advice needed on tickets

[wowteacher]

Hi ,

This is my very first post. I tried really hard to find a post with my question in it. I know how annoying it is when people post the same thing over and over. I use to be a board host on AOL. Anyway, I am so undecided on the type of WDW tickets I want to buy. Here's my situation, maybe you all have suggestions for me.

Family of 4
2 boys 11 and 8.(..both going on teenager-ish)
never been to WDW and it will probably be a long while before returning (we don't vacation much)
staying offsite at Caribe Royale
Staying for a week in August
Definitely want to do Magic Kindgom, a water park, and Universal(I know that's not WDW..so have to buy separately)
Not sure if my kids would like Epcot or Seaworld
Seriously considering Animal Kingdom, but don't know a lot about it.
We are going to do a beach day and at least one day just hanging at the hotel pool.
Here's my question(s):

Realistically how big of a package do I need as far as park hopper days/parks? Do you really need to be able to go back to the same park on more than one day? Exactly how do the park hoppers work? I don't want to spend money unnecessarily, but also don't want to miss out on anything really cool.

Also, is it a lot more expensive to wait until I get there to purchase tickets?

Thanks for any tips you can give me....

 

[wendy46001]

OK two boys well Universal is a must at that age if they like rollercoaster’s....MK takes two days in my book, but they will probably want to skip the kiddy rides....Animal Kingdom is fun but if your not a show person you might be able to hit the highlights (Everest, Dinosaurs, Safari) then move on to a different park..
Epcot is education but lots fun as well (sorin is great) takes a full day

A three or four day disney ticket should do the trick...i recommend the park hopper
just because if they are not to into Epcot you can try MGM or something (tower of terror/rockin rollercoaster....

Also with water parks hit Typhoon lagoon...the boys will love the wave pool...and the new jet slide is great