Sell me on Epcot. Or DHS

[myminnieme]

We are deciding if we should add a park day to our short trip. We have one MK day scheduled, it is an adult, girls-only trip with some pool time thrown in. We will land at MCO before noon. I feel like I have blown threw Epcot on previous trips rushing to get to fast passes and dining reservations. I haven't been totally impressed in the past, but I do like test track. But then I wonder if fast passes will all be booked up since soarin is closed (we leave in 8 days). Can anyone tell me why they love or dislike Epcot or the studios? Thinking I might be missing a different perspective.

 

[efam]

I love World Showcase (Epcot)...and since it's an adult trip, there's tons of drinking options. You can do a wine flight among the countries. Plus there is tons of shopping.
You will also be there during Flower and Garden so there will be food kiosks setup throughout.

 

[100acreHiker]

Ditto the Flower and Garden show--lots of wine and food to taste, live music, and the World Showcase at night is just lovely.
As for HS, all the Star Wars stuff is cool, and I hear the Star Wars fireworks show is amazing. Plus, the Brown Derby (restaurant or lounge) is one of my favorite places in WDW.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

Epcot as a park is quite boring. If you throw in the World Showcase, then you really reach boring. Besides drinking, I don't get the draw. I have tried it and we wander through once each trip, but I don't go to theme parks to see Disney versions of how they think these parts of the world look/act/etc

 

[HopperFan]

We are deciding if we should add a park day to our short trip. We have one MK day scheduled, it is an adult, girls-only trip with some pool time thrown in. We will land at MCO before noon. I feel like I have blown threw Epcot on previous trips rushing to get to fast passes and dining reservations. I haven't been totally impressed in the past, but I do like test track. But then I wonder if fast passes will all be booked up since soarin is closed (we leave in 8 days). Can anyone tell me why they love or dislike Epcot or the studios? Thinking I might be missing a different perspective.

Sounds like adding a day to your trip will be a costly ticket, and not sure you would get your monies worth.

I love Flower & Garden and I would go to Epcot just for that (but I have AP) and nothing else, but doesn't mean you would enjoy it.

For me a focus on Flower & Garden, nice dinner in the World Showcase, drinks, Illuminations.

But again if it means buying another day ticket on a one day pass, I would probably just hit Disney Springs, nice dinner there or resort and maybe sit outside DHS to watch the fireworks. Would depend on which resort you are staying at.

 

[Parker Clan]

In my opinion, Epcot is great. I love exploring the shops and snacking around the World. Like a PP mentioned, drinking around the World is an option too. Illuminations is a great fireworks show!
We also love HS, Tower of Terror is my all time favorite ride! Toy Story Mania is fun too, very competitive! The shopping at HS is my fave too - they have some great stores

 

[nicki.momof3]

Epcot World Showcase. Make a late night dinner reservation while you are there. Love Epcot.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

I wouldn't consider DHS for a second park day until they have the expansions completed - but Epcot is a different story. I feel like I see something new every time I visit and it's especially fun on an adults-only trip because you can take the time to browse all of the exhibits and shops. Speak with the CMs and learn their stories, have a drink or two (if that's your thing), and soak in the surroundings.

 

[Delirium]

This is strictly a personal observation, so take it for what it's worth. Epcot, for me, is best done in small doses over a longer trip. We like to hop over to Epcot later in the day, either for Dinner or a concert. We sprinkle bits and pieces of World Showcase during each of those visits.

Future World is pretty depressing at this point. Love Soarin' and Spaceship Earth; think Test Track is a little overrated, but still do; and while we do the other attractions. they certainly are not things we would go out of our way to do.

I think Hollywood Studios is the better alternative for a short trip. Solid headliner attractions and shows that I personally find more appealing than the shops at World Showcase.

 

[efam]

Epcot as a park is quite boring. If you throw in the World Showcase, then you really reach boring. Besides drinking, I don't get the draw. I have tried it and we wander through once each trip, but I don't go to theme parks to see Disney versions of how they think these parts of the world look/act/etc

Wow. Sure, Epcot doesn't throw fun in your face...I think it takes a bit of imagination.

 

[Murron]

Epcot is our favorite park....for all reasons people have already stated and many more. We really love that park. But geez...how about Animal Kingdom? In addition to the rides there, there are so many wonderful pathways to explore, animals to view, shows to see. I think at this point in all the darn construction activities, that Animal Kingdom has a bit more to offer than Hollywood Studios.

 

[aretha30]

We love Epcot. We love spending time in Future World and then just wondering through World Showcase. In Future World we love spending time in The Seas and Living with the Land, we also are really excited to look at the new World of Color exhibit. Epcot has a lot of great things you just have to take the time to really go through the exhibits and the world showcase.

 

[myminnieme]

Epcot is our favorite park....for all reasons people have already stated and many more. We really love that park. But geez...how about Animal Kingdom? In addition to the rides there, there are so many wonderful pathways to explore, animals to view, shows to see. I think at this point in all the darn construction activities, that Animal Kingdom has a bit more to offer than Hollywood Studios.

I'm not against animal kingdom, but with our flight arrival and AK's early close, that's not really an option for this particular day.

 

[tammilynne]

Out of all the parks Epcot is my favorite - But that is just my preference. I prefer to spread it out over 2 days though - One day we start in Mexico and go half way around and the other we start in Canada. It is a lot to cover in 1 day but I would

Enjoy!!

 

[katclicks]

I have done a few girls/moms only trips and we love Epcot. It's a great place to get some adult beverages, explore, and grab a bite to eat. I would try to go for sure.

 

[Sevey13]

I'm not against animal kingdom, but with our flight arrival and AK's early close, that's not really an option for this particular day.

Don't forget that in three weeks Animal Kingdom will have hours potentially extending to 11:00 PM. They haven't changed the hours online for some reason, but April 22 is the date when it becomes a night park. If you are going after, I would highly recommend it. A whole bunch of brand new activities and a new night show.

 

[Nancyg56]

Several years ago my niece joined us on a short Disney trip. One of our favorite times was strolling through Epcot. She told me her mom (my sister) would love a girls trip and a stroll there as well.

No one can tell you how best to spend your time in WDW, but I can say I love Epcot. I know that there are a lot of folks who think it is one big old shopping and drinking fest, but for me, it is a lovely way to slow down, walk and take in a lot of details, to have a few cocktails, dine and just relax.