Best Day for MK?

[Wendie]

I'm trying to figure out which day to spend in Magic Kingdom vs Epcot. I had wanted MK to be be one of the last days since my son is nearly 5 and I figured that would be his favorite park (the go out with a bang, save the best for last theory) I was looking at Thursday January 22nd. I made plans on Touring Plans which predicts crowds 2/10. I happened to look at EasyDW and KennyThePirate and both of those sites say to stay far away from MK on the 22nd so now I don't know what to do. I know none of these are fool proof, but I was surprised to see such a drastic difference between the sites. We don't have park hopper passes and I wanted to see the parades, but I also don't want to go to MK on a day where it's total insanity if we can go the day before and have it be half the crowds. But I don't want to do Magic Kingdom too soon and have Epcot and AK be a let down for him in comparison either (We're doing one park a day and only staying 4 days) Thoughts?!!?

 

[Mikie]

I don't know why the discrepancy between crowd predictions, but I say don't stress too much about kids' preferences. I've often seen advice to do "disappointing" Epcot first and lead up to MK, but I just can't go to Disney without starting at MK. We have usually ended on other parks, but always get 2 MK days in there somewhere. I've been with my kids 4 times, which has captured ages infant through 13 and none of them has ever complained about what park we went to on a given day, just gone along wherever we go and had a blast in every park. I understand the philosophy about kids and MK, but don't stress! Solve the riddle of crowd predictions, pick the "best" park and have a great time!

Just peeked and that week's overall crowd level of 3 with MK being "least recommended" that day is all relative - crowds should be very manageable overall. EasyWDW has good comments on how to approach MK that day if you do pick it - it doesn't have to mean "stay far away". Good luck making your choice!

 

[Wendie]

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[MikeTaylor]

Tuesdays are Thursdays are usually good days to visit MK (even better if they are not participating in EMH on those days). 1/22 could be a runDisney event, or gathering. Rack rates up-charge for MLK weekend, too. We are arriving the week after.

Our plan is:
SUN: HS
MON: EP
TUE: MK
WED: AK
THU: MK
FRI: EP

Since the parks are so different, every experience will be different. Don't fret about let downs or going out with a bang, just plan on surprises: rain, blisters, favorite rides the kids quickly latch onto (and then you have to wait in line for again). Take each day as it comes. Any of the fireworks shows (or Fantasmic!) would work to end your vacation.

My suggestion would be to visit Animal Kingdom first, since it has a zoo-like quality that children are familiar with, the transition into a vacation mentality will be easier. It has a laid back gate, not a Disney-overload, like the herding masses in the Magic Kingdom and the cacophony after you pass under the train station.