Only 3.5 days---WHICH PARKS???

[twinspluscade]

We're taking the kids (ages 4,4, almost 3) to WDW for the first time Sept 10-14. We'll have 3 full days plus one half day (on arrival). Given the ages of our kids, my original plan was to spend all our time in the MK. I figured they would enjoy that park the most, and want to spend the 3.5 days there.
BUT...then I see that the Little Einsteins and the "Cars" characters are at MGM--and I know my kids would love to see them! Plus the twins would love the Princess Storybook meal at Ankerhaus (providing we could get reservations--I'm sure it's proabably booked solid!). I should add that we do NOT have the park-hopper option; I don't think we'd use it given the short amount of time we'll have, and with our kids being so young. I should also add that one of my twins is terrified of fireworks, so we won't be doing any of the fireworks shows (or Fantasmic). Which will maybe give us more time for rides???
So--now I'm thinking we'll do 1.5 days at MK, 1 day at Epcot, and 1 day at MGM. Thoughts?????
Given the ages of my kids--if you had only 3.5 days at WDW, how would you schedule you days???
Thanks!!
Kelly

 

[Quinn222]

So--now I'm thinking we'll do 1.5 days at MK, 1 day at Epcot, and 1 day at MGM. Thoughts?????

Sounds perfect to me! It's just what I'd do.

 

[Gabkatt]

IMHO...You are exactly right. 1.5 @ MK, 1 @ MGM & 1@ Epcot. I love AK, but in light of the kids ages, it would be the park I would skip in your situation! My only suggestion, I would not do Epcot last. I would do MK on your half day arrival & maybe finish with MK. Put Epcot & MGM in the middle...it will give the kids something to look forward to at the end in-case they don't find the other parks as enjoyable as you!

 

[AKLgirl]

I would do magic kingdom, mgm, and animal kingdom-because the animals are a cool and fun learning experience.

 

[ReadingMama]

If you can't get ADR's for Norway, I would do 2 1/2 at MK and 1 day at MGM.

Actually I would probably skip Epcot either way and do the above or spend the 1/2 day at AK.

IMHO

 

[taxmom04]

I might consider skipping Epcot with the ages of your children. Even though my 3 1/2 yr. old loved Soarin', the only other attraction suitable for her was Turtle Talk with Crush, which is also great!

Do your kids love animals? We loved AK!!

It's such a hard decision. Definitely 1 1/2 - 2 days at MK.

Have fun!!

 

[tchan03]

I would skip Epcot as it may not be that interesting to your kids .

 

[taxmom04]

Now that I think about it I agree with Readingmama.
I would do AK arrival day(1/2 day)
2 days at MK and 1 day at MGM

Just what I would do with kids your ages.
Mine are 14, 12,10, and 4

 

[yesallmine]

I have many children and have gone numerous times to WDW---my little ones never enjoy EPCOT like I do or the older "ride- lovers"(MISSION SPACE and TEST TRACK) do. Even my teens would opt to only be there 1/2 day. Animal kingdom is great and has lots of characters and a great character breakfast. The safari is great and relaxing for all. It also has a petting zoo type of thing.DONT MISS IT!!! JMO!! I dont know that you could do a 1/2 day at AK because their hours are shorter . You may have better luck doing 1/2 day at MK the firsy day and then doing MK your last day for a terrific way to end your stay. I think MK has to be done first because when my kids think of WDW they think of the castle and main street USA and all of the MK stuff just from our books and videos we watch to get us ready!! I think the look on their face on our first day when we get to MK is priceless---truley the most MAGICAL park.Have a great time.

 

[Plantlady]

If your heart is set on Epcot, I think that little ones can enjoy it. My four year old loved Epcot. He rode everything except Mission Space.

He loved Living with the Land, he enjoyed Soarin'. He loved Test Track, and Ellen's Energy Adventure. (we watch a lot of Bill Nye at home).

The Living Seas are very fun for smaller kids.

In the world showcase he LOVED getting the charms put on his mask, and getting the stamps. He really wanted that goofy poster at the end of the journey. He also LOVED the ride in Mexico. He told me later, that any boat ride, is a good ride.

He also had a great time in innoventions. We only got to do West (Now I read that East is more fun). We were heading over to do the East side, when his nine year old brother finished Mission Space, so we never got over there.

He did so-so in Honey I shrunk the audience. Perhaps the snake was a bit much for him.

He loved Club Cool, and the sprayer fountains too.

Anyway, we spent 1 full day, and two half days in Epcot.

So, even though, Epcot probably wouldn't be the number one choice for preschoolers, there is still a lot to do for them.

 

[Gabkatt]

Many of you are saying to skip Epcot because the kids may not enjoy it. My point in an early post was that this trip has adults too. As I said before, "I love AK!" But if you're that pressed for time, it may be the park to skip unless you upgrade to park-hoppers. Since AK closes @ 5:00pm you can hop over to Epcot or where ever!

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

Given the ages, I would opt out of EPCOT and do AK instead.

 

[flortlebap]

I agree - opt out of Epcot and go to AK.

It's very unlikely you'll be able to get priority seating for Akershus. We rang up around 175 days before we were planning on going and had to accept a different time than we wanted a week later than we wanted! With the free dining I'd say the only way you'll get a reservation is if you keep ringing to check for cancellations... but I wouldn't hold my breath!

 

[CindyAnn]

How about trying for an ADR at the dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian? (Cinderella & other characters from the Cinderella movie). Without park hoppers I would probably spend the time:

MK - 1.5 days
MGM - 1 day
AK - 1 day

Having said that, my DS loved Epcot when he was 2.5, and my DD loved it when she was 4, and I'm sure you'd find lots to do there with your crew.

 

[pixiepower1971]

My DDs didn't really like Epcot until they were at least 7. We only did half days there until my youngest was 7. There are more rides at Epcot that they will be able to ride then at AK. Depending on how tall your kids are they may be out of luck on a lot of the rides at AK. Epcot also stays open later so you will have more time to do things there then at AK if you do those things on your half day.

Since you are not getting park hoppers I would do half day Epcot, 1 day MK, 1 day MGM, 1 day MK.

Have a great time!

 

[cathyce2]

So--now I'm thinking we'll do 1.5 days at MK, 1 day at Epcot, and 1 day at MGM. Thoughts?????

I think this is perfect! My DD7 and DD 2 have been going to the world since they were 18 months old and EPCOT is DD7's favorite park after MK. She has always loved making masks in the countries, the rides in Mexico, Norway, Spaceship Earth and Imagination. We love the shows in the countries. You can just walk up and watch acrobats in China, drummers in Japan, comedy group in Britian, singers in the American pavilion. Its a nice change from all the lines in MK. They could both spend hours in the Living Seas exhibit. I can't imagine missing EPCOT!

HTH

Cathy