Size of the WDW Theme Parks (compared to Hershey)

[WDWDecember]

or Six Flags?

I'm just trying to figure out how much walking we're going to be doing. I think Hershey is a pretty large park, especially if you head to the Boardwalk area right away. Are the WDW park sizes comparable? Thx in advance!

 

[asmit4]

Most people say figure on walking 7-10 miles per day at DW. With Epcot being the largest and most walking- in the 9-11 miles per day range.

 

[WDWDecember]

Most people say figure on walking 7-10 miles per day at DW. With Epcot being the largest and most walking- in the 9-11 miles per day range.

Wow- OK! I can see why we MUST bring a stroller then, LOL.

 

[Luv4Disney]

It's hard to judge for me because they layouts differ. I think Hershey is very hilly so we got tired more easily there then we do at Disney. At the Six Flags by us (Great Adventure) the rides are pretty much on top of each other so it's hard to judge that too. I guess I wasn't much help, lol.

 

[Disney Fool]

Think "Manhattan" NY and criss-cross it twice!

 

[WDWDecember]

Think "Manhattan" NY and criss-cross it twice!

OK- now I'm scared, LOL!

 

[Luv4Disney]

OK- now I'm scared, LOL!

LoL. I don't think it's that bad. We've done a lot of walking of Manhattan and it makes Disney look like a cake walk, lol.

 

[asmit4]

OK- now I'm scared, LOL!

It's HUGE...but we ran on food and adrenalin from 7am til 10 or 11pm at night (granted we are adults and we took an afternoon break for about 2 hours to nap). I would bet that MK is about the size of a six flags or hershey, and DHS is also, but Epcot and AK are HUGE...HUGE HUGE.

I am sure that people do it without strollers, but it is not uncommon at all to see a 6yo in a stroller at the parks simply because it is so much walking. It can be hard on the adults, let alone a 1st grader. I rarely see kids under the age of 5 without a stroller. I'm sure it's done, but it's not that common. I would say parks that are more easily done without one would be DHS and MK.

 

[Disney Fool]

disney is 47 square miles, though, and that's a lot of walking. Many people think that they'll be driving up to a park like Six Flags or Hershey Park, and they can walk from one park to the next, or they can walk from their hotel. NOT!!!! There's a whole lot of space between the parks, and even more space inside the parks. Not only will you probably need a stroller for a little one, you will probably need to find a bench somewhere to sit down and rest! Invest in some very comfy, broken-in shoes. Never, ever go to Disney with brand new shoes that have never been worn. Your feet will not thank you!

 

[Golf4food]

Bear in mind that the entire Magic Kingdom - which isn't necessarily 'tiny' - can fit entirely into the lake in the middle of EPCOT.

We averaged around 7-12 miles of walking per park on our last trip (per the pedometer). Oddly enough we walked more in the MK during a full day (granted it included MVMCP at night for an extra few hours) than at EPCOT because it is so easy to think, "Oh, the MK is kind of small, ride X is just over there..." and then do the same thing over and over, criss crossing back and forth across the park until you realize - hey, I just walked 12 miles today!

 

[Robo]

disney is 47 square miles, though, and that's a lot of walking.

Technically, yes.

But, MOST of that is undeveloped real estate.

The parks are a very small percentage of that area.

Regular guests do not "walk across the property" of WDW.



Here's a rather FULL image of the 4 main parks and their area resorts.
It does not include the entire land area owned by Disney or even the DTD area and resorts.

 

[KPeveler]

also keep in mind due to things like show times and fastpasses, you may be walking back and forth a lot - not too many people actually go from ride to ride as they come to them.

i DEFINITELY say bring a stroller

 

[Kae]

When we took DS at 4 he did not really use a stroller in the a.m. We mainly used them at night.

Just watch your water intake make sure you get enough. Start walking at home & you should be fine.

Kae

 

[Disney Fool]

As usual, Robo, you come through!!!

 

[teamagic]

IMO - Any of the Disney parks are larger than Hershey. We have been to both Disney and Hershey and my kids(ages 4 & 6) can manage most of the day at Hershey without fatigue. But at Disney, my 4 year old is ready for a ride by the afternoon. Keep in mind that if you are staying on Disney property, it is alot of walking from your resort to the food court and then to the bus stop. All that is before you even enter the park. Then there is quite a bit of walking just to get to the park entrance! In comparsion, DH is tired at the end of a Disney day. But I have seen him race across the Hershey parking lot at 11:30 at night with sleeping kids in the stroller to see who can get to the car first! Talk about funny! Seeing grown men with strollers running full speed or as fast as they can! Now as for the hills, I have grown up in PA so I really don't mind them at Hershey.

 

[WillCAD]

Yes, the DIsney parks are each larger than Hershey Park, BUT, the difference in layout and terrain is striking.

The layout of the Disney parks is far superior to Hershey, and their terrain is almost entirely flat - very few hills - so you can cross an entire park in a few minutes without even getting winded.

There is also a tremendous difference in the buildings. At Hershey, A/C is rare, and so is shade. But at Disney, all of the attractions, all of the shops, all of the restaurants, and most of the counter-service eateries are air-conditioned and comfortable. Most of the bathrooms at WDW are air-conditioned, too. The coolness of indoor attractions, shops, and restaurants takes a huge burden off the average Guest and makes the Disney parks seem much cooler and easier to traverse than Hershey Park.

 

[asmit4]

Yes, the DIsney parks are each larger than Hershey Park, BUT, the difference in layout and terrain is striking.

The layout of the Disney parks is far superior to Hershey, and their terrain is almost entirely flat - very few hills - so you can cross an entire park in a few minutes without even getting winded.

There is also a tremendous difference in the buildings. At Hershey, A/C is rare, and so is shade. But at Disney, all of the attractions, all of the shops, all of the restaurants, and most of the counter-service eateries are air-conditioned and comfortable. Most of the bathrooms at WDW are air-conditioned, too. The coolness of indoor attractions, shops, and restaurants takes a huge burden off the average Guest and makes the Disney parks seem much cooler and easier to traverse than Hershey Park.

Excellent point! I think this is why an entire day at DW in 95 degree heat feels MUCH better than an entire day at Six Flags in 80 degree heat. It's the layout, the A/C, the ride lines being in shade...it really makes a difference!

 

[labattblue]

Bear in mind that the entire Magic Kingdom - which isn't necessarily 'tiny' - can fit entirely into the lake in the middle of EPCOT.

While the World Showcase Lagoon is big, from what I can see using google maps, MK is still larger than it.

 

[amscherm]

Bear in mind that the entire Magic Kingdom - which isn't necessarily 'tiny' - can fit entirely into the lake in the middle of EPCOT.

Really???? Wow...I would NOT have thought that was the case...The things you learn on this board....

 

[Mickey28]

Okay here you go:

Hersheypark is around 110 acres

Magic Kingdom is 107 acres
EPCOT is 300 acres
DHS is 154 acres
Animal Kingdom 500 acres
The WDW resort consumes 47 sq. miles or about 30,000 acres, but only 7,100
acres are developed.