Just for fun - what would you do?

[sdjen]

I know there are a lot of experts out there so I thought I would ask. I am researching a lot of different places but know I will get some good ideas here.

Here are the specifics. My friend and I are both taking our daughters ( ages 10 and 12) to MK for one day pre cruise in February. None of us have ever been there before. My friends only request is that we see the fireworks by the castle. We are staying by the airport and will have a car. Not sure what park hours are in February so not sure if we could do a rope drop and be there all day either.

What would your must dos be?

1. Rides
2. Shows
3. Your favorite lunch and dinner spots
4. Best place to see fireworks from

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Robo]

Best place to see fireworks from

You also want to be able to see the spectacular show that is actually projected on the front of the Castle, "Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.

Below is a rough estimate of the Fireworks viewing spots
based on other posters' info on the boards and personal experience.

This is a new version of this map that features a representation of the new hub and its FP+ Wishes viewing areas.
At this point, I'm not sure how the new "outer sidewalks" will be allowed or blocked
for fireworks viewers.
Not all of the sidewalks I've depicted have actually been built, yet.
As the actual Hub construction goes along, I'll revamp the shaded areas.

 

[WillAustin]

My 10 year old daughter says Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for rides. Her favorite MK restaurant is Crystal Palace.

 

[tinkerbesh]

What would your must dos be?

1. Rides: Not sure what your taste is, but if you're into everything I'd say Space Mountain (my favorite thrill ride), Small World (classic must-do), and Astro Orbiter (kind of a grown up version of Dumbo, and great views!)
2. Shows: Dapper Dans (barbershop quartet that sings on Main St), Main St Electrical Parade, & Wishes (fireworks)
3. Your favorite lunch and dinner spots: counter service: Columbia Harbour House or Be Our Guest (if you can get a reservation), table service: Liberty Tree Tavern (if you want no characters), Crystal Palace (if you want a character meal in the castle & can get a reservation)
4. Best place to see fireworks from: Main Street or slightly towards Tomorrowland. Look up Robo's map for fireworks views though -- he has it color-coded & very easy to understand.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[eyehartdisney]

I can almost guarantee it will open at 9, and stay open until 9. or 10 o'clock, unless you're going on valentine's day. It's completely do-able to open and close the park during that time of year. Just watch out of EMH, they tend to funnel people into that park. Now, as far as your other questions:

1. Rides: Haunted mansion is my favorite, though splash is very well done, as is pirate's
2. Shows: Drag your kid to the Hall of presidents... it may be the only time she gets to see the presidential seal, assuming you're from the USA. Philharmagic is generally well liked
3. Your favorite lunch and dinner spots: It's not my favorite, but if you can spare the cash, do Cinderella's Royal table. It's got a significant number of princesses, which means you don't have to wait in line to see them. The best food here is at breakfast, and barring that, lunch. Be Our Guest is a counter service (IE cheaper) meal, and if the kids have seen beauty and the beast... just go there. Even if it's just for a cupcake. Seriously, it's awesome. Wait to sit in the rose room if you can. And for dinner we generally like pecos bill.
4. Best place to see fireworks from: Previous poster illustrated this the best. But here's my advice, don't leave after the show. Go get in line at another attraction, 7dmt if you can. Even if the place closes, if you're in line, they'll let you ride.

 

[sdjen]

Thanks for the info everyone. It's nice to get some ideas and expert advice! We will see plenty of characters on the cruise so not worried about that which might help. MK just seems so overwhelming for someone who has never been there!

 

[JoshuaShaw]

What would your must dos be?

1. Rides
2. Shows
3. Your favorite lunch and dinner spots
4. Best place to see fireworks from

1.)Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion
2.) Mickey's Philharmagic, Country Bear Jamboree
3.) Liberty Tree Tavern, Columbia Harbour House, Sleepy Hollow
4.) From the zenith of Big Thunder.

Take that with a grain of salt, however, as I probably have more in common with an 80-year-old man than a 10-year-old girl.

 

[wookiebeck]

For your first time and only day, I would recommend trying to only do the headliner rides. That way you get the best quality MK has to offer with your limited time. All the smaller things and long to-do lists can wait until your next visit.

 

[bbjunkie]

I would get a Fast Pass for seating for Wishes. It truly is meant to be seen from in front of the castle, and is t nearly as spectacular if you don't. Eat at "off" times and you won't have longg lines at Quick Service restaurants. Lonerty Tree Tavern in Liberty square has very yummy American food and no characters so it is less expensive than some other table service restaurants. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe has pretty good burgers with an extensive condiment bar. I would ride 7DMT, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and do Enchanted Tales with Belle, Philharmagic, and Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. It's worth going on Dumbo, Teacups, and the carousel....there won't be waits for these.

 

[georgina]

On a 1 day limited time frame, I would not worry about doing Country Bears, Hall of Presidents, or Dapper Dans. I would focus on ride experiences. Restaurants - if they like Pooh and friends, Crystal Palace, otherwise, Be Our Guest, The Plaza, Cinderella's if they are into Princesses. As Robo, mentioned, the pre-Wishes light show on the castle is spectacular.

 

[Mama Steph]

I would skip a table service meal as it will take up a lot of your touring time. There are many great counter service options in MK.
Depending what week you go in February the hours will vary quite a bit. We were there for Presidents Day week and the park was often open 8am-midnight.
I would say the must do rides are the 3 Mountains, Mine Train, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Small World.