Hollywood Studios or Epcot with Small Children

[andiraye]

Wondering whether it makes more sense to spend our last half day in the parks at HS or EP. We're going to Disney World for 4 nights in September, and this will be our boys' (ages 6.5 and 3.5) first trip to Disney. We are doing two full days in MK and one full day in AK and are trying to decide how to spend our last half day . We are predicting that on our last morning our kids will be exhausted after a late night in the MK, and figured that it would be easier and more enjoyable for them to spend their last few hours at HS; we would save EP for our next trip, when they are a little bit older and we can give EP the full day or two it deserves. However, EP has always been my favorite park, and I'm wondering whether we're making the wrong decision. Note that because of our travel plans we will need to leave whatever park we choose by 2 or 3 pm. And what attractions would you recommend for a morning in your suggested park, given our boys' ages? Thanks!

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Totally agree, if you are only doing one I would say HS at those ages. You've got Toy Story, Monster's Inc and Disney Jr. characters available to meet, plus the Disney Jr stage show, Kermit etc. Also the main rides at Epcot have height restrictions that might keep your 3.5yo off them.

 

[boltfan]

Definitely go with HS. Way more age appropriate activities and characters for them to enjoy.

 

[Manders77]

With kids that age I would chose HS. ( I have a DD6 and DS3.5) Disney Jr is one main reason that is a must for my family. Tons of Characters for boys that age. (Incredibles, Disney Jr, Ralph and Vanelloppe, Monsters Inc, Toy Story, etc..) For ride/attractions TSMM, Star Tours (if younger DS is tall enough) Muppets, Disney Jr, Jedi Training Academy, Lights Motor Action, maybe even Indiana Jones. I think HS would be a better choice.

 

[lam0037]

HS. When I was 7, Epcot was my least favorite. There is so much for everyone to do together (shows and more rides) and still has the bigger rides for your older son. Also, character M&G outside Mickey and the gang would be better for your boys at HS (Monsters Inc, Jake, Incredibles, Toy Story vs. Princesses)

 

[andiraye]

Thanks so much for the speedy reply, everyone! Super helpful! We will stick with our plan. I may come back with more questions as I think through our HS touring plan.

 

[SheThePlanner]

Epcot is my 6 year old son favourite Disney park. He didn't care that much for HS at all apart from Jedi training

 

[puffkin]

I'd say Epcot. There is TONS there for little kids and very minimal waits compared to the other parks. Plus the character lines are much shorter in Epcot than DHS. I like that the pathways are nice and wide and you can spend a lot of time in one air conditioned building before moving onto the next. Some of the favorites:

-If tall enough (since only a 40" ride) Soarin. Great and mild ride.
-Even if can't do Test Track, there is tons of things inside for little ones, especially if they like the cars.
-Agent P and Kidcot stations.
-The Sea pavillion, ride and things to look at
-Imagination pavillion, ride and lots of activities
-Spaceship earth, ride and lots of activities
-Ellen's Energy Adventure, my boys love the dinosaur
-tons of activities in Innovention
-Character Spot usually has a short wait or easy to get FP+ for....lots of characters out in the countries
-Splash pads, there are several
-My DS's absolute favorite thing in all of Disney is Club Cool and tasting the sodas
-Mousegears is like a mini World of Disney but a lot less crowded
-Awesome snacks in some of the countries...many reasonably priced
-Boat ride in Mexico

We liked DHS the least out of all the parks when the kids were little. Disney Jr. is a let down if they are like mine and didn't want to see puppets after a week of seeing the real characters. The shows are hard to fit them all in with the times. The few rides usually have very long lines if you don't have a FP+. The character lines there are always very long. There just isn't much "space" to let them lose to blow off steam. Ironic since the park contains most of our favorite rides (RnR, TSMM, ToT, ST) but with little ones it is a bit of a challenge.

 

[ucfknight]

Epcot is my 7 and 6 year olds' second favorite park (behind Magic Kingdom) and always has been.
DHS is their least favorite and always has been.