Universal or Disney 1st timer

[angiedora]

Hi!
We are planning our first visit to Orlando ever! My children are 7 and 9 (will be turning 8 and 10 just before we go) and I'm not sure which parks to visit. It's a toss up between visiting Magic Kingdom and Epcot or a trip to Universal and Busch Gardens Tampa. We can't afford to do it all in one trip and we probably won't return to Orlando for a few years. Which parks do I need to take them to at their present age and which parks will they still get alot of enjoyment from when they are a few years older? Thanks!

 

[kellymonaghan]

The folks on this board are pretty biased towards Universal, so expect a lot of encouragement to skip WDW.

On the other hand, The Magic Kingsom is such an American icon that it seems a shame not to take your kids there while they're still young enough to truly enjoy it.

If you do decide on the MK, I'd suggest Universal over Epcot as the second park -- mostly for the kids.

Of course, if money is an issue, the Orlando FlexTicket that gets you into Universal, Sea World, Wet n Wild AND Busch gardens Tampa is a terriic value and those parks make a pretty awesome combo.

 

[Jen76b]

I've been to Disney for the past 2 summers but we're gonna try US and IOA this year. If you can only do 1 park at Disney I strongly suggest Magic Kingdom. The park is mostly rides, and not too many shows and things to watch like Epcot, MGM or AK. You can spend the whole day, from open to close and not run out of things to do. My son was 4 and 5 when we went to Disney and he didn't enjoy Epcot because there weren't that many rides.

Hope you have fun!

Jen
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Disney-off site- 9/03
Disney-Caribbean Beach- 7/04

 

[mouseRD]

I agree with Kelly. Yours kids are at an age now where they would still appreciate Magic Kingdom (MK) & they may not be as enchanted with it as teens. I know it would be difficult to "do it all" in one trip, but if you plan on spending a few days, why not designate one day at MK (if you go early, avoid the busiest days which are usually Sunday, Monday & any early entry day, & follow one of the recommended guides for a touring plan with kids your age, you should be able to see/do a great deal). If you wanted to take a more relaxed pace or do a character meal on one of the days, you could spend two days at MK. Last time we went, we even left MK when it started to get busy at lunch time (~ 11:30 am) & headed over to the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian for a nice relaxing sit down lunch before finishing the afternoon at MK. Your kids are also at the age where I'm certain they would love Universal Studios. Epcot is fantastic, but I think it's more of a draw for adults (especially the international showcase).

 

[hannahouse]

I would get the kids involved - visit the websites and let them look around a bit. Our neighbors went 2 years ago and did it all, and their son (9 years old) enjoyed Busch Gardens more than any other park! I'm not sure you can made a bad choice - either option is sure to be a fantastic vacation. Good luck!

 

[robvia]

I'll also say to visit the Magic Kingdom since the kids will still enjoy it at that age. It's the main park of Disney World, so you have to see it.

It's really hard to say which other parks to visit, because there are 8 parks in the Orlando/Tampa area. But if I really had to pick the top three, it would be Magic Kingdom, IOA, Busch Gardens Tampa (especially with Sheikra opening May 19th).

Even though you said you won't be back for a few years, I'd still try to come back, because Expedition Everest is opening at Animal Kingdom next year, and then you could visit Sea World of Florida which is also a Busch park and very nice.

 

[Metro West]

I'll also say to visit the Magic Kingdom since the kids will still enjoy it at that age. It's the main park of Disney World, so you have to see it.

It's really hard to say which other parks to visit, because there are 8 parks in the Orlando/Tampa area. But if I really had to pick the top three, it would be Magic Kingdom, IOA, Busch Gardens Tampa (especially with Sheikra opening May 19th).

Even though you said you won't be back for a few years, I'd still try to come back, because Expedition Everest is opening at Animal Kingdom next year, and then you could visit Sea World of Florida which is also a Busch park and very nice.

Personally, I would do the MK and Universal if the kids are looking for rides. You could probably do both US and IOA in one LONG day if you stick to family rides and not worry about the coasters and big stuff.

The MK is about the only Disney park I visit on a regular basis since most of the rides I enjoy are there. So, I think you'll make them very happy with MK and US/IOA. They can ride stuff to their heart's content.

 

[wicket2005]

Definitely Magic Kingdom, you cannot go to Orlando without visiting this park. It will be ideal for the kids and so magical for them. I will also echo other views here and suggest Universal for the second park. My kids went here at 5 and 7 and loved it.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Welcome to the Dis angiedora and Jen76b!
I'll vote for MK as the starting point. Someday you'll have have to stay on site at Universal and wander why you spent all that time in lines at WDW!