First Visit . . . First Park?

[Minderbelle]

We've been to DLR half a dozen times, most recently last summer, but have never been to WDW. We'll be there for 12 days (adults only). Which park do you recommend visiting first?

 

[daveb]

Hey naturally depends on you but after 30 to 40 visits to the world since 1970 Ihave yes have to go to mk first thing lol.daveb

 

[nessz79]

Well, if you're looking for something that is NOT at DLR to start your trip, I'd recommend Epcot. Tons and tons of things to do there and it's very different from Magic Kingdom.

 

[srwarden1928]

I would go by the expected crowds for your first day. I would plan on at least a full day in each park if at all possible.

 

[Metsoskil]

I'd go to whatever park is going to be the least crowded that isn't the MK. We like to save the MK for a day or two in to build the suspense since it's our favorite. We like Epcot for the first day if it fits.

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I still think nothing matches the excitement of walking down Main St the first morning there.

 

[glitterkittyy]

I still think nothing matches the excitement of walking down Main St the first morning there.

I agree!

 

[BeckWhy]

I support the park that is least busiest. One that doesn't have a party going on that night or any EMHs.

 

[Disneenut]

If i don't start my trip at MK it just doesn't feel right... The sights, sounds and smells of MK really put me in my own little world!

 

[Terk-1]

My vote is for the Magic Kingdom. To walk under the train station, then look down Main Street USA is incredible (and still brings a tear to my eye). It is definetly different than DL.

My second vote would be for EPCOT.

 

[kaffinito]

We went to Epcot first last trip, and it would have been so much more magical if we had walked down Main Street towards the Castle on the first day!

 

[MomofKatie]

Well, if you're looking for something that is NOT at DLR to start your trip, I'd recommend Epcot. Tons and tons of things to do there and it's very different from Magic Kingdom.

ITA! Very different from DL, and great for adults (and kids, IMO).

 

[marciemouse]

I still think nothing matches the excitement of walking down Main St the first morning there.

I agree! What park could be more magical than The Magic Kingdom?!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Even after all the trips we have taken, MK is still the first park we want to see when we arrive, and the last park we want to go to on our final day.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I voted Epcot. I think DL is superior to MK, all except for the castle of course. I think Epcot is a great way to kick off a WDW vacation, but I think I would also consider the least crowded park other than MK.

Don't get me wrong I LOOOOOVVVEEE MK, it is the way I begin all of my Disney vacations, but for your family I would go to Epcot or AK whichever is less crowded.

It will be too easy to draw unfavorable comparisons between MK and DL. For folks that consider DLR home, not seeing the Materhorn is kind of a weird let down. WDW is awesome, it has tons to do, you have to appreciate it as a whole and not get too bogged down comparing the individual parts. Go with an open mind and you will have a great time. Be prepared; touring WDW entailes 5 times the walking than DLR, also be prepared for long travel times getting around the resort, WDW is massive. Be patient, WDW is an amazing place with much to offer, it is truely magical!

 

[WDW Newsletter]

Our family always does MK first and then sometime in the middle of our trip and then our last day.

 

[MikeKV]

IMO its a no brainer for first time visitors to WDW. MK!

 

[clearyds]

For our family it must be Magic Kingdom. You walk down Main St toward the Castle...it is pure magic!!

 

[jimmalru80]

I would vote for the Magic Kingdom.

 

[EnnEss]

I'd been to DL so many times I can't count and then went to WDW. I'd recommend DHS or Epcot. Probably epcot, its fun but visually its really kinda meh the first time you're there compared to every other park in america.

You also won't instantly compare MK and DL that way too. MK isn't DL. Its not really your first time there, you've been to the one its based on already, and DL is still the gold standard. The castle height is impressive the first time you're there though after DL. Everytime I'm at MK I still miss DL and all things it has. Having said that, WDW has so much more overall it makes up for it for sure. But I still pick Epcot .