Which park? We only have one day

[Southernmiss]

Op, why don't you look up videos of the parks on You Tube and get a feel for them based on your son.

There's nothing like Magic Kingdom to give you the I'm at Disney feeling.

But I do love EPCOT and World Showcase. And the park is beautiful for Flower and Garden.

Is the trip for pure fun and wonder-then I'd say MK. If it's for education, then EPCOT or Animal Kingdom.

 

[Mome Rath]

Hi! We only have one day to dedicate to Disney World next month while in Orlando and we’re trying to decide which park to go to. We have a 13 month old and 6.5 year old, so this is mostly for our oldest. He’s not much into Disney characters or movies other than Star Wars. He loves rides, science, nature and animals. He’s really into technology and science and mature for his age. He also loves learning about different countries. We’d love any suggestions as we just don’t kniw how to choose! Also, any tips for making the most of a single day would be great. Thank you!

Is it everyone's first trip? Just curious.

The answer for a one day visit is almost always Magic Kingdom. But, in your case you've mentioned things that match up with the other 3 parks better. Because Star Wars Land isn't open at HS, I wouldn't go there yet. So, that leave AK and EPCOT. For the mix of ages in your group I'd go with EPCOT... there's enough there he'd really enjoy and it has lots of stuff you guys as parents would love. And, one more thing, it is more spread out with more "open lanes" for walking so even if there are a bunch of people there, you won't feel so crowded for your one day. I love park hoppers but if this is everyone's first trip, I'd stick with one park. Bonus for EPCOT; Flower and Garden festival will be going on, and the park is gorgeous then and there's extra little playgrounds for kids to play on.

 

[tinkerjo]

If you have never been to Disney make it MK. There are many family friendly rides that you can all do or child swap so you can each enjoy the bigger rides with DS. You don’t have to love the characters to enjoy MK and you have the hall of presidents (educational) and originals from Walt’s visions.Epcot is nice but to me it’s a lot of shopping and eating. There are so few rides there and even a nature 6 year old may be bored. HS in a couple years would be perfect but right now it’s not worth the money for a whole day. AK is my favorite park but for 1 day, I vote MK. It is the most magical place on earth.

 

[Mainemama]

Another vote for Epcot. MK will still be there next time!

 

[bravenyc]

When my son was that age, his favorite park was Epcot and his favorite ride was Mission Space. I would consider getting a parkhopper and spending the am at Animal Kingdom (since he likes animals and nature) or HS (for the star wars things) and the rest of the day at Epcot.

 

[Clare Voince]

Why don't you ask him which park he'd prefer?

 

[ThisIsMyName]

He sounds just like my 6.5 yo son!! Well, except my DS won't go on anything resembling a roller coaster! It's a tough call! We just did Epcot and AK last month and are doing MK and HS next month but we've been to all 4 fairly recently.

Depends how much he likes Star Wars. DS loves Star Wars so HS has Jedi Training with fighting Darth Vader as well as the Star Wars themed fireworks. Epcot was great for him . . he was fascinated by Spaceship Earth and liked Soarin, Living with the Land and Test Track. Also enjoyed the 3-D Pixar shorts films. Although his favorite Epcot thing was the Agent P (from Phineas/Pherb) secret missions in the countries. . It was so much better than I thought. He also liked getting his country stamps. On the other hand he was also AMAZED by walking around Pandora and the FOP ride at AK. The queue for FOP alone was a huge hit for him! (He enjoyed the Avatar movie).

I don't think MK is really his favorite . . it seems so focused on little girls in princess dresses these days and the CROWDS are insane. That said, last trip he kept asking about The Castle and sort of like "Is this Disney. . .I thought there was a castle and we took the ferry over last time?"

If you aren't on a tight budget and you have an easy going baby, I'd spring for the park hopper and do either HS/AK/MK in the morning (depending on if he is more into Star Wars (HS) or Science/Nature (AK) or MK if he'll be upset about not really seeing "Disney" and then Epcot in the afternoon/evening. . . I like this plan if you like adult beverages. I think it's still Flower & Garden next month and they have awesome food/drink stations and you can snack/drink while your DS does Agent P / Kidcot. Illuminations is a decent night time show with lasers/some fireworks and my DS really liked it. I prefer MK fireworks but the crowds getting out of the park at closing stink. You can meet Mickey at Epcot too which is a good Disney thing to do!

 

[momof2n2]

I would do a park hopper, if possible, and start at MK and end at DHS.

 

[Canadiannewbie18]

Why don't you ask him which park he'd prefer?

We’re surprising him with the whole trip or I absolutely would. We’re planning LEGO land and beach and a family visit too.

 

[Canadiannewbie18]

Is it everyone's first trip? Just curious.

The answer for a one day visit is almost always Magic Kingdom. But, in your case you've mentioned things that match up with the other 3 parks better. Because Star Wars Land isn't open at HS, I wouldn't go there yet. So, that leave AK and EPCOT. For the mix of ages in your group I'd go with EPCOT... there's enough there he'd really enjoy and it has lots of stuff you guys as parents would love. And, one more thing, it is more spread out with more "open lanes" for walking so even if there are a bunch of people there, you won't feel so crowded for your one day. I love park hoppers but if this is everyone's first trip, I'd stick with one park. Bonus for EPCOT; Flower and Garden festival will be going on, and the park is gorgeous then and there's extra little playgrounds for kids to play on.

Thanks! First trip for the kids. The grandparents are super bummed that we’re going without them so they’re hoping we save MK for a visit with them maybe next year.

 

[piratepride]

Most definitely Magic Kingdom! Nothing like seeing the face of your child when they see the Castle for the first time!!!

 

[KittyKitty]

Wow, I thought for sure most suggestions would be MK. No matter which one you pick(my choice is MK), your children will love it!