AK & EPCOT -- One day each, or both in one day?

[ScarletIndigo]

Dear Disney Vets,

I'm trying to figure out the best park-hopping strategy, and thanks to some sound advice from the USF/IOA board, I've pretty much concluded that there's really no way I'll be able to do both USF/IOA in a single day of our visit. Because of this, I'm afraid we're going to need to consolidate our plans a bit, which means squeezing two WDW parks into a single day so we can get one day each at USF and IOA. I thought that AK and EPCOT would be the two best parks to attempt this with, as DF and I have generally found more attractions of interest in the MK and MGM that we want to go on multiple times, thus requiring more time in those parks.

So here's the dilemna -- can AK and EPCOT be comfortably squished into a single day? Please bear in mind that DF and I are two crazy kids in our 20's who LIVE for rollercoasters and sim-rides, so we'll definitely want to set aside enough time to ride Space Mountain, BTMR, ToT, RnR, etc. a few times. We'd like to walk around the World Showcase as well, but since we're planning to make a PS at Le Cellier, we'll save our Showcase touring for that afternoon.

AK is probably the park I'm least excited about visiting, even though it's the one that wasn't around in '93 when last I visited WDW. I love animals and all, but other than three or four attractions, I can live without a long day under the sun at the AK! ;-)

Please give me your advice, O' Wise DIS Vets! Your experience and knowledge is most sought after!

[/SHAMELESS GROVELING]

 

[TexasAggie]

Given your limited interest in AK and Epcot attractions, yes you can do them in one day. I would recommend being at AK when it opens, so you can do the safari, Dinosaur, and Kali River Rapids before it gets too crowded. You may want to ride Primeval Whirl, too, it is a kinda fun little ride. We like both the Pangani Forest Trail and the Asian walk-through too; you probably should do at least one of them (Africa if you want to see gorillas, Asia if you'd rather watch tigers and Komodo dragons). If you like shows, the Festival of the Lion King is fantastic. Please try to keep an open mind, don't set a time to leave until you've actually gotten there and gotten the flavor of the park! It's not a zoo!

Since Epcot is open till 9 every night, you should not have a problem seeing what you want to see there after you leave AK.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by TexasAggie
Since Epcot is open till 9 every night, you should not have a problem seeing what you want to see there after you leave AK.

Hi Aggie! One question for you -- is EPCOT open until 9PM all year round? We're visiting in Sept/Oct, and I know park hours are traditionally shorter during those months.

Thanks!

 

[TexasAggie]

Unless budget cuts get really drastic, yes Epcot is open till 9 all year. I think it may stay open later in the summer, and of course it's open till after midnight New Year's Eve, but the earliest it closes is 9 the rest of the year.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Thanks, Aggie! That's fantastic, I thought all the parks closed early in off-peak seasons.

Take care,
Jessie

 

[ScottJoy]

I could easily spend a whole day at the Animal Kingdom and two whole days at Epcot!

 

[lentesta]

If you're just doing the highlights of the AK (Safari, Kali, Dinosaur, ITTBAB, a jungle trek, maybe Flights of Wonder), you may be able to finish around noon-ish on an EE day. You could probably also fit in the highlights of Epcot (Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and World Showcase) in the remaining time, if you managed your time well.

A better alternative may be to see AK and the Studios on one day, and leave a full day for Epcot.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[HolidayRose]

I also agree that the AK/EPCOT in a single day is the optimal strategy given AK's small number of attractions compared to the other parks and EPCOT's usual closing time of 9:00. Be sure to get to AK as early as possible and finish there because EPCOT is huge (geographically) compared to the other Disney parks.

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by HolidayRose
I also agree that the AK/EPCOT in a single day is the optimal strategy given AK's small number of attractions compared to the other parks and EPCOT's usual closing time of 9:00. Be sure to get to AK as early as possible and finish there because EPCOT is huge (geographically) compared to the other Disney parks.

Hi Rose!

My thoughts exactly ... AK sounds like a very cool place, I just don't anticipate spending a whole lot of time there. I figure we'll go there on the EE day (which would be Monday, I believe) and finish up at EPCOT that night. Maybe we'll make a PS arrangement at Rose & Crown and see Illuminations that night too. I love efficient planning ... They definitely don't call me Spontanious Sally! ;-)

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Given what you said about your interests I would suggest skipping AK altogether and enjoying a full day at Epcot. There's not much thrilling at AK, but there will be on the horizon (yay ExEv ). If you focus on just one park you won't be rushed.

Having said this, I am not an AK basher, but if you skip it this time I bet you won't be waiting 10 years to return to Mickey's World.

Best of all is you can't go wrong. Whatever you decide to do you'll have a great time. After all, its DISNEY WORLD

 

[Planogirl]

Going to AK early to hit your highlights is a great idea IMO. If you do so and then head to Epcot, be sure to get FastPasses at Test Track when you first arrive. I understand that Epcot is quiet lately but Test Track still tends to run out of FastPasses.

As for Animal Kingdom, I personally enjoy the Maharajah Jungle Trek if you have the time and interest to do one stroll while at the park. The animals are interesting and the theming is real nice.

 

[Disbabe]

It's a real shame you have to squash all that in one day - but probably best doing it that way.

 

[Gillian]

The Epcot hours are staggered now. Future world opens first and closes first (6? 7?). World showcase usually opens around 11 and closes with Illuminations, usually at 9.

The biggest problem I can see with this plan is that both AK & Epcot are very spread out. It's a lot of ground to cover, even if you aren't going on every attraction.

The festival of the lion king show at AK is worth seeing, if you can fit it in!

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by Disbabe
It's a real shame you have to squash all that in one day - but probably best doing it that way.

I know, I know ... And with these UPH passes that came with the Fairytale Package, it's almost like I feel obligated to spend all our available time in the parks, when we already had tickets for USF/IOA and "La Nouba" lined up before we even got the package. It will be tricky, having a relaxing vacation when there's only 7-1/2 days to do it in, but we might as well be commandos now and just plan another comeback trip to be relaxing later! ;-)

Watch out for the trip report in October, and I'll let you all know if we pulled it off or died trying!

 

[donna in Oz]

I think you might need to remove the word "relaxing" from your description!!

If it were us, we would skip USF and devote that day to WDW. Several years ago, we took a day for USF and were REALLY disappointed with it. Park was not clean, most attractions were sub-standard, staff not helpful or friendly, etc . . . I guess when it's compared to Disney it's just not up-to-par.

But I hope you have a great time!! Like everyone else has mentioned, hit AK early and work in your don't-miss attractions before heading over to Epcot. Even though ITTBAB isn't what you would call a "thrill" attraction, make sure you include this in your plans!!

 

[ScarletIndigo]

Originally posted by donna in Oz
If it were us, we would skip USF and devote that day to WDW. Several years ago, we took a day for USF and were REALLY disappointed with it. Park was not clean, most attractions were sub-standard, staff not helpful or friendly, etc . . . I guess when it's compared to Disney it's just not up-to-par.

Hi Donna!

I've heard things along those lines about USF/IOA. Not terribly clean, sub-standard rides, etc. I guess to DF and I the main attraction is just never having been there before, and not wanting to miss out on anything for my first time back in a decade. ;-)

Having said that, I've no doubt that the next time we visit WDW we'll either be splitting the trip (a few days at WDW exclusively, then moving to a USF hotel) or just skipping USF/IOA all together. What I've read about those parks tends to remind me a lot of places like Six Flags or Busch Gardens, both of which are theme parks I've visited several times. But there are only a few places in the world where you can experience true Disney magic, and as much as I'm a thrill-seeking gal, you just can't beat Disney theming and feeling like you're a kid again!!

Thanks for the insights, Donna. Take care!

 

[Tulip]

We did AK in half a day and Epcot in a day and a half. With the size of both be prepared for A LOT of walking.

 

[indigo]

I have a slightly different take on this...

A lot depends on if you're visiting IOA/USF midweek or Fri-Sun and how big of a Disney fan. If you're a bigger Disney fan than a thrill ride fan then I suggest doing IOA and USF in one day and giving DAK a full day and EPCOT a full day and a full evening.

If you hit IOA midweek from opening you can ride all the thrill rides and explore Seuss Landing by Noon. If you want to get wet, then add in an hour for Pluto Raft's and Dudly Do Right (both excellent rides but you'll be completely soaked). Now, go have lunch in Citywalk and visit USF in the afternoon.

IMNSHO, DAK requires you to take it slow to really get the most out of the park. While it is indeed more than just a zoo, it does have lots of animals, each of which has a unique story, setting, and usually a cast member nearby to answer any questions. The park is in the details and you don't see them by running by on your way to a thrill ride. Finally, the park's birm, vegetation, and asphalt tends to up the temp and humidity just a bit. So going slow will help you beat the heat.

Since the park closes earlier than most, take that night of your trip and visit PI/DTD (La nouba).

that's my $0.02 anyway.

 

[Planogirl]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
Hi Donna!

I've heard things along those lines about USF/IOA. Not terribly clean, sub-standard rides, etc. I guess to DF and I the main attraction is just never having been there before, and not wanting to miss out on anything for my first time back in a decade. ;-)

Having said that, I've no doubt that the next time we visit WDW we'll either be splitting the trip (a few days at WDW exclusively, then moving to a USF hotel) or just skipping USF/IOA all together. What I've read about those parks tends to remind me a lot of places like Six Flags or Busch Gardens, both of which are theme parks I've visited several times. But there are only a few places in the world where you can experience true Disney magic, and as much as I'm a thrill-seeking gal, you just can't beat Disney theming and feeling like you're a kid again!!

Thanks for the insights, Donna. Take care!

Don't worry, we visited the Universal parks for the first time in March and they were very clean and nothing at all like Six Flags which I can't stand. The theming is very nice and the castmembers were fine.

Have a great time!

 

[DigitalDisney]

Here's the gist.

If you are almost exclusively a thrill ride fanatic, then you can do both parks in one day. You might even be able to squeeze in MGM on a really good day.

However, I am of the strong belief that you can easily spend most if not all of a day at AK. If you just do everything once and take a couple minutes to look around, then you can run through the whole park reasonably quickly.

The cool thing about AK is that, for many things, the experience is never the same twice. The animal trails and exhibits are different every single time. Sometimes you may not see much, and other times, the animals will be very active. This is especially true with the Kilimanjaro Safaris.

One viewing of Tough To Be A Bug, Lion King, and Tarzan Rocks per visit to the park is usually enough since the show is the same every single time.

Rides like Primevil Whirl, Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur usually warrant several rides per trip just because they're so much fun. You may know what the ride entials, but they're still fun every single time.