First Visit . . . First Park?

[EnnEss]

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!

^^

 

[TIGGERGUY]

One podcast I listen to mentioned a survey about how happy people were when they first attended Animal Kingdom. It seemed that the people happiest with it were the ones that did it first. It is such a different type of theme park that it can be disappointing if done after MK/Epcot. With that in mind, I would say for first times to do AK, DHS, Epcot and MK in that order.

 

[disneymomjcs]

One podcast I listen to mentioned a survey about how happy people were when they first attended Animal Kingdom. It seemed that the people happiest with it were the ones that did it first. It is such a different type of theme park that it can be disappointing if done after MK/Epcot. With that in mind, I would say for first times to do AK, DHS, Epcot and MK in that order.

Wow, hey lucky for you! Every month I'd be in heaven.

 

[disneymomjcs]

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?

We've been to WDW at least 23+++ times and DL for one Magical Trip in July 2005.

That said I would pick the Magic Kingdom it is where it all began in Florida for WDW and you'll still feel a little bit like your at home in DL.

I had that feeling in MK and DL walking under the railroad trestle smelling the popcorn listening to the excitement build around you then the sun shines warm on your face and then the music. Finally home again. Makes me want to run and jump all the way down main street and cry a little too!

Wow sorry I felt like I was really there. It is a wonderful way to begin your trip. The castle beautiful and large in the distance like an older sister to DL.

Whatever you decide you will be enchanted by WDW and all its parks.

Have a great time!

 

[ntz4disney]

We almost always go to Magic Kingdom on the first day there, unless its a late day arrive then we head over to EPCOT to catch Illuminations and to get dinner. If you have a full day ahead of you when you arrive ... then I agree that you should head over to Magic Kingdom and see where it all began

 

[MJMcBride]

I would definately do the Magic Kingdom first

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Though I personally prefer Epcot, I think for someone who hasn't been the 30 plus times like we have, that MK is a must!

 

[Al&Emsmom]

I voted MK. We love to take the ferry and watch the castle come into view. I'm like the others, tears come to my eyes.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Everytime I'm at MK I still miss DL and all things it has.

True story, no Alice, no Pinnochio, no Indy, no Roger Rabbit, no Submarine, no Matterhorn, no Penny Arcade,no Mr. Toad (I'm not a fan but some folks are), and Pirates, Space Mountain, and Fantasmic are waaayyy cooler at DL.

WDW has much more DLR on the whole.....Epcot, DHS, and AK. Also WDW is a more emmersive experience, you are surrounded by Disney and only Disney, the real world is no where in sight. The food at WDW is miles better than at DLR, the food choices at WDW are dizzying! Also DL is can get really really crowded because the walkways are narrow, WDW has more space so you don't feel as cattle like. (after parades and shows you still feel like cattle at WDW, but not during the day).

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I don't like start the trip with MK. I like to "build up" to it. My favorite order to do the parks is DHS, then Epcot, then MK and finish with AK.

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

We always do AK the first day then Epcot, then either DHS or MK. Most people go to MK the first day so it's more crowded at the beginning of the week. I agree that AK is different enough for you to get acclimatized to being at WDW insead of DL. Then you can work your way up to MK. Try to work the expected crowd levels into your itinerary. MK is much better without the crowds.

 

[wmdaddy]

First trip - I'd do Magic Kingdom first.

 

[GeneralZod]

We're taking a newbie this year and MK will be our first park.