2 days or 3 days? Which parks? Need help!

[Happyinwonerland]

We are leaving for our WDW vacation in 18 days. Yesterday, I found out that one member of our party won't be able to make it, so we have some extra money available to add an extra day onto our WDW part of the vacation ( spending some time at Cocoa Beach for for the rest of the week)

My original plan was to do 2 days of Magic Kingdom. Our party Consists of DH and me (both 30) , our 23 month old daughter, and our 7 year old niece. The kids have never been to WDW, and I haven't been in over a decade, and I have only been to MK.It seemed like MK would hold the most interest for the kids in our group, and I really want my niece to have a magical experience. She's had a rough year (her parents divorced, her mom gave custody to my brother who moved her across the country, she is now visiting mom for the summer and mom wants nothing to do with her, her maternal grandfather is dying of cancer). So I thought that a MK focused trip would be perfect, complete with a magical dinner with Cinderella ( I made some gorgeous cinderella dresses for the girls to wear).

Now that my niece's mom can't go (surprise, surprise), we have the money to add a day onto our WDW portion of the trip. So now I'm torn between saving money or adding a 3rd day. And if I do add a 3rd day, which park to visit?

DH and I are animal lovers, and the girls like animals and love dinosaurs, so AK might be good, but then again, I can go to a zoo for much cheaper.

HS has all the nick JR characters, but not enough rides for the toddler.

Epcot doesn't seem like much fun at all for kids, but the food there looks awesome.

WWYD? I'm thinking MK, then AK, then MK for the third day? I AK really worth it?

Thanks!

 

[DisneyObsessed87]

I would probably do AK. It is much more than just a zoo. The safari is very cool, though. The girls would probably enjoy the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows.

But you could definitely add another day at MK and have plenty to do, if you choose. Epcot does not have a lot for the younger kids.

 

[mcjaco]

If you're only going two days, would it best be used to just go to MK both days? Especially at this time of the year. Less rushing around so the kids can really enjoy it? Just a thought.

Otherwise, my kids last visit (15 months) actually loved DHS. The Little Mermaid show was a huge hit. As was the Animation building. Totally shocked me as I thought we made a mistake of skipping DAK, and going there (for the same reasons you mentioned). They loved EPCOT too. Especially The Living Seas. I think at the really young ages, it doesn't matter too much, just as long as they're there.

 

[prekteach1]

Sorry new to Disboards....I would do a day in HS. They just added frozen themed fun this summer , starting with a complimentary take along Olaf, character processional, ice skating, ice carving demonstrations, wandering oakens trading post merchandise post and frozen themed dance party , I believe there will be fireworks too.

 

[MSSANDRA]

So wonderful that you can be an important part of that little girl's life.

Trip- Summer days are long and hot and breaking up your day is almost a necessity for toddlers. What I would suggest is to get the three day hopper pass. It should still be less than all the expenses of an adult. That way you can spend the bulk of two days at MK but hop to Epcot in the evening after a long break, and split up the other day at HS and AK. Take advantage of whichever park has AM EMH if you are on site.
There are tons of stuff for all ages at all parks and our boys both LOVED Epcot from an early age.

One thought from someone that has dealt with child custody issues; be sure your brother has given you permission to travel with and consent to treat in case of medical emergency. Sounds like mom may not have the best interest of her child in mind and would would hate to see the trip messed up by her selfishness.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

You are such a blessing for your niece. I would add the third day and I would add either HS or EPCOT. I like AK but not our favorite - we have great zoos where we live. The show are great but would pick a different park. It closes earlier than EPCOT or HS.

Believe it or not but our kids love EPCOT so much. Crush, Figment, Nemo, Spaceship earth, plus all of the countries. But I would do HS especially with the Frozen Summer events. We are going twice this year because of it.

 

[LB1122]

You can not go wrong with adding any of the other parks..

I agree 2 days in MK - there is so much to do

For the 3rd:
I think my vote would be AK - Nemo and Lion King Shows, the dino area with 2 rides for kids. A ton of meet and greet chances.

You are truly an angel to take your nieces on this trip.

Can not wait to see the pretty dresses you have made

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Thanks everyone. We will definitely be doing 2 days of MK, I'm just not sure what to do on the third day.

We are thinking of stopping at the Atlanta Zoo on the way down, to burn off some energy for the 7 year old. I worry this might be too much zoo-ness if we to AK too. OTOH, I am DYING to eat at Tusker House for lunch. I made reservations there months ago, just in case we decide to go to AK.

While this is our first trip as a family, it most certainly won't be our last. I'm already scheming to try to go again at Christmas time. WDW at Christmas would be a dream come true for me. The 7 year old lives in San Mateo, Ca, so this might be our only trip with her for awhile. Anyhow, whatever we miss this time for the adults, we can make up when we return.

I don't know why I'm stressing about this so much. The 7 year old won't know that she missed out on other parks, and she will remember the fun parts. I guess I just really want this to be a perfect getaway for her. She's going through so much.

I didn't know about the frozen themed stuff. The girl does love Frozen. She even got my toddler singing the songs! I may have to look into that before I make my decision.

 

[harrisb1964]

We loved AK! Even with a zoo visit beforehand definitely worth a visit.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

My princess obsessed 6 year old liked AK better than MK. In her eyes:

Giraffe traffic jam > Belle

 

[MomOfWesAndNorah]

I have a great zoo nearby too and was hesitant about AK.

I am so glad we went. Second favorite park. 2 days and MK with Ak in the middle sounds perfect to me! I am dying to go back to ak and try Tusker House!

 

[TAngel84]

Sorry that your niece has had such a rough year. So great that you are giving her this magical trip. I think any of the parks would be great to add on. If your little ones are big on Frozen then maybe add a day at Hollywood Studios bc they have all this Frozen stuff going on starting this weekend.

I will say this....with the heat it was very rough on mine 4,6, & 8 to stay a whole day in the park & we spent a full day and then 3 couple hours evenings in MK & still didn't see or do everything (although we may have seen more if the 6 yo didn't have us wait in line an hour and a half to see Anna and Elsa a 2nd time LOL)

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[frozenchick]

Definitely add on a day! It will be well worth it. AK is not a zoo. If I wanted a zoo, I would drive twenty minutes to get to one near my house. AK is so much fun, it's a really great park and you guys will love it Trust me