How many days for each park?

[MomE@Home]

I wanted to know how many days we should set for each park. Our family is going for two weeks in the beginning of Dec. We have been to the MK and DTD in the past but not the others. We are thinking about the 10 Day World Pass from Paramount for our passes and we will be staying at FW for the full two weeks. We have three children : DS-14, DS-6 and DD-2(will be 3 at time of trip). We want to experience all 4 of the theme parks and at least one waterpark and DQ while there. We also want to go to US & IOA and Discovery Cove. My DM is coming with us too but won't be going to the parks as much as the rest of us. Any advice will be helpful !

 

[PatriciaH]

I would say:

MK- 2 days
Epcot- 2 days
MGM- 1 day
AK - 1 day
US- 1 day
IOA- 1 day
DCove- 1 day
SW- 1 day
Typhoon Lagoon- 1 day
Favorite park- 1 day
DtD- 2 nights or 1/2 day

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

If you've only ever been to one park before, I would say a minimum of 5 days for the 4 disney parks. If you are planning to go to Universal, etc., you may want to look into purchasing a 5 or 6 day Park Hopper Plus for your WDW days. The plus feature will admit you to a waterpark. If you don't use all the days or pluses, they will still be good for your next visit.

I think this will end up being less expensive given the fact that you plan to spend several days off-site.

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

Another note: We always stay at Ft. Wilderness and there are lots of activities there ... make sure you allow a couple of days just for sleeping in, exploring and swimming at your resort!!!

 

[laceemouse]

Wow, what a schedule! We would never be able to go non-stop for 2 weeks like that, especially with your younger kids. We always have a couple of down days in our 1 week trip. Pool days, shopping days, and just sleep late days are really needed by our gang! If you are never going to go to Orlando again than give it a shot. If you will go again some time I would suggest doing a lot less than you plan on doing. Also remember, it will probably be cool when you go. This is great for doing the parks but may not be great for the water parks, etc. I know they have wet suits at Discovery Cove but I would rather go when the water is warmer!! We are southerners so we do not like to swim when the wind is cool, even though all of the Disney pools are heated. I say, take your time and play it by ear. None of these attractions are going away any time soon!!! Just my opinion...Lacee

 

[eeyore0062]

Wow, what a wonderful sounding vacation. Since you are going the beginning of December, it should not likely be as crowded... but I am sure that you will want to go to some parks more than others for repeats of favorite rides.

We usually take full advantage of the hopper option, starting in one park, and ending up elsewhere later in the day.

Magic Kingdom: 2 days
Epcot: at least 1 1/2 days
Disney Studios: 1 day and perhaps an Extra Magic Hour Morning, if you are huge fans of ToT and RnR like we are.
AK: one full day... you HAVE to stay and see the parade, it is the best!
US: 1 day
IOA: 1 day
SeaWorld: 1 day
Discovery Cove: 1 day
Water Park: 1 day
DTD: one or 2 evenings.

That comes out to perfectly be 10 days, if you go to Disney Studios in the morning and ride the boat to Epcot for the afternoon.

Hope you have a great time, and maybe I will see you there!

For the other parks, you will do fine with one day per park

 

[MomE@Home]

Thank You everyone for the advice !

 

[*Fantasia*]

MK- 2 days
Epcot Future World- 1 day
Epcot World Showcase- 1 day
MGM- 1 day
AK- 1 day
BB- 1/2 day
TL- 1/2 day
DD- 1/2 day (DQ and shopping)


USF/IOA- 3 days (This is if you love MIB, Spiderman, BTTF...)
CityWalk- for lunch/dinner...anytime...it is a walking distance to USF and IOA.

SeaWorld- 1 day
DisCove- 1 day
Wet n Wild- 1 day (if not disney water parks)

 

[kdibattista]

This is what we normally do:

Magic Kingdom - 3 half days
Epcot - 1 full day
MGM - 2 separate half days
AK - 2 separate half days
Universal - 1 full day

Haven't done IOA yet so this year we will probably do Universal during the day and IOA at night (if it's open)

 

[CuteKatCar]

Since it is December and not hot and humid, you may be able to stay at parks all day.

I've had trips where we've gone to MK 8 times (we stay one week, but do 2 parks a day so that is 14 park 'allowances'. I exclude travel time). But I'm a MK fanatic - and a commando - there has never been a day to relax). It's also hot when we are there, so we need that break.

I always pencil things in for last 2 days, but they usually change depending on how the week went. Since this is our 5th trip in 8 yrs., I pretty much know what is priority and how to get around.

There is so, so much to do at MK - esp with your range in ages - that I would allow at least 2 days in MK. The same for Epcot because it's so big and the countries take time (you'll love that!!). MGM we could do in one full day (but your older ones might want to go back for RnRc and ToT). Ak you could get away with 1 day. Water park 1/2 day. I can't say anything about other parks except for Seaworld, which would take one day too.