Which park first, second, third, etc...

[ntmec]

DH and I are taking DS4, DS1 and my parents (60 & 65) in Sept. I have the Unofficial Guide and have referred to their attendance numbers and recommendations for best/worst parks for each day of our visit (9/24-10/1). If the crowds are so light at the end of Sept, does it really matter which park we visit on which day? What park would you recommend first, second, third, etc. with a 4 yr old and 1 yr. old? If we do MK first do we set our kids up for a big let down at the other parks? Another factor, DS4s birthday is on the first day (after arrival day) of our trip. Are all of the parks fun on your bday? Any opinions are appreciated...

 

[crazee4mickey]

The Unofficial Guide is by far the best resource next to the DIS---so you're off on the right track!
Of course we did MK first--(couldn't have it any other way!), Disney MGM second, Sea World third, AK on the fourth day, Typhoon Lagoon and Epcot on the fifth and then started all over again!!
As for days being busy we used the chart on this page http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/bestday.html and it was pretty right on.
MK is the best for all around rides for all the ages and it just isn't the same if you don't start your trip off here---we have to see the castle!!
All 4 of our kids(ages 18, 16, 8, and 6 years old) liked AK as it was a more relaxed atmosphere, a must if your kids love animals!
MGM-again the older kids liked it, not a whole lot to do for younger ages.
Epcot--other than Test Track and Mission Space which our older teens loved, the younger ones didn't really enjoy it except for the character bus which is loaded with characters!

 

[cheyita]

I'm not sure what kind of tickets you are getting but, heck, I'd plan on starting and finishing the trip with MK! Absolutely the best park for kids those ages.

I think there are a number of things at Epcot, MGM and AK for the kids - just not as many as MK. I almost don't think it matters which days you do each of those parks. In fact, you might do some in just half days with children that young. I don't know.

 

[jacksmom]

I would definetaly start with MK then maybe MGM, then AK! You could even do Epcot in the evenings if you have park hoppers! You will probably want to do MK twice at least!

 

[SonyaD]

Our child is such animal lover that we have to go to AK first or else he spends the whole trip wanting to go there. Since it is ds birthday and it probably really doesn't matter to anyone else why don't you tell him about the parks and let him decide where he wants to go on that day of his birthday. I think no matter which park you choose to do first you will have a great time!!

 

[ntmec]

Thank you for the replies! I guess that I am so into being the main planner of this trip (I plan, DH pays ), that I didn't even think to ask DS4 what he would like for his bday!! I am going to show him several pics of each park from the wdw website and let him decide. I think that it will probably be MK or AK. We'll see...
Thanks again for the help everyone!