two days in the magic kingdom

[Carrie772]

My DH and I are taking our kids, DS7 and DD5 to Disney World for 2 days. We were planning to go to Epcot and MK those 2 days (we will be flying Southwest the bookend days). Now that I have read the tips for MK with small children and have looked closer at Epcot, we are leaning more toward MK for 2 days. How should I plan for this? Does anyone have an opinion?

 

[Eeyore4me]

Our last trip we did 2 days at MK & 1 at Epcot. Mostly DH wanted to do Epcot. I was amazed at how much my kids DD6 (then 5) and DS4 (then 3) LOVED Epcot! They learned a lot and got a kick out of making the masks and having someone from each country add to it. They learned about energy & were thrilled to make paper from tree pulp. They still talk about it! MK is easily 2 days but there is A LOT to do at Epcot with little ones the ages of yours! Enjoy no matter what you decide!

Lauren

 

[Jordan's MOM]

If you have hopper passes, I would start both days at MK and visit Epcot latter in the evening perhaps after a break. WE truly love Epcot and our DS has always loved it. However, we can never do Mk in one day even now that DS is older. If you can't hop and only have two days, with children that young, I think I would do two days at MK. Don't try to do it all, but enjoy what you have time to do.

Jordans' mom

 

[jcemom]

If you don't have a park hopper, then I would do two days at MK. We also enjoy Epcot, but I would rather do all of MK than pieces of each with small kids.

 

[My5Mouseketeers]

You didn't say when you are planning to go. We go in Nov when MK closes earlier than Epcot. My kids are 9,7,7, 4 and 2. We often go to MK in the morning, go back to the hotel after lunch, and then go to Epcot in the evening.

My kids love Epcot, especially since we do it a little bit at a time.

 

[hokiefan33]

If my family (myself, DW, DS8, DD5) were going for only 2 days, we personally would do the Magic Kingdom for 1 1/2 days and MGM for the other half (to pick-up Tower of Terror, Rock-N-Roller Coaster and Star Tours). We wouldn't even touch Epcot if we were there for that short of a time. We just got back from an 8-day trip last week, and we ended up spending 3 1/2 days at the MK alone! There is so much to do, and so many things the kids (and me, I must admit) wanted to do 2 or 3 times, that we just kept going back and LOVING it!

If your kids are used to Epcot and really want to go, then maybe swing over there for a half day or so. Otherwise, I'd spend the whole thing at MK, and maybe catch the "good" rides at MGM!

 

[MichiganMommy]

We have done what Jordan's Mom recommends.. start the day at MK, go swim at the hotel and relax for a while then end the day at Epcot.

In our experience, MK isn't as crowded in the morning. On our last trip (in Feb, but not Presidents week) we went to MK once in the late afternoon/early evening. Fantasyland was so packed it was hard to even walk. Rides like Pooh and Buzz Lightyear had 45 minute lines when earlier in the day they were 15-20 minutes.

Epcot has way better food for dinner than MK. My sons (ages 4 and 7 on our last visit) loved Epcot as much as MK. DS4's favorite thing in all of WDW was the Epcot parade. At MK, you walk between rides, stand in line and go on a short ride. Then repeat the process. At Epcot, there is a lot to see and do while wandering around. It seemed less exhausting to us. My kids loved the kidcot crafts and getting thier passports stamped. DH liked sipping a Ringnes beer while strolling around. I liked being able to shop a bit while DH kept an eye on the kids at the kidcot stations. I don't know if your kids are prone to sensory overload, but Epcot seems much more calm than the frantic energy of MK. We love MK, but 4 or 5 hours in one day was plenty.

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by MichiganMommy
We have done what Jordan's Mom recommends.. start the day at MK, go swim at the hotel and relax for a while then end the day at Epcot.

That's what I'd do too, IF they have hoppers.

 

[bubba's mom]

Originally posted by jcemom
If you don't have a park hopper, then I would do two days at MK. We also enjoy Epcot, but I would rather do all of MK than pieces of each with small kids.

IMHO, this is what i'd do.... actually, that IS our plan! each year we do 1 park for 2 days....that way you're not rushing trying to see and do everything and can totally enjoy each park!! JMHO

 

[Carrie772]

I think what we will end up doing is spend time in MK on both days and then when we come for a longer visit with all the kids...9,7, and 3.5 in 2006... will spend time in all the parks. I will have park hoppers for everyone then. That way we can do the hopping some of you mentioned.

Can't wait!

 

[Carrie772]

BTW, how do I get rid of "::Minniemo"?

 

[jcemom]

Originally posted by Carrie772
BTW, how do I get rid of "::Minniemo"?

At the top of the page, click on UserCP, then Edit Profile, then scroll down to the area to the right of Signature. Was it supposed to be minniemouse maybe? Does that make a minnie smilie? It looks like some of the word may be missing.

 

[Carrie772]

Thanks. It was supposed to be a minnie mouse smilie, but it didn't work. I will try another.
C