Never Been to WDW. Need Advice for 1 Day

[washava]

I've never been to WDW. I will be going with my brother and his family. They have a villa. I will be a guest. Due to some rules I don't understand (and don't need to) it seems I need to get a ticket to one of the parks for a day so as to be able to accompany them to dinner at Epcot. I really have no interest in rides or such...especially in late July. What are some indoor options for me to fulfill the ticket requirement to be able to go to Epcot with them.

 

[DiannaVM]

Most rides and their queues at Epcot are indoors, but also there are plenty of other indoor attractions to spend time at the Showcase Pavillions. But, you technically don't have to do anything (except go to dinner) at Epcot if you don't want to, but as you know, you will need a ticket to gain entry into the park, regardless of what you do in your time in there.

 

[MouseMomx2]

You need a ticket because the restaurant is inside the park and in order to enter a park you need a ticket. If they are willing to change the reservation to a restaurant that is not in a park (and there are many good ones) you wouldn't need to purchase a ticket.

 

[washava]

Thanks for your reply. But don't use the words "as you know" because I'm woefully ignorant of all things mouse! So as I think I understand it....my brother's accommodation will require me to buy a ticket to gain entry to the park in order to eat at Epcot. Are tickets all the same price?

 

[Alesia]

Is your issue that you don't like rides, that you don't want to be outside, or both? All of the rides in Epcot are indoors.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Thanks for your reply. But don't use the words "as you know" because I'm woefully ignorant of all things mouse! So as I think I understand it....my brother's accommodation will require me to buy a ticket to gain entry to the park in order to eat at Epcot. Are tickets all the same price?

Your brother's accommodations have no bearing on why you need a ticket. You need a ticket because the restaurant is inside the park. If they are willing to change the reservation to a non-park restaurant you will not need a ticket. Magic Kingdom tickets are slightly more expensive than a one-day ticket to the other parks.

As far as non-ride experiences, Epcot has a lot to offer. There are several movies in the World Showcase pavilions (France, China, Canada), an attraction called The American Adventure which is like a show, lots of live entertainment throughout the park and more.

 

[joannamet]

Since a one day ticket for Epcot is going to cost you about $100 that's quite an expensive dinner. Are you sure its worth it? On the other hand, Epcot is the best park for people who aren't interested in rides. Its a wonderful place to stroll around and enjoy some shopping. Each country's pavilion is unique and fun to explore. There are shady spots and benches for resting and people watching. You could spend the afternoon exploring and then have a lovely dinner with your family.

 

[BlueFairy]

You can purchase tickets indoors at the concierge desk at their hotel. You can purchase in advance online at disneyworld.com, but will need to have time for them to arrive by mail. Or you can choose "will call" and pick them up at a ticket booth at WDW. You can also wait to purchase when you arrive at the ticket booth. All ticket booths at WDW are outside the entrance to each park. Epcot is a park and has 2 entrances. I believe there is a ticket booth in the Disney Springs area as well. And also at the hub called the Transportation and Ticket Center. (You will not go there if you are staying at a Disney hotel).

No, the tickets are not all the same price. You have to choose what date you will use the ticket and what park (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, or Hollywood Studios). These choices determine the price.

This is a very expensive way to use the ticket. To get the best value you should really spend the day in Epcot and make use of the ticket. Many people find that 2 days is necessary to experience everything that Epcot has to offer, so you would find plenty of choices that suit you for a day's visit.

 

[washava]

Thanks everyone for your help. I think buying a ticket simply to join them for dinner isn't what my husband and I will want to do. If they want to eat at Epcot we'll find another option. Thanks everyone again, I am a whiz at cruising (other lines than Disney!) but out of my depth with the park experience.

 

[BlueFairy]

Just in case it is not clear, there are MANY restaurants at Disney hotels and the Disney Springs shopping district that allow you to enjoy WDW without entering a park where there are rides. Disney's Boardwalk area is beautifully set around a lake and very popular. Or getting transportation to the Magic Kingdom (free with your hotel stay) and riding the monorail or a boat to the hotels around the 2 lakes near Magic Kingdom is another wonderful choice. You have LOTS of options spread between 5 hotels there. Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.

If you would like to tell us where your hotel is located, we can help you better understand and suggest ideas for the evening.

 

[washava]

The only thing I know is they have a 3 BR villa at the Grand Floridian. They have three kids and go every year. They are celebrating my niece's 13th birthday. This is the first year we would be joining them at Disney (we vacation often elsewhere with them.) I didn't want to be a wrench in the works if they have restaurants they like in Epcot. I thought we would just be staying with them in a hotel while the kids went to the parks during the day. When my brother called me yesterday and asked if I'd like to go to one of the parks....it transpired that they all would be "covered" to eat at Epcot...including my husband due to his playing golf with my brother...but I'd be the odd mouse out. I didn't really want to go to a park (nothing against it for those of you who love them!)...I was just interested in being with my family (we don't live in the same towns...) But it sounds like buying a ticket to go to a park I'm not interested in just to join them for dinner doesn't make much $ense. I appreciate all your help. I have texted my brother and asked him to please not change any plans he and the family want to do...that if they are eating in the park my husband and I will not starve and we'll find somewhere else to eat!

 

[BlueFairy]

The Grand Floridian is located on a monorail line that is free to use. You can easily spend an evening riding the monorail and exploring the 3 hotels there. You could even transfer to another free monorail and ride to Epcot. You don't have to pay to enter the park, but the monorail will make the loop through the park and you can sightsee and then stay on the train for the return trip.

You will also be able to see the 7 Seas Lagoon, the lights of Magic Kingdom, and watch the MK fireworks show ("Wishes") if you are outdoors at the right time of night.

There are quick service, fine dining, and midrange restaurants at all 3 hotels, as well as lounges. (The Polynesian, the Contemporary, and the Grand Floridian are the locations you can visit.) Again, for the best selection, try to get a dining reservation, and check a day or 2 before your visit if you aren't finding something to your liking now.

The Electric Water Pageant is a short 10 min show that is a lighted water parade set to music that you can watch from the marina.

An evening such as this can be as cheap as sandwiches and drinks, or you can splurge on a 5-star meal. It's up to you.

I am confused about your husband's park entrance being included with golf. I have never heard of that before.

 

[loves to dive]

You will find loads of places to eat if you are staying at the GF. The resort itself has a number of restaurants and as others have said, it's on the monorail loop so there are two other resorts available with restaurants. All three of the monorail resorts have both table service (reservation called ADR required) or quick service (walk up). They all three also have bars and lounges which serve food as well.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Your husband would not be covered for park admission by playing golf. He would need a ticket as well.

 

[KrazeeK120]

The only thing I know is they have a 3 BR villa at the Grand Floridian. They have three kids and go every year. They are celebrating my niece's 13th birthday. This is the first year we would be joining them at Disney (we vacation often elsewhere with them.) I didn't want to be a wrench in the works if they have restaurants they like in Epcot. I thought we would just be staying with them in a hotel while the kids went to the parks during the day. When my brother called me yesterday and asked if I'd like to go to one of the parks....it transpired that they all would be "covered" to eat at Epcot...including my husband due to his playing golf with my brother...but I'd be the odd mouse out. I didn't really want to go to a park (nothing against it for those of you who love them!)...I was just interested in being with my family (we don't live in the same towns...) But it sounds like buying a ticket to go to a park I'm not interested in just to join them for dinner doesn't make much $ense. I appreciate all your help. I have texted my brother and asked him to please not change any plans he and the family want to do...that if they are eating in the park my husband and I will not starve and we'll find somewhere else to eat!

I'm not sure what "covered" to eat at Epcot means. Does your brother have a reservation on which he's included you and your husband? Also, I don't think park admission is included with golf. Your husband may want to check on that one.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Also, do some research on Epcot. My parents have always loved that park. My dad has passed but my mom still loves it at 82. She rides very few rides but loves all of the entertainment and shows.

 

[preemiemama]

Your husband would not be covered for park admission by playing golf. He would need a ticket as well.

Unless he has a water parks and more ticket, which would allow a round of golf as well as park admission.

 

[richmo]

If you happen to be in the area as part of a convention, sometimes they make "Epcot after 4:00" tickets available to attendees. Unfortunately, these tickets aren't available to the general public, although I believe they have an annual pass like that for Florida residents only.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Unless he has a water parks and more ticket, which would allow a round of golf as well as park admission.

It doesn't sound like OP has tickets of any kind yet.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Unless he has a water parks and more ticket, which would allow a round of golf as well as park admission.

Yes, but it sounds like aunt/uncle do not have park tickets and they they are being told that the round of golf will cover the uncle for admission to Epcot, which isn't true.