Cocoa Beach > Disney: Which Park Should We Choose?

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

In 2019 we have a small group of adults (mid 40's-mid 50's) heading to Cocoa Beach for a week.
My DBF & I plan to head to Disney for a day trip & one of the other couples wants to come too.
Our friend's husband has never been to Disney & she has only been a couple of times. We have been asked to decide where we go since we have the most experience at WDW.
DBF & I were talking last night about what park we should choose (& choosing is very hard!).
I lean towards MK because to me it is the heart of WDW for a first time visit. DBF thinks the other parks have more adult appeal & I do see his point.
We are all pretty much up for any type of ride or show, we plan to be at whichever park we choose RD to closing. Which park would you show a first-timer?

 

[brad813]

It depends on when you are going as well. I would choose Epcot if there was a special event of interest going on, and Soarin is a must do. For a regular day, MK or AK would be my top choices. HS is not one I would choose right now, but if you were going after Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opens that would be a possibility. Consider choosing a nice table service meal sometime in the day though, for a nice break and to give them a good taste of Disney food.

 

[brad813]

Also, MK you may want to consider Early Morning Magic unless you want them to see the RD show.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

It depends on when you are going as well. I would choose Epcot if there was a special event of interest going on, and Soarin is a must do. For a regular day, MK or AK would be my top choices. HS is not one I would choose right now, but if you were going after Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opens that would be a possibility. Consider choosing a nice table service meal sometime in the day though, for a nice break and to give them a good taste of Disney food.

We are going late April-Early May. I agree that Soarin is a must in Epcot. I have not seen an official opening date for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge & doubt it would be open when we are there, but I would be nervous trying to navigate HS & that new land so soon after it opened due to the crowds. I wish Disney offered a "best of Disney pass" for these 1 day trips-haha! So you could get in all the classics & favorites!
Thanks for your input

 

[StageTek]

I did this almost exactly several years ago. Big family reunion in Coco Beach. One day 6 of us took a trip to WDW - our first time.

We chose Epcot and were glad we did. For those who believe other parks have a more adult feel they will have a much better day at Epcot.

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

I did this almost exactly several years ago. Big family reunion in Coco Beach. One day 6 of us took a trip to WDW - our first time.

We chose Epcot and were glad we did. For those who believe other parks have a more adult feel they will have a much better day at Epcot.

Thanks for your message. I think Epcot makes the most sense for us too weighing all that I know. Plus the Flower & Garden Festival will be going on which is another ++ in my book.

 

[dachsie]

Have you considered a park hopper and you could do a couple of parks at least

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

Have you considered a park hopper and you could do a couple of parks at least

I don't believe Disney offers a 1 day park-hopper

 

[dachsie]

I don't believe Disney offers a 1 day park-hopper

Check the website - they do buts its an expensive option

 

[StageTek]

I don't believe Disney offers a 1 day park-hopper

They do!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets/

 

[dachsie]

Another way to choose is to explain to them what each park offers and let them decide which one to attend

 

[DISNEYSQUIRRELS]

Check the website - they do buts its an expensive option

They do!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets/

Good to know! This might be the way to go for us
Thank you!

 

[mustinjourney]

I would lean toward going to epcot in the AM and get a late lunch, and then head to MK for later afternoon and evening fireworks. You could ride the monorail over, so they would get to experience a lot of the Disney icons, all in one day! Spaceship earth, monorail, and Castle!

You could set up your FPs for later afternoon in the MK, and try and rope drop Soarin' and test track.

 

[wisteria1019]

The one issue with one day at a Park and Hoppers is all the time wasted travelling from one to the other. If you want classic Disney, I would visit Magic Kingdom otherwise EPCOT is a great full day option.