Disneyland Vet needs advice: Epcot, AK or HS?

[bethy]

We have a Florida beach vacation planned for between Christmas and New Year's. We have 3 nights tacked on at WDW in early January to get our Disney fix as well.

We've been to Disneyland dozens of times but to WDW only for one day at MK before. We need to choose two parks to visit and are a little overwhelmed by the decision due to the Covid Situation. I've always wanted to visit Epcot but am wondering if the experience is significantly compromised due to Covid? Also, we'll probably choose HS for one day to see ToT again and also SWGE again (been there in DL and we are big fans).

We have three teens - they are commando park kiddos and my DH and I are more laid back and just enjoy soaking it in.

Thank you kindly for any advice you have for us. We are super excited!

 

[nkereina]

DH and I are WDW vets and visited DL for the first time last year. Compared to DL, Animal Kingdom and Epcot would be the most unique as you don't have anything like it there. However, the Epcot experience is currently diminished right now both due to closures from Covid as well as extensive construction in the park. Future World is an eye sore and I doubt it will be any better come December. Animal Kingdom is the park that usually takes us the least time and is probably our least favorite of the 4, but I think it would be worth doing over Epcot in the current environment.

 

[bethy]

DH and I are WDW vets and visited DL for the first time last year. Compared to DL, Animal Kingdom and Epcot would be the most unique as you don't have anything like it there. However, the Epcot experience is currently diminished right now both due to closures from Covid as well as extensive construction in the park. Future World is an eye sore and I doubt it will be any better come December. Animal Kingdom is the park that usually takes us the least time and is probably our least favorite of the 4, but I think it would be worth doing over Epcot in the current environment.

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I was wondering about with Epcot - both the construction and Covid.

 

[disneygirlsng]

AK is by far and away my favorite park of the 4 and I tend to spend a lot more time there than the other parks. It has sooo much to offer and a lot that is very unique from DL. That would easily be my choice.

 

[CynBeth]

I would do Epcot and AK.

 

[Miffy]

Another vote for Animal Kingdom here. It's a unique park and merely taking in the landscaping and architecture is well worth a trip there. Not to mention the safari ride, which is different every single time, all of the animal viewing in other areas, and of course Avatar Flight of Passage, which is still to me, even after having experienced RotR (which I love), the best ride Disney's ever done.

 

[Kimpossible1]

I went to Epcot last Tuesday and it isn't as bad as it was. There are many walls up but who knows how much will change till Dec/Jan. I wouldn't let a few people say that it isn't worth it because it is completely different than DL. I went to DL 4 times last year and LOVED it!! If any park is left out it could be MK.

 

[brockash]

We have a Florida beach vacation planned for between Christmas and New Year's. We have 3 nights tacked on at WDW in early January to get our Disney fix as well.

We've been to Disneyland dozens of times but to WDW only for one day at MK before. We need to choose two parks to visit and are a little overwhelmed by the decision due to the Covid Situation. I've always wanted to visit Epcot but am wondering if the experience is significantly compromised due to Covid? Also, we'll probably choose HS for one day to see ToT again and also SWGE again (been there in DL and we are big fans).

We have three teens - they are commando park kiddos and my DH and I are more laid back and just enjoy soaking it in.

Thank you kindly for any advice you have for us. We are super excited!

Normally I would totally choose Epcot, but I almost feel bad for ppl. going right now as there first time because of how much construction there is. Between the 3, I guess I'd say DHS, then Epcot.

 

[dachsie]

I would definitely include AK just for FoP. Its an awesome ride. And that they are reporting multiple chances to ride it - will never have that chance again

 

[MarkS2112]

Epcot right now is a waste of time especially with teens. Too much construction and to few attractions. HS has the big thrill rides. AK does offer Pandora and Expedition Everest plus the safari. However, without the shows right now it is diminished with few rides and short park hours. But AK is unique. FOP is well worth it.

 

[nkereina]

I went to Epcot last Tuesday and it isn't as bad as it was. There are many walls up but who knows how much will change till Dec/Jan. I wouldn't let a few people say that it isn't worth it because it is completely different than DL. I went to DL 4 times last year and LOVED it!! If any park is left out it could be MK.

The construction is one thing, but the World Showcase - which is the most unique part of Epcot - isn't fully operational and I don't believe it will be by the end of the year. None of the international CMs are working, and there are a number of stores, QS, and TS restaurants closed.

FWIW, AK is also completely different than anything they have at DL.

 

[glocon]

Another vote to include AK for your trip... for all of the above reasons, and to see the Tree of Life there. It’s simply amazing and beautiful!!

 

[bethy]

Thanks so much everyone! My gut tells me to wait on Epcot, sadly. In normal times it would have been my first pick and I have been waiting for years to see the World Showcase for myself. The good news is that I guess we have the full Epcot experience to look forward to and embrace on another future trip someday.

I think we'll do DHS the first day so that if we don't get on RotR we can have another chance - my DH and oldest daughter haven't experienced it yet and I cannot wait to see them do it! Also my three kids looooooove rides.

For the second day we'll do a leisurely AK visit to soak in the magic and sights and do some pool time before we fly cross country the next day. I guess I need to watch the movie Avatar - never seen it!

 

[disneygirlsng]

Thanks so much everyone! My gut tells me to wait on Epcot, sadly. In normal times it would have been my first pick and I have been waiting for years to see the World Showcase for myself. The good news is that I guess we have the full Epcot experience to look forward to and embrace on another future trip someday.

I think we'll do DHS the first day so that if we don't get on RotR we can have another chance - my DH and oldest daughter haven't experienced it yet and I cannot wait to see them do it! Also my three kids looooooove rides.

For the second day we'll do a leisurely AK visit to soak in the magic and sights and do some pool time before we fly cross country the next day. I guess I need to watch the movie Avatar - never seen it!

Just gonna put it out there as generally Avatar (the movie) isn't viewed very favorably by most. The land and the rides, especially FOP, are incredible whether you like the movie or not. And I believe that you can thoroughly enjoy the land and all it has to offer without even having seen the movie. Though I do recommend watching it still, because there are some details that will help and enhance the experience some just by having a little background knowledge from the movie.

 

[ars0525]

I was just at Epcot Sunday (8-30-20) & I wouldn't go again until they can open more. Been to MK & HS since the re-open & those parks are pretty good. Epcot was so blah. So many of the stores & little food places are closed. I think this is in part to force people to the modified Food & Wine booths (which are so over priced in my opinion for a couple bites). I was done in 3 hours & that included sitting thru the American Adventure. I was bummed as I really look forward to my Epcot day & this was just blah.

And FWIW I have never seen the Avatar movie, but the theming in that area is really amazing! Day & night are both worth seeing I feel.

 

[fly girl]

Thanks so much everyone! My gut tells me to wait on Epcot, sadly. In normal times it would have been my first pick and I have been waiting for years to see the World Showcase for myself. The good news is that I guess we have the full Epcot experience to look forward to and embrace on another future trip someday.

I think we'll do DHS the first day so that if we don't get on RotR we can have another chance - my DH and oldest daughter haven't experienced it yet and I cannot wait to see them do it! Also my three kids looooooove rides.

For the second day we'll do a leisurely AK visit to soak in the magic and sights and do some pool time before we fly cross country the next day. I guess I need to watch the movie Avatar - never seen it!

Oh, I wish you had 3 park days! (Or even 2.5, read below)

No doubt your throwaway is MK. You’ve been there and it’s similar to DL.

First, esp with teens, AK is a must. FOP, EE, and Dinosaur (Indiana Jones beats the pants off of it, but it’s still worth checking out). Not to mention Kilimanjaro Safari.

HS, yeah, again with teens you get most bang for your buck.

But it kills me you’re missing out on World Showcase when it’s been something you’ve wanted for ages. I sadly agree Epcot is the one to skip since it’s under renovation, but if by chance you could squeak in a mid afternoon through dinner visit to Epcot on the first nights stay I’d highly recommend it! Maybe a holiday splurge, but if you have no clue when you’re returning it may be worth it.

 

[doombuggy]

While DAK is my least favorite park, I would have to say that you probably should choose it over EPCOT. I just got back from a 3 night "staycation" at WDW (I was supposed to be in Anaheim for Star Wars Celebration...cancelled until 2022) and I had minimal waits when I went to DAK on Friday afternoon for both Everest and FoP. Your teens would like those, I assume. I was at EPCOT yesterday and more stuff was closed than I was expecting. I think some of the food booths were closed. When you are here during the holidays it will probably be busier, but not as many food booths since F&W will be over (although they seem to have food booths year round now...)
Enjoy!

 

[mindeola]

I'd pick Animal Kingdom. It is so beautiful. Lots to see and do., The details and are amazing and no matter how often you go, you see some new thing!

 

[MrKnight]

Another vote for Epcot and AK.. As stated previously, both of these parks are unique to WDW and you cannot really find anything similar to them at Disneyland. In regards to construction at Epcot, do not allow this to discourage you, while yes the Future World side is undergoing extension construction (it is well managed and behind walls), the World Showcase side of the park is totally unaffected by this.

 

[nkereina]

In regards to construction at Epcot, do not allow this to discourage you, while yes the Future World side is undergoing extension construction (it is well managed and behind walls), the World Showcase side of the park is totally unaffected by this.

I mentioned up-thread that while its true World Showcase is not affected by the construction, there are many stores and dining options in WS that are currently closed. International CMs are also not currently working. Between that and the maze of construction walls in FW, I would not consider this to be a good time for a first visit to Epcot.