Which park needs more time...DHS or Epcot?

[Dolphan]

I am working on my touring plans, and am having a really hard time.

I have arrival day (should be at a park by 1:30)...was thinking AK, but if we get in late, it won't work. So now have decided either DHS or Epcot (as MK has evening EMH). Which park would be better to spend this day, plus another full day?

Is one day enough for Epcot? DDs (2 and 6) love Kim Possible, but are they too young to appreciate the new experience?

However, DS 4 is absolutely in love with Star Wars and then I think it might be nice for 2 days at DHS.

I have not been to Epcot since 2001, and we went on an EMH day with no clue, no touring plan, no research...basically, we thought the experience sucked and were not too impressed by the park. I'm sure that will be different with a plan, but do I really need 2 days.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Liz

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

We always spend 2 or more days at Epcot. There is so much to do, you should really check out these boards to help you plan and enjoy Epcot more.

DHS is a one day park for our family. If you arrive late, you could always go catch Fantasmic!

 

[Cinderella94]

We spend more time at Epcot as well.

 

[Tinkerbell21]

I would say Epcot. I love both parks but we always end up spending more time at Epcot.

 

[vcgirl925]

Honestly it depends on you and your family. It really depends if you are going to explore all the countries in WS or just do the rides. Or if you are going to explore all of innoventions. Because we typicaly don't Epcot doesn't take more than a day for our family. Hollywood studios has a lot of shows and the shows take time, the little mermaid, playhouse disney, american idol, tsm, indiana jones, car stunt show, fantasmic, great movie ride is long, tower of terror, and the great meet and greets.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

My family really prefers Epcot...but it depends on what kinds of things your family will like.

 

[ancestry]

Epcot for us as well. I personally think DHS can easily be done in one day (actually in 1/2 day with a good touring plan) but Epcot usually take 1 1/2 to 2 days for us to do well.

 

[jimmalru80]

We spend more time in Epcot. The kids are much older.

 

[styron]

Epcot is sprawling! Plus, it's the kind of place where you want plenty of time to wander around, watch some street performers, shop, nibble at the snack carts, etc.

 

[g-dad66]

I am working on my touring plans, and am having a really hard time.

I have arrival day (should be at a park by 1:30)...was thinking AK, but if we get in late, it won't work. So now have decided either DHS or Epcot (as MK has evening EMH). Which park would be better to spend this day, plus another full day?

Is one day enough for Epcot? DDs (2 and 6) love Kim Possible, but are they too young to appreciate the new experience?

However, DS 4 is absolutely in love with Star Wars and then I think it might be nice for 2 days at DHS.

I have not been to Epcot since 2001, and we went on an EMH day with no clue, no touring plan, no research...basically, we thought the experience sucked and were not too impressed by the park. I'm sure that will be different with a plan, but do I really need 2 days.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Liz

I think the 6-year-old (and the 4-year-old too) are very likely to enjoy the Kim Possible missions. And I believe there are 7 different missions (7 countries), so they might want to do more than one or two -- in which case it would be nice to have more than one day at Epcot.

If your son wants to do a repeat of the Star Tours ride and/or the Jedi Training Academy, you probably can do them more than once in the same day without much problem, as Star Tours has Fast Pass and doesn't usually have bad standby lines anyway.

So for your kids, Epcot might be the better park to have the extra half-day for, but I think it also greatly depends on how many other attractions in each park sound attractive to your family.

 

[IggyLans]

I think Epcot needs more than 1 day.

 

[GoofEeyore26]

We spend more time in Epcot, but we don't have any kids. I feel that with young kids you may want to spend the extra time in DHS rather than Epcot because, as a previous poster said, there are more shows that can take up a lot of time and I feel there is plenty more for young ones to do.
Another suggestion I have is, if it is a Fantasmic night, perhaps go and play mini golf or something with the family by the boardwalk and then head over the DHS to catch the show and get that out of the way without dealing with crowds.

 

[RCharnay]

A few rides in FW and then an evening stroll around WS --perhaps a nice dinner--is a great first evening. This is our favorite way to start the vacation.
I know some people love to begin with MK and the castle (and that is magical!) but years ago someone adviced me that with little ones, it could be better to start with the more "mature" parks. There is still plenty for the little ones to enjoy; characters, lights, music, etc. But if you start the trip with Fantasyland, they may feel the other parks are a let down. It's sorta like starting the meal with dessert-it's hard to talk them into even the greatest meal if they already had the birthday cake! We took this advice and it worked for us.
(Since you asked...) I think starting at AK would be a waste. That park is best done as a rope drop/early morning tour. Be there when you--and the animals--are cool and energetic. Then leave around 4, go back to the hotel and rest, then park hop or do DTD-or just enjoy your resort. Then you are ready to be off early the next morning. Whatever works for your family.
Have a great trip!

 

[JMD]

For us, we definitely spend more time at Epcot.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Epcot for us too, even DS5 likes it!!