8 days in parks... how many days in each park?

[usablefiber]

It depends on your budget. Single day admissions aren't cheap, so most people on vacation feel obligated to do as much as possible to get there money's worth. (as we just did, 100 bucks is a big expense for me lol).

We just got back from a trip to magic kingdom. We were there from about 11:00am to close and we got to go on almost every ride in the park (all except for peter pan's flight). If you were to take 2 days for MK and get FP for the big rides you could really enjoy yourself at a relaxing pace and get on every ride: really soaking in the atmosphere of main street, fantasyland, and getting to enjoy things like the wonderful main street marching band show and the muppets show without feeling rushed.

By far the three longest lines were Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Peter Pan's flight which all exceeded 90 minutes throughout the day so put on premium on Fastpasses for those guys. (but Buzz lightyear, Splash mountain, and the haunted mansion got up to 60-75 mins at peak times too).

I don't think there is a reason to spend a full day ticket at MGM studios right now, personally I think that paying full price for that place is a ripoff right now, as they only have a few rides open right now. (even Pete Werner jokingly told people "don't go [there]" until the new lands open up).

I think you are better off getting a PH, getting to MGM at rope drop and hitting tower of terror, Rock n roller, and Toy Story early, then just taking the boat over to Epcot and spend the afternoon there.

Right now there isn't that much to do at epcot either: half of future world is either closed (energy), abandoned (wonders of life) , or under construction (innovations), but it is a beautiful park to walk around. For me, an afternoon of walking around, exploring world showcase and getting on Frozen and Test Track , and Soaring is plenty of Epcot for me, but if not you could get a full day out if it.

Personally I would save 2 days for Magic Kingdom, 2 for Animal Kingdom, 1 day for Epcot/MGM, 1 day for typhoon lagoon (super fun), and 1 day for hanging by the resort pool or going to disney springs.

But that's just me.

 

[usablefiber]

When we took my DD at age 3, we went to MK 4 times, Epcot 2, and then 1 each for AK & HS. I'd definitely recommend park hopper with a young child b/c they might like/need the change of scenery. If you aren't going to do park hopper, then I would plan on at least 2 full days at MK and at least 1 full day at each of the others. Hope that helps!

Yes, this x 100. most kids, especially little ones, don't need to be at a theme park for 8+ hours going from ride to line to ride all day long. Less is more with kids. Take them on a couple of the dark rides, walk over to the play areas, get them some cotton candy for a treat and they are as happy as a crab.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

if I were you with a young child, this is what I would do...

3 days in Magic Kingdom.
2 days in EPCOT
2 days in Animal Kingdom
1/2 day at Hollywood Studios (other half of the day in Disney Springs)

or

3 days in Magic Kingdom.
2 days in EPCOT
1 1/2 days in Animal Kingdom (other half of the day in Disney Springs)
1 day at Hollywood Studios

It really depends on what you are wanting to do like you said above. I recommended the 1/2 day in Hollywood Studios because there isn't much now for your young child to do (depending on how tall they are) besides character meet & greets and shows.

If you want to spend a whole day in Hollywood Studios, then I recommend a day and a half at Animal Kingdom. Normally, you can get Animal Kingdom done in an entire day. However, it is my favorite park at WDW and can spend many days there. With a young kid, I would possibly break Animal Kingdom up toward the front of your trip and toward the end that way your child can go have fun seeing the animals. Again, not sure if your child would like this.

I hope you have a great vacation, and you will have fun no matter what you decide to do!

 

[Kamy04]

We went in May with DS6 and DS2 (he was 3 weeks shy of 3).

We spent 4 days at MK (well half days because we did a break). MK was where he could do the most and was "Disney" for him. (He is only 36 inches). Both my boys vastly preferred MK.

We did 1 day at HS and 1 at Epcot. We did DS one evening. We did not do AK (this was pre-Pandora).

 

[DisneyDork1969]

Over 8 days we would do 3 MK, 2 EP, 1 HS, 1AK with a day for rest and DS

I totally agree with this plan...