time needed in the parks

[gracey712]

My family and I are going to wdw (1st time) oct 8-15 (por). arriving somewhat late in the afternoon we plan on doing a character dinner/exploring resort/DTD and riding the monorail. that leaves us with 6 full days for parks. my question is how much time do you spend in each park? I'm traveling with my three DD 7,7, and 10. they're huge on anilmals so i'm guessing we'll need 2 days at ak...is there enough there for a 2 day visit? my mother-in-law's favorite place is MK. Will the kids be interested in epcot? Thanks in advance for your ideas and opinions...

 

[ErinInCT]

Here is my recommendation for your 6 full days (I have all dd's too):
AK - you can definately do in 1 day, but plan to be there the whole day if you want to see the parade & everything. I think your kids can handle it since it will close probably around 5pm in Oct.
MGM - you can definately do in 1 day as well. You can leave later in the day and catch the parade & Fantasmic.
MK - This is a somewhat slow time I would guess (except maybe for the days with MNSSHP) so you should have no problem doing everything you want in 2 days (even with a mid day break). We like to split up the park & do Fantasyland, Toontown & Tomorrowland at one time & then do Liberty Square, Frontierland & Adventureland the next time. Be sure to catch Cindercellabration in front of the castle!
EPCOT - Definately a 2 day park. We made the mistake of not allowing enought time cuz I figured my kids would be bored & this turned out to be our favorite park! I think F&W festival will be going on too. Spend a half day or more at FW & 2 afternoon/evenings at WS. Your girls will love the kidcot stations as well as the shows. They are the perfect age!
Some other ideas:
Hayride, campfire sing-a-long with Chip & Dale & movie one evening at Fort Wilderness.
Chef Mickey is a fun character meal at the Contemporary & then you can ride the monorail (ask the CM if you can sit up front with the pilot!)
Since you have girls you should really consider a princess breakfast, either CRT or PSB.
Your girls will love getting character autographs, pin trading & penny presses.
Hope this helps your planning!

 

[kilee]

WIth 6 days I would definetly take the time to allow at least 1 day for each park. If you don't want to go on park overkill you could possibly through in a day at 1 of the waterparks too (My son LOVES them).
Anyhow, even for 2 days at any given park. Some things are just so great you want to ride them again. Every time on the safari is so different, because you don't know what the animals will be doing. I could ride it over and over again. Also, coordinating the shows and such sometimes can take 2 days at any park.
There are so many character meals to pick from. I too highly recommend Chef Mickey's. Your DD may really like CRT or the princess meals in Epcot. Those are very popular so you'll need a PS and you'll want to get it right on your 90 day mark.
Also, MNSSHP will be happening during your stay. This is a lot of fun. It will require a separate admission ticket (Which is around $30 per adult). It's held at the MK from 7pm-midnight. Pretty much all the rides and attractions are open. There is trick-or-treating. As well as special fireworks, parades, and other Halloween events. There's also tons of rare characters out for meet and greets that aren't available normally. You can usually get into the MK at 4pm for this event, so it's a great night and well worth the money.