Only have ONE day...

[Unregistered]

Hi, from upstate NY! We're planning to come to Fla (Cocoa Beach) for a week next month. We'd like to take our boys (7 & 4) to Disney for a day, but are total newbies and have no idea where to best spend our time. Any suggestions on areas or parks that my boys, at those ages, might like best? Any hints on where to get the best deal on a basic pass?
Thanks for whatever insights you can give!

Wendy

 

[kathie859]

I would think the MK would be the park to visit considering the children's ages. It is the "original" after all. I don't know of any vendor who gives much of a discount, if any, on a one day pass. You might want to call your local AAA or check out your local Disney Store. I hate to be a downer, but I can't imagine dealing with the hassle of getting to WDW and only doing one day but if you're determined to do it, be sure to arrive early!
I am assuming that you are a first time visitor so you might want to check out the attractions in the parks and have a game plan so you don't waste a lot of time being overwhelmed and end up not seeing everything you want to see.

 

[mommyof3grlz]

I would take them to Magic Kingdom. You should click on DIS home and look at the opening and closing times for the week that you will be there. I would pick the day that the park stays open the latest. Other advice is to get there at least 30 minutes before opening. I'd probably get there an hour early if it were me and I only had one day. You have to park your car, then transport by monorail or ferry boat to the entrance of Magic Kingdom. The whole process can be quite lengthy. I would head straight to Fantasy Land and get in line for Dumbo. Then get a fast pass for Peter Pan. This line is usually very long. Try to get another fast pass for other attractions as soon as the pass you are holding states that you can get another one. Also, it is soooo worth it to stay for the fireworks "Wishes" and the parades. Good luck and have FUN!!!!

 

[Cee]

Another vote for MK. But try to spend the night. I can't imagine driving after
a long day at the park. You'll be bushed. But you'll be happy.

 

[Rylee]

Hi, from upstate NY! We're planning to come to Fla (Cocoa Beach) for a week next month. We'd like to take our boys (7 & 4) to Disney for a day, but are total newbies and have no idea where to best spend our time. Any suggestions on areas or parks that my boys, at those ages, might like best? Any hints on where to get the best deal on a basic pass?
Thanks for whatever insights you can give!

Wendy

Hi Wendy,

I would recommend, and my boys, 6 & 9, would choose Magic Kingdom.

Since you will not be a Disney Resort guest, you will not be able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. If you are flexible about which day of the week you will be visiting, I would check the park calendar hours and plan to visit MK, the day AFTER the MK had Extra Evening Hours.

• Plan to arrive before park opening.
• Learn about Fast Passes and use them.
• Have an idea of must-see-and-do attractions for your family, and hit these attractions first thing in the morning.
• Rest in the afternoon... by taking in the parade or watch attractions which seat large groups, Mickey's Philharmagic, Monster's Comedy Club, ride the train (Walt Disney World Railroad) around the park, etc., so that you'll be able to stay for the fireworks.
• After you take in your "must" list, RELAX and discover the magic at your own pace.

I think when my children were 4, they could ride almost everything, except Space Mountain.

I have 5 children, 6 if you count my husband some of our favorites -

Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Tommowland Speedway
Space Mountain
Monster Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club
Barnstomer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm
It's a Small World
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Pirates of the Caribbean

You might want to purchase an autograph book, if you children want to meet the characters.

Have a magical trip!

* I'm from Syracuse, NY.

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all your input. We will have to do some research over the next month to prepare.
Thanks,
Wendy
Geneva NY

 

[skiyalater]

Magic Kingdom is the best for that age. I did see on Mousesavers.com a link to where if you make a donation to a local Orlando Hospital of $59 you get a one day one park ticket.
My family's favorites;
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Peter Pan
Small World
Country Bear Jamboree
Tiki Birds
Swiss family
Tom Sawyer Island
hope they're all still there!cutie:

 

[LoriMomx5]

Another Vote for Magic Kingdom!

 

[sanibelover]

Definitely Magic Kingdom. Plan to be there from opening to close if you can - also not a bad idea to use the Unofficial Guide or Tour Guide Mike. We only had one day last year and went to the Magic Kingdom with a touring plan and had a blast!!! My youngest was 6 at the time, and he loved it!

Using one of the above websites, you will be able to tell which day of the week would be best and how you should plan to do the attractions. If you only have 1 day, you will want to make the most of it!!!

I agree with the poster that said try to spend the night if possible. We drove to Ft.Pierce (1 1/2 - 2 hours) last year after touring MK all day, and it was REALLY tough. I will say that we all slept like logs that night!!!

You can have a fine time if you just wing it, but I believe that you will have a much better time if you do your homework!

 

[RNtheRN]

Absotootly get to the Magic Kingdom. They will never forget it.

 

[Silver Queen]

Hello from another upstate New Yorker!
I think that Rylee gave you an excellent answer and I can't add more to it other than to say you might want to check out the restaurant website including menus to get an idea of where you'd like to eat while you're at the MK. That may save you a little time while you're in the park. There's also great information on the theme parks and strategies thread. Fast passes will be very valuable to you for a one day visit, but also please do try to take a moment every now and then to rest and enjoy the loveliness of the park.
Fianlly, I'd like to put in a special plug for Mickey's Philharmagic. It's a delightful experience.

Good luck !
(From the Albany area)