Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom

[UBSHANG]

We have one open day to visit either Epcot or Animal Kingdom. Which theme park in your experience would you choose overall and why. I would appreciate your comments, suggestions and advice.

 

[ryley26]

I think for adults its Epcot. The are plenty of rides and World showcase. Young Kids i'd say Animal Kingdom with the zoo atmosphere and plenty of stuff for young kids.

 

[Jerry2]

AK is by far our least favorrte park. We uaually spend just a half day there, and if it weren't for Expedition Everest we would probably skip it all together.

On the other hand we usually spend at LEAST two full days at EPCOT. We love both Future World AND the World Showcase!

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

I always hear people say that Animal Kingdom is their least favorite park, and I just don't get it! Our family loves Animal Kingdom -- it is one of our favorite parks, second only to Magic Kingdom. We love the theming, the walkways, the food, the shows (Finding Nemo and Festival of the Lion King are fantastic), and it is home to some of our favorite rides (Expedition Everest, Kilamanjaro Safaris). We love Epcot as well, but if you can only do one, I'd do Animal Kingdom for sure.

 

[Sleeping*Beauty]

If you want more shopping and diverse food then it's Epcot that you want.

If your an animal lover or like shows then you want Animal Kingdom.

If it were me I'd pick AK.

 

[MinMouse]

For our family it would be EPCOT hands down. Although this would not have been my answer years ago when my kids were small. They got bored easily at EPCOT until they were 8 or so. So I would say it depends on the ages of the children going. At EPCOT we love Soarin' (not to be missed IMHO), Test Track and two of our group love Mission Space. Our DD13 loves walking through the countries and poking around the stores. AK has some great shows . . . Lion King in particular and we like EE. It also has a tremendous amount of walking.

 

[Slakk]

Epcot is my families favorite park - especially my 10 year old. Our last trip was only three days so we skipped AK and he did not care a bit. We are not big on going to the shows so for us we can do the park in a few hours.

Epcot on the other hand we can do for days and not get tired of it.

Our favorite rides are Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space so we hit them all and get a pretty decent workout!

 

[MJMcBride]

I'm a very big supporter of The Animal Kingdom. I love taking my time and going over the animal exhibits. I love Festival of the Lion King. But Epcot is a more unique experience and if I had to chose, would likely to do Epcot.

 

[EMcCool419]

EPCOT all the way! There is something for everyone!

 

[thunzor]

EPCOT is usually open about 3 or 4 hours latter than AK. So that might be a factor if they are close. I personally would choose Epcot

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I like both but I think it is a matter of preference. I think there is plenty to do at each park for all ages. We prefer Epcot because there is so much to do. But I would not like to skip Lion King, Safari, Dinosaur, Nemo Musical either. I dont think I helped much but I think if you prefer a slower paced day do AK. If you want more big attractions (Mission Space, Soarin, Test Track) then Epcot is your bet.

 

[haleofafamily]

My family would vote for AK!!!!!!!!!! It is the favorite park of several in our group. It has great shows and rides.

 

[WDW4ever]

My husband's favorite park is AK and mine is Epcot. I like AK a lot too, and it's my second favorite of the parks. It's hard to tell you where you should go. It depends on personal taste really. If you're into the animal safari nature thing go to AK. If you like different countries, futuristic stuff, do Epcot. I think kids tend to like AK a little better so that might be a consideration if you're traveling with young ones.

 

[Tinkerspell]

Epcot, hands down. It's consistantly the favorite of the parks for both our kids, topping MK even. We told them our next trip may be short and we might have to skip one park and they decided AK could go. It's huge, it's hot, and it's a lot of walking in the sun for not a lot of fun. Not to mention the day after we go there, the whole family is sick sick sick... from the heat or whatever, but yeah, if you have to pick, I say Epcot.

And for those who think Epcot is only for the adults, my kids say pbbblllttt (probably because they're home from school).

 

[enyaj40]

EP with or without kids

i am a HUGE fan of EP and a HUGE fan of introducing kids to other cultures' food, music, and people

the other EP draw would be Illuminations

the final thing that would cinch it for me is that EP is open later

 

[Robert 31320]

We'd prefer Epcot, simply because it is open later.

 

[SweaterInJune]

Ultimately, this decision needs to be yours. The parks are completely different, aside from from the international atmospheres created in both and of course that Disney magic.

Have you been to the parks before? Both or even one? That would a big factor for me. I love to experience new things. Epcot is open later than DAK, because of the intense animal care required. DAK closes with the sunset--it's only natural.

Now, I never got to experience DAK as a guest. The first time I stepped foot inside DAK, I was training. I learned so many cool things about the park that I wouldn't have picked up on as quickly on my own. These things made it special. I learned how to visit this park the way it was intended to be visited. I get a lot out of it. If you choose DAK, take your time and really take in and respond, naturally, to your surroundings. It is not your typical theme park--it's not fast-paced: go, go, go!--And, it was never intended to be that kind of park.

Epcot is in one word fantastic. I love all of the parks, but found myself spending a lot of my free time here for the food, the people, and just the overall atmosphere.

Now, if you decide to buy a Park Hopper and race through DAK, which I don't recommend for your first visit, but it's very easily done. You can also experience quite a bit of Epcot in the same day--especially if you're staying on property and get an EMH day. Again, I don't recommend racing through the highlights, but it is an option. I've done this on a few occasions. Good luck with your decision!

 

[AlwaysLoveDisney]

they're both really good parks, but by far it's epcot. ak closes earlier and you'll be done with all of it early, too. epcot has so much to do. it's relaxing and the atmosphere is great.

 

[scheddj]

If you're going during the Christmas time frame I'd do EPCOT. It has more special Christmas stuff. It has the tree lighting, candlelight processional, holidays around the world, the special illuminations - I may be forgetting some.

 

[gk90]

Lots of people have given you good feedback already. All I want to add is that DH, I and DD9 would do Epcot in a heartbeat--for us, both parks are wonderful but Epcot is even more special. DS7 votes for AK because "the theme is cooler and it has Kilimanjaro Safari"