Can you have too much time in MK?

[Aflyingbuttress]

What they said.

I love Magic Kingdom, but by day 3 I would be running out of things I want to do. I usually do one full day at MK (usually a party day since I go in the fall), one other early morning with a breakfast until whenever, and then an evening just for fireworks. I wouldn't personally skip HS, but there are still things there that I enjoy like ToT and Star Wars stuff.

I'm thinking of splitting up the rides we go on so I wasn't planning to repeat things. For example, one day in frontierland and adventureland, another in fantasyland, and a third finishing fantasyland and tomorrowland. Then lots of time between rides for entertainment and snacks, plus I'm sure there will be countless bathroom trips. Then back to the pool in the afternoons. I think if I plan it that way it's not likely to get too redundant. Day 4 would be a buffer in case we don't get to something we initially planned or want to ride things a second time.

As for HS, I'm not into star wars (I know, blasphemy) but star tours does look fun. I would not do ToT either. Toy Story Mania looks fun but we are a party of 3 so that means we can't sit together on that. If we were already there that's fine so that my daughter can enjoy it, but it's not high on the list. So that doesn't leave a whole lot that I care about. But my daughter will about flip over the Frozen sing along and I'd hate for her to miss it.

I am wondering how the fast passes for shows work. If a show is at 11:30 does the FP offer a showtime when I reserve?

 

[AngiTN]

Ok, lots of great suggestions here. I'm having such a hard time deciding mostly due to these darn FPs. If it weren't for them I'd just wing it. Such a hard life, huh? lol

There are a few things I would like to see at HS that I think our daughter will love. Part of the issue is that I have some mobility issues and my daughter has never done anything like this so I am concerned that if I plan full days in the park one or neither of us will make it. If I had to sacrifice something it would be HS, so I feel like if I make FP reservations there I will lose that flexibility. Which is silly I suppose.

Also complicating matters is that we have bibbidi bobbidi boutique reservations for the Friday morning and I want to get princess pictures in MK with my daughter in the afternoon. So we lose one rope drop day. Then Saturday is the last day and it sounds like Epcot will be a mistake for that day and crowd levels will be high at MK. Maybe I will do HS the last day as a rope drop and FP those, then break mid-day and go to MK for the late night since it is open until midnight that night.

You can still do that. Except for a couple of rides you can get FP that day for most all rides.
We did a 10 day trip last month and often changed our plans and I'd be on the bus that morning switching our FP around. The only ones I kept locked in stone was FEA. And even that one I did find same day once. So we went to Epcot when we hadn't planned to just to ride it again.

 

[goofyintoronto]

We've got a 9 day trip coming up Oct 29-Nov 6. We'll have 7 full days with no travel and I'm trying to plan out our itinerary. I'm curious to get peoples opinions on where you can spend too much time.

I was originally planning 3 days in Magic Kingdom, 2 in Epcot, 1 in Hollywood Studios and 1 in Animal Kingdom. But I'm not particularly interested in most of Hollywood Studios and I feel like using FastPasses there is a waste. So I'm contemplating not going there or doing a rope drop day and just seeing a couple of things without FastPasses.

We're taking our 4 year old so I imagine the Magic Kingdom won't get boring. What I really want is to be able to take our time and try to minimize wait times at attractions as much as possible, leaving plenty of time for wandering, eating, and random entertainment, followed by afternoons in the hotel pool and F&W weekday evenings for dinner.

Would any of you get bored going to Magic Kingdom 4 days out of 7 on a disney trip? Any suggestions on how we can best use our time so we don't feel frantic and rushed?

I like your plan with 3 days in Magic Kingdom, 2 in Epcot, 1 in Hollywood Studios and 1 in Animal Kingdom. I'd break it up so youre not doing MK back to back....something like this: MK, Ep, HS, MK, AK, Ep, MK etc etc. You get the idea. MK is amazing and definitely lots to do for any age, even adults. Its my fave park, next to Epcot of course. Those two I wont miss.

 

[AngiTN]

I'm thinking of splitting up the rides we go on so I wasn't planning to repeat things. For example, one day in frontierland and adventureland, another in fantasyland, and a third finishing fantasyland and tomorrowland. Then lots of time between rides for entertainment and snacks, plus I'm sure there will be countless bathroom trips. Then back to the pool in the afternoons. I think if I plan it that way it's not likely to get too redundant. Day 4 would be a buffer in case we don't get to something we initially planned or want to ride things a second time.

As for HS, I'm not into star wars (I know, blasphemy) but star tours does look fun. I would not do ToT either. Toy Story Mania looks fun but we are a party of 3 so that means we can't sit together on that. If we were already there that's fine so that my daughter can enjoy it, but it's not high on the list. So that doesn't leave a whole lot that I care about. But my daughter will about flip over the Frozen sing along and I'd hate for her to miss it.

I am wondering how the fast passes for shows work. If a show is at 11:30 does the FP offer a showtime when I reserve?

Yes they do.

I think you can ride TSMM together. We haven't tried since we don't care if we split up 2 and 1 but seems like I have seen others do it. I can't imagine skipping it

And it would be criminal to skip the Frozen sing a long. For you and her. It's awesome and one of the best entertainment things Disney has. In all 4 parks

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

You're overthinking this, honestly. The FP+ is a benefit, not a burden. I don't think HS is worth skipping, it's a wonderful park that seems to be getting a bad rap right now simply because it has construction going on. Lots to see and do there, even for a 4 year old. Use the FP+ to get on what you want to and then use standby for the rest.

If you have mobility issues, get a scooter and let your child ride with you. Lots of people do it.

MK is far and away my favorite park, but could there be "too much" of it? I suppose. We did a 17 day trip, and maybe 5 of them were MK, perhaps 6, I don't remember. In 9 days, I'd say after 3 days in MK, we'd be doing repeat things...which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Pick the parks you want to go to, use FP+ to your advantage and just have fun. Stop worrying about it.

Yes. I'm way over thinking it. I tend to do that. I've thought about getting a scooter but I'm overthinking that too. I don't want to be the fat person running around in a scooter. Nevermind that I am fat because of mobility / health issues, not the other way around. I saw a video the other day of someone making fun of all the fat people in the park. Some people are so mean.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

We are going to be there at the same time as you! Our loose plan is Sunday MK all day hopping to Epcot at night to see illuminations, Monday HS in AM with MNSSHP on Halloween night, Tuesday all day at AK with evening at Disney springs, Wed all Day at Epcot, Thursday is our HS day, Friday MK all day and then for our last day we like to do all 4 parks for approximately 3 hours each. I love the Magic Kingdom but it wouldn't feel like a complete trip for me if we didn't do all 4 parks so I wouldn't personally skip HS, if it doesn't interest you or your group then yes I would go to MK another day.

Are you excited about that week in particular? We picked it because I thought it would be a low crowd period but it's looking like its not as low as I originally anticipated. However, I'm not overly concerned about that. I'm more concerned with having enough down time, which is why I'm planning the crap out of it. lol

I like your schedule. I may steal pieces of it.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

Yes. I'm way over thinking it. I tend to do that. I've thought about getting a scooter but I'm overthinking that too. I don't want to be the fat person running around in a scooter. Nevermind that I am fat because of mobility / health issues, not the other way around. I saw a video the other day of someone making fun of all the fat people in the park. Some people are so mean.

Please don't let jerks ruin your time. Do what you need to do to have fun with your kid. Let the people who never matured emotionally past the age of twelve make fun. Their defective personalities and complete lack of empathy are their own problems, especially since they're generally too cowardly to express their ignorance in real life, which is why they play keyboard warrior and shame people on the internet.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

I like your plan with 3 days in Magic Kingdom, 2 in Epcot, 1 in Hollywood Studios and 1 in Animal Kingdom. I'd break it up so youre not doing MK back to back....something like this: MK, Ep, HS, MK, AK, Ep, MK etc etc. You get the idea. MK is amazing and definitely lots to do for any age, even adults. Its my fave park, next to Epcot of course. Those two I wont miss.

I think I am leaning towards MK - EP - AK - MK - EP - MK - HS in the morning and MK at night. That way I don't have to sacrifice an Epcot day (which is my favorite park) to a weekend during F&W and can scratch HS if at the end we don't feel like it for some reason, plus give my daughter a final, anything goes day at MK if she so chooses.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

Please don't let jerks ruin your time. Do what you need to do to have fun with your kid. Let the people who never matured emotionally past the age of twelve make fun. Their defective personalities and complete lack of empathy are their own problems, especially since they're generally too cowardly to express their ignorance in real life, which is why they play keyboard warrior and shame people on the internet.

You are absolutely right. Thanks.

 

[Hopefully]

Please know that if you do decide to rent a scooter your daughter CAN NOT ride on your lap. The agreement you sign states that. As a scooter user I can tell you it is very dangerous to you, to your daughter and to everyone else.
If you want help and support on using a scooter visit the disABILITIES forum here on the DIS. Driving a scooter takes intense concentration as folks suddenly cut in front of you, suddenly stop short, bump into you etc. I find I must concentrate only on driving and I really can not enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
Good Luck in your decision.

 

[AngiTN]

Please know that if you do decide to rent a scooter your daughter CAN NOT ride on your lap. The agreement you sign states that. As a scooter user I can tell you it is very dangerous to you, to your daughter and to everyone else.
If you want help and support on using a scooter visit the disABILITIES forum here on the DIS. Driving a scooter takes intense concentration as folks suddenly cut in front of you, suddenly stop short, bump into you etc. I find I must concentrate only on driving and I really can not enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
Good Luck in your decision.

Thank you! I was thinking the same thing. DO NOT rent a scooter and give your child a ride. Not only is it dangerous and against the rules it runs the battery down much faster than it would otherwise. When I got a scooter for my Mom the first thing I said to DGD8 was NO riding with Grammy at any time. The CM overheard me and said she was proud of us for telling her that. She said too many people let their kids ride on them and it's never a good idea.

That said, I would very much rent one if it helps you enjoy the park more. Just know that it is NOT easy to move around with it. I personally got quite worn out just helping my mom navigate the crowds and as much as I enjoyed taking her on her first trip at 72, it is not something I'm in a hurry to do. Renting a scooter would be a last resort, only way I can manage, thing. And I'm not only in my 50's but quite overweight. I can still manage at Disney, even long days, just fine. You have plenty of time and have no need to rush around. Take time to rest as you need to. But if that doesn't work, rent that scooter.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

Please know that if you do decide to rent a scooter your daughter CAN NOT ride on your lap. The agreement you sign states that. As a scooter user I can tell you it is very dangerous to you, to your daughter and to everyone else.
If you want help and support on using a scooter visit the disABILITIES forum here on the DIS. Driving a scooter takes intense concentration as folks suddenly cut in front of you, suddenly stop short, bump into you etc. I find I must concentrate only on driving and I really can not enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
Good Luck in your decision.

Thank you! I would not plan to have my daughter ride along. I know that's not safe. But always good to point it out in case people don't realize. If I rent one it will be for me. Though, it may make things more difficult because it may spawn a constant argument with her wanting to ride it. LOL I also did not realize how much concentration it took. That's helpful to note for sure.

I think I'm leaning towards lighter days and just planning to walk slowly, plus only doing one section of the park per day. Its part of why I planned a longer trip. I want to have some relaxation time too!

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with @AngiTN Renting a scooter was an only way I can now do it thing for me. This will be my third year with one. If you need it, of course get it. But it certainly has changed how I tour the parks. Like I said I must concentrate intensely on driving and where I am. I am exhausted at the end of the day.
Good Luck

 

[MataHari22]

Even though Hollywood Studios is my least favorite park, I would not skip it. I love Star Tours (and I'm not a huge Star Wars fan or anything), Fantasmic, and I was surprised I really enjoyed Frozen Singalong, and I also like the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. I don't ride Tower of Terror and cannot ride Rockin Roller Coaster. I like everything else, too. You could always make it a half day park and make it a rest day of sorts. Since I'd want to see Fantasmic!, I would make it a sleep in day.

I structure my trips as 3 MK, 2 Epcot, 1 AK and 1 HS. I don't do parks on travel days. I don't have kids, but MK is my favorite park, and I find 3 days to work out well for a trip of that length.

 

[scrapquitler]

We've got a 9 day trip coming up Oct 29-Nov 6. We'll have 7 full days with no travel and I'm trying to plan out our itinerary. I'm curious to get peoples opinions on where you can spend too much time.

I was originally planning 3 days in Magic Kingdom, 2 in Epcot, 1 in Hollywood Studios and 1 in Animal Kingdom. But I'm not particularly interested in most of Hollywood Studios and I feel like using FastPasses there is a waste. So I'm contemplating not going there or doing a rope drop day and just seeing a couple of things without FastPasses.

We're taking our 4 year old so I imagine the Magic Kingdom won't get boring. What I really want is to be able to take our time and try to minimize wait times at attractions as much as possible, leaving plenty of time for wandering, eating, and random entertainment, followed by afternoons in the hotel pool and F&W weekday evenings for dinner.

Would any of you get bored going to Magic Kingdom 4 days out of 7 on a disney trip? Any suggestions on how we can best use our time so we don't feel frantic and rushed?

will you be park hopping?

Our 'baby' is 13, and we spend the vast majority of our time at WDW in MK. We do park hop, and we generally spend part of nearly every day in MK, so NO I would not be bored at MK 4 out of 7 days.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Never skip Hollywood Studios! I like to go there our first day, MK the 2nd full day and then we hop to MK for evenings the rest of our week. We usually wind up going there at least 4 times!

I swear by park hoppers, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I just like the option of being at MK at night as much as possible

 

[shalom]

I saw a video the other day of someone making fun of all the fat people in the park. Some people are so mean.

Man, don't let those bullies tell you what to do! Most of them are like spoiled teenagers who were born rich sneering at people who budget and otherwise consider the price of things -- they're condemning people who are gracefully coping with a situation the bully has never (and, they hope, will never) face. The only difference is that one group has an abundance of health, and the other group an abundance of wealth. And a lot of the rest of the people are attacking others because they fear they'll share that fate, and they're trying to bully themselves into sticking with their diet or exercise regime! Just let their issues be their issues, is my advice; don't let their issues become yours.

That said, scooters and the like are admittedly a hassle and an extra cost. But if a scooter makes sense from a practical standpoint, please don't let those bullies limit your comfort.

 

[scrapquitler]

We found Hollywood Studios a good one for young kids as there are lots of younger shows..Disney Jr, Little Mermaid, Muppets, Beauty and the Beast, Sophia and other Disney Jr meet and greets, Toy Story, etc. and Fantasmic if your little one won't be scared (depends on the kid). Personally I wouldn't dismiss it.

I agree with this! I think that a 4 year old would love all the things listed above at HS. (and maybe even Star Tours, depending on the 4 year old).

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

will you be park hopping?

Our 'baby' is 13, and we spend the vast majority of our time at WDW in MK. We do park hop, and we generally spend part of nearly every day in MK, so NO I would not be bored at MK 4 out of 7 days.

We don't have the park hopper yet but I'm seriously considering getting it. I'd like to plan out the first half of our days and then have the option to wing it the second half and that would allow me to do that.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

Man, don't let those bullies tell you what to do! Most of them are like spoiled teenagers who were born rich sneering at people who budget and otherwise consider the price of things -- they're condemning people who are gracefully coping with a situation the bully has never (and, they hope, will never) face. The only difference is that one group has an abundance of health, and the other group an abundance of wealth. And a lot of the rest of the people are attacking others because they fear they'll share that fate, and they're trying to bully themselves into sticking with their diet or exercise regime! Just let their issues be their issues, is my advice; don't let their issues become yours.

That said, scooters and the like are admittedly a hassle and an extra cost. But if a scooter makes sense from a practical standpoint, please don't let those bullies limit your comfort.

Great advice! Thank you. Do I have to get a scooter in advance or is it something I can get of I end up needing it?