MK, AK or Epcot- Which first with 6 yr old??

[campinggal]

Oh Dis Veterans with kids- lend me your suggestions!

I'll be taking my daughter (6 yrs old) to WDW for her first time in October. It will be my first visit in 20 years! (Don't ask why I waited so long!)

We will be there for 5 full days and was curious which park to hit first. I am concerned that AK and Epcot will be a let down and not hold her interest if we do MK first. I was thinking character meal at AK to start things off on our first day then do MK on our second day. We're ending our trip with MNSSHP which I know will just blow her away!

I'm open to suggestions- particularly ones tried and true!

Thanks for the help. These boards are the best!

 

[cart-mom]

Being her first trip I would recommend MK first - it's just so magical! Then I would go for AK - go for the Safari first thing. Then Epcot. I don't think you or she will be disappointed in AK at all. My kids just love it and insist on it being our first stop on our next trip.

You'll be amazed at the changes since you were there and won't take so long to go back again.

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[kcarp]

If I could do it all over, I would take my daughter to Epcot first, once kids get that taste of MK, they are looking for it in every park they go to. I'm not speaking for everyone's kids.

Good day

 

[disneymom3]

The first time we went we went to MK first. Now however if my 6 yo has her way, we go to Epcot first as it is her favorite park. There are so many unique and individually exciting things about each park that I am sure she will enjoy it all!

Have a great trip.

 

[tjkraz]

I'm gonna side with kcarp. EPCOT has a lot to offer, but it really can seem like a major letdown after you've experienced the other parks.

Almost 6 years ago my wife and I spent a week at WDW for our honeymoon. We spent our first 4 days bouncing between MK and MGM (AK wasn't even open yet), and when we finally did make it to EPCOT, we only spent a half-day there. To this day, my wife is really down on EPCOT--through 2 more trips we've never even been on at least half of the attractions. Next time we go, my primary goal will be to get her to enjoy EPCOT a little more.

But I digress...

I understand cart-mom's comment about the "magic" of MK, but I think the main difference here is that cart-mom's family has been there before. If it was a return trip, I wouldn't hesitate to visit MK first because you've already developed your impressions of the parks. For a first time trip, in my mind practicality wins out. I'd rather see you visit EPCOT on day one, and have the trip excitement continue to grow as you move from one park to the next.

 

[Vermin]

We just returned from WDW may 12th with our sons ages 8 & 6. We did Animal kingdom first (on a Sat.), with the character breakfast at Donald's Breakfastasaurus. That was one of the better character meals we experienced. Also we found more charactars interacting at AK than other parks. They enjoyed AK, and were geared up for MK. We went to MK the next day, and both boys loved it. Our oldest said AK was his favorite and MK was the 6 yr. old's favorite. We also did Epcot, MGM, BB, and SeaWorld. Another (surprising) favorite was MGM. Our DS both loved Rockin'Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror.

 

[mickeysaver]

If I had a little one, I would have to say AK first, Epcot second, and finish with the classic, MK. Epcot is a wonderful place, but most folks don't slow down enough to take in the stuff that makes it great. Check out the living statues, the candy artist lady, Ice Station Cool, and all the other little things. AK is just beautiful. There is so much to see there. Don't be thrown off by the lack of rides, just take the time to enjoy all it does have to offer. MK is pixie dust overload. nuffsaid Mickey

 

[Gone Disney]

Hello campinggal,

I have a 7 yr old and she has her likes and dislikes about each park. My suggestion would be to forget about some magic answer. Yes I did say that

I would take a more practical approach, for instance do not go to MK on Saturday. Since I do not know what day you plan to arrive I can't say if that would be day one or not. Also look for park times, you'll probably have to wait cause I don't think they are available for Oct. yet. Check on special events that may be going on at that time. Make your plans based on things you want to see and when they are. Especially since you want to fit in as much as you can, I'm sure. Since you are there for 5 days you may want to consider 2 days for MK since it is your first trip back, especially if you do not know when you'll be going back again. Most importantly do not expect too much. If your daughter isn't happy with one of the parks don't let it bother you. Just have fun no matter what happens.

As of now you don't know which park will be more magical for you and your daughter so it's hard to say for a fact that all parks will be a let down after MK. My 7 yr old has picked Epcot over MK several times. Her favorites at Epcot are test track, Figment, circle of life, living seas, spaceship earth, plus she gets a kick out of going around the world. There may be more but I can't think of them right now. She really likes AK also.

No matter what have a good time.

Gone Disney

 

[susy]

I personally feel that Epcot is a park where you have to put forth some effort, where MK is more "In your face". I would say Epcot, AK, then MK. After you have had a "great time" at Epcot you can breathe easy!

 

[CRCrazy]

I agree with the poster that said - it depends on what day's and what events you plan on doing - My youngest daughter was 5 1/2 on our first family trip - we hit Epcot First - as we had a 1/2 day - arrived at the park at 3 - did the 3:30 Ice Cream Social with MICKEY, Chip and Dale, and Pluto - awesome take in, and a great way to start our vacation - then we rode Test Track using a Fast Pass we grabbed before our PS, as it was scheduled for rehab for the rest of our trip. We then hopped to the Magic Kingdom to see Spectromagic and the Fireworks - as that was the only Spectro planned for the week. It wasn't a day heavy on rides - but it was sure heavy on magic!!!

I recommend doing Epcot when you have a LOT of time to spend - it is my now 6 year old's favorite park - mainly because of the Kidcot stations! She loves to meet all the Cast Members from the different countries - and loves to make the Free Masks with the little tokens and stamps from each country. We can spend two solid days at Epcot, and want more!! You have the Thrill of Test Track, the fun of the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience movie, and she just loves the Maelstrom boat ride. You can also spend hours in all the interactive playgrounds inside each pavilion - and especially in the Innoventions Areas!

AK is also a fun one! I'll bet your daughter will love the Festival of the Lion King, & the Safari - Tarzan Rocks! , all very cool stuff! My Sarah also loved the nature walks - especially the Jungle Trek with the tigers.

All that said - seeing the castle is a magical experience - but it is almost more magical at night - seeing it all lit up!

 

[spectro man]

MK by far should be your first park and last park!!!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

I am having the same dilemma. Hubby and I are going in December, but my brother and family, (son age 11, daughter age 7) want to go summer 2004. They have never been and I'm "their guide". I've been debating and debating on what to do about MK. Thanks for all the advice. I was actaully thinking MK the first day, but then end the vacation with either a meal at Cindy's and the parade, OR the Polynesian Luau and then walking to the deck of the Polynesian and watching the Electrical Water Pageant and the Castle changing colors in the background. I agree, I really think it's just such a fitting beginning and end, but I know in the "Unofficial Guide", he recommends waiting on MK, because of the let down reasons mentioned. Well, I've got time to think, but thanks for the advice so far.