Which park - what do you think?

[jmw3294]

Hi everyone! Yes, I'm one of those "Don't have a clue people who are probably asking a question that has been asked a thousand times....." people! But to say the least, I am very confused....

My family and I area traveling to Orlando in 2 weeks and are not sure which Disney park to visit. We are only going to be visiting Disney for 1 day which I'm sad about....but we want to give our kids the best day ever! My kids are 3 and 6 and I'm not sure which park to take them to. As far as height restrictions, my son is slightly under 42 inches and daughter is 48 inches tall.

What is your suggestion as to which park we should visit and why?

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[Jajone]

One park, little kids, I'd do Magic Kingdom without a doubt!

 

[MinnieTink]

Magic Kingdom!! The most magical place!!!

 

[afinnteach]

With kids, it's gotta be.... Magic Kingdom - no contest!

 

[iluvmickeytown]

I am by no means a pro like some people here are. But I say Magic Kindom. I love all the parks. But nothing says Disney like " Magic Kingdom". You'll get lots of help here. Everyone is very nice and helpful. Good luck and have a Magical visit.

 

[lisaross]

Maybe you can try to get in a Character meal as well - to make the day very special - also think about going to the Barber Shop at the MK the kids will love it - for a haircut or just get some Pixy Dust in there hair - the kids will love walking around w/it!

Enjoy the day

lisa

 

[jmw3294]

Ok, so... are you guys telling me I should go to Magic Kingdom?
I thought that's what everyone would say. Magic Kingdom it is!

I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't a better option for them. I was able to book a character breakfast at the Polynesian so hopefully they will like that.

I love the idea for the haircut. That will be a must!

Please keep those little tidbits of information of coming... I would have never thought about the haircut....

Thanks all!

Jen

 

[kimkarli]

No Question MAGIC KINGDOM!!! Here is a list of most MK attractions with height restrictions if any: *Do Not Miss!
ADVENTURELAND:
Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise *
Magic Carpets of Aladdin *
Pirates of the Caribbean *
Swiss Family Tree house (not a ride)
FRONTIERLAND:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40")
Country Bear Jamboree
Splash Mountain (40") *
Tom Sawyer Island (not a ride)
LIBERTY SQUARE:
Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion *(My DD went when she was 6 and loved it)
Liberty Bell Riverboat
FANTASYLAND:
Ariel's Grotto (not a ride meet Ariel)
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Dumbo *
Fairytale GArden (Where Storytime with Belle is held)
It's a Small World *
Teacups
Winnie the Pooh *
Mickey's PhilharMAgic *
Peter Pan *
Pooh's Playful Spot (not a ride)
Snow White's Scary Adventures
MICKEY'S TOONTOWN FAIR:
The Barnstormer
Donald's Boat (not a ride)
Mickey's House & Judge's Tent
Minnie's House
WDW Railroad
TOMORROW LAND:
Astro Orbiter
Buzzlightyear
CArousel of Progress
Stitch
Space Mountain (44")
Tomorrowland INdy Speedway (52" to ride solo)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!!!

 

[robinb]

I assume that you are staying off-site. Make sure you get to the MK gate at least 30 minutes before it opens. That will allow you to go directly to Fanstasyland and ride Dumbo, Pan and Pooh with a very small wait. Attractions like Small World and the Carousel can be seen later when you have more time. The lines are rarely long. The "thrill rides" like Space , Splash and Big Thunder Mountains will also have longer lines.

Be aware that you can do what's called a "child swap" for any ride that your 6-year old may want to ride, but the 3-year old can't. One parent waits with the 3-year old while the other parent and the 6-year old rides. Then, the other parent can ride (with the 6-year old again ) while the first parent waits. Be aware that your 3-year old may not be ready for all rides even though he is tall enough. In that case the whole family stands in line and you "swap" at the end. Sometimes a Cast Member (employee in Disney speak) will give you a baby swap for a child who is tall enough but not brave enough.

Also, make sure you understand how the Fast Pass system works and use it to your advantage.

Are you going the weekend after Thanksgiving? If so, that may be a very busy time. You may want to pick up a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World from your local library and follow the MK touring plan for families with small children.

 

[I believe]

Your family would have the most magical day at the Magic Kingdom. When you enter the park and walk down Main Street USA you can't help but allow yourselves to be swept up in the Magic with the castle standing there in the distance welcoming you into the park. I might also suggest eating an early breakfast and then arriving at the park before opening. Make the most of your day, while keeping in mind that it is not the quantity of things accomplished that will truly make your day. The most magical days come to those that also take the time to notice all of the little things throught the park that simply, Disney just does best. To help preserve some of this magic I might also recommend that you consider booking a late breakfast (lunch for you) at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends or grabbing a counterservice lunch and having a nice sit down dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern with Mickey and friends. You can reserve a time for either of these character meals by calling 407-wdw-dine. This is time and money well spent as you will need to eat anyway, and these meals would give your family good food and a refreshing break with the bonus of being visited by characters and taking some pictures of your kids with them. At the end of the day, don't miss the happy ending to your perfect day, Wishes.

Wherever you go I know you and your family will have your best day ever.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Yes, MK for sure.

Since you only have one day and will be off site, look for ways to rest with in the park. Not sure when your Character meal is but timming for it is a big deal. You do not want to waste the first two hours of your park time when the lines are the shortest eating. A 7:30 or the last setting of the day might be best. Also depending on the time of year and the park closing time, you might want an early sit down dinner time for a nice break. Crystal palace and cinderella's castle has Character lunch and liberty tree tavern has a CM for dinner.

Fine quite cool places for a rest. Hall of presitents is good or take a nice monorail ride to peek at the resorts. Be sure to use fast pass. The only rides that your kids will not be tall enough is space mountian!

Have a blast!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bzzymom]

It should be Magic Kingdom. When I dream of going back to WDW, that park is what I dream of.

 

[mdoc]

Magic Kingdom, no contest. Your kids are at the age where they'll appreciate MK the most.

 

[mom0299]

With kids that age, I too, would have to say Magic Kingdom. There is a small garden beside the castle (to the right) where Belle hosts storytime a different times during the day. Check the showtimes guide when you get there. It is really cute. Mickey's Philharmagic is a must. If there is a particular character that your kids want to see and you can't find them, have a CM from a shop call and find out where they are. Look for Hidden Mickeys.
Remember to slow down and enjoy all the little things. There are so many of them. Have a great day!

 

[itchin2go]

MK! No debate whatsoever.

 

[Momof2princess]

No doubt, Magic Kingdom.

Have a great vacation

 

[biras jim]

oh, just to be difficult, I'll say - at least consider the Studios

now before the booing starts - I have absolutely no argument with the Magic Kingdom -- you can't go wrong there, but ....

couple quick questions ? have the kids ever been to MK before ? do you and your husband have any interest in thrill rides ? if the answer to both of those are yes, then I'd say the Studios

my kids, ages 4 and 5 (42" and 49") love the Studios - so much so that we are going to start there on our upcoming trip -- great rides/attractions for boys and girls that age -- many of these are inside so you won't spend so much time in the weather and/or long ride lines

for thrill rides (I know you're "going for them", but a couple rides won't hurt anybody), tough to beat Tower and Rock and Roll

also, the lines just seem shorter to me most of the time and there is less walking -- had a great character breakfast there last time that was much less crowded than Crystal Palace

okay -- let the booing commence ...

 

[jmw3294]

Actually, I'm not going to boo you! What you said makes perfect sense. We are staying in Universal for 1/2 of our trip already (5 days). I know that Disney would be the greatest time for our kids but quite frankly, we couldn't afford it. It was much much cheaper to stay at the Royal Pacific (with fastpass included) and have a full week at the park than to just buy the Disney tickets! While we are staying at Universal, the other part of our trip will be split between Disney, Sea World, etc.. So, I'm hoping to get the best of both worlds!

Thanks for all the replies!!

 

[TJA]

First, I agree that MK is the best park for those ages. The other parks are fun indeed, but I think MK has more to offer and will keep the kids happy from opening until closing.

I noticed you booked Poly character breakfast, which is fine, but did you check in to Chef Mickeys at Contemporary? I only say this because Chef Mickey's is one of the funnest character meal experiences, in our opinion. And you can walk right over to MK (5-10 minute walk) afterward. They serve breakfast and dinner character meals.

Enjoy the MK!

 

[jmw3294]

First, I agree that MK is the best park for those ages. The other parks are fun indeed, but I think MK has more to offer and will keep the kids happy from opening until closing.

I noticed you booked Poly character breakfast, which is fine, but did you check in to Chef Mickeys at Contemporary? I only say this because Chef Mickey's is one of the funnest character meal experiences, in our opinion. And you can walk right over to MK (5-10 minute walk) afterward. They serve breakfast and dinner character meals.

Enjoy the MK!

Yes, I have checked Chef Mickeys and the Cinderella breakfast. I have been calling EVERY DAY ( ) to see if they have a cancellation. I would love to do both of those character meals and God willing - we will!

Thanks,
Jen