Help - parks for 10 and 8 yo who don't like roller coasters?

[geochick]

My kids are 8 and 10. Neither really likes roller coasters. We go to Disneyland (CA) quite a bit, but have never taken them to Orlando's theme parks. We are booked in Orlando after Christmas this year. We'll be there over New Years too. I know it's going to be busy. If we spend 3 days at parks, where would you suggest we go?

We like Harry Potter, so a day at Universal. We have to do something Disney since we'll be in the area. Dh and I spent some time at Epcot 10 years ago - I don't think we'll go there. What do you recommend? Is AK worth it? MK? Thanks. Your advice will get me started. We can make dining reservations any day now, and I need to get organized.

TIA

 

[Crl1817]

I'm no expert as we have only been once. Ds was seven and liked the coasters. But we had dd with us and she was just seven months so I stayed with her for the most part while the boys roade the coasters.

I actually think Epcot is a great park if you don't like coasters as there aren't any there really. Test track and soarin are the big attractions and they aren't coasters--although maybe they are duplicative of Disneyland attractions? And then there's the world showcase which is eating, shopping and looking for the most part.

We skipped AK last time, but are planning to do it this time. Only one coaster there, I believe. And although I haven't been to Disneyland, I'd guess it is the most different from what you see there.

I think the real question is what do you like, rather than just not liking coasters. All the parks have non-coaster attractions. What are favorites are Disneyland? Any favorite characters they'd love to meet? Do you love parades or fireworks?

ETA. You may also want to look at crowd calendars on the day(s) you will be at the disneyworld parks.

 

[Aliceacc]

There is SO MUCH to do at WDW beyond roller coasters!!!

Honestly, I would go to the Magic Kingdom with 2 kids. I would Fastpass, at 30 days out, Indy Speedway (my 16 year old son still loves it), Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Carribbean. Then, as soon as I got to the park, I would head for Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin.

For a second day, it would be a tossup between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The studios have Toy Story Mania (FP at 30 days out!!), the Stunt Show, the Great Movie Ride, Fantasmic... so much to enjoy!

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

My daughter does not do roller coasters either, and she finds that there is lots to do at all of the WDW parks.


Magic Kingdom is by far our favorite park, but you get to experience something very similar in Disneyland. Why not try something a little different?

I love Animal Kingdom, but my neighbors' sons (6 and 8) have dubbed it "boring." However, if your kids like dinosaurs and animals, they might enjoy it.

Hollywood Studios has some interesting things to see and do for little boys, but two of its biggest attractions are thrill rides: one coaster and one free fall.

I think Epcot is best for those 6 and under or 13 and older. I agree that it may not be best for your children.

Have you considered a park hopper ticket? I am not usually a park hopper kind of gal, but if you have only one or two days at WDW, then you could see both AK (or HS) and MK with a park hopper.

If your boys love stunt shows, cars, Star Wars, etc., I would go with a park hopper and do HS and MK. If they love animals and dinosaurs, I would go with AK and MK park hopper.

Have fun!

 

[dsneprincess]

If your kids don't like roller coasters, Disney is the place to be. There is sooo much other stuff and things that everyone can do rather than just wait for the riders in the group to finish.

FWIW, I have heard that the Harry Potter ride is VERY intense and not a good choice for people who don't love rides or get motion sick. I haven't ridden, but have been warned about it by 4 separate families, to think carefully with my non-riders.

 

[ChitownFamily]

My kids are 8 and 10. Neither really likes roller coasters. We go to Disneyland (CA) quite a bit, but have never taken them to Orlando's theme parks. We are booked in Orlando after Christmas this year. We'll be there over New Years too. I know it's going to be busy. If we spend 3 days at parks, where would you suggest we go?

We like Harry Potter, so a day at Universal. We have to do something Disney since we'll be in the area. Dh and I spent some time at Epcot 10 years ago - I don't think we'll go there. What do you recommend? Is AK worth it? MK? Thanks. Your advice will get me started. We can make dining reservations any day now, and I need to get organized.

TIA

In case you don't know, universal is 2 separate parks (2 admissions fees) HP is now in both parks. Diagon Alley, just opening in July, is in universal. Hogswart/hogsmeades is in islands of adventure. In addition, Hogwarts Express will contact the 2 parks (opening in July, will require a park to park ticket.)
This info might help you decide if you really want to do universal & which universal park. If money is a consideration, I would take look at the rides at the universal parks. Universal is known for its thrill rides & coasters. ETA: ride link https://www.universalorlando.com/Rides/25-Amazing-Rides.aspx

 

[ChitownFamily]

My daughter does not do roller coasters either, and she finds that there is lots to do at all of the WDW parks.


Magic Kingdom is by far our favorite park, but you get to experience something very similar in Disneyland. Why not try something a little different?

I love Animal Kingdom, but my neighbors' sons (6 and 8) have dubbed it "boring." However, if your kids like dinosaurs and animals, they might enjoy it.

Hollywood Studios has some interesting things to see and do for little boys, but two of its biggest attractions are thrill rides: one coaster and one free fall.

I think Epcot is best for those 6 and under or 13 and older. I agree that it may not be best for your children.

Have you considered a park hopper ticket? I am not usually a park hopper kind of gal, but if you have only one or two days at WDW, then you could see both AK (or HS) and MK with a park hopper.

If your boys love stunt shows, cars, Star Wars, etc., I would go with a park hopper and do HS and MK. If they love animals and dinosaurs, I would go with AK and MK park hopper.

Have fun!

I think this (bolded) is where the Agent p's world showcase adventure can be a lifesaver for kids aged 6-13 at Epcot. http://land.allears.net/blogs/kristin-ford/2012/06/phineas_ferb_attraction_opens_1.html

 

[amym2]

I agree with really considering whether Universal is a good fit for you. We were there the Christmas after the original Harry Potter section opened and it was INSANE. I would expect the same this year since the new HP sections opened this summer. If you really want the whole HP experience, you will need to buy the ticket that allows you into both parks (to be able to ride the Hogwarts Express). I would plan to spend two days at least at Universal/IOA. There are lots of rides there that are interactive that aren't coasters. It's fun but it's not Disney!

In terms of Disney parks, since you go to DLR regularly, I'd hesitate to say MK. So many of the rides are the same and are actually better at DL (Pirates being a big one). But... with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train now open, you really might want to do MK.

EP has always been our kids' (DS12 and DD10) favorite. Test Track is a great ride and is not a coaster. Same for Mission Space. Do your kids ride Soarin' at DLR? There are plenty of rides and shows at EP that are unique to EP and aren't thrill rides. Your kids would probably enjoy the Agent P adventure in World Showcase. And of course there's lots of great food to eat in EP.

Our kids wouldn't choose HS. I assume your kids have ridden Toy Story Mania at DLR (great thing at WDW is you can FP it). Our kids love RNRC and ToT, so we go to HS for a few hours. I can't remember what is the same there as at DLR... Star Tours? Indiana Jones show? Lights Motors Action? If those interest your kids, HS might be best.

We love AK, but a lot of that is due to Expedition Everest. The safari is great and the shows (Nemo and Lion King) are top notch. Dinosaur is like the Indiana Jones ride at DLR. If your kids love animals, they're certainly enjoy AK, but I'm not sure I'd pay $100 per ticket for a park that closes at 5pm.