Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom

[lauritagoddess]

I'll be in the parks for 4 days with my 3.5 year old DS. I had figured we'd spend day 1 and day 4 at MK and with day 2 at Epcot and day 3 at MGM. My brother and his family went last year and we've been watching a DVD of their trip and my DS went nuts over the Epcot footage but was extremely lackluster about AK. He's not a big one for zoos or animals so I figured we'd skip AK this trip and do it the next trip. I have two friends who came back from trips in the last couple of weeks, one with a 3.5 year old and the other with a 5 year old. Both recommended I skip Epcot and go to AK instead. What do you all think? My son is pretty good about not having to go on rides all the time and even seemed interested in the parts of the DVD where they were going through the country pavilions in Epcot. But would be AK more fun for a 3.5 year old? Thanks.

 

[golden1]

With a child of that age, I'd pick AK over Epcot. I think that there is a lot more at AK that a 3 year old would like. MGM and AK are both short days. If your child has the energy, you could always squeeze in a half day at Epcot.

 

[Caylin]

Epcot can be kind of wearing on little ones. I remember being ten and just not having as much fun at that park, unless we were at the Imagination Pavilion. Maybe split a day between AK and Epcot? That way you could see what your kids are enjoying most.

 

[teacher31]

AK would be my choice. It is different than what you are thinking. It has this gorgeous landscaping throughout, and two trails where you can see the animals. There are some nice rides - triceratop spin. Think Dumbo Prehistoric. The safari is wonderful, and you can take a train to where they take care of the animals. I think it's call Rafiki's Wildlife Somethingoranother. Every year we schedule a couple of 1/2 days in AK, but end up spending more time there. I really think it is a hidden jewel.

 

[hickchick]

IMHO, Epcot would be a better choice. When we were there in 2004, my DD was 4 and Dnephew was almost 4. They both loved the low-key rides/attractions at Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Mexico, The Land. Even if your DS isn't big on animals, he would probably enjoy the Living Seas. And the night show - Illuminations - is a must-see.

(They were scared of a some of the rides/movies at Animal Kingdom, although they both enjoyed the safari ride and Dino-Land.)

2 days at MK is a great decision - by far the best park to spend time with a 3.5 year old! Have fun!

 

[kpk89]

It depends on the child's interests -- my son FAR prefers Epcot to AK, but my daughter could spend the whole trip at AK and be happy. If your son seemed interested in the Epcot footage, give it a shot.

 

[ndelaware]

I would go to AK early and head for Epcot for the late afternoon evening. AK has Camp Minnie-Mickey, Pocohantos' show, The Lion King show (which is the best show in Disney), the Safari ride, and lots to do in Dino land. When my kids were younger they prefered AK but now are leaning towards Epcot as they get bigger. But we still have to get one day in AK or I won't hear the end of it.

 

[daisyduck123]

If I had to choose, I'd choose AK over Epcot for my DS7.

 

[Karnak]

Many things would be enjoyable to most children of that age. I wouldn't try to pick one over the other without knowing the child. However, I will say that you might be well advised to hold the Magic Kingdom for last. There's no way I would take children to WDW and go to the Magic Kingdom first. Any of the other parks will be a bit of a letdown if visited after seeing the Magic Kingdom.

Enjoy.
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PEOPLE HAVE MORE FUN THAN ANYBODY
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1994 Sept. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
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1999 Nov. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
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[lauritagoddess]

Thanks for all the opinions. I think for now I'm probably going to go with my plan to do Epcot but see how many son does there. If he seems bored, we can just leave and I can rearrange our plans.

 

[Webbie]

Back when my DDs were young, they loved Epcot. I would vote for Epcot. There is a lot to do there even for the younger children. You can always head into Epcot and if that is boring,head over to AK.