If you were only going for 2 days...

[hondar]

OK- so I am the newbie of all newbies. Just starting my quest into info on WDW. I went as a child, 30 years ago and again as a college freshman, 17 years ago. I remember very little. And I am obviously overwhelmed by all the info out here!

Anyway, my dh and two boys, who will be 7 and 5 when we go, will be in Florida in early March next year. We are visiting friends and family and really only have a day or two to spare to head over to WDW.

Is it worth it? Can we get enough accomplished in 2 days to feel like we got a taste of it? If you only have 2 days what would you do? On a budget. Which parks, where to stay?

I know I am asking a lot and there are probably lots of places I could go to get this info, but I thought I would start on this board and see what I find out. If anyone wants to direct me to a better place to seek this info I would be very appreciative!

Jenny

 

[LubsPoohBear]

first welcome to the DIS and for me we would go ta AK and EPCOT as far as where ta stay im sure others know more about that i hope u have a great trip

 

[TaraPA]

Ah you will get so many different responses to this! I would do Magic Kingdom, just because it's 100% classic Disney, and Animal Kingdom, just because it's my favorite, and very different from MK. I'm not sure if you're staying on-site or not, but just for 1 or 2 nights I'd stay at a Value Resort.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Only 2 days & with your children's ages, I'd definitely go to MK. Every kid wants to see MK --even the grownup ones! For your second park, I'd say MGM. The kids would like Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, The Muppets 3D -- ok, just about everything. Plus the adult rides -- child handoff!! As for where to stay, I'd say Pop Century. It's a great value resort! Good luck, start planning & have a magical time!

Almost forgot -- to the Dis!

 

[pepe of ohio]

I wanted to say, for 2 days I wouldn't even think of going...............But to give someone a taste of WDW so they could return and really do it up right, I'ld suggest a deluxe, Wilderness Lodge is the cheapest and closest to the MK, this is where all the magic is and having children your age group would enjoy the most. I know you stated budget but the values are far away, themed okay but the pomp and splendor of a deluxe, Wilderness Lodge, would take your breath away. You're a boat ride away from the MK, boar ride from the CR to gain access to the monorail, a ride all in its own, and a boat ride from FW where its quiet, quaint, stable the Disney horses and best food buffets on property. In my opinion, worth the extra money over a value or mod, its only 2 nights and get to experience some of the best beauty, architure, Disney has to offer at a real good price. Live it up once, see the Lodge and I'm sure you'll return for a longer stay.

 

[Frantasmic]

I second Magic Kingdom (weekday if possible) and the Disney MGM Studios.

Stay someplace like Port Orleans French Quarter.

 

[NurseW2Kiddies]

I would definatly do Magic Kingdom. My second choice would be MGM. My boys LOVE these 2 parks. They are 8 & 12 now, but these have always been the favorites. MGM has great shows that boys typically love. As far as where to stay... if you are on a budget, POP is great with kids. Some on this board don't care for it but... my kids LOVED it. Very child friendly/oriented. Pools are good, arcade is nice. The room isn't huge but for 2 days the four of you will be just fine. Have a great trip!!!!

 

[eliza61]

Welcome to the DIS,
With a 5 year old and a 7 year old definitely plan on doing the MK. My 2nd choice would be MGM. They have a lot of cool shows that are great for the kids plus fantasmic.
One word of warning! A short trip will definitely wet your appetite for a longer visit.

 

[6mouskateers]

If possible, I would get a 2 day park Hopper pass(-we have had seasonal passes for so long that I don't know what's available anymore). First day we would go to the Magic Kingdom-hands down. I would think about whether or not to do a charater breakfast, but if the budget won't allow this time around, oh well, there's always next time. For the second day-if you have a full day there, I would take advantage of the park hopper option. I would start the day by making ADR somewhere in Epcot for late lunch-easier on the budget and many times easier to get a ressie. The morning I would spend in the MK for an hour or 2 to see whatever we missed, then hop on monorail over to Epcot.

I love the flexability to park-hop. You can even do this in reverse. See if there is evening EMH is at MK and do Epcot in the AM then after dinner head over to MK. We always do evening EMH. Of course, don't forget about am EMH another good way to get in a couple of things missed or things that you just have to do again.

I wouldn't even mind doing 2 days in the MK!

As far as resorts go, if on property I would stay at a value. You won't be there long enough to care about amenities.

Have fun planning! We all have different priorities and favorite things. You will find what is right for you and your family.

 

[cybrkitn]

Magic Kingdom, definately. Epcot in itself will take 2 days to do. MGM is another possibility; you could do that in a 1/2 day or a full day. My first time to AK won't be until the 31st.

Have fun in whatever you choose to do!

 

[MadameMim]

I ditto Magic Kingdom and MGM.

Have a great visit!

 

[disneydancer1969]

1- welcome to the dis! you will love it.
2- go to touring plans .com click on crowd calendar and scroll down to your date for low crowds.
3- yes you should go! the more you go there the smarter you get. stay at asmu for 1 or 2 nights because it is cheap and nice!
4- have it be laid back and
DON'T FORGET TO GET FASTPASSES!
YOU WILL WANT THEM! TRUST ME!
5- Have Fun!

 

[kribit]

I'd have to go with MK and MGM. Have a great time!

 

[CherCrazy]

I think it's pretty unanimous with MK & MGM.

You could even do two days at MK and be incredibly happy. You could ride my favorite ride for me.... SPLASH MOUNTAIN!!

 

[torinsmom]

I would go to MK and and Epcot. I know some thing Epcot is for the older ones, but my son loved doing the Kidcot stops with the world passport when he was 5 and 6. There are lots of cool rides they are old enough to do as well.

For tickets, if you are really planning to come back, you could buy a ticket for more days, hopper and non-expiring. Once you get past 4 days, the price does not increase much per day. May cost more at the time, but it is budget minded in the long run. We bought 10 day non expiring tickets last March. Used them 4 days in March, 3 days in August and we have 3 left for next October.

As far as where to stay, if you are only there for 2 days, you won't have time to CARE where you stay. I would stay at Pop, the buses are good there, and the food court has inexpensive choices(relative) If you plan right, you could only do one night. Go straight to the parks when you arrive, check in in the evening, stay in your room, then check out and leave the bags in your car while you enjoy your second day at the parks. If you are visiting family in FL, you could get in the car and drive after your second day in the parks. Of course, I would suggest spending a second night, because you will be TIRED.

Marsha