How should I spend 6 park days?

[Nixali]

Hi All!

Needing advice for our first trip to Disney World!

It will be myself and my almost 5 yr old. (No relaxing here...!) . I'm trying to figure out the best amount of time for each park. Is Epcot or Hollywood studios worth a second go, or should I stick with MK for the 3 days? Our dates are June 15-23.

Here is what I currently have for each day. Any advice is much appreciate!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - MK
Day 4 - Pool/rest day
Day 5 - AK
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - HS
Day 8 - MK 3rd round
Day 9 - Fly home

 

[Timandalicia]

Hi All!

Needing advice for our first trip to Disney World!

It will be myself and my almost 5 yr old. (No relaxing here...!) . I'm trying to figure out the best amount of time for each park. Is Epcot or Hollywood studios worth a second go, or should I stick with MK for the 3 days? Our dates are June 15-23.

Here is what I currently have for each day. Any advice is much appreciate!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - MK
Day 4 - Pool/rest day
Day 5 - AK
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - HS
Day 8 - MK 3rd round
Day 9 - Fly home

Well that’s a lot of mk. Sure you do t want a second day at another park. But not judging at all. Love mk. I like 2 half days over one pool day but it depends where you stay. And I always am flexible on pool day being the sunniest day.
All that aside. It looks like a really awesome itinerary!!! Have fun!

 

[Nixali]

Well that’s a lot of mk. Sure you do t want a second day at another park. But not judging at all. Love mk. I like 2 half days over one pool day but it depends where you stay. And I always am flexible on pool day being the sunniest day.
All that aside. It looks like a really awesome itinerary!!! Have fun!

Thank you! The MK is really for the little one. (I'd hate to spend all this money and only get to be on like 2 or 3 rides at MK, so that's my reasoning for the 3 days) It's not like me to have things so planned out, but due to these new reservations required, I'm having to do this. None of these are likely to be full on open to close days. I like the 1/2 day idea. Perhaps evenings for Epcot and last day of MK. So much to think about...!!

 

[Lionezz]

I would do MK, Animal kingdom and HS first. After that i would be more flexible and see what the 5yr suggest (alternate between rest/pool/community hall, epcot or repeat favourite park).
I would also read alot of tripreports and tripadvisor and plan/write down different things to do/eat in the park if you feel like it (popcornbucket, be our guest, peter pan dole whip , lefous brew, lobster roll at colombia harbour house and show the hidden mickey, hidden/secret room and double secret hidden toilet, rope drop or evening, fireworks, parade, character meet, beer float and so on ).
But I think you are correct that MK is probably the best park (safest bet) for your group

 

[jacksmom]

We are doing 7 park days - 2 adults and a 16 yo: MK arrival Day 1,
Day 2 DHS, Day 3 AK, Day 4 MK, Day 5 EPCOT, Day 6 DHS and Day 7 MK.
3 MK days are great but another day at your next favorite park might be nice as well! Family voted and decided the extra day at DHS would be great!

 

[Policehorse1]

With a June date, I would do a few pool mornings and then hit the parks in the afternoon/evenings when it is not so hot and it may be a little less crowded. A lot of regulars will also go at park opening and stay for a few hours, then go back to the resort for pool or naps, then go back in the evening. I would recommend at least one evening by the pool though, that way you can experience the movies under the stars and other resort activities. Always check the resort activities for the day, they have some really cool things for the kids.

 

[Nixali]

Thank you for your replies!

I've changed the schedule around a bit to include a pool day between park days. Also, It's unlikely I'll be in any park from open to close. Again it's just myself and 4 yr old; No way she would make it through full park days! I'm still struggling with MK; I just don't want to miss anything and expect the parks to be very busy. I'm also debating on maybe a 7th park day (which would be the evening only of the "pool day")

There is the thought that I'm overdoing it, but also that I want to do it all! Lol I REALLY wish we didn't need set park reservations so we could feel it out to see if a second day at another park would be best. It's stressful having to predict how we'll feel on any given day in each park MONTHS from now!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - HS
Day 4 - AK
Day 5 - Pool/rest day
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - MK
Day 8 - MK
Day 9 - Fly home

 

[_19disnA]

You never said if you have been to Disney before or a first time visit. Makes a BIG difference on your plans. If new to Disney, you really won't know what rides/shows/parks you or your child will enjoy the most. Disney involves a LOT of walking and it will be HOT and crowded that time of year. Doubt your child will be able to go non-stop for the entire day at any of the parks. Going to parks on 3+ consecutive days will be exhausting for both of you.

 

[robinb]

Are you staying at a Disney resort? That would make it easier to go to/from the parks.

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. I agree with a previous poster who suggested half days and going with the flow the rest of the day. Your 4-year old will likely be an early riser and frankly, at that age, the pool is the main draw. Go to the parks early and come back to the resort after lunch for a nap and a swim. Then, go back to the parks for fireworks or a couple more rides.
   
   
2. Get a park pass for your "rest day". It's only a few dollars more for a 7-day pass over a 6-day pass.
   
   
3. Do something special your first night. We would always start our trip out with a visit to a resort character meal on our first night when my DD was that age. We usually went to Chef Mickey's to get the Big Cheese and his friends out of the way on the first night. A character meal will set your DD up for the magic in the rest of the trip.
   
   
4. Bring a stroller even if she hasn't used one in a couple years. Little legs get tired easily. My DD used a stroller every trip (twice a year) until she was 5 or 6 and then for Epcot and AK when she was 7. If you don't bring the stroller the charge for one at the parks is very expensive. If she doesn't use it you can use it to carry your backpack. No harm, no foul.
   
   
5. How tall is your DD? Can she ride the headliners? Your park choices will depend on that. There is no one to Baby Swap with so DHS will be less attractive if she can't ride half the rides.
   
   
6. My DD really liked Animal Kingdom over Epcot and DHS at that age. Epcot is kind of a wasteland now and DHS is geared to more thrill rides with height requirements. I would plan for a 2nd day at AK but you may be able to change one of your MK days on the fly later.
   
   
7. Set your reservations for your DHS day first as it will be the first to be filled up and unavailable. MK fills next, followed by AK and Epcot.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Thank you for your replies!

I've changed the schedule around a bit to include a pool day between park days. Also, It's unlikely I'll be in any park from open to close. Again it's just myself and 4 yr old; No way she would make it through full park days! I'm still struggling with MK; I just don't want to miss anything and expect the parks to be very busy. I'm also debating on maybe a 7th park day (which would be the evening only of the "pool day")

There is the thought that I'm overdoing it, but also that I want to do it all! Lol I REALLY wish we didn't need set park reservations so we could feel it out to see if a second day at another park would be best. It's stressful having to predict how we'll feel on any given day in each park MONTHS from now!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - HS
Day 4 - AK
Day 5 - Pool/rest day
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - MK
Day 8 - MK
Day 9 - Fly home

I get extremely bored with an entire rest day. I would personally do a half-day of pool/rest on Days 4 and 7 rather than a full day off on day 5.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

1. I agree with a previous poster who suggested half days and going with the flow the rest of the day. Your 4-year old will likely be an early riser and frankly, at that age, the pool is the main draw. Go to the parks early and come back to the resort after lunch for a nap and a swim. Then, go back to the parks for fireworks or a couple more rides.
   
   
2. Get a park pass for your "rest day". It's only a few dollars more for a 7-day pass over a 6-day pass.
   
   
3. Do something special your first night. We would always start our trip out with a visit to a resort character meal on our first night when my DD was that age. We usually went to Chef Mickey's to get the Big Cheese and his friends out of the way on the first night. A character meal will set your DD up for the magic in the rest of the trip.
   
   
4. Bring a stroller even if she hasn't used one in a couple years. Little legs get tired easily. My DD used a stroller every trip (twice a year) until she was 5 or 6 and then for Epcot and AK when she was 7. If you don't bring the stroller the charge for one at the parks is very expensive. If she doesn't use it you can use it to carry your backpack. No harm, no foul.
   
   
5. How tall is your DD? Can she ride the headliners? Your park choices will depend on that. There is no one to Baby Swap with so DHS will be less attractive if she can't ride half the rides.
   
   
6. My DD really liked Animal Kingdom over Epcot and DHS at that age. Epcot is kind of a wasteland now and DHS is geared to more thrill rides with height requirements. I would plan for a 2nd day at AK but you may be able to change one of your MK days on the fly later.
   
   
7. Set your reservations for your DHS day first as it will be the first to be filled up and unavailable. MK fills next, followed by AK and Epcot.

I (almost) completely agree!

1. I agree with the strategy, but disagree the pool being the main draw. Animal Kingdom was my kids' favorite at that age. We could sit there and watch the tiger play with his ball for hours.

2. Yes!

3. Yes!... but don't jeopardize bedtime. Starting vacation with a sleep deficit is a recipe for a Day 4 meltdown.

4. Yes!

5. Yes!

6. Yes!

7. We don't know what will happen once Guardians opens. Epcot is enormous, so in theory it should be able to absorb the crowds, but Guardians might make Epcot the hot commodity and that could release some of the pressure on HS.

 

[robinb]

I (almost) completely agree!

1. I agree with the strategy, but disagree the pool being the main draw. Animal Kingdom was my kids' favorite at that age. We could sit there and watch the tiger play with his ball for hours.

My DD's favorite was the Dino Dig. We spend HOURS there. In fact, her photo was taken by a photographer there pre-PhotoPass when she was 3 or 4. We were told it was for a new program that Disney was thinking of doing. I like to think that her little face was used to sell PhotoPass to the suits.

3. Yes!... but don't jeopardize bedtime. Starting vacation with a sleep deficit is a recipe for a Day 4 meltdown.

Absolutely. The OP is coming in at 11:00 so she can book an early dinner and be in bed on time. BTW, that's where the stroller comes in later in the week. My DD passed out in her stroller nearly every night (mostly, because she refused to nap during the day).

7. We don't know what will happen once Guardians opens. Epcot is enormous, so in theory it should be able to absorb the crowds, but Guardians might make Epcot the hot commodity and that could release some of the pressure on HS.

Great point! I need to make my own park reservations for mid-May and I'm hoping that Guardians will be open by then (or they'll have a preview while I'm there.).

 

[Ddean52]

Hi All!

Needing advice for our first trip to Disney World!

It will be myself and my almost 5 yr old. (No relaxing here...!) . I'm trying to figure out the best amount of time for each park. Is Epcot or Hollywood studios worth a second go, or should I stick with MK for the 3 days? Our dates are June 15-23.

Here is what I currently have for each day. Any advice is much appreciate!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - MK
Day 4 - Pool/rest day
Day 5 - AK
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - HS
Day 8 - MK 3rd round
Day 9 - Fly home

We are doing:
1 ec
2 ak
3 ds
4 mk
5 ds
6 mk

 

[JBRB828]

I added 2 more day to our tickets because it was very reasonable. Of course, we will be doing some pool afternoons and just relax.
we are doing this

1 AK ( arrival day, so half day)
2 MK
3 HS
4 US (DS,DIL,GD 6 yrs. go...DH and I wont )
5 AK
6 HS
7 MK
8 EC
9 MK (just doing evening)
10 fly home

 

[Ddean52]

Thank you for your replies!

I've changed the schedule around a bit to include a pool day between park days. Also, It's unlikely I'll be in any park from open to close. Again it's just myself and 4 yr old; No way she would make it through full park days! I'm still struggling with MK; I just don't want to miss anything and expect the parks to be very busy. I'm also debating on maybe a 7th park day (which would be the evening only of the "pool day")

There is the thought that I'm overdoing it, but also that I want to do it all! Lol I REALLY wish we didn't need set park reservations so we could feel it out to see if a second day at another park would be best. It's stressful having to predict how we'll feel on any given day in each park MONTHS from now!

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - HS
Day 4 - AK
Day 5 - Pool/rest day
Day 6 - EC
Day 7 - MK
Day 8 - MK
Day 9 - Fly home

We are doing
1 epcot
2 ds
3 mk
4 ak
5 ds
6 mk

rest day...at home. Lol

good luck.

 

[Nixali]

****UPDATE!****

After some careful consideration for park crowds on particular days, our interests, and park availability, I've decided on the below schedule. I'm choosing to visit EPCOT second, because it's the one park besides MK that I think we may want a second day. (Aquarium, All the princesses, the food!, checking out the gardens, the rides and more) Epcot is almost always available, even 1 day out! So, if I decide we need more time after our Epcot day, I will change the second to last MK day to be EP. I highly doubt there won't be availability, and if not, I know we won't be disappointed have our last 2 days in MK!

Again, it is very frustrating that we have to plan park days so far in advance having never been before!

15th - Day 1 - Weds - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool

16th - Day 2 Thurs - MK

17th- Day 3 Fri - EP

18th- Day 4 Sat - AK

19th - Day 5 Sun - Pool/rest day + MK evening

20th - Day 6 Mon - HS

21st - Day 7 Tues - MK

22nd - Day 8 Weds - MK

23rd- Day 9 - Fly home

 

[PollyannaMom]

I REALLY wish we didn't need set park reservations so we could feel it out to see if a second day at another park would be best. It's stressful having to predict how we'll feel on any given day in each park MONTHS from now!

That is so true!! (I remember the days of planning parks around the weather report the week before the trip!)

I think I like your latest plan looks pretty good, and like that it builds in a little flexibility to change an MK day to an Epcot if needed.

The only thing that would make me nervous is 3 park days in a row. My family came to avoid what we called the "Day 3 Curse" - it seems we always got grumpy on the 3rd day, so we started planning rest days or at least late mornings around that. Something like this:

Day 1 - Fly in, arrive @ 11 ish, pool day
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - AK
Day 4 - Pool/rest day (Reservation for MK, just in case, or for evening)
Day 5 - Epcot
Day 6 - HS
Day 7 - Pool/rest day (Reservation for MK, just in case, or change to Epcot)
Day 8 - MK (If didn't go on rest/late day, or change to Epcot)
Day 9 - Fly home

But every family is different - some need rest days, some get bored with them. Also, don't forget Disney Springs if you're planning to go do some shopping on your rest day. It can make for a more leisurely, but still not "empty," day.

 

[Princesca]

For six days, we do EP 2, MK 2, HS 1, and AK 1. That said, our next trip will be our first with our son and he will be 2.5.

 

[Ranger Liz]

I hit enter too soon, sorry.

I'm looking at
Day 1 - Fly in - Epcot in the evening
Day 2 - MK
Day 3 - HS
Day 4 - Epcot
Day 5 - HS
Day 6 - MK
Day 7 - home

For our family 4 different parks would be too much and we want to be able to enjoy MK and Epcot more.

 

[DeeBee3]

I agree with at least 2 MK days, but I want to chime in that my kids LOVE Epcot. HS just isn't our thing and most of the rides are too big for them. So, we felt like there is a lot to "see" at HS, but not a lot for them to do in comparison to other places.

We just love Epcot so I am totally biased. My kids love the scavenger hunts, looking at the scenery, finding characters out and about, the whole Land/Sea area. So, my vote is 2 days in Epcot, 2 days MK, 1 HS, 1 AK.

Have fun!