Choosing between Epcot and Animal Kingdom?

[MerryJ]

My husband, three kids (8, 6 and 2) and I will be heading to Orlando at the end of April. We were at Disneyland last spring, so my kids have a decent idea of what to expect, and are very excited. This trip, my parents and my brother will be joining us. My parents brought my brother and I to Magic Kingdom and Epcot back in the mid 80s, so they do have some idea what it is all about... and really aren't crazy about it! My brother was only a toddler, so doesn't remember any of it.

My parents are not really keen on Disney - they are more museum and nature type people. They have travelled extensively in Europe, and are kind of travel snobs. My brother likes thrill rides but hates shopping and isn't crazy about museums. My father and brother are both computer geek types.

My parents and my brother have agreed to three days at Disney (and 1 day visiting Harry Potter, etc. at Universal).

Everyone has agreed to one day at Magic Kingdom. The kids and I will be there an extra day at the end, so we will be heading back to Magic Kingdom for an extra day. We have also all agreed on one day at Hollywood Studios. My dad and brother are both Muppet and Star Wars fans, so I think it is a don't miss for us.

For some reason, my brother seems to be not at all interested in Epcot. He seems convinced it is a shopping/museum type place. Is he right? Everything I have read seems to suggest that if you are choosing between Animal Kingdom and Epcot, Epcot is the choice.... but I don't know how to sell him on it.

At this point my brother is saying he would rather sit by the pool than go to Epcot. (Keeping in mind that we do plan on having several other down days with lots of pool time.) Should I try to talk him into going to Epcot? Am I correct in thinking that my parents will enjoy Epcot more than the other parks? Does anyone know a good online video or article that would "sell" Epcot to my family? A video would probably be especially good fro my brother! And I assume that Epcot has changed quite a bit since my parents were there in the mid 80s? Or am I making a mistake in bringing them back?

I want everyone to have a fun and relaxing vacation.... I know there is something at Disney for everyone, and I think they will all really enjoy it if they let themselves!

Thanks for your help!

 

[smitch425]

My husband, three kids (8, 6 and 2) and I will be heading to Orlando at the end of April. We were at Disneyland last spring, so my kids have a decent idea of what to expect, and are very excited. This trip, my parents and my brother will be joining us. My parents brought my brother and I to Magic Kingdom and Epcot back in the mid 80s, so they do have some idea what it is all about... and really aren't crazy about it! My brother was only a toddler, so doesn't remember any of it.

My parents are not really keen on Disney - they are more museum and nature type people. They have travelled extensively in Europe, and are kind of travel snobs. My brother likes thrill rides but hates shopping and isn't crazy about museums. My father and brother are both computer geek types.

My parents and my brother have agreed to three days at Disney (and 1 day visiting Harry Potter, etc. at Universal).

Everyone has agreed to one day at Magic Kingdom. The kids and I will be there an extra day at the end, so we will be heading back to Magic Kingdom for an extra day. We have also all agreed on one day at Hollywood Studios. My dad and brother are both Muppet and Star Wars fans, so I think it is a don't miss for us.

For some reason, my brother seems to be not at all interested in Epcot. He seems convinced it is a shopping/museum type place. Is he right? Everything I have read seems to suggest that if you are choosing between Animal Kingdom and Epcot, Epcot is the choice.... but I don't know how to sell him on it.

At this point my brother is saying he would rather sit by the pool than go to Epcot. (Keeping in mind that we do plan on having several other down days with lots of pool time.) Should I try to talk him into going to Epcot? Am I correct in thinking that my parents will enjoy Epcot more than the other parks? Does anyone know a good online video or article that would "sell" Epcot to my family? A video would probably be especially good fro my brother! And I assume that Epcot has changed quite a bit since my parents were there in the mid 80s? Or am I making a mistake in bringing them back?

I want everyone to have a fun and relaxing vacation.... I know there is something at Disney for everyone, and I think they will all really enjoy it if they let themselves!

Thanks for your help!

We would do EPCOT, and it is definitely not a museum. There are a lot more rides for small kids there, and they have the Agent P missions, too. My kids like AK, but they love EPCOT. We spend 3 days there and only a partial day at AK. Sometimes we skip AK altogether.

 

[John Paul]

my family seconds Epcot. If you want shows then go to AK. We enjoy both but prefer EPCOT

 

[tmbacon]

You'll probably get all types of responses, I'd agree many people would suggest Epcot over AK. Our family personally prefers Epcot over AK (our boys are 7 and 9), we love just walking around the different countries in World Showcase, there is always entertainment to be found in each, we also love riding Test Track again and again. This year we were able to do Single Rider line on Test Track since our youngest is now 7, and we had no problems.

AK is really nice, very beautiful. But our boys just aren't really into animals that much. Does your brother enjoy a cocktail or two? Maybe you could convince him to try new cocktails at each country in Epcot - it could put him in good spirits to soften the blow if he's not enjoying it.

 

[John Paul]

We would do EPCOT, and it is definitely not a museum. There are a lot more rides for small kids there, and they have the Agent P missions, too. My kids like AK, but they love EPCOT. We spend 3 days there and only a partial day at AK. Sometimes we skip AK altogether.

Hey there Smitch is that Denise Richards as Ariel

 

[ukool]

Epcot, sounds like your parents would enjoy it and thiers some pretty good rides for your brother. Thiers some great stuff for the kids as well. Also AK is really a half day park imo.

 

[smitch425]

Hey there Smitch is that Denise Richards as Ariel

Denise Richards...LaToya Jackson...take your pick!

 

[ktlm]

When we go to DL, the only thing my daughter complains he misses from WDW, is EPCOT. We would pick EPCOT over AK hands down. If they are computer geek types, your father and brother might like doing the Agent P missions, even though they are adults. I think my DH likes them as much as DD does. Does your brother drink Alcohol? If he does, he will like Epcot. Lots of beers and other drinks to try. If all else fails, he can grab a beer, margarita etc., and sit on a bench in World Showcase. Or he can hang out at the Tequilla bar inside the Mexico Pavilion. If my DH went to WDW on his own, I can guarantee that anyone looking for him could probably find him somewhere in WS in EPCOT!

 

[darrius1st]

Epcot over Animal Kingdom any day. Epcot has Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Maelstrom and many many more. All animal kingdom has is Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Primeval Whirl and the Safari and not much else.

 

[Chuckers]

Your brother could have a few drinks and then go on Mission Space!

 

[Dixiemom]

I took my kids last year and they were nearly 12 and nearly 8. They did not want to go to Epcot because Test Track was down for refurb.......We did AK, not my favorite. This time we are getting park hopper tickets, which may not be something you want to do since you only have a few days. I had aleways said I didn't see the point of them but I really get it! I cannot see spending an entire ticket on AK or Epcot.....so splitting them up will be ideal for us. I would just check the different attractions at each park and see which fits your family the best. Either way, it's Disney and you'll have fun!

 

[tony609]

We would choose AK, it's a beautiful park. Has a more relaxed feel. You don't feel rushed. It has expedition Everest and dinosaur for your brother for a thrill rides... both beat test tracks big circle Ak has great walking paths with animals, animal shows and the safari for your parents. It has the boneyard ( a place for kids to run around and play- search Internet for more details), also offer the finding memo and lion king shows. It has camp minnie Mickey for meeting Mickey and friends... Not usually overly busy. It's tough to be a bug is a fun 3D film ( however could scare little ones).. The train to rafik is planet watch it fun and if you go early in the morning you might see them doing an animal exam. A great way to start an animal kingdom day is a family breakfast at tusker house with Mickey, Goofy, Daisy and Donald.

I think from how you described your party Ak would please more. It sounds like they are turned off already by epcot and when that happens its hard to convince people to think differently. Plus if they have traveled as you say WS in epcot might be a let down in comparison. AK Is a great way to spend the day. Plus AK closes early you could go back to the hotel rest a bit and hit downtown disney for the evening. Good luck on your choice.

 

[minnie mum]

From your description of your family, I think this is a really hard call. I think a lot will depend on how open minded your parents and brother will be. If your folks are travel snobs and have toured Europe extensively, I really wonder if they will enjoy WS very much. It will either be a very nice reminder of places they have been to in the past, or a watered down collection of stereotypes that they will turn their noses up at. You know your parents best. As for your brother, he will probably really enjoy FW (make sure he gets some time at Innoventions and Sum of All Thrills), and if you can seek out some of the live entertainment and beverages, he may enjoy WS as well.

I really love AK, and we frequently spend more than one day there on any given visit. But it requires that you can enjoy doing things other than thrill rides. That you can slow down and enjoy the environment. That you can take the time to pause and wait, stop and look around. This is not an amusement park- which I think is the mindset of a lot of folks who call it a half day park. It's such a shame that you won't have time to do both parks on your visit.

 

[mm1971]

This would be a tough decision for us as we enjoy both parks and can't imaging not doing them both on a trip. Our favorite park is EPCOT so I would definitely lean that way. Do you have park hoppers? You could do AK in the morning and EPCOT later in the day. From you description it seems your parents would be better suited for AK, while the others EPCOT. Maybe split up that day and let each decide for themselves?

I'm not sure how to convince someone that has already formed a pretty strong opinion. I would go on YouTube and pull up the ride video's from EPCOT and the other activities like Innoventions, WS performers and try that to convince him to go. Couldn't he go to the parks with you and if he decides he does not like it, he can take the bus back to the hotel at that point? At least he would be able to go and make a decision then.

 

[DisneyTreats]

My family usually do AK in the day and then we park hop to Epcot late afternoon x

 

[surferdude]

My brother likes thrill rides but hates shopping and isn't crazy about museums. My father and brother are both computer geek types.

Epcot is a better choice on this alone. I was never a fan of AK, but thats mainly because I also dont really like zoos either. As for rides I like Everest, Rafting (I dont really know how to spell it so Im not attempting), Count Down to Extinction, and Kilimanjaro Safari. Meanwhile I prefer Test Track, Mission Space over all of those. If your brother is a thrill seeker, than he will enjoy those two rides more. Epcot also has the technology aspect;after all the actual theme of the part is based on technological innovation (plus imo has better food, from small carts to actual dining).

Either way though, both parks will give you a days worth of entertainment

 

[chipscamping buddy]

Based on your descriptions of the family, Epcot would definitely seem the way to go. There are plenty of rides at Epcot that would keep the kids entertained. I think your parent might actually find that WDW has some value even for "travel snobs".
Your brother is your stumbling block and really he has a certain point about it being kind of museum like. However, Epcot is the most varied park of them all. While WDW isn't a thrill ride place, there are some great rides at Epcot. I would stress the rides, the good food, and the live entertainment. Plus for the tech geek side there is Innovations. It isn't nearly the tech geek heaven it started out as, but it is still good.

 

[LetsGoBack]

When given a choice of which park to attend on our last day in WDW, my DD8 and DS 6 (at the time) chose Epcot. They absolutely loved Test Track, Mission Space, and don't forget about Soarin'. There are so many fabulous restaurants to choose from as well. Your family can chose a restaurant representing one of the favorite countries they have visited on their travels.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

My husband, three kids (8, 6 and 2) and I will be heading to Orlando at the end of April. We were at Disneyland last spring, so my kids have a decent idea of what to expect, and are very excited. This trip, my parents and my brother will be joining us. My parents brought my brother and I to Magic Kingdom and Epcot back in the mid 80s, so they do have some idea what it is all about... and really aren't crazy about it! My brother was only a toddler, so doesn't remember any of it.

My parents are not really keen on Disney - they are more museum and nature type people. They have travelled extensively in Europe, and are kind of travel snobs. My brother likes thrill rides but hates shopping and isn't crazy about museums. My father and brother are both computer geek types.

My parents and my brother have agreed to three days at Disney (and 1 day visiting Harry Potter, etc. at Universal).

Everyone has agreed to one day at Magic Kingdom. The kids and I will be there an extra day at the end, so we will be heading back to Magic Kingdom for an extra day. We have also all agreed on one day at Hollywood Studios. My dad and brother are both Muppet and Star Wars fans, so I think it is a don't miss for us.

For some reason, my brother seems to be not at all interested in Epcot. He seems convinced it is a shopping/museum type place. Is he right? Everything I have read seems to suggest that if you are choosing between Animal Kingdom and Epcot, Epcot is the choice.... but I don't know how to sell him on it.

At this point my brother is saying he would rather sit by the pool than go to Epcot. (Keeping in mind that we do plan on having several other down days with lots of pool time.) Should I try to talk him into going to Epcot? Am I correct in thinking that my parents will enjoy Epcot more than the other parks? Does anyone know a good online video or article that would "sell" Epcot to my family? A video would probably be especially good fro my brother! And I assume that Epcot has changed quite a bit since my parents were there in the mid 80s? Or am I making a mistake in bringing them back?

I want everyone to have a fun and relaxing vacation.... I know there is something at Disney for everyone, and I think they will all really enjoy it if they let themselves!

Thanks for your help!

With all that you have said, it seems to me that Epcot is clearly a better choice for your family than Animal Kingdom. Epcot is almost like two different parks rolled into one. The first area is Future World. Future World is then divided up into smaller sections. In The Land, you can ride Soarin'. This is a ride that most everyone seems to love. The same ride is found at Disney's California Adventure. Also in this pavilion is Living with the Land. It's a boat ride that talks about the history of farming, all that we have learned, and what is on the horizon. You also go through the agriculture gardens there at Epcot where horticulturists and others are learning new techniques and how to use our land to better feed the world. In The Seas, you can go on a ride called The Seas with Nemo and Friends. It has a huge aquarium that you can explore as well as fun things for the kids such as Turtle Talk with Crush. Journey Into Imagination is in Future World and while it isn't as much fun as it once was, it is a sweet little ride where you get inspired about the lack of boundaries of the human imagination. Captain EO is a 3D show here staring Michael Jackson. Test Track and Mission Space are huge favorites among thrill seekers. Ellen's Energy Adventure is an educational ride about the history and future of energy. Spaceship Earth is iconic. Innoventions is fantastic for science lovers and if they are into things like engineering, Sum of all Thrills is a must. Make sure you check out Club Cool, as well, and sample drinks from around the world. Beware of Beverly. If you brother is being grouchy, though, insist that it is the absolute best and make him drink it.

Then you have World Showcase which is a stroll around the world without ever having to find your passport. The foods are fantastic and I hate missing ANY of the street performers. There are fun videos in many of the countries that talk about the history and culture of those countries. Shopping is great, but it really is so much more than a giant shopping mall. Oh, and for your parents, maybe see about them doing the tour in the Morocco Pavilion. It isn't well advertised, but very fascinating.


In just seems to me that the math, science, and technology based Future World would be excellent for your husband and brother. Your parents would love World Showcase. The kids can enjoy the rides as well as Agent P's adventure (as a PP mentioned). Epcot has a little bit of something for everyone.

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

years ago, we weren't big fans of epcot either. then along came my grand daughter. so we let her do kidcot. she loved it and it got us to actually go into the countries, even the ones we thought we wouldn't like or were boring. now, instead of eating a big meal at one country, we snack our way around the world. one trip I had fun purchasing a small gift from each country as a thank you to our house/pet sitter. we now plan 2 whole days there, one to do the front and all the rides and one to see the world showcase. you just have to find something that interests him and show him what he can do with it there.