MK or AK for a just turned 2 yo girl?

[pbharris4]

My youngest will have just turned 2 when we go this summer and we are trying to decide between Ak or MK. My 9 yo DD will be happy anywhere (but loves animals. We've been to every park already anyway. It's been 3 04 yrs since we've been to AK. WOuld you say that that would be the better place to take my 2 yo dd? Is there more for her to do? Would it be OK for her to go on the Safari (I'm not sure if there's a height requirement). Thanks!

 

[cleo]

There are no height or age restrictions on Kilimanjaro Safari, so your daughter should be just fine.

Both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom should be entirely appropriate for a 2 year old. I guess I would decide based on if you want a more high-energy day (MK) or a more laid-back day (AK). Do you want to enjoy more rides (MK) or would you prefer shows and atmosphere (AK). Will she enjoy meeting characters all over the park (MK) or will she enjoy a more structured Meet and Greet area rather than finding characters throughout the park (which may matter, especially if she is a bit shy and doesn't like to just 'happen upon' the characters)?

While they are both fabulous parks for small children, MK 'feels' more active and exciting while AK 'feels' more comfortable and cozy. At least, that's what I think!

 

[Traveliz]

Well just my opinion but I always think of AK as hot and overcrowded (no matter what the temperature or crowd level)

I can't imagine being at Disney and not taking a 2 year old to MK....so many things there they can do and honestly I think more so than at AK.

With a two year old she can do EVERYTHING in Fantasyland, characters in Toontown and train ride, Buzz and People Mover in Tomorrowland, everything in Frontierland, and just about everything in Adventureland (minus the mountains). Plus two awesome parades and the best firework show on property.

Also a hop skip and a jump away from some great character meals if you want to take a break. I vote for MK.

Liz

 

[Lizardbeth61]

I don't mean to be rude, but MK is the definitive Disney experience. If you can, go to all of the parks, but if you have to pick one???? Hands down I'd pick the Magic Kingdome for any age!!! It's got the most kid friendly attractions, it's the classic, it was Walt's idea . . . I could go on and on. Despite the fact that we've been there probably about 20 times, it is our whole families favorite park!!

 

[eeyore0062]

If you could spare 2 days, you should do both. If she has never experienced MK at all, they go there, unless you are going at a really busy time on a busy day.

Both are great for that age child, and I am sure she would love the animals at AK and the shows. Honestly, I wish there were more rides for little ones, as really, the only ones she can go on are Triceratops Spin, the Train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch and Kilomanjaro Safari.

At Magic Kingdom, there is Peter Pan, Small World, Dumbo, Snow White (may be a bit much for her), Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, Astro Orbiter, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin's Magic Carpets, the WDW train, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Goofy's Barnstormer, Mickey's Philharmagic, Cindercelabration, plus Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer's Island, plus all of the opportunities for pics with the characters, the parades, plus Wishes at the end of the day.

Of the 2, if you want to make the best memories for her... she will likely remember MK more than AK. If you can do both, that would be best!

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Goofy Barnstormer and just about all of the others just mentioned! Yup. If I had to pick one, it would still be MK, but if you can, I agree that you should do BOTH!!

 

[bjakmom]

If you are going in the summer, I say definitely MK - AK is HOT! HOT! HOT! much more walking between attractions (hot!) and not as many airconditioned rides/attractions (hot!). IMHO they did waaay too good a job recreating Africa and Asia (did I mention this park is HOT!? ) - the last time we were there in July the CMs were actually shooting people with spray bottles to cool them off - in the warm weather, we only go early in the morning and get out by noon ! Also, as others have said, sooo much for a little one at MK - Enjoy !

 

[PratersloveDW]

You couldn't go wrong with either park and both are great for 2yo - as my DS(2) loves them both! MK is, of course, the most well known park; especially for the kiddos. There is a lot of eye candy there and plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family. However, AK is also a great family experience that I think is a must not miss. It is a very different enviornment with more trees and of course, the animals. There aren't as many rides for a two old but there are plenty of shows and sights to see.

I think it might be fun to let your older daughter decide. The two year old will have fun at either place and this way your DD(9) will be happy to have gotten the choice. Have a magical time!

 

[LegoMom3]

Have to go with MK!! It's THE best park for little ones. Also, you mention going in summer, and as others have already pointed out, AK is HOT. Many more options in MK to go inside and have some A/C and rest when you need it. And, when it IS that hot, often the animals are resting, too, so not as active and maybe not as visible.

 

[the kabuki]

There's isn't even a choice-Magic Kingdom all the way!!! It's DISNEY!!

 

[mjmcca]

My kids love all the parks but the one they have both been asking to go back to is the AK. I have a DS4 and DD will be 3 in March.

 

[swilphil]

MK, definitely. AK doesn't have a whole lot of rides for little ones. MK only has 3 rides that a 2 year old CAN'T go on. When my oldest son had just turned 3, he asked to LEAVE AK after 1 hour and go back to the hotel to take a nap. When my youngest was 2, the only ride he went on was the Safari and he was not amused at all. For animals, you're better off taking a day trip to the National Zoo in DC instead of wasting a day at Disney World.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

I think it might be fun to let your older daughter decide. The two year old will have fun at either place and this way your DD(9) will be happy to have gotten the choice.

That is so sweet! I like this suggestion! Have a great trip!

 

[TheBellhop]

I would honestly go with MK for a child, but I tend to like AK better. BUT, AK is EXTREMELY hot in the summer, you'll need alot of sunscreen, and alot of water. MK is just...it's better themed for the younger children. And you can meet the characters more often and such.

I'd say, if you do have an extra day, experience both.

If you don't have an extra day, go with MK

 

[henrylovespooh]

We last went in 2003 when my son was 2. He loves animals and has since he was about 10 months old. So he loved Animal Kingdom. But if he wasn't into animals, I don't think he would have liked it half as much as Magic Kingdom.

I would do MK.

 

[Dopey's Girl]

MAGIC KINGDOM...it just HAS to be done!
Although AK is my 2nd favorite park with or without kids, (we have a 3 and 6 year old), MK is just THE disney experience!

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

MK no doubt about it!!