MK on 1st Day- must do or mistake?

[Jack's Mom]

In trying to plan our park days-11/30- 12/5. I cannot help but want to do MK on the 1st day- but I've heard that can be a mistake with kids (DS-3 yrs) since nothing compares to the MK.

We do have tickets to MVMCP on Dec 1- I was considering doing Epcot on 11/30- AK 12/1 & MVMCP that night & then onto the MK the follwing morning.

Although I really don't know if I can wait that long to actually go to the MK & see the magic in his eyes.

All opinions welcome-

 

[crow11ad]

Do what we did. Wait for MVMCP day...you can get in to the park at 4 with just your MVMCP ticket. And that day, we also went to MK...It's a great way. It all depends if this is your first time or not to Disney.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I always do MK first.....I just can't help it! I gotta see the castle to know I'm really there!

In December we took my 5 year old niece, my 9 year old niece and my 2 year old nephew all on their first trip to Disney. I never really thought about NOT doing MK first so that's what we did and I don't think it ruined the other parks for them at all!!! It seemed to put them "in the mood for magic" at whatever park we were in. There were awed by MK, but they also loved AK and MGM...don't think they were AS impressed with Epcot, but I don't think that was because we went to MK first!

 

[travelitis]

Even my dh has to go to MK first. After trip #15 I lost count. Now that we're 2 hrs. from the park . . . forget it. My advice, and I've taken small children to Disney: head straight to the MK. Do not schedule anything else to interfere with MK at least on the 1st half of the 1st day. You might be able to hop, but don't bet on it.

To tell you what a hard, fast rule this is, even when we go for short weekend trips, we do MK first. We're going for 5.5 days over Thanksgiving, and my dh doesn't care about traffic patterns or extra magic hours. He says we've learned our lesson, and we must always, ALWAYS start at the MK. Otherwise we just don't get the full Disney magic.

 

[hockey mom]

MK on the first day is the only way to go. I have never found that it spoils the other parks for you.

 

[cheyita]

Cheer with me, folks!

MK on the 1st day!
MK on the 1st day!

(gosh I needed more sleep last night - still slap happy!)

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

The "no MK on the first day" advice is a bit dated. I used to whole-heartedly agree with it in the old days, back when it was just MK and Epcot. Remember, back then Epcot wasn't as "exciting" (I prefered it less exciting...but that's a topic for another thread) - no TT, no M:S, and it was the only other park. The advice was mainly so people (kids especially) wouldn't expect the MK-style entertainment at the other park.

However, with the addition of MGM, and now AK, I really think it's not as big an issue. MGM and AK are closer to the MK than Epcot is/was. That said, I wouldn't spend the ENTIRE day at the MK. I'd be there at opening, spend a part of the day, then choose another park. This way you don't burn through "the best" all at once. It may take some prior preparation for the kids to know you will be exploring another park later in the day, but it will take the "MK edge" off.

Coversely, you could do what I am doing on the next trip. Hit up another park first (we're doing Epcot) and then go to the MK later that night for a few rides and Wishes. Could be a magical ending to the first day.

Good luck! No matter what you decide, I'm sure you and your kids will have a wonderful time!

N.E.D.

 

[tiggerzpalz]

We always do Magic Kingdom first. We just don't feel like your really there until you walk down Main Street and see that castle right in front of you. And this year our 3 year old DS just made it even more magical as his mouth dropped open and yelled out WOW! Magic Kingdom first for us is simply the only way to go.

 

[puffkin]

The Magic Kingdom IS Disney. All the other parks are just a great bonus. I would never consider starting or ending a trip anywhere but the Magic Kingdom. If that is where you want to start, go ahead!

 

[Del]

We always do MK first!! It puts the spirit in you. Good luck

Del

 

[GC&S]

Another one who does MK on the first day. I don't think it ruins it - it's too magical to do that!

 

[ms.ojo]

We usually start w/ MGM. Just a nice mixture of things. But I never ever EVER do a park other than MK for my last day. I just can't imagine leaving Disney w/out seeing the FW over the castle. This trip we'll be starting at MK for a bunch of diff't reasons....but we also plan to still go back there for at least the last evening of our trip. It will be interesting to see what it's like starting at MK. I may become a true believer of that too! LOL But for now.....it just has to be part of my sweet goodbye.

 

[k_k_100]

Nov. hours are not posted yet... Based on recent months Wed. is traditionally the late EMH night. It will also be one of your only chances to see Spectromagic (If traditional history holds true). I would also expect it to be much more crowded that day. I have no idea how different the crowd levels will be for the evening EMH's during the "less crowded" cooler months? It might be the worst time to go - it might be the best! Last year (before evening EMH's) it was more crowded at the MK on Wed.

We are going to be there 11/29 - 12/4 w/ our 3 yo dd This is her 4th trip to Disney - all the first week of Dec. In the past she's loved the MK - but equally loved the other parks. We are hitting AK on our first day (since we will be staying at AKL that night) We are going to head over to the MK on Wed. afternoon - dd LOVES "the nightime parade". We are hoping for the best - but are planning for big crowds. If all we see is Spectro. & Wishes we will be happy.

We are avioding the MK on Sat. like the Plague! That is when they are filming the Christmas Parade. Our absolute best time there during past years was Fri. am for the morning EMH - we got SO much done - then blew out of there after a late breakfast w/ Cinderella. You will probably get more done during the Christmas Party - although that is becomming more & more popular every year.

We'll look for you there! Go & have fun!

~K

 

[DisneyJen0504]

For us, MK on 1st day is a must do!

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

We've started our two most recent WDW trips in MK for MNSSHP and gone to EPCOT the next day. In 2000, our kids' first trip to WDW, our then 5-yr-old DS had spent the first few minutes in EPCOT and proclaimed, "this stinks!"

Of course, he did end up having a blast, but EPCOT initially suffered in comparison to MK.

I agree with ms. ojo, I think it's more important to END our trips at MK.

 

[henrylovespooh]

We do MK first usually as well. There is just something about getting off the bus and seeing the train station and the castle. My kids love it all and never complain about any parks after MK. There is something for them everywhere.
We also get hopper passes so we can go back to MK whenever we want.

 

[Spaceship Earthfan]

2 years ago I was 19 yrs old and I took my 18 yr old friend to WDW for the first time. Being 2 male teenagers alone, we were able to get a lot done on our 3 day trip. My mistake, tho, was taking him to MGM before MK. I wanted to do WWTBAM-PI first thing, but didn't realize that to him, after already being to one park, MK was 'just another park'. Next time I take someone for the first time, the first place we'll hit is MK.

 

[dyna]

With a 3 yr old who had never been I'd prolly not go to MK 1st.

Usually we go to which ever park we think gonna be the least crowded that day including the 1st day of our stay.