How Many Days to Plan for Each Park

[emmasammy]

I have planned one day at each WDW parks (MK, MGM, AK, Epcot) along with one day visits to Seaworld, Busch Gardens and two days at Universal. It has been 3 years since our last visit. I am wondering if I should skip Busch Gardens and do 2 days at Magic Kingdom. I am traveling with my husband and 3 adult children so its not like we have to stop alot and rest with little ones. What would anyone suggest? Do we need to plan more time at any of the parks I mentioned?

 

[RLewis]

I predict this is going to be one of the longest chain of replies ever.

Well, it all depends. You say you have adult kids, I would think more time at MGM and Universal would be more to your liking (instead of MK).

Busch Gardens is a must if you have coaster fans. There just isn't enough of them at WDW or UF.

I think Seaworld is the most expendable. Also, AK is not a full day, so you can squeeze in another half-day at one of the other parks (or pool/water park?).

If you're staying at one of the 3 UF hotels, you'll get front of line access to all rides all day. You can easily see these (US and IOA) in two days. But I think your adult kids will want to spend more time here.

I would take a stab at it like this:

MK 1 day
MGM 1.5 days
AK .5 day
Epcot .5 day
Busch 1 day
UF 2.5 days

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

It really depends on when you're going. Personally though you might find a full day at AK a little much. Also look into the parks and attractions and see what they have that you will want to do and see. People with small kids say that MK takes a week.

Personally it takes us just over a day (thank you park hoppers) so we go to AK one morning and finish the day at MGM.

 

[mikesmom]

It depends. You want to fly thru each park, hitting the coaster type rides or a couple shows, or do you want to "see" each park? They all have great exhibits, amazing architecture. hidden nooks, gardens, etc. If you really want to experience each park and all it has to offer, dump the outside parks and spend at least 2 days at eachmaybe 3 at Epcot (frankly it's like 2 parks). You'll still miss things.

 

[jaysue]

To see and experience all attractions and take some time to stop and smell the roses, notice the detail and take in the magic IMO:

MK: 2.5 days
Epcot: 3 days
MGM: 1.5 days
AK: 2 days
TL: 1 day
BB: 1 day

thanks
jaysue

 

[faithfull]

My family allways allows...2 days Epcot, 2 days Magic Kingdom, 1 day AK and 1 day MGM. We also recommend 1 day for each water park with 1 evening at Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island. We think the water parks are just as much fun as the theme parks (plus they allow a day for rest and relaxation between wild days running around at the theme parks.). As for the other parks I defer to the other guests. Plus...you may want to enjoy 1 day at Kennedy Space Center!

 

[outstandinfarmer]

EPCOT IN A HALF DAY? Are you kidding? It definetly takes two days there. Last time I was there I was with my grandfather who FLIES though everything. We literally ran through the park. The lines weren't that long but he will not stop. At the rate we were flying through the parks we STILL missed so much. We had four days and we completely missed the World Showcase. You can definetly do Animal Kingdom in a half day but like someone else said, if you want to experience the parks, you NEED 5 days. We missed SOOO much and looking back all we did we shows and rides, we didn't experience the magic.

Also, there are so many neat shops and wonderful restaurants. Take the time to go to those. Even though there are tons of gift shops, each one is different. (Not saying you have to go to ALL of them, but take some time to browse through some of the really neat ones) You'll see things at one that you will not be able to find anywhere else in WDW. You won't have time for all of this in four days. Period.

 

[faithfull]

I agree. Epcot is one of the NEATEST things to savor. Make sure you make priority seating in one of the countries for a great meal. It adds to the experience!

 

[faithfull]

We also have done WDW as a cruise add on where you only have 3 days and you run from place to place. Trying to go this fast it was not even "magical." It was a race.

 

[Aimeedyan]

It totally depends on your group and what their interests are. We are all adults, and we spend 1/2 day at MK now usually. My DH is less than thrilled with the rides there, so we hit the highlights and head out.

We also can do AK easily in 4 hours or so... just doesnt interest us much. We do the highlights, and head out.

Epcot is a longer one... 2 days minimum for us. We enjoy browsing the countries, eating, the new rides, spending time in the Aquarium, etc. We find the exhibits there take alot more time than riding a ride at MK.

MGM is my DH's fave, because it has several cool rides that he loves. HE could spend a full day or more there, just repeating things and eating at the nice places.

So you see.... its diff for everyone. My suggestion would be to buy the park hoppers and play it by ear. We never stay in one park all day, we enjoy hopping each day. Maybe dont buy your Bush Gardens tickets yet, and play it by ear for once you get there? That way you know you have one extra day to play with if you decide you'd like to stay longer at WDW =)

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[liznboys]

Last trip we did 2 days in MK, 1.5 days in Epcot, 1 day at MGM and 1/2 day at AK. So 5 days total in the parks. There was A LOT we didn't do of course. Next trip we'd like more time to do things and relax, so we'll probably spend 8 or so days in the parks. We don't go anywhere outside of WDW.

 

[wannabee princess]

How long to spend at each park really does vary family to family! We like to spend more than one day in each park, but others find 1/2 day at AK enough.

Since your children are adult, you may not want to leave out Busch gardens - if they are roller coaster fans, this may be a park they really enjoy.

Personally, we cannot do Epcot justice in one day! If you aren't interested at all in WS, then maybe you can do it, but I can't see it being enough time.

If your family is at all interested in sitting down and looking over the layout of each park, you may have them list the "must do" for each, then you may be able to determine how much time for each park.

 

[ktglads]

For me, the time that is spent in the parks truly depends on the next time that you plan to be back at the parks. If you are planning on going again in 6 mos, then sure you can "do" a park in a half day. You will just be missing some of the little details or worry about running all over the place. You don't say if you have ever been before or if anyone has been. Some things that you think would bore you to tears may just fascinate you . Really, you won't know until you get there as to how many days you will need in a park. Usually, we do 6 days at WDW, 3 at Universal, but always with the knowledge that it was less than a year since the last trip and less than a year to the next one. So if I miss something, I am fine with it. If you are not planning on going back in the near future, you may want to plan more time for Disney and then save the other parks for a later date.

 

[slo]

One of the things I would change is EPCOT. With older children, I would take 2 days at EPCOT. The reason for this is because there really is so much for older children to experience there and The World Showcase to really see it all practically needs a day in itself.

I am really looking forward to when we can spend more than one day at EPCOT because there are so many things that we either have to pass on, or go through quickly because our children are younger.

Good luck with your planning

 

[RLewis]

You have to sacrifice something. With older kids, I'll eat my hat (ok, mickey ears) if they prefer more than one day at EPCOT (especially if it means giving up time at UF or Busch).

Ask them. I'd be interested in their opinions.