AK and Epcot - What NOT to miss seeing/doing?

[Disneykim]

Going with DH, 2 teen DS, and 2 school age DS and we have yet been to Epcot or Animal Kingdom. Would like to know what to NOT miss at these parks! thanks

 

[Kae]

We find a do not miss at AK is the bird show it is a great way to relax. Also the Lion King show, tough to a Bug, and the safari.

Epcot first off just soak it all in there are lots of little things to enjoy. We love test track & mission in space. The France & China Movies.

I think everything is a must see at both parks.(Iknow that is not very helpful )

Kae

 

[JoannaOhio]

If you like authentic British fish and chips, be sure to get those at their pavillion at Epcot - but you don't have to do a sit-down meal. They sell them "to go" from an outdoor counter.

Although the ride through Mexico is a gentle one, there is so much to see along the way that we try to ride it more than once. We were there five years ago at a slow time, and they let us just stay in the boat and go around again - which we did at least half a dozen times.

I haven't been to AK, so I can't give any advice about that.

 

[BarbaraK]

The afternoon parade at the AK is worth seeing.

BarbaraK

 

[Disneykim]

Was also wondering if AK and Epcot parks are the kind that will take a whole day each to spend time in and see everything or a half of day?

 

[kandeebunny]

for Epcot a must see is Journey In To Imagination with Figment!!!

We aren't big AK fans so I'm noy sure about there!

 

[Stinasmom]

Was also wondering if AK and Epcot parks are the kind that will take a whole day each to spend time in and see everything or a half of day?

We have always though of Epcot as a 2 day park! Especially if it is crowded. I would also go there before MK so the kids don't feel let down as there are fewer rides and "kiddie" excitement.
AK is a full day, it is a nice relaxing park (of sorts) as it is so well landscaped and natural. The Bug's life show was a big, big hit with school age kids. I suppose you could go for a half day here if you need to, but we didn't. Have fun!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Epcot is definitely a whole day park. Depending on what you family enjoys doing, some "must-sees" would include:

Spaceship Earth > me, DW, and kids -8 and 5 love it; some say its a bit tedious

Test Track > would not miss this one; a great ride

JIYI w/ Figmnet > especially for the younger ones

El Rio del Tiempo > sort of a "Small World lite", w/ a Mexican theme of course

Illuminations > I think me and my family are the only people on the planet who thinki this is kind of boring, but everyone else loves it. So.......

Universe of Energy > long but fun

Living Seas > Turtle Talk with Crush was a huge hit with my two young ones

Soarin' > getting ready to open; supposed to be unique and special

strolling the World Showcase > kids may get bored, but there is lots of neat stuff at each pavilion

American Adventure > I have never seen this one but it is said to be really good


Animal Kingdom: NOT a zoo... and NOT a who day park

Kilimanjaro Safaris > signature attraction; must see

Its Tough To be a Bug > nicely done 3-D show but sort of creepy if you are scared of bugs

Festival of the Lion King show > worth seeing once; nice show

Dinosaur > some say its great, but I remain unimpressed

NOthing else I would go out of my way to see at AK

Hope this helps; have a great trip with lots of peace, love, and pixie dust

 

[henrylovespooh]

Epcot is DH and my favorite park and AK is my son's favorite. Our favorite things to do:

World Showcase:
1) eat anything at the patisserie in France - the cream puffs and creme brulee are outstanding!
2) listen to the African drummers in World Showcase
3) Chinese acrobats
4) Movies in Canada and China
5) Boat rides in Mexico and Norway - great ways to beat the heat
6) Funnel cakes at American pavillion
7) DH likes the Brats in Germany
8) Dinner show at Biergarten in Germany
9) Shopping in World Showcase
10) Beatles show in UK pavillion - you can grab counter fish and chips for a late dinner and listen to the band.
11) Kids love the Kidcot stops in the World Showcase where they decorate masks and CM's from each country put a tag/symbol of their country on it.
12) Lunch or dinner in the restaurant in Mexico - like sitting by a river at night - wonderful!
13) Illuminations
14) Lots of character greetings: Bus goes through World Showcase throughout the day, Snow White in Germany, Aladdin characters in Morrocco, the Beast in France, Pooh in toy store in UK, etc.

Main Area of Epcot:

1) Test Track
2) Living Seas - especially Crush the Turtle and Nemo area for your school age kids
3) Figment
4) Ellen Degeneres Energy attraction
5) Space Station Cool - to try different sodas
(Haven't done Mission Space yet so I can't say if we like it)

Animal Kingdom:

1) Safari
2) Flame Tree Barbecue for lunch
3) Lion King show
4) Majaraja Jungle Trek - tiger viewing is amazing - very close
5) Panjani Forest - kids liked seeing the fish and hippos swimming as well as the gorillas
6) DH loved the Dinosaur ride - very scary
7) Other rides in Dinoland for small kids and teens
8) Boneyard - to wear out young children
9) for younger children/if you have time - Pocahontas show is cute
10) afternoon parade

Hope this helps!

 

[Kallison]

Our must dos:
AK - Safari, Gorilla walking trail (get FP for Safari, walk on trail then go on Safari)
Flights of Wonder
Lion King Show (although the kids could do without it)
Kali River Rapids (prepare to get drenched)
Tree of Life
Dinosaur
Primieval "hurl"
Look for DeVine

Epcot:
Fish and Chips while watching the British Invasion
followed by World Showcase Players
Norway boat ride (rice cream in Norwegian bakery)
AMerican Adventure - drums and fife, American Vybe singers
Test Track
I love Imagination ride and stuff to do afterwards
Honey I Shrunk
Living Seas - Turtle Talk with Crush
Energy ride with Ellen