How many days?

[Frozen2014]

Hi,

We'll be coming to Disney World in the fall. Both my kids will be under 10 and so I'm thinking mostly of visiting Magic Kingdom (maybe 2-3 days?) and Hollywood Studios (maybe 2 days) and visit xxx (not quite sure yet if anything else).

Are 5 full days at DW too much (with a travel day on either side)? My husband feels this is too much (and prefers to stay offsite to do other things), but I've looked at all the attractions and feel there is so much to do and see. This would be a once in a lifetime trip (i.e. we wouldn't do this again).

Also, any other parks / areas that would be good for little kids? Epcot seems too old and Magic Kingdom may be boring compared to the other stuff (we have a zoo in our city).

Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Five days is definitely not too much, it's probably too little if anything WDW is massive. You won't get to see everything in five days, but you will get a good idea.

Animal Kingdom is worth a stop, the theming is really neat. And so is Epcot. I think one day is fine at DHS. But on the other hand, I also think skipping a park is fine too sometimes on trips shorter than a week, if it keeps things more relaxed.

The way the tickets are structured, if you only have five days, I would stick with trying see as much of WDW as possible.

 

[blessedby3]

Hi,

We'll be coming to Disney World in the fall. Both my kids will be under 10 and so I'm thinking mostly of visiting Magic Kingdom (maybe 2-3 days?) and Hollywood Studios (maybe 2 days) and visit xxx (not quite sure yet if anything else).

Are 5 full days at DW too much (with a travel day on either side)? My husband feels this is too much (and prefers to stay offsite to do other things), but I've looked at all the attractions and feel there is so much to do and see. This would be a once in a lifetime trip (i.e. we wouldn't do this again).

Also, any other parks / areas that would be good for little kids? Epcot seems too old and Magic Kingdom may be boring compared to the other stuff (we have a zoo in our city).

Thoughts? Thanks.

5 days is definitely not too much! Too little for sure There is so much to see and do that you won't even put a dent in it. My kids love MK, AK, and DHS. Epcot is their least favorite park. We do hit up all the parks on each trip, though. I agree to spend at least 2 of your days in the MK. AK is not a zoo. There are great shows and rides there…and some animals too Don't count that one out because you think its a zoo

 

[Missyrose]

Hi,

We'll be coming to Disney World in the fall. Both my kids will be under 10 and so I'm thinking mostly of visiting Magic Kingdom (maybe 2-3 days?) and Hollywood Studios (maybe 2 days) and visit xxx (not quite sure yet if anything else).

Are 5 full days at DW too much (with a travel day on either side)? My husband feels this is too much (and prefers to stay offsite to do other things), but I've looked at all the attractions and feel there is so much to do and see. This would be a once in a lifetime trip (i.e. we wouldn't do this again).

One thing to note about MK in the fall, there are Halloween and Christmas parties a few times a week from mid-September through December. On party days, MK will close at 7 instead of the usual 9, 10 or 11. If you're there for the Halloween parties, I'd definitely recommend going, they're tons of fun.

I'd plan for two full days at MK, two days at DHS, one day at Epcot (unless you want to check out the Food and Wine Festival, then you'll need two days) and a day at Animal Kingdom.

If either of your kids like Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios would also be worth a day or two.

Also, any other parks / areas that would be good for little kids? Epcot seems too old and Magic Kingdom may be boring compared to the other stuff (we have a zoo in our city).

Thoughts? Thanks.

Bolding is mine, I'm assuming you mean Animal Kingdom is boring. It's not and it's also not like your zoo at home. Beyond the fact that the park is themed to high heaven and you feel as if you've been transported to another world, it's an incredibly interesting park with lots to do.

Expedition Everest is quite possibly Disney's best coaster. Kilimanjaro Safari is a must-see. And Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur are fantastic rides. There are also great shows (Finding Nemo and Festival of the Lion King) and walking trails to view the animals.

 

[Tazzik]

5 days is probably the minimum most people would have to experience the parks. Our first trip was a 5 day, once in a lifetime trip, and we were pretty full-out trying to get everything done. The next year, we went for a full week, to give us time to try some other parks and build in a pool / waterpark day. This year, we are doing another week - with 5 days for WDW again. So, yeah, our once in a lifetime trip didn't quite end up being that way.

As for parks, you should really hit them all if you can. There's a lot to do at every park, and it's hard to know which ones will be your kids' favorites. The first trip, AK was the biggest hit by far. We have a zoo near us as well, but it's really not very similar to the safari. Also, Everest, Dinosaur, and the rapids are all lots of fun - and the shows are highly recommended. Our kids loved Flights of Wonder and Festival of the Lion King. This year, we will be checking out the Nemo show. Last year, HS took over as the top park. My kids are star wars junkies, so they did the jedi training and probably rode the star tours ride 6-7 times each. R&R Rollercoaster and ToT are probably my favorite rides, and Toy Story is always a hit. This year? I expect HS to still be king, but it could easily change.

Epcot is a different one for my family. It seems to be most people's 2nd favorite park on these boards, but it is definitely #4 in our family. However, there's still a ton to do there, and we never seem to get everything done that we had wanted to (my youngest got sick last year, so we had to cut our day pretty short). There's a ton of activities for the kids on top of the basic rides, but it's easy to miss them if you don't make a point of looking. We did Habitat Heroes (I think that's what it was called), and it was a lot of fun. It was like a giant interactive video game with a group of people working together to finish it.

For non-Disney parks, LEGOLAND could be a good fit for your age groups. Universal is great too, but I can't imagine trying to squeeze a Universal trip in with Disney, with only 5 days total. Also, you might want to consider a waterpark day. Those are becoming some of the kids' favorite days on our trips, especially if we can go on an overcast morning (so the crowds are smaller).

 

[redsbe]

Hi,

We'll be coming to Disney World in the fall. Both my kids will be under 10 and so I'm thinking mostly of visiting Magic Kingdom (maybe 2-3 days?) and Hollywood Studios (maybe 2 days) and visit xxx (not quite sure yet if anything else).

Are 5 full days at DW too much (with a travel day on either side)? My husband feels this is too much (and prefers to stay offsite to do other things), but I've looked at all the attractions and feel there is so much to do and see. This would be a once in a lifetime trip (i.e. we wouldn't do this again).

Also, any other parks / areas that would be good for little kids? Epcot seems too old and Magic Kingdom may be boring compared to the other stuff (we have a zoo in our city).

Thoughts? Thanks.

Sounds like your husband needs some education on all that a WDW visit can involve starting with the fact that there are four parks, not just MK, and plenty of rides, attractions, activities and meals that your kids and entire family can enjoy, easily one day in each park minimum. As an expensive and once in a lifetime time you should encourage him to see all that WDW has to offer for a family. The sooner you can get him on board the better off this trip will go rather then spending 5 days running all over central Florida trying to do other "things".

 

[ariel326]

Yeah- I would say 5 days in a minimum if you can do that.

I am so wishing we had more days at the park (we only have 3) and stressed me out thinking about all the things we have to miss out on. I have finally accepted it, we are skipping AK, DTD, water parks and swimming at the hotels (which is okay since it will be cold)and we will only have one day at each of the other 3 parks. Leaving no wiggle room. For us, it kind of is what it is, because DS and I are joining husband down in Orlando for work and we are basically getting a free trip- so I can't complain.

BUT, if I were planning my own trip- I would do 5-7 days minimum.
That way you can do more then one day at MK, you can take a break and have a chill day at the hotel or go out to other Orlando sites.

Oh and like PP said, in the fall there are other special parties that would be awesome to see if you are down there at that time.

Good Luck!

 

[ariel326]

Also- if this is a once in a life time experience, why not experience it all?
Stay on site, have FP+ privileges, get the dining plan if it is offered, do some character meals, and really spend time each park.

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld is a great guidebook that has some sample itineraries for the length of stay you are planning. You can show them to your husband and hopefully he will see just how much there is to do at the parks.

 

[skater]

When my kids were younger, we used to go for 9 or 10 nights, and it was barely enough . We scheduled a resort day (sometimes the favorite day of the whole vacation) with time to swim, eat at the food court, and maybe go out to dinner at a different resort or DTD. We had at least two days in MK and 2 days at Epcot. There is so much more to do than the major attractions. Take time to enjoy the little things. Disney (IMO) is falling behind in new, major rides, but they do excel in the little surprises and details. Your kids will probably enjoy the Phineaus and Ferb game in the World Showcase for instance. There is much more to do than it first appears .

 

[Nanajo1]

I suggest getting a WDW guide book to see all that is available at the World. Your DH might get a better feel for all of the attractions, not just the rides. Birbaum's books are good but there are many out there. If this truly is a one time trip you'll want to know everything about it so you don't come home regretting missing something. Have a great trip.

 

[ucfknight]

Hi,
Also, any other parks / areas that would be good for little kids? Epcot seems too old...

My 7 and 5 year old daughters both have Epcot ranked as their favorite Disney World park (with Magic Kingdom a close 2nd). The kids love Test Track, Soarin', Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Imagination, The Seas with Nemo, Turtle Talk, Imagination, all of the stuff in Innoventions, and the boat ride in Mexico.

 

[Karbase8]

5 days is generally not enough, in fact a full month sometimes is not enough, however you can still have a good time. Hopefully you are going during low crowd season. I think you can do MK in 2 days, maybe a day and a half if plan accordingly. You also left out AK and Epcot. I would sas Hollywood Studios can be done in one full day. It's my favorite park these days. You also have to plan in eating and if you want to do sit down meals. Disney can be grueling and you may want to plan in some down time, but 5 days you will not enough time to do other things outside of Disney unless you only go 1-2 days. I recommend staying onsite to take advantage of the amenties number one being transportation.

 

[summermac]

My ideal trip is one week
2 days at MK
2 days at Epcot
1 at DHS (with a hop if you are done)
1 at AK (with a hop if you are done)
1 sleep in a little, hit the pool through afternoon and early evening park.

As to your Epcot might be boring for the kids - I disagree. My kids LOVE Epcot. The WS is full of so many neat things to see/do that aren't true rides/attractions. It's a GREAT BREAK from the lines actually.

Some things kids would like:
the boat ride in Mexico (okay so that is a ride)
the train display in Germany
the maze in United Kingdom
Maelstrom in Norway (again that's a ride but it's neat)
acrobats in China
Eiffel Tower in France

Plus there are Princess meet & greets all through the countries.

 

[PoohsFan1]

My 7 and 5 year old daughters both have Epcot ranked as their favorite Disney World park (with Magic Kingdom a close 2nd). The kids love Test Track, Soarin', Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, Imagination, The Seas with Nemo, Turtle Talk, Imagination, all of the stuff in Innoventions, and the boat ride in Mexico.

I agree, Epcot has been my kids favorite park since they were 6 and 4 (they are 12 and 10 now). We always spend 2.5 days in MK, 2.5 days in Epcot 1.5 to 2 days in DHS and 1 day at AK. Epcot does need some attention (I'll give you that), but please don't disregard it because there is just so much to see and do there.....you and your DH will love WS while there is just so much for the younger kids (KidCot, the attractions that the PP mentioned, Agent P missions in WS, and the street performers in each of the pavilions).

 

[karenklo]

My ideal trip is one week
2 days at MK
2 days at Epcot
1 at DHS (with a hop if you are done)
1 at AK (with a hop if you are done)
1 sleep in a little, hit the pool through afternoon and early evening park.

As to your Epcot might be boring for the kids - I disagree. My kids LOVE Epcot. The WS is full of so many neat things to see/do that aren't true rides/attractions. It's a GREAT BREAK from the lines actually.

.

This is my ideal stay too!! And we do hop at night also. Even with all the stays I've had we still have a few things we have overlooked!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

My advice: do NOT do any Disney park twice until after you've done ALL of them once.

My family (girls were 6 & 11 at the time) had very low expectations for Epcot and very high expectations for DHS - this after we did what we felt was pretty extensive research on what was at Disney. In reality, we ended up loving Epcot and honestly could live without DHS. We also liked Animal Kingdom better than Magic Kingdom, though we anticipated that. But, the bottom line is you just don't know what your favorites will be until you go.

If you can, I would give yourselves a minimum of 7 days. If you find 5 days in the parks to be enough, use those other 2 days however you want (go to the water parks, the beach, Sea World, whatever!). But, if you find yourselves needing a 6th or 7th day at the parks, you can add them to your tickets pretty cheaply as long as you have those days available.

 

[summermac]

My advice: do NOT do any Disney park twice until after you've done ALL of them once.

Could not agree more with this statement!!

 

[amberpi]

Epcot was my favorite as a kid and and adult, now at 6 years old, my nephew is obsessed with Epcot too. He loves the Kidcot stations (seriously, loves them, we cannot pass one up - he knows!) and the P&F attractions as well as the headliners. His 3 year old sister says the same thing, but no one knows if that's really her opinion or if she's following big brother. For those guys DHS is a half day park with a hop to Epcot after pool time. The kids are too small for RCR and the little one is too small for TOT, so they pretty much hit ST, TSMM, TOT and are out. AK is much the same thing for them - a few rides, and they are gone to the pool and then Epcot or MK for fireworks/reservations. Its pretty great traveling with them, since the littles have our same park thoughts, and its nice for us to help out with our niece who wants to meet EVERY character at MK and Epcot. Our nephew just wants to be left to ride Soarin' or BTMRR over and over. He might take the Maelstrom too.

Basically, all families/kids/people have different preferences, if its your first time, you should try to experience them all. Have a great time!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

This is meant with all due respect. If you're questioning whether 5 days is too much to spend at Disney World, you really have no concept of what's available there! We've been on four trips with our kids, all 6-7 days each, and have not even come close to doing everything. Yes, we've hit all the major rides and many restaurants that we've wanted to try. But every time I think we're nearing the end of checking things off our list, I find a whole bunch of new things to add!

My best advice to you is get a good guidebook. I'd suggest "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World". Just flipping through that will give you an idea of just how much there is to do in each park. Sometimes it's easier to see it in print, rather than trying to take everything in from these forums.

Definitely plan on each park for at least one day, probably two at Magic Kingdom. Prioritize what you want to see in each. Trust me--you won't see everything!

And please don't rule out Animal Kingdom based on the fact you have a zoo in your city!!! There is SO MUCH MORE than a few animals to look at. You may find this to be one of your kids' favorite parks!

 

[Frozen2014]

Thank you all. This has all be quite informative. I am just at the start of my research, really not knowing much about Disney World (when I went as a kid, there was only Magic Kingdom). Good to know that 5 days is definitely not too long, and not to rule out Epcot or Animal Kingdom as I had thought based on looking briefly at the website.

I think we're going to have to split up at times at whatever park we're at as we have a boy and a girl and 4 years apart (i.e. my son will not sit through or attend princess stuff...and my little one gets scared at things easily and son won't be into some of the bigger items). As a note, we'll be flying in from another country...so extending our stay is not an option once booked.