Boys 5 & 7-- which would you pick?

[jtjarvis]

Hi there,
I would so appreciate your input on this dilemma--
This might sound like a parks question, but it's mainly a families question! We visited MK for 2 great, super-productive days in low-crowd January. Because my dh has business in Florida in late June we'll snag an opportunity to go back to WDW for a few days, just 2 days of parks. We know it'll be very busy-- and hot -- but hey, we'll be at WDW!

My boys will be newly 5 and 7 on this trip. We're set on MGM for Saturday with early entry and staying on-site-- but for Sunday we are torn between 1) taking advantage of early entry at MK and spending our day there--we all loved it and know our way around now-- or 2) doing something different and visiting Epcot, as while the park is more sophisticated there do seem to be things they would enjoy. None of us have ever been to MGM or Epcot. But how I love the MK! And I know there is a window on the true "magic" of MK that I want to be make the most of.

Maybe it's just a toss-up! But somehow I need to set about making decisions so I can get on the stick for PS's soon! Does anyone have any advice or wisdom to share?

Thanks so much!!

 

[Stiff]

my opinion is MK over Epcot

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Our 3 ds are older now, but when they were little I spent the least amount of time at epcot. They appreciate Epcot much more now they are older. I would chose mgm, you could see lots of characters, they would enjoy indiana jones, star tours, little mermaid, etc. etc. Stars and cars parade, playground, muppets etc. My kids loved the toy story characters and didnt complain about waiting in line to meet any character, why it almost became a character quest. Just keep them hydrated. They were even singing be our guest before the beauty and the beast show started.

 

[KaityBsMom]

Are you likely to be going back to Disney anytime in the next few years? If not, I would say do MK on your second day. Just for the reasons you listed- because you love MK so much and also your boys are still at ages where the magic is 'real' and you don't want to miss that. It is great to do new things, too, but you are hitting MGM on the first day, which is something you haven't done before.

If you think you may be going to WDW again soon, I would say just go for whichever you think you will like best. Your boys will have a blast at either (IMO- although it is less geared towards kids, Epcot can still be a lot of fun for them). Since you will be back again in the future, you could choose Epcot without feeling like you are missing out on MK. Or, you could choose MK, knowing you will have a chance to see Epcot in the future.

Now that I have probably made no sense and have helped not at all, I will stop!!! Have a great trip!!

 

[jtjarvis]

No, makes perfect sense to me!

Thanks so much for all of your input! I'm sold now on the decision to go MK on second day, staying with MGM on the first. One new park, and one known and beloved park, will be just perfect.

Thanks again!!

 

[gopherit]

"BOYS 5 & 7 -- which would you pick?"


Hmmmm.... I'll take the 5. I already have a 9 and a 7, thanks!


I agree that somehow, a trip to WDW doesn't seem complete without setting foot in the MK, does it. And MGM is a great park --so many awesome shows (and my dh LOVES the thrill rides -- it's his fave park). Nonetheless, I'm going to play devil's (or in this case, EPCOT) advocate here and ask a few questions.

WHen you went in January, did you do MK? And will you have park hopper passes? If you have hoppers, I would recommend taking advantage of early entry at MK, and hit your favorites while the day is young and crowds are low. Then grab the monorail over to EPCOT mid-day. Why? Crowds will be lower at EPCOT, and there really is so much fun stuff to do! And if you've already seen Wishes, it might be a good chance to see Illuminations instead! (PLease, folks, don't slam me -- I'm not saying one's betterthan the other, only saying it's a chance to see something different!)

My boys were 7 1/2 and 6 on our last trip -- and they both LOVE Epcot! We are going this summer and EPCOT is all the now-9 yr old can talk about. Illuminations is my 7 yr old's favorite show. THey really enjoyed the Kidcot activities too. And above all else -- they LOVE the fountains at Kodak! EPCOT will also seem much less crowded, typically, than MK -- a real plus if it's a hot crowded day in June. My guys want to hit Innoventions, Kodak, Living Seas, And there's such great food at EPCOT, too.

I doubt you can "go wrong" whatever you choose -- any one of us would gladly take ANY park on ANY day as opposed to sitting in front of our monitors right now! But I can't help interjecting the praises of EPCOT, as it is so loved by our boys.

 

[jtjarvis]

Hi Gopherit,
Actually, this is your lucky day -- the 5-yr is on sale now for a limited time

No, really, good perspective here-- thanks for weighing in. (I'm a journalist -- I do like to explore all sides of things!) In answer to questions, 1) yes, we did do MK in January -- to the nines, as the crowds were low etc etc. We did a heck of a lot over two days, but one good reason to go back may be we know our way around so well! We know our highlights and even if it's busy I think we can hit them easily --. 2) no, unfortunately we won't have a park-hopper the next trip either, because we're just going to be at parks for two days. Maybe someday we'll get to stay longer than our conservative 3 days! Meanwhile, wherever we hit in the morning, there in the afternoon (or back again later!) we'll be!

Anyway, if you have any more input with these questions answered, I'd love to hear-- thanks!

 

[DisneyArk]

This is a tough decision. I LOVE MK! Since we've had kids we've skipped Epcot, but this year we went and my DS5 loved it! Now that he is learning things in school he really enjoyed all the new things he was exposed to. He loved Spaceship Earth and learning about the history of communication. I was amazed at how much he liked it all because he is "all boy" and isn't the type to sit still for long.

It's too bad you don't have a park hopper pass so that you could go to the World Showcase in the evening after MK. My DS loved going to all the countries and getting the stamps on his mask (Kidcot centers). The CMs in the countries were friendly and talked about their home countries. I would definately try to fit Epcot in on your next visit!

If you really go every year, maybe you should consider purchasing 4 day Park Hopper tickets and using 2 days this year and 2 days the next year. I've been told that they will upgrade the remaining days on your son's "child" hopper ticket to an adult ticket for free.

 

[Selket]

Ok...since she's taking the 5 yr old I'll take the 7 yr old
I hope he can clean up after himself! Can he wash dishes?

It would be pretty darn impossible for me to go to WDW and not go to the MK. Do you have hopper tickets? I'd perhaps go to the MK in the morning with EMH and if I finished up there do EPCOT in the evening for dinner and some attractions like Mission Space. Or reverse that perhaps (though EMH is hard to give up!) if the MK is open late that night and has fireworks, etc.

MGM is probably the least favorite of mine but ToT and RnRC is worth going there! I can't ever find enough to make a full day out of it. I'd probably go to EPCOT the 1st day and MK the 2nd. There is so much more at EPCOT that interests me - but that is IMHO.

Have a great trip!

 

[mom2boys]

When my boys were that age they loved Future World at Epcot - also the boat ride in Mexico & the Norway ride - if you end up in World Showcase, be sure to take them to the outdoor train display in Germany too. Whatever you decide you can't go wrong. Have you thought about the nighttime shows - Fantasmic/Illuminations???? That could help you decide.

 

[jtjarvis]

The 7-yr-old is not too good at doing dishes but he does do windows

Man, I know I need Park Hopper passes. The 4-day pass, using 2 now and 2 later, would work great and I'd be willing to shell out the $$, BUT my mom will be with us those two park days —while DH is at his business conference — and she in all likelihood won't be interested in investing in a Hopper pass for herself, you know? [She may well go with us next trip, but maybe not]

Anybody have any ideas around that one? Alas, there probably isn't a solution! Unless, when she leaves to drive home to S.C. probably mid-afternoon Sunday after going to MK, the boys and I pick up and go to another park, i.e. Epcot! Hmm...

Thanks again y'all for your terrific advice--

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Just another chime in. If you can't figure out a hopper pass plan, I would do MK and Epcot also. MGM has always been my DS's least favorite and he loves R &R which you boys might be too little for. We do love AK, but love Epcot more and there is so much more to do and see there. Only solution is to go back ASAP after this trip to do the other two park! .

Jordan's mom

 

[2minny]

I vote for Magic Kingdom, but my family can't go in the vacinity without at least one day there! It's still our favorite...kids are 6,8 and 10! Epcot is also great, but I think when they're a bit older it would be better.