Advice for choosing 3 parks?

[Bullseye]

Skip AK and I say that reluctantly. I love AK, but as two adults I think you will dig Epcot more! Beware, even in this restricted environment you will probably leave WDW longing for more . The place has that effect on first timers

 

[glocon]

Although I love Epcot, I agree to skip that one this go round. Go to Epcot when you can get the full experience otherwise it could be a disappointing first visit and you might not really appreciate it. When the cultural reps are back it will be more meaningful. And when ratatouille and space 220 and the new GoG rides open it will be a better experience.

 

[nkereina]

DH and I skipped AK and opted for Epcot back in October, even though we knew Epcot was under heavy construction at the time. In our experience, it was primarily Future World that had the most impact from construction, but none of our favorite rides were impacted. World Showcase was business as usual for us. If you're foodies, I would think dining in the World Showcase would be a must do.

As for AK, DH and I like it just fine but it always takes us the least amount of time of the four parks. Because we were limited to three parks on that trip, we wanted to get the most bang for our buck so we chose to skip AK for that reason. For us, there's only about 4-5 rides we do, maybe a couple shows, and we skip almost the whole Dinoland area, save for Dinosaur.

 

[Shellyred8]

I would agree with skipping Epcot at this time. FOP at AK is my favorite ride (sorry ROTR, you haven't won me over yet) at WDW and AK also has some pretty good shows. Festival of the Lion King is awesome! Hopefully they will have it in some form when you are there!

 

[MomOTwins]

I would agree with skipping Epcot at this time. FOP at AK is my favorite ride (sorry ROTR, you haven't won me over yet) at WDW and AK also has some pretty good shows. Festival of the Lion King is awesome! Hopefully they will have it in some form when you are there!

Right before they pulled the ability to make FPs, the Dibb's fastpass tracker showed that none of the shows were bookable, including FOTLK. I would make plans assuming that all shows will be closed.

 

[crazylady]

The thing I think is great about Epcot is the ability to hop there for dinner after a day in the parks. I don't find enough to do there otherwise, especially because my husband is not a shopper/browser, and we don't want to pay for overpriced drinks to "drink around the world.

So for that reason, I would choose AK. As a bonus, the Lion King is my favorite show on property

 

[WillAustin]

Hah--I just said the same thing. Glad I am not the only who has experienced the bizarre heat increase that happens at AK. I wish I knew why that was. I think you might be right that what makes it worse is the lack of AC, but it also just objectively feels hotter there. Maybe it is all the vegetation.

Definitely subjectively much hotter outdoors at AK. The hottest park, by far.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I would leave out Animal kingdom...
If my kids had a vote they would say epcot.... they are board there
You should had added a poll it woulld have been interesting

 

[Mlchiranky]

Can you get the hoppers refunded?

I was going to say I’d skip AK. Epcot was our favorite park. But I agree with PP, since you plan to go back, I’d wait to experience Epcot when more things will be completed.

But if you do choose to go to Epcot, (and I’m not sure about guidelines for then) maybe make a reservation for Boma or another AKL restaurant to kind of make up for not visiting AK.

No idea about the hopper refund. Hopefully we’ll get news on that soon! This is great advice, thanks!!

 

[Mlchiranky]

Thanks for the wonderful advice, everyone! I know it’s not the ideal “first timer” experience, but I’m sure it will still blow most parks we’ve been to out of the water and we’ll make our own magic! Our next trip will be even better.

I’ll update here when we decide Can’t wait!

 

[Shellyred8]

Thanks for the wonderful advice, everyone! I know it’s not the ideal “first timer” experience, but I’m sure it will still blow most parks we’ve been to out of the water and we’ll make our own magic! Our next trip will be even better.

I’ll update here when we decide Can’t wait!

I love your attitude about it!!!

 

[Shughart]

My favorites in order MK, Epcot, HS.




AK.

I will always want to skip AK. I told my husband when we go back (we just went in 12/19, and we decided to go back in 12/22 before quarantine started so that Disney is post Covid by then) that we need park hoppers so we can go to AK to see the Lion King show, then eat at the harambe market and take a new photo at the tree of life (the only reasons I'll go to animal kingdom). I spent a whole day there on our 2016 trip with my husband's family and was bored to death. In 2019 we skipped it and did 2 days in MK, 2 days in HS and 1 day in Epcot and I found myself wishing I had 2 days in Epcot as well (I really love the world showcase, and I'm excited for them to complete all the new construction).

 

[ilovedisney3000]

Definitely do HS for Galaxies Edge! If you’re big Star Wars fans, this is definitely a must do. Aside from Star Wars, there are more thrilling rides in HS than in any of the other parks.

MK is also a must do. Very “magical”, and, in my opinion, really sets the mood for your trip. MK has lots of different types of rides, including many classics. In my opinion, it is the most “Disney” out of the four parks.

The next two are debatable?

Epcot definitely has INCREDIBLE food in World Showcase, never had a bad meal or snack there! I personally also think Epcot has more of a relaxed environment than the other parks. Epcot has always been my favorite of the four, but at the moment, like other people have said, there is just A LOT of construction! Of course Epcot still has some great rides open, like Soarin for example, but others, like Spaceship Earth, are closed. Unless you plan on going solely for the amazing food, I would skip Epcot this trip, especially if you plan on going again one day in the future.

That leaves AK. AK also has some pretty good food, and lots of options. Ride wise, there is some variety. Not a lot of rides in AK. Pandora is gorgeous, and a pretty major reason to go to AK. It really takes you to a whole new world, especially at night! AK also has wonderful shows, I personally love Festival of the Lion King. There’s also a safari ride, and plenty of animal exhibits, and treks you can do as well!

So, I would say do MK, HS, and AK (unless you want to go to Epcot for World Showcase/the food).

Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip!

 

[krisp66]

EPCOT is my favorite park, but right now I would skip EPCOT. Between the extensive construction and lack of Cultural reps it’s not going to be the same until next year. Do AK and save EPCOT for later.

AK has great spots for food. Satuli Canteen is probably the best quick service on property. And we love the bread service at Nomad Lounge and the tuna nachos at Yak & Yeti. Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, and the Kilimanjaro Safari are in my top rides at WDW as well. The vibe of AK is really quite amazing!

Either way- they are both great experiences!

I totally second this, every word! If you are definitely going back next year, save Epcot for then when more of the new stuff will (hopefully!) be complete. I actually like to spend 2 days there on each trip, to really savor all of the live entertainment and great variety of food. If you can time your 2021 trip to go during the Food & Wine festival, even better.

 

[krisp66]

Another thought: are you early risers or night owls? It looks like AK is going to open and close early, and Epcot much later. Choosing Epcot would allow you to sleep in. AK will close at 6pm (at least that's the plan for now), leaving you time to visit Disney Springs or enjoy your resort afterward.

 

[MrsDanielle]

Due to the construction at Epcot, I’d pass on going there. IMO, AK is the way to go! I think you’ll love it, it’s the most beautiful theme park I’ve personally been to, and the atmosphere, along with the food, shows and rides make it an excellent choice!

 

[Erica Ladd]

If no F&W I’d definitely skip Epcot out of the 4 parks

 

[ropedropper]

If you love rides I'd definitely pick AK for Flight of Passage alone. It's my favorite ride in all 4 parks. Pandora is pretty spectacular.

EPCOT can be great, especially without kids and if you don't mind lots of walking, however it's definitely not at its best with all the construction going on.

 

[Sunnywho]

Other people have been successful at removing park hoppers and adding a fourth day. So that's solution one. If it has to be three, then right now, skip Epcot. The world showcase isn't staffed by people from the countries, a lot of shops and restaurants closed, and construction everywhere. At Animal Kingdom, you've got Pandora, Mt Everest, Dinosaur, the safari ride, and the animal walk throughs like the tigers and the gorilla trail. At Epcot, the highlights are Test Track, Soarin and the World Showcase, but world showcase is not at its best right now. Good luck!

 

[horse11]

Well the obvious would be Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios after reading the into... Now as for choosing the third it depends on what you enjoy most.... Epcot is boring to some.... now with that being said it is one of my favorites and a not to be missed park!! If you enjoy experiencing food from different cultures and feel like you are walking into different cultures and countries than Epcot is for you... However be aware that Covid has changed everything and may have a major effect on what made Epcot so awesome...Animal Kingdom is like being out on Safari in part and Pandora in another... Please research Pandora.... it is not very large but Disney did an amazing job on this!! Be sure to ride FOP... The most amazing ride I have ever been on!!! I also enjoy eating at Stau'li Canteen. the atmosphere and the way the food is presented really makes you feel like you are part of Pandora....