First time WDW, how to decide on 5th day usage

[skagway]

Hi Disney experts,
I am going to WDW for the first time (in for ever), and planning on taking a 5 day (base) ticket, given that we also need to reserve the dates, I am not sure which one to reserve for the 5th day. I think I can change the reservation till the day before (?), but that would be subject to availability. What is the most likely park that will need to be revisited? I am thinking it is going to be Magic Kingdom.... but what are the strategies to use here.

 

[Landry]

I would use it for Magic Kingdom. That park typically needs 2 days. You could also use it at Hollywood Studios if you're a big Star Wars fan or a fan of the other rides at DHS.

 

[sponica]

I'd probably use it for Magic Kingdom. Depending on when you're going and what park capacity looks like, I might also be inclined to reserve DHS in the event you want to repeat that one (it typically sells out first during super busy times) and if you decide after doing DHS, you don't want to re-visit, change it to another park.

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

Would highly depend on the ages and interests of everyone in your party.

 

[snikki]

We like to start and end at MK so I would say MK.

 

[Calee]

My vote is MK too. Once you've been to them if you want to switch, you will likely be able to switch to another park (at least epcot or AK) if you want, depending on the time of year you go.

 

[HeiHei2018]

Another vote for MK

 

[Gehrig1B]

I vote for getting hoppers with 2 days DHS, 2 days MK, 1 day AK, and evenings at Epcot...

 

[kwdw]

Two days at MK. I think the base ticket a great choice if you haven't been there in a very long time. Park hours, time of year, events going on dictate which order I would say exactly. But in general, second day at any park of a 5 day trip on a base ticket should be the last day. For 5 days - I love MK first day and last day - but things like park hours, events (like F&W or after hour parties), impact that decision making.

 

[skagway]

Thanks everyone, going there in the 3rd full week of April, some website (forgot which) suggested there wont as much rush on some of the days I visit so planning the visits accordingly.

One other question. Hopefully does not get buried. The site says park hours are 9 to 9 PM, and lists the night fireworks/water show to start at 9PM, I dont think those shows are for the resort/AP members only, does it mean that we can watch the show, or just that plebs won't be allowed any rides but hang around till the end of the show?

 

[scrappinginontario]

All guests will be allowed to watch the fireworks. After the fireworks are over you can spend time in the stores towards the park exit if you wish and then make you way out from there. If there is an extra hours event, only those who are permitted access to the event will be allowed to ride.

One thing to note though is that at Disney, as long as you are in a line by 8:59 for a 9:00 closing, you will be allowed to ride. Ride times are often inflated toward park closing also. When we were there 2 weeks ago, Seven Dwarfs was showing an 80 min wait time. We got in line 45 mins before the park closed and rode it then got in line a second time and rode it again. On a different night Rise of the Resistance was also showing an 80 min wait time just before park close and we were off in 40 mins.

 

[roctavia]

If you have younger kids MK is probably the best one for a 2nd day, there is just more to do and see/ re-ride compared to the other parks. We usually do 2 MK days and a rest day in the middle of our week, we don't pay extra for hoppers.

 

[Shellyred8]

If you are staying on site and Rise of the Resistance is REALLY important to you, I would recommend reserving 2 days at HS. If you are planning to buy the $LL, this will give you two days to try to get it.

 

[DebLovesPooh]

Thanks everyone, going there in the 3rd full week of April, some website (forgot which) suggested there wont as much rush on some of the days I visit so planning the visits accordingly.

One other question. Hopefully does not get buried. The site says park hours are 9 to 9 PM, and lists the night fireworks/water show to start at 9PM, I dont think those shows are for the resort/AP members only, does it mean that we can watch the show, or just that plebs won't be allowed any rides but hang around till the end of the show?

I think that’s Easter week and I would anticipate very large crowds. That said, I enjoy spending two days on MK. We split the park in half and enjoy without rushing around. Have some table service meals too.

 

[sponica]

Thanks everyone, going there in the 3rd full week of April, some website (forgot which) suggested there wont as much rush on some of the days I visit so planning the visits accordingly.

One other question. Hopefully does not get buried. The site says park hours are 9 to 9 PM, and lists the night fireworks/water show to start at 9PM, I dont think those shows are for the resort/AP members only, does it mean that we can watch the show, or just that plebs won't be allowed any rides but hang around till the end of the show?

Just to warn you that week is Easter week/school vacation week in some parts. I'm not sure I'd trust ANY crowd calendar that says it won't be busy.

 

[wiggy500]

I'd reserve it for Magic Kingdom and if you change your mind after seeing the parks change it at the last minute, which you could do as long as there is availability.

Be advised the park hours likely will change to be longer. They tend to adjust them a couple weeks ahead of time.