Need help first timer

[TnPhaze]

So the plan is on the 12th to do disney 13th universal ( for my sons 8th bday he really wants to go to universal) with express passes for everybody. Then back to Disney on the 14th and universal one last time on Friday ( no express pass) I’m not sure what park to do first, or maybe two a day for Disney. I hear the avatar stuff is a must. I am traveling with my wife her cousin (33) my son (8) and daughter (3) should I plan a certain way? Do I drive to all parks? Thoughts...

 

[Tiggerlover91]

So the plan is on the 12th to do disney 13th universal ( for my sons 8th bday he really wants to go to universal) with express passes for everybody. Then back to Disney on the 14th and universal one last time on Friday ( no express pass) I’m not sure what park to do first, or maybe two a day for Disney. I hear the avatar stuff is a must. I am traveling with my wife her cousin (33) my son (8) and daughter (3) should I plan a certain way? Do I drive to all parks? Thoughts...

What month?

 

[indoshakespeare]

I suggest 1 day at Magic Kingdom and 1 day at Animal Kingdom. Park hopping with kids that age is not ideal. Hollywood Studios are mostly thrill rides not suitable for kids and Epcot is more educational-themed. Where are you staying? If you have a car, you can easily drive to all the parks.

 

[StageTek]

should I plan a certain way? Do I drive to all parks? Thoughts...

Magic Kingdom on the 12th.
Universal Studios on the 13th.
Animal Kingdom on the 14th.
Universal Island of Adventure on the 15th.

Yes, you drive to all parks.

Perhaps Magic Kingdom on the 12th.
Both Universal parks with Express Pass on the 13th.
Animal Kingdom on the 14th.
And back to Magic Kingdom on the 15th.

A whirlwind first visit for sure. But what are vacations for?

 

[ForMyBoys]

With 5 people why not book a room at universal for one night so you can get Express pass for two days and then do your two universal days in a row. With a party of 5 it may be cheaper then express passes for your whole party for one day. You don't have to stay in the room. Also I'd recommend a park to park pass as the Harry Potter train is totally worth it.

My boys LOVE epcot. They like the different countries and doing the agent P adventures. Your 8 yo is the perfect age for it. They also love the rides at Epcot so don't rule it out.

We also think hoppers are worth it. With little ones we always hit one park at rope drop and leave around 1pm. We then have a nap/chill time and go to a different park for the evening. We enjoy this type of touring more. It all depends on how close you are staying to the park. But if you had hoppers you could hit all 4 parks in 2 days

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Definitely get a room at Uni for the EPs and do the two days consequently. You don't have to stay but it might be nice to.

I would say MK and AK or EP for your Disney days.

 

[Flagondry]

Two days at Disney, followed by two days onsite at Universal. Universal is much smaller and getting place to place is easier and takes a lot less time. Going for the first time you may be surprised how quickly the miles at up at WDW. Nice to follow it up with two more relaxing days with short lines, a lot less walking and just more down time to relax and recover. Universal is much easier to navigate and citywalk is handy for dinner in the evenings. Staying onsite is worth the express pass.

I’m also pro hoppers. One park at opening, ending with lunch (offsite if you aren’t staying onsite because it is cheaper and you have more options, even some delivery to your hotel might be a good choice) around 12. Downtime back at the hotel (are you onsite? If not is your hotel nearby and have a pool?) to recharge, nap or lay by the pool for a couple of hours and then into the second park from 330-9.

When we hop, we make a clear plan of what we want to do and then let our interests guide the rest. What you don’t want to do is hop with zero plans and just find yourself wandering. Make use of your fast passes, pick a place to eat in advance, and be familiar with layout of each park and the areas you want to explore.

I’m a magic kingdom girl myself and could be happy in just that park for multiple days. If you do decide to hop just factor in travel time and how your three year old will do with all the changes.

 

[yulilin3]

So the plan is on the 12th to do disney 13th universal ( for my sons 8th bday he really wants to go to universal) with express passes for everybody. Then back to Disney on the 14th and universal one last time on Friday ( no express pass) I’m not sure what park to do first, or maybe two a day for Disney. I hear the avatar stuff is a must. I am traveling with my wife her cousin (33) my son (8) and daughter (3) should I plan a certain way? Do I drive to all parks? Thoughts...

we need more details on your trip to properly help. When are you coming, where are you staying, is there a reason you are staying where you're staying...?