Should we skip HS if no TSM, MM or Fantasmic?

[Nancyg56]

I am always surprised when I see that people find DHS as a park that is not kid friendly. My DGD loves this park, especially when she was younget. It is a character junkies dream, and she certainly loved to meet them all. We used to take her to all the kids shows, BATB, Indiana Jones, VOLM, and Bear in the Big Blue House. Of course that is a different show now. We also took her on Muppet attractions and the Great Movie RIde. I don't kwow if all of these will be open when you arrive, but I think there is a lot to do.

WE never went to Fantasmic until two years ago, just never had time.

 

[Delirium]

I'm not clear on how FP+ availability in October impacts a trip you have planned for 2016.

Epcot has just as many, if not more, closed attractions than does HS. And, the attractions HS does have are generally more appealing to 5 year olds than the attractions in Epcot.

 

[Delirium]

I am always surprised when I see that people find DHS as a park that is not kid friendly. My DGD loves this park, especially when she was younget. It is a character junkies dream, and she certainly loved to meet them all. We used to take her to all the kids shows, BATB, Indiana Jones, VOLM, and Bear in the Big Blue House. Of course that is a different show now. We also took her on Muppet attractions and the Great Movie RIde. I don't kwow if all of these will be open when you arrive, but I think there is a lot to do.

WE never went to Fantasmic until two years ago, just never had time.

I know it's strange. I think a lot of people saying that don't have kids, or their kids have already been to HS multiple times. For a first time visitor, it has more for kids than Epcot, or even AK.

 

[momof2n2]

What's the story with F! ?

 

[Delirium]

Stop and think about it for a minute. While some younger children like Test Track & Soarin, I think we all can agree they are 'teen & adult' attractions, just as RNR and Tower of Terror are. Great Movie Ride vs. Spaceship Earth, both adult oriented. If educational tours such as Ellen and Living with the Land are 'kid' attractions, then I guess One Man's Dream would have to be counted as well. Anyway, enough of that.

Of course every child is unique, but here's how I see the breakdown of 'kid' attractions and activities at the non-MK parks.

Epcot:

• KidKot
• Nemo
• Mexico Boat Ride
• Figment

Hollywood Studios:

• Muppets
• Toy Story Mania
• Disney Jr.
• HISTK Playground
• That list does not even count Little Mermaid and Jedi Academy, both of which can appeal to a large portion of the 3-7 year old population
• HS has more character meet & greets as well

Animal Kingdom:

• Triceratops Spin
• Boneyard
• Rafiki's Planet
• Wilderness Exlplorer Badges

I probably missed some, but the point is none of the three parks is heavily weighted to kids like MK. But, they each have something to offer and a lot depends on the actual kid. I don't think I'm going to far out out on a limb though to say Disney Jr. and Star Wars have more wide range recognition and appeal to the overall population of children ages 3-7 than what's offered at the other two parks.

 

[Nancyg56]

I know it's strange. I think a lot of people saying that don't have kids, or their kids have already been to HS multiple times. For a first time visitor, it has more for kids than Epcot, or even AK.

I believe that a lot of people forget that their is more to any WDW park than "rides".

Stop and think about it for a minute. While some younger children like Test Track & Soarin, I think we all can agree they are 'teen & adult' attractions, just as RNR and Tower of Terror are. Great Movie Ride vs. Spaceship Earth, both adult oriented. If educational tours such as Ellen and Living with the Land are 'kid' attractions, then I guess One Man's Dream would have to be counted as well. Anyway, enough of that.

Of course every child is unique, but here's how I see the breakdown of 'kid' attractions and activities at the non-MK parks.

Epcot:

• KidKot
• Nemo
• Mexico Boat Ride
• Figment

Hollywood Studios:

• Muppets
• Toy Story Mania
• Disney Jr.
• HISTK Playground
• That list does not even count Little Mermaid and Jedi Academy, both of which can appeal to a large portion of the 3-7 year old population
• HS has more character meet & greets as well

Animal Kingdom:

• Triceratops Spin
• Boneyard
• Rafiki's Planet
• Wilderness Exlplorer Badges

I probably missed some, but the point is none of the three parks is heavily weighted to kids like MK. But, they each have something to offer and a lot depends on the actual kid. I don't think I'm going to far out out on a limb though to say Disney Jr. and Star Wars have more wide range recognition and appeal to the overall population of children ages 3-7 than what's offered at the other two parks.

Yes, as much as the MK has plenty to keep little ones busy, the other three parks have plenty to offer, with DHS leading the charge. My DGD always was busy in every park, between character opportunities, animal trails, shows and attractions, but DHS was teh one she needed two days for.

 

[DisneyOma]

When it was stated by some unofficial Disney website person that there were no TSMM FP+ available after a certain date, does that mean the ride is expected to be closed, there's no FP+ line at that time, or just that all the FP+ are already gone? Each scenario would get a different response from me.

If TSMM was closed while I was there, then I'd still go to the park, but for just a half day, to ride Star Tours a few times and see Muppets.

If the FP+ line was not being used, then I'd go for a day, and see how the wait times went - going right to TSMM at rope drop and also checking back during the day.

If all the FP+ were taken, then I'd go right at rope drop to TSMM, but not later on.

Also, when is your trip? If it's before the 'no Fantasmic scheduled' time, then you're all set, and if it's after, then whatever is going on with TSMM should be over?