EPCOT or AK?

[KimWDW]

We are going to WDW in October, bringing our 3 year old for his first time. We're doing parks for 5 days. I'm thinking of MK for 3 days, MGM 1 day, and then either EPCOT or AK for the other day. I know that at EPCOT he can go on the Mexico boat ride, Norway boat ride, Spaceship Earth, the figment ride. I've never been to AK, so I don't know how much there is there for a 3 year old. Which park do you think would be better for him?

 

[Princess Michelle]

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[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

I would say to split a day between Epcot and AK. I just couldn't imagine a trip to WDW without going to both places. AK is like a big kid, and little kids, ultimate zoo. AK even has this entire area where kids can play it looked like. My husband and I didn't go into that area but stared at it for awhile while we ate our food. It looked awesome but we were meeting up with some people so restrained ourselves from taking a closer look. Sorry I don't have more specifics on that but maybe someone else does? And Epcot has a LOT of attractions that he would enjoy and be able to go on. Just picture the Imagination center with a 3 year old! He'll love it! And Spaceship Earth and the Norway ride are HUGE when your a little kid so that would be major for him! Both parks are educational as well just in different ways. But if push came to shove go with Epcot. It's a great place and he'll get a kick out of the water that shoots out of the ground and into the air in some places.

 

[jkmmah]

For a three year old here's what I'd suggest...

If you have hoppers--get to AK first thing in the morning. See the animals on safari, hit Camp Minnie-Mickey, see Lion King, and head to Dinoland for the T-tops Spin and the boneyard. Try to have it done by early afternoon.

THEN, head to Epcot and spend the rest of the day there. There's lots for kids to do other than the rides. Let your child stop at the kidcot stations and color. Enjoy the "street" performers. Meet the characters. Play at Mission Space's play area, even if you don't ride it. Take in Figment and the interactive area at the end of the ride. Literally tons of stuff to do! Don't miss Illuminations!

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Just my opinion, on his first trip DS (then 2.5) Loved Epcot as well. I think he would've been burned out doing 3 days at MK (we did 2 partial days - taking time off every day at about 1pm for his nap). If you aren't going at peak time you will be able to get to everything in the 2 days. Also, Epcot had some neat extras like getting yourself in a photo with Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc., trying some new foods (nice desserts at Epcot), etc. And riding in the "big ball" was quite a thrill for him. We also picked up some M&M like things from Norway - very cool. He took them to playgroup when we got home to share (or brag, whatever).

He also enjoyed AK but we were done there by about 2pm (from opening time). If you have park hoppers you could do Epcot after AK and probably accomplish the best of both.

No matter what you do, you'll have a great time and whatever you don't do will most likely be there next time!

Enjoy your trip!