How many days should I plan for?

[B9erSteve]

I'm in the planning stages of my WDW trip in May 2006, And it looks to me that the MK is a one or two day venture, while D/MGM Studios is a one day affair and Epcot and AK is a 1/2 day event each. Is this about right? Or should I factor a day for each? At first, I thought that we would not need the park hopper because I've never been to WDW before and would need a day a peice to soak it all in. But after reading the Passporter, and reading a bit, some of those parks seem thin.

 

[ljsmom]

I would plan more than 1/2 day for Epcot. That will never be enough to do and see everything.

 

[rt2dz]

What our family needs, min.: 2 days for MK, 1 day for Epcot, 3/4 day for MGM, 1.5 days for AK (NOT a half day park unless you can't enjoy the subtilities (sp), slow pace, and skip a few attractions).

 

[dvcfamily41801]

I agree!! I think at least a day for Epcot!

 

[SDFgirl]

I would plan more than 1/2 day for Epcot. That will never be enough to do and see everything.

Second this. Epcot is the park I spend the most time at. I would allow at least one day for Epcot, perhaps even more.

 

[jimmiej]

You didn't say how many days you have total, but my experience says:

MK- 2 days
Epcot- 2 days
MGM- 1 day
AK- 1 day

Epcot is huge. 1/2 day won't get you much. You won't even have time for World Showcase.

 

[fantavet]

Depends on the age of your kids. For the first time ever I'm going on a 9 day trip, the reason being is that I use my 7 day hopper pass fully. Instead of using my arrival day as one of the days.

I've tried in less time but it seemed like work and pressure to get it all in on a tight schedule. This time around a trip back to the hotel in the afternoon for a swim and a cocktail won't seem like I'm wasting time.

 

[CLEO Z]

Some of it has to do with ages of the people in your party. We couldn't do WDW in less than five solid days (Meaning staying 6 nights). We like to park hop by doing one park in the am, taking an afternoon break for the pool and naps/rest, and going to another park in the pm. It ends up that we spend about 2 1/2 days in MK, 1 in Epcot, 1/2 in AK and 1 in MGM. All of the parks except AK have a lot to offer in both the morning and evening. I'd really like MORE time, but it just isn't workable for us right now. My dream is to do a 10-14 day trip someday!

Have Fun!

 

[Cinderella822]

We used to get the 5 day hopper and do one day at each park, then split the last day 1/2 at Epcot and 1/2 at MK. Now I get the 7 day hopper and split each day up between the parks. You will definitely need more than 1/2 day at Epcot. At least 1 1/2 days in my opinion. On my last trip, my DD was old enough to enjoy TOT and RNR at DS and we spent more time there than usual. So it does depend on what your family enjoys and the ages of the children.

 

[B9erSteve]

You've all given me a great deal to think about. It looks like the park hopper is the way to go for sure, but I will probably not have time for any +visits.

Cleo Z- Our families are close in demographics as I am 42, DW is 38, DS is almost 4 and DD is 9 mos. So I will take your sample itinerary as a guideline for our planning. THANKS.

 

[Spyke1900]

WARNING
THE MORE YOU LOOK AT THESE BOARDS THE LONGER YOUR TRIP BECOMES!!! I have already turned a weekend 2 day to a full week...

 

[newholidayx2]

This Aug we're planning 1.5days at ea park, the rest will be pooltime
However if we find we need more park time we'll have less pool time
we'll be in WDW 14nights

 

[CLEO Z]

You've all given me a great deal to think about. It looks like the park hopper is the way to go for sure, but I will probably not have time for any +visits.

Cleo Z- Our families are close in demographics as I am 42, DW is 38, DS is almost 4 and DD is 9 mos. So I will take your sample itinerary as a guideline for our planning. THANKS.

Now that I know your family is similar in ages to mine, I'll give one caveat to my previous suggestion because mine was actually a little generic due the fact that our next trip is with the WHOLE family with kids ranging from 14 mos to 15 yrs.

I know many people spend longer than 1/2 day in AK, but I find it exhausting with small kids. Also you may have been on to something with a little less time in Epcot and MGM because your kids will not be going on many of the rides and some of the attractions are above them (Warning: don't do "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" unless your four year old is VERY brave ). BUT remember that there still is the "baby swap" option so mom and dad can ride, so if you plan to utilize it keep with a whole day.

I really suggest doing the hopper- that way you are not stuck to a schedule. You may find yourself liking one park more than another. Don't be surprised if you find yourself back MK a lot!

 

[Lorelai]

I'd also recommend 2 days for Epcot. Your little ones will love spending time in The Living Seas watching all of the marine life, and interacting with all of the Nemo additions. The indoor play area at the end of Journey into Imagination is also great fun for little ones. Also, lots of fun waiting in Innoventions. Have fun!

 

[B9erSteve]

Spyke1900-I know exactly what you are talking about. I am now considering extending my vacation by 2 days. My wife says that she wants to "do it all." Ugh!

Thanks everybody for the suggestions! It has made my planning that much simpler.

 

[the kabuki]

One day for each park is the bare minimum. Best would be 2 days at MK, Epcot 2 days but you could get by on one day, MK & AK one day each.