Only 1 day at MK

[la79al]

My mom, sister, DD and I are headed for a 4.5 day trip to DW in December. We only have one day planned for MK. I am really starting to wonder if that is enough time. I assume that we will be using rider swap so we can all ride the bigger rides but at the same time, I'm sure none of us want to miss out on DD doing stuff. I am assuming that we will get there at RD and stay all day, including pm EMH, leaving only for dinner at Chef Mickeys. I know we will be meeting the fairies and probably the princesses and I know that alone will take time. So what do you think--can we do most of MK in one day (DD and I are returning in April) or should I trade in another park for an extra day at MK?

 

[henry72]

Where is your 1/2 day being spent? Personally, I would opt for at least another 1/2 day at MK. Maybe do AK for only 1/2 a day and then go back to MK. Do you have park hopper tickets?

 

[la79al]

No hoppers. Arrival day I am thinking DTD and DHS for Osborne lights. Day 1-MK. Day 2-DHS. Day 3-AK. Day 4-morning at Epcot, leaving around2. I used to love planning but seriously I think I must be overthinking or something because right now I am hating it. I want to just wing it but then I know I will get frustrated because we will miss so much.

 

[big_red_s]

How old is DD?

MK is Disney as far as I'm concerned.

 

[la79al]

DD will be 19 months but she and I are going back in April. I think this will probably be the only time my mom goes to DW with DD though.

 

[big_red_s]

If you're going back in April don't worry about it.
At the end of the day write down what you wished you could have done and didn't.

 

[amyemann]

I try to spend as much time as possible in MK. For a 7 day trip probably 2 to 2days. If your dd is only 19 months I would maybe skip epcot..but that is just my opinion. I am MK junkie!

 

[MissChris]

We took our daughter to WDW the first time 2 years ago when she was just a little older than that, about 21 mths. We spent 2 days at the MK and it really made the whole thing very relaxing. She wanted to spend a lot of time at the playground areas (pooh's thotful spot, and the one in toontown) and I didn't feel like we had to rush around to see things. She needed a lot of breaks during the day for snacks and rest and we actually ended up taking her home relatively early in the day because all the stimulation and excitement just wore her out completely by about 6 o'clock (of course she wouldn't take a nap AT ALL, way too exciting). So it was nice to have 2 days to get more in. I would not plan on a restaurant meal for dinner or evening EMH unless your daughter has a truly unusual amount of stamina, or the ability to sleep through anything.


We took our girl last year too (she was about 2 1/2 by then) and on both of those trips we only took her to the AK and MK. I really didn't feel like there was much for her at DHS or Epcot so we just didn't go there. We did 1 day at AK, and 2 at MK, and had days in between (we were there for a week) where we didn't go to a park so that we could rest and recover a little. Trying to get to everything at full speed with a toddler always backfires when they get overtired.

Overall we had an amazing time. We just slowed way down from how we went in the past. We saw shows and parades, which we never used to do because we wanted to go on rides. It was like a whole new experience and she loved it, me too. She's well on her way to being as much of a Disney nut as her mom.

Have fun!

 

[iluveeyore]

If you must do all 4 parks, I would switch your last day at Epcot with your AK day - Epcot is a lot bigger, and if you're going there to show your Mom around (has she been before?) then I think that would be best. We're usually done AK by noon, and there's not a lot there for such a young child. It's my favourite park, but I love Expedition Everest and just wandering the trails. I wouldn't skip AK since your DD would probably love the Festival of the Lion King, the train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch and all the animals on the trails and the safari. You just might not need as much time there. Also, DHS doesn't have a lot for young ones either, so maybe replace that with another MK day. If you've been to the parks, you know what they have for young ones and what you like to do.
Enjoy your trip no matter what you decide!