Which park? AK or HS

[csmith041177]

You are going to be dealing with construction to some degree in both AK and DHS during your visit. I would probably also weigh in favor of another day at MK. However, if I had to choose between AK or DHS, I would probably lean towards DHS particularly because of the star wars issue. They can of course ride Toy Story Mania and experience Muppet Vision 3D and the Great Movie Ride. But, from what I hear, the Star Wars Launch Bay can occupy some time, and some of the cool star wars food items they are offering would also probably go over well with the kids.

By the way, have fun at Universal! The Diagon Alley section of Universal Studios is a game changer!

 

[mel&me]

I would choose AK but it all depends on what your family likes.

 

[sharona]

AK. Safari, EE, Dinosaur, Kali Rapids, Flights of Wonder, Lion King...animals, atmosphere and no SP tiers plus our favorite buffet - Tusker House.

 

[katt789]

going first week of February. Staying at Universal but have 2 days open for other parks. One of those two days will be at Magic Kingdom. The question is where to go for the other day.

Epcot is out since kids are younger (ranging from 8 to 16).

We were last at Disney 3 years ago.

So debating whether to go to AK or HS on our open date.

One of the big swing items may be how much more Star Wars is at HS now verses 3 years ago. Is it enough to say we should head back there.

Frankly also wondering if it makes sense to do Seaworld instead and wait until next trip when Star Wars land will likely be done.

Appreciate any thoughts or opinions, especially from those who have been to both parks recently and have an opinion.

Thanks.

As much as I LOVE DAK, and it's my favorite park, with kids those ages, and loves of star wars, I'd say head to DHS, there's a little bit more to do that keeps ya active over there. Launch Bay and some new scenarios in Star Tours is all thats new SW wise, but there's still quite a bit to do.

DAK would be say, EE, safari, FOTLK, Dinosaur, MAYBE Nemo and some trails and people might get bored? DHS you can rope drop launch bay, star tours, tsmm, etc.

 

[senadler]

For the age of the kids and the fact that they are Star Wars fans, I think HS is an easy choice over AK. While I agree with others that Epcot is always my second park choice (after MK), if you know the kids haven't enjoyed it why push it. Between the new Star Wars meet and greets and fireworks, along with RnR, Tot, and Star Stars, it sounds like the best option for you.

 

[PatsGirl]

I vote SeaWorld We've always bunched SW with Universal since its right there and the cost is significantly less. When we go to WDW, we don't venture from those four parks. If not SW, then I vote for HS. We have the same dilemma when we go next week ~ three day park tickets, one for MK, one for Epcot, and one for ??? I'm fairly certain we'll do HS to see the SW stuff even though we are staying at AKL which makes AK very convenient. I made the FP selections for HS just in case.

 

[McKelly]

AK is my favorite park, DHS is my least favorite park. However, I just returned from a band trip with 14-18 year olds and they all loved DHS - because of ToT, Rock n Roller coaster and Star Tours, and the ones that could be bothered to stop for a show, loved Indiana Jones. They liked Everest in AK, but other than that, they were not impressed.

 

[Thinking]

Thanks everyone!!

I really appreciate all the feedback.

I think we will go the HS route, though Seaworld may sneak in as a late replacement.

With the kids having seen the new Star Wars movie over the holiday, I think they will really enjoy HS.

Thanks again for your input!

 

[kj2mom]

We aren't really into Star Wars but during our most recent visit Sea World was my children's favorite day (we did two in MK, one Epcot, one AK, one HS and one Sea World). I haven't checked the hours but is it possible to spend the day at Sea World then catch the Star Wars fireworks from outside HS?

 

[buccikulju]

Go to Animal Kingdom!!! It's such a wonderful park. Great rides, shows, live entertainment, and the animals are wonderful. It's a breath of fresh air for our family and for me personally. Of course, a second day in MK is great too.

With just two days i would TOTALLY skip Epcot. If you have extra days it's okay, but generally my kids were bored and tired and hot there (me too!). They liked some of the live performers and watching some of the crafts people work in World Showcase. But, with apologies to all the Epcot fans, I never enjoy my time at Epcot as much as the other three parks. ( I've gone to Epcot since its opening year and have never really liked it. Personal preference I guess.) Sounds like your family is on the same page.

As to Hollywood Studios, I think that park is great in so many ways (I mean both TofT and RnR are outstanding!!!), but I worry you won't get your money's worth out of it. However, if you add in the SW fireworks and make a point of focusing on SW meet and greets, special food etc, it may be worth the time for your family.

Have a great time!!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

AK over HS because of tiering. AK has better theming while HS seems like what it is, a mish-mash of ideas. Until Star Wars and Advatar come online HS wasn't even a 1/2 day for us.

With Soarin' down and Maelstrom closed my kids don't want to go at all.

If your kids like rides and don't like to walk, you may be better off at MK for 2 days.

 

[hsmamato2]

Op if you don't want a 2nd MK day I recommend HS, simply b/c your kids will enjoy all the star wars stuff, plus teens seem to like the rides and atmosphere here (even tho so much of it isn't what it used to be) my teens still love it there....

 

[mumumouse]

Planning for spring break 2016. Must make my fastpass choices next Tues. Love new fastpass when all is said and done, but miss spontaneity. We will be there 5 and 1/2 days.

Planning 2 in Epcot, 2 in MK and 1 HS and 1/2 day in AK. I was thinking of doing all day in AK this trip as it always seemed to be our half day park on our departure day. Would be nice to just take it slow there for a change. The problem is, it closes earliest. I know this will change in the near future!

I agree with some posts about Epcot, plenty for the kids there.

Getting concerned about HS. Might skip it in favor of believe it or not a 3rd day in MK.

Also thought of doing Universal HP 1 day 2 parks in place of HS. Trade one studio for another so to speak.

I go every year and this year's planning is buggin me!! Maybe I have too many days on my hands!!!!!! The construction in the parks is scaring me. Nothing "new" will be ready when we are there the week of March 12. Not park hopping/don't want to spend extra and my fear is that we will go to HS and be sorry we wasted a day there. Also usually only do 1 day Epcot/hope I don't regret signing up for 2.

 

[mumumouse]

Since I cannot do some of the "wilder" rides because of my back, we are doing Epcot for 2 days this year. Going to try and take some time to really see WS. Hope I will not be disappointed. Past couple of years I am so exhausted by the time we get to WS after doing FW in morning that we really do not give it a chance. Going to take our time this year and sort of "revisit" Epcot. I can still remember when it was really thrilling in the beginning. Believe it or not even the Ellen dinosaur ride was awesome.

I am one of those guilty of considering AK very doable in 1/2 day. This trip I was going to try to give it a shot and go the full day. Then in making my plans, it ended up right where it has been for years for us: half a day on our day of departure. It just closes too early now to feel like using a full day park ticket on it.

All of that will change very soon with the new Rivers of Light and Sunset Safari. Not to mention Avatarland in the future.

I like Hollywood Studios and have grown to appreciate it more because of my teenage daughter. It was a park I could skip for a while.

This year we are including it still. It will be a full day. Albeit more relaxed day. I think it closes at 10pm the day we are going

Rumor has it that the Star Wars fireworks will go on until March 19th, so we are in luck.

My daughter is a fan

I have nothing against Star Wars, but am not that into it.

I was kinda sorry they did not do a Cars Land there, like in CA. I would have preferred that over Toy Story.

For sure agree with person who mentioned the walking in AK. Do not let that place fool you. I was looking at the map as I booked my fastpasses. We are doing Safari, Lion King show and a pass for Minnie and Mickey. I place M&M last before we head out, as I know they are toward the front of the park. The others are very far back.

That park nearly kills me every year, when I determine to head to the front to get the bus back to Pop and catch ME.

Last year we just made it. I had to wave the driver down. Of course they are always punctual.