What park to go to on a half day

[CMorton]

What park would you go to on a half day? We are arriving in Orlando at 10am (after leaving at 12am from the west coast) on a Wednesday. This is our first trip so any suggestions will help!

 

[checkwriter]

Good question. Epcot is always a good default park because it's so big. You could show up and do World Showcase and not have to worry too much about crowds.

AK is another maybe, but you might find the animals a bit sluggish in the p.m.

 

[autumnbaby9]

If the half day is happening in the PM I would go to Epcot and meander around the world showcase. There is lots to see and you don't have to worry about rushing to the next attraction. If you don't want to do that, go to MGM and get good seats for Fantasmic if it is showing that day.

 

[pixie dust 112]

I always start at the magic kingdom. I just need to take a look at the castle and soak in the atmosphere of Main Street!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I'd go to Epcot...but I've already seen the castle. I have yet to go with anyone who didn't want to rush over to the Magic Kingdom and see the castle the first time they were there...including me!

Have fun, wherever you go!

 

[Rella Bella]

Since it's your first trip I would recommend either Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Both parks take more than one visit to see and both have wonderful evening shows that you won't want to miss... and may want to see more than once!

During most seasons Epcot would have "Illuminations" earlier than MK would have "Wishes" which might be a consideration since your time zone change may be kicking in by evening. We are in Central time and we always notice more differnce going East than going West, and to Florida is only one hour difference for us.

If it was our family we would stay up for one or the other of these shows and then sleep in a little longer the next morning... to catch up. You may find the time change a challenge... 7am in Florida is what 4 am in CA, big difference. Just don't push yourself too much the first few days, it is a vacation.

Of course if your young enough that these things don't bother you at all! Woo Hoo! Party on!

 

[Rudegrle]

My first choice for a half day is MGM or AK. Either park is perfect for 1/2 day touring, only if you start no later than noon.

I'm assuming that you are flying the redeye into Orlando, and having made that trip many times I suggest doing Epcot in the evening and resting when you get in. It's nice to check into your resort, take a nap, go for a swim, shower and head to Epcot for Illuminations. Another good choice would be MK, only if it's an EMH night.

Have a great trip!

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

First trip...I would hit MK, stroll down main street, check out the castle and just feel the magic . There are many things to do in MK and you will need more than one day to see and do all that is offered.

Enjoy your trip...

 

[golden1]

Pick whichever park you want (although AK closes early so be aware) but don't concentrate on rides. Just soak up the atmosphere, watch a few shows, have a snack, and watch the nightly fireworks/parades.

 

[boomhauer]

Epcot is your best choice ANY day you're arriving after opening, especially on your first day.

I always say, going to the Magic Kingdom 1st (especially for a first timer) is like eating the cherry off of a sundae.

Animal Kingdom closes early so that's not a good choice (especially if you don't know the layout.)

MGM has a lot of shows, and it'd be near impossible to fit them to a half day schedule.

 

[hniki234]

I always hit MK first and last. So I'd say MK, but I can see why EPCOT would be a good choice. You could relax around the World Showcase and maybe even fit in a ride or two. EPCOT usually takes us a day and a half (if you want to do the rides and all of the World Showcase).

 

[Kimberly815]

On my last girls trip, we only had three full days, and one half day to spend in the parks. We went to MGM on the half day, got there about 12:30pm or so, and had plenty of time to do everything we wanted and still see Fantasmic that night! So I vote MGM!!

 

[nicolita3]

In my opinion i say do either MGM or just hang out at Downtown Disney. Thats what my family usually does on our half days at disney.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

If you are arriving in Orlando by 10AM you probably wont be ready to go anywhere until 1PM. If your trip is long enough I might go to one of the water parks or explore my resort then hang out at the pool. Then go to Downtown Disney in the evening. A red eye flight leaves you sub-par and I'd want to be fresh to see everything (as opposed to a mild headache and sleepiness). Your resort plus DTD can be a lot of fun...and if you have hopper plus passes you could do Disney Quest.

Otherwise I'd probably pick EPCOT and start in Future World rather than the World Showcase. On a Wednesday you might be able to get fastpasses for more than one ride and its has a take it easy kind of atmosphere. You could go into Innoventions and check out whatever they've got going there.

 

[Karnak]

What park would you go to on a half day? We are arriving in Orlando at 10am

I would recommend Epcot for that first half-day. My last choice would be the Animal Kingdom because it closes early in the evening, and you wouldn't have time to do much.

Another idea for that first evening would be to visit Downtown Disney, have dinner somewhere, and see the Circus of the Soul.

Enjoy.