Half Day Split - Epcot and Hollywood. Which first?

[Jo Trip]

I'm taking my 2 girls (5 and 2) to Disney for the first time this Spring. Due to time I need to do Epcot and Hollywood studios on the same day. I realize that I won't be able to do everything in both parks but I think it's enough time to do the most important to them (Epcot - Nemo, Turtle talk, Frozen ride, Summerhaus, any other characters) (Hollywood - Ariel, Beast & Frozen shows, Disney Jr., & meet some characters. They have no interest in Toy Story). With that in mind which order should I do the 2 parks in?

- I currently have Akerhaus booked for dinner and Hollywood & Vine booked for lunch BUT I'm second guessing that I should switch the Park order and need to decide soon since this Tuesday is when I can book my FP+

 

[Calee]

I would honestly not do 2 table service meals in one day if you are hopping and this is your only time in those 2 parks. That alone takes 3ish hours out of your park time, plus the travel from park to park.

If you truly have no interest in any of the headliners at HS I think it honestly doesnt matter much. You could start in HS and then use your FP in the evening at epcot. Or you could start at epcot using fp and then hop to hs. The things you name in HS dont really need FP or might be available as a 4th FP.
Are you sure though about no toy story? The toy story mania ride is one of my kids absolute favorite in all of wdw.

 

[hoffj070]

I would honestly not do 2 table service meals in one day if you are hopping and this is your only time in those 2 parks. That alone takes 3ish hours out of your park time, plus the travel from park to park.

I agree, I would not do 2 table service meals in one day. Out of what you listed the only one we've found a need to have a FP for is Frozen. Therefore, I would plan based on what time you can get a FP for that ride.

 

[Jo Trip]

Thanks everyone! Great advice! I'll see what I can get tomorrow and then go from there.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I vote DHS first and Epcot second. Make your FPs in Epcot so you can get Frozen.

 

[AngiTN]

Yep, DHS first, Epcot second.
Reason I say it is, WS in Epcot doesn't open till 11:00 so may as well go to the park that's totally open first.

And you can keep Akershus, which is oh, 1000 times better than H&V.

 

[mamaofsix]

Definitely Epcot 2nd so that you can see 'Illuminations' at night! Don't skip this show - it is going away, and your girls will love it You don't need fp's for any of the things you listed at HS. I would do quick service at Hollywood Studios, not a sit down.

Save your 3 fp's for Epcot in the afternoon. Try to get your frozen fp for either before or after your dinner at Akershus to save some walking.

 

[KTR]

If you do want to do 2 table service meals for the character experience can you move on to a PPO breakfast so it doesn’t interfere with your touring time?

 

[mousestruck]

Yup, we have followed that plan a couple of times... HS until lunch and then Epcot. Works great! Book your fast passes for Epcot as soon as you use your third FP at HS. I would probably do quick service at HS if touring is your priority, but I’ve done a light lunch at Mama Melrose, too (salads/flatbread) just for the break. Have fun!!!

 

[gharter]

Agree with starting in HS and set FP for EPCOT (especially Frozen Ever After).
If you can be at HS close to RD, you will be able to do the character M&Gs easily as everyone will be headed to TSL and you won't. The things you want to do at HS, rarely need a FP.
I would only do 1 TS and probably do that at EPCOT as you will be there longer.

 

[kniquy]

I agree with PP about not doing 2 TS meals in one day. That would probably eat up 3-4 hours of your day. Of all that you have listed frozen will be the one you want to get a FP for first. So if you already have dinner plans at Akerhaus I would cancel H&V and just grab a QS lunch.

You will also have to consider how your kids will handle such a long day. The 5 yo might be ok - my 5DD managed all day long (10 park days) without a stroller, but the 2 yo might be a different story. Hopefully he/she can nap in a stroller otherwise managing 2 parks will not be an enjoyable experience for anyone.

RD might be your best option for HS where you could be done and on your way to Epcot by early afternoon. Head right to Future world for Nemo and Turtle talk and then make your way over to the Frozen meet and greet. If it isn't a crazy busy time the wait would hopefully be 20-25 minutes. If you can do that meet and greet, dinner, frozen and then leave for the day. Not sure what time your dinner reservations are at, but again a long day for a 2 yo might result in a meltdown.

 

[dynastyyanks]

I think it comes down to which nighttime shows would you prefer - Illuminations vs. Fantasmic/Star Wars?

 

[CAQDaddy]

DHS then EP. As for nighttime shows, hopping between these two parks is the easiest of any of the parks so you could even hop back if needed.