Which park to skip?

[mommystieg]

Like several posters suggested -- try visiting AK and then spending the evening in MGM. We are not very adventurous so we don't do the rides in MGM but there are some awesome shows -- Fantasmic is not to be missed, IMHO. It would be easy for us to skip MGM if it weren't for Fantasmic (DH's favorite). Maybe you could take advantage of the EHM morning at AK and then head to MGM after that. Good luck and have a great trip

 

[Zim]

I have an 8 year old daughter and we went in the Fall of 04'. She's gone with me and with her dad and his family. Now that we're planning on going back... she has some definite MUST's. None of them come from Epcot - I never take her there but she's gone with her dad.

She enjoys AK's Lion King, particularly because she's been able to participate in the past. She is also an animal lover. BUT she hates the Tough to Be a Bug show. She doesn't like the scary 3-D spider or the bugs running under your seat.

The park she talks about the most, believe it or not, is MGM. Between the 3D Muppets (we're a muppet manic family), the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area and the Rolling Stones coaster (her favorite coaster). These are the things she talks about even now... And I agree, the Fantasmic show is not to be missed.

I think a lot of the time people don't realize how big MK is - I always wish I had a day and a half there... even on less crowded days the lines are the worst there, IMHO.

If I only had four days... I'd skip Epcot (I have every time I've gone down so far - but last time I went to epcot was probably 15 years ago and it didn't have so many rides and it felt like a lot of walking for nothing).

I'd only spend part of it at Disney. MK the first day, a half day at AK and half day at MGM. Then if necessary I'd go back to finish MK but then head over to Seaworld for the animals and as a break from long walks in huge parks (although this might be when you want to go to Epcot).

The last day I'd spend at Islands of Adventure... but that's because it's MY favorite park.

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

I would for sure go to EPCOT. I would skip MGM. I don't think she will appreciate what MGM has to offer. I'd go to Magic Kingdom for sure, Animal Kingdom for sure. EPCOT for sure.

 

[harmonium]

If you only have 4 days and your DD is not a fan of fast/scary rides then you might consider skipping MGM. Most of the popluar "rides" there are either fast/scary.

AK's Dinosaur is scary so you may want to skip it.
MK should never be skipped when visiting.
Epcot has it's moments and we really enjoyed Soarin'. If you are planning on going on Soarin' then I suggest getting afast pass ASAP. They ran out of FP by 5pm during the slow season when we went.

Otherwise:
If your DD likes special effects and shows then you might want make a day of both Epcot and MGM they are close to each and if you are staying on park then you can take a ferry from one to the other. Indiana Jones and Lights Motor Action are great shows at MGM and if you coordinate your fast passes then you can bounce from one to the other rather quickly. Fantasmic was fun, but it only shows once in the evening.

Hope this helps.
Enjoy your visit no matter what you decide.

 

[eblack0409]

Since you have a park hopper, I would suggest for your first 2 days, spend 1/2 day at each park, then for your last 2 days, spend them at the parks you liked best! That way you get to see all the parks!

 

[lilouisianagal]

Hi.

I'm so glad I found this site!

I am taking my 8 year old DD to Disney World for the first time at the end of March. Since, I've never been there before it's really intimidating trying to plan everything. I've bought several travel books, researched the Disney website and watched the Disney DVD. I've gotten great advice but there is no comparing actually experiences. Due to budget restriction we'll only be in Disney for 4-days. I did purchase a 4-day park hopper pass. I want to get the most out of our first trip to Disney and of course want my DD to have an amazing time. I know that there is a billion things to see in Disney and that 4-days won't accomplish much. If we HAVE to miss one of the parks, which one would you recommend we skip?? My DD likes rides but not the really scary ones. The scariest ride she's been on is the roller coaster at Mall of America in Minnesota (if you've ever been there before you'll know it's not too frightening). I'm thinking that MGM would be the one to skip but I don't really know. HELP!

~Sunny

PS. I can use any advice or tips I can get so please pass those along!

You definitely can make it to all four parks. We went in January and stayed for four and a half park days. Though I love going for longer trips this was more than enough time to relax and enjoy the trip. Here's my suggestions for schedule:
Day 1: Magic Kingdom
Get there at opening time and hit a few of your big rides that you want to go on. Use fastpasses to help you (ie grab a fast pass at Splash, go on Big Thunder, then Ride Splash). Have a nice breakfast at Crystal Palace. Go back out and ride some more. Use fast passes. Have an afternoon snack (Dole Whips in Adventureland are yummy). Use fast passes. Ride some more. Have supper. Ride some more. Watch Wishes out in front of the castle. Go to the hotel and sleep like a baby.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom/Epcot
Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel. Get to MK at opening time and go on any rides that you missed. Midmorning head over to Epcot. Get fastpasses. Ride rides in the front part of Epcot. Eat at the Land. Hit a few more rides in Future area then head back to the countries in the early afternoon. Don't forget to go on the boat rides in Mexico and Norway. The actors in Italy and Great Britain are also a don't miss. Eat supper at one of the countries. Watch Illuminations. Go back to the hotel and sleep like a baby.

Day 3: MGM
Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel. Head over to MGM. Use fastpasses. Ride rides. Eat lunch (the Flatbread place is good). Do some more fun stuff. Eat supper (its all good). Start meandering toward the Fantasmic stadium. Watch Fantasmic. Go back to the hotel and sleep like a baby.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom and your favorite night show
Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel. Head over to Animal Kingdom. If you can time this park with an early entrance day it is definitely worth it. The animals are most active in the mornings. Head back to the animal areas (Safari's, Africa trail, Asia trail, conservation station) in the morning. Be sure to get a fast pass for Everest if you are going to ride it. Have lunch. Ride and watch shows. AK usually closes early. Rainforest Cafe makes for a very good early supper. Head over to whichever park you want to see the night show again (MK: Wishes, Epcot: Illuminations, MGM: Fantasmic). Ride a few more rides and enjoy the show. Go back to the hotel and sleep like a very happy Disney kid.

Alternately you could:
Day 1: Magic Kingdom/Epcot
Day 2: MGM
Day 3: Animal Kingdom/Magic Kindom
Day 4: Your favorites

Tips:
Use the fastpasses
Use early morning hours
Use extra night hours
Be sure to check the show schedule so that you know when shows are (especially important in MGM and AK).
Relax and enjoy it--you dont have to do everything.
Disney rides are all about the themes and the story not so much about the thrill (though I still tend to leave my stomach on top of Splash Mountain).

You can do it!

 

[Machta]

This thread really got me thinking. We've been to WDW precisely twice, and the first time about a year ago we hated it all, and then loved it all. In spite of reading the guidebooks, poring over the maps, etc., the place ate us alive. We were totally unprepared for the huge size, the crowds, and simply the way things are done there. After we got our bearings it got a lot better, but you might consider some time to just get your feet under you. Best of luck and have a great time!

 

[shasess]

This is such a hard choice because everyone has their own personal preferences I guess if I had to choose one it would be a toss up between Epcot and MGM or I would try to visit two parks in one day....Good luck trying to decide and have a wonderful trip.

 

[dps17@case.edu]

So i was 8 about 11 years ago so let me give you some advice, when you are that young all you thing about is the MK, i think you need to spend atleast 2 or 2 1/2 days there. Kids also love animals so time is needed at AK, MGM doesnt have a lot but what is there is great for kids, especially if they are brave for Aerosmith and ToT. Epcot is sadly not the greatest for young kids, i use to hate it, ( now i love it), it still should not be missed, try to spend a half day so you can go on Soarin and a few other rides, and take an hour to walk around the countries.

Day 1: AK, 5-close MK
Day 2: MGM all day/ maybe a water park in the morning
Day 3: MK 3-close Epcot
Day 4 MK/ if she wants to see a differnt park, do that instead

 

[Kick Save]

Day 3: MGM
Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel. Head over to MGM. Use fastpasses. Ride rides. Eat lunch (the Flatbread place is good). Do some more fun stuff. Eat supper (its all good). Start meandering toward the Fantasmic stadium. Watch Fantasmic. Go back to the hotel and sleep like a baby.

Even better...book the Fantasmic dinner package and then ride another couple rides or see another show then head to Fantasmic about 45 minutes ahead of the show.

 

[TCKK]

If I had to skip, it would be AK or MGM. Epcot and MK are a must always!! Probably I'd do 1/2 day AK and 1/2 day MGM, and the rest at Epcot and MK. Whatever you choose, hope you have a great time!!

 

[Vijoge]

If we had to skip a park it would be AK. It's a very large park with an awful lot of walking to get from one attraction to the next and not a whole lot, IMO, to see.

We enjoyed the Kali River Rapids, and EE, and It's Tough to Be a Bug was ok (didn't find it scary in the least) but didn't care all that much for Dinosaurs (Too rough and so dark we couldn't see anything) or the Safari Ride (kind of boring). But we didn't like any of it well enough to return unless we run out of other things to do.

 

[Cheese & Quackers]

How do you get those egg things
cause I cant figure out for the life of me

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

I have an 8 year old daughter and we went in the Fall of 04'. She's gone with me and with her dad and his family. Now that we're planning on going back... she has some definite MUST's. None of them come from Epcot - I never take her there but she's gone with her dad.

She enjoys AK's Lion King, particularly because she's been able to participate in the past. She is also an animal lover. BUT she hates the Tough to Be a Bug show. She doesn't like the scary 3-D spider or the bugs running under your seat.

The park she talks about the most, believe it or not, is MGM. Between the 3D Muppets (we're a muppet manic family), the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area and the Rolling Stones coaster (her favorite coaster). These are the things she talks about even now... And I agree, the Fantasmic show is not to be missed.

I think a lot of the time people don't realize how big MK is - I always wish I had a day and a half there... even on less crowded days the lines are the worst there, IMHO.

If I only had four days... I'd skip Epcot (I have every time I've gone down so far - but last time I went to epcot was probably 15 years ago and it didn't have so many rides and it felt like a lot of walking for nothing).

I'd only spend part of it at Disney. MK the first day, a half day at AK and half day at MGM. Then if necessary I'd go back to finish MK but then head over to Seaworld for the animals and as a break from long walks in huge parks (although this might be when you want to go to Epcot).

The last day I'd spend at Islands of Adventure... but that's because it's MY favorite park.

ahh yes i hate It's Tough to be a Bug for that same reason! that and the stink bug, that smell stays with me all day and makes me sick to my stomach.

i just had to giggle....but you meant the Aerosmith coaster right? Rolling Stones should put one in too tho that'd actually be pretty sweet!

i'd say Epcot is good for adults who are just lounging for the day. they have things like wine tasting and other neat little things in some of the shops and looking thru the shops is interesting, but i don't see what kids would like much about it.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

Epcot has it's moments and we really enjoyed Soarin'. If you are planning on going on Soarin' then I suggest getting afast pass ASAP. They ran out of FP by 5pm during the slow season when we went.

yeah when we went during peak season in the summer time it was a 6 hour wait for the fastpasses for Soarin'. i don't know why, really. the ride is a cute little ride to go on, but it's not THAT great, you know?

 

[lilouisianagal]

i just had to giggle....but you meant the Aerosmith coaster right? Rolling Stones should put one in too tho that'd actually be pretty sweet!

Originally Disney was going to get the Rolling Stones to do this ride instead of Aerosmith, but something didn't work out so they ended up with Aerosmith.

 

[Anna114]

I would have to agree here if you're not going to pour over all of the tour books. If i had to pick one book to help me along it would be the Passporter. (I swear by mine. My husband laughs at me but as I go through the boards I write things down in it. All my reservations, plans and park openings and closing. I will put those things into my ICAL and download it to my IPOD this way I will have my notes with me without having to carry a book with me.) I think the writers have a daughter she put in her 2 cents and she points out the rides that she likes. It might be a good starting point. The parks can be a very personal choice. While some don't love EPCOT that a 2 dayer for my family. AK if it weren't for Everest I wouldn't go back just yet but I would want to be there at some point. The Tree of Life is great, as is the Safari. I don't like the layout of AK. Alot of walking, you have to walk to each area then walk back to the center to go to the next one. MK is always a must. All in all, I think I would take the time to read about the rides make a list of the must do's can do's and do not want to do's. I had my kids go to disney.com and make up a list of those things the really want to do and will be guided by that. Unfortunatly, you asked a question that has as many answers as there are people that belong to the disboards lol Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Have a magical day,
Anna

If I had to skip, it would be AK or MGM. Epcot and MK are a must always!! Probably I'd do 1/2 day AK and 1/2 day MGM, and the rest at Epcot and MK. Whatever you choose, hope you have a great time!!

 

[Zim]

Ack! Yes, LiLIrishChick63, I meant Aerosmith... I don't know why that name always escapes me. My daughter is constantly correcting me on that one. Funny though, lilouisianagal, I'll have to let her know that fact about the coaster name!