short on time or just can’t imagine resting when there are theme parks to play in, then head straight for the parks. Keep in mind, though, that the Disney theme parks are a marathon, not a sprint. Pick a major attraction, and grab a FASTPASS for the ride. The FASTPASS will allow you to come back at a later time and enjoy the attraction with little to no wait.

Instead of waiting in the line, you can now slow down and just take in the atmosphere of the theme park you chose. Maybe it’s the smell of cotton candy on Main Street, USA in the Magic Kingdom or watching a crazy performance by the “Streetmosphere” characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that makes your day. You can always watch the amazing fountains at Epcot or go down the nature trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Whatever your interest, be sure to soak it all in.

Whatever you do, plan something to top off your first day with that essential Disney feeling. A character meal might just do the trick! Try Chef Mickey’s and be welcomed in a festive atmosphere hosted by the Big Cheese himself. There’s Disney magic even in a simple thing like taking a loop on Disney’s Monorail. Riding through the Disney’s Contemporary Resort, catching a glimpse of Cinderella Castle, you could just have that moment – when you feel a little thrill and know you’ve truly arrived.

Whatever you decide, know that your magical vacation has just begun and you’re going to have a fabulous time!