Disneyland Vet needs advice: Epcot, AK or HS?

[disneycat321]

I'm a DLR vet, too. At any other time, I'd say Epcot and AK...but with all the construction right now, I'd agree with the consensus that AK and HS is probably a better idea, especially with teens. But make sure you plan another trip back when Epcot is more open.

AK has my two favorite Disney rides - FOP and Everest. There is just nothing like FOP anywhere else. And HS is great for teens, especially with RNRC. (I personally like GOTG better than TOT....but yes, it's nice to revisit the original.) Toy Story Land is fantastic - we absolutely loved it.

 

[karly05]

I have never seen Avatar, don't really care about it, and I loved FOP! I'm sure some background knowledge will make you appreciate details, but it is an awesome ride all on its own.

I would also hope by the end of the year, the Lion King and Nemo shows might be back at AK in some form - I love both of those.

 

[RamblingMad]

I have never seen Avatar, don't really care about it, and I loved FOP! I'm sure some background knowledge will make you appreciate details, but it is an awesome ride all on its own.

I would also hope by the end of the year, the Lion King and Nemo shows might be back at AK in some form - I love both of those.

The Lion King show is really good. Nemo is good, but if you get bad seating, it’s hard to hear. Both are worth checking out when they start up again.

What’s nice about AK now is that a lot of rides are almost walk ons. It was super challenging before to get FoP FPs. Other than the rides, it’s underwhelming compared to San Diego Zoo.

EPCOT has a lot of construction right now and closures. But it was also the go to place to eat.

HS has the most new stuff right now.

I’d also throw in Universal since you have teenage kids.

My suggestion is to watch Craig’s recent videos on YouTube for the Dis. He’s done an exceptional job of filming the parks. Those videos should give you a good idea about how the parks are now.

I’d personally take advantage of the shorter wait times at AK. And then I’d head to Universal.

 

[iheartglaciers]

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.

Totally agree with this. If you haven't been to Epcot before, I would definitely pick Animal Kingdom over Epcot during COVID. World Showcase is totally different without the international CMs, and a lot of the stores and eateries are closed. And then on top of that, there's so much construction going on outside of World Showcase. With two days, I'd do Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios (since you want to see Galaxy's Edge and ToT). Animal Kingdom has amazing themeing and lots of details to appreciate just walking around the park at a slower pace. The animal trails at Animal Kingdom are much more than just a zoo!

 

[bethy]

Thanks so much for all the wonderful replies! One of my very favorite things about Disney vacations is the theming. Super important. So that's another reason why we'll wait to do Epcot some other time. The immersion of the World Showcase and all it's details is something we'll really cherish when we finally visit someday.

 

[Mikey6080]

There is a lot of construction going on at Epcot and I've always considered that to be more of an adult's park (especially with the Flower & Garden Festival and Food and Wine Festival). If I were taking teens I'd do Hollywood Studios. The Tower of Terror, Aerosmith coaster, Star Wars land, etc. should definitely keep them happy. Make sure to eat at the Sci-Fi restaurant while you're there.