Which park would you choose for 1 day?

[Chandra C]

We will be going on a 3 night Disney cruise, we only have 1 day after the cruise before we have to return home. Are there any parks in Orlando that can be covered in a day? Also, my kids are 8 and 11 years old, and are still afraid of the "big" rides, so that is another consideration. My 11 year old only wants to do the cruise because he thinks we will just spend the majority of the day waiting in line. I just think there has to be somewhere that we could enjoy! We are driving 8 hours and it seems a shame to be so close to Orlando and not visit any of the many attractions, Thanks

 

[Klayfish]

Is the goal to just be able to cover an entire park in one day, or get a certain Disney experience? As you mentioned that your kids are afraid of "big" rides, I'd probably not choose HS. While it has other rides, some of it's main attractions are big rides...Tower of Terror and RnR.

I would personally vote for Magic Kingdom, for a lot of reasons. It's the heart and soul of WDW, at least in my opinion. It doesn't get any more Disney than MK. It also has a very large variety of rides, many of which are not "big", so you won't be struggling to find things to do (can you encourage them to push their envelope and try something new?). Some of the rides at MK get very long lines, but some of them don't. You can also use FastPass (AKA FP+) to make reservations for three of the more popular rides, so you won't be standing in line, even if it is long. With a little planning and a little knowledge, you can have a very fun day at MK and not spend the day standing in line.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[TwoMisfits]

With your kids...I'd say Legoland. Buy the cheap tickets right before you go and have a great time. The rides will be perfect for them and they are still in the "sweet spot" for enjoying the park.

If it must be Orlando, then an MK day with the 3 FPs is probably your best best.

 

[NH-to-FL]

I will also suggest visiting the Magic Kingdom. It is, as others noted, the vision that comes to mind when one thinks of visiting Disney. The walk down Main Street with the Castle in the distance. There is so much to do at the Magic Kingdom even if you don't want to visit the "four mountains", the roller coasters. Though I propose that none of them would be considered to be "big rides".

As Klayfish notes, consider taking advantage of the FP+ system to reduce the time spent in lines. I think you should be able to add a set of tickets to your Disney cruise package and then use My Disney Experience, MDE, to book the FP+'s.

What a great way to cap off a Disney Cruise than with a visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Wishing you a magical visit!

 

[Bete]

If you want to Disney, I vote Magic Kingdom.
If you want to stay away from Disney then Legoland or Sea World.

 

[Klayfish]

The walk down Main Street with the Castle in the distance.

That alone is worth the price of admission. Even though I've done that walk dozens and dozens of times, if not hundreds, it NEVER gets old for me. Every time I see it, I'm like a kid in a candy store. Sometimes I'll still stop and just take it in (especially at night)...at least until my kids start pulling at me.

 

[HopperFan]

I would look into Legoland if they don't want to do big rides. It looks like lots of lower key fun. A one day trip is perfect for something other than Disney.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Legoland, definitely. Your kids are the right ages, and the rides are slow-paced.

 

[quandrea]

That alone is worth the price of admission. Even though I've done that walk dozens and dozens of times, if not hundreds, it NEVER gets old for me. Every time I see it, I'm like a kid in a candy store. Sometimes I'll still stop and just take it in (especially at night)...at least until my kids start pulling at me.

Another vote for MK. No other contenders really. I'm like this too on Main Street. Coming in or going out, I just soak it in. I've even found myself just showing up to walk down Main Street. No rides. Just to take it in. I'm an AP holder.

 

[Ametista]

I would do Seaworld. There are so many shows and exhibits, and a lot of the rides are pretty mild.

 

[disboardlover]

We will be going on a 3 night Disney cruise, we only have 1 day after the cruise before we have to return home. Are there any parks in Orlando that can be covered in a day? Also, my kids are 8 and 11 years old, and are still afraid of the "big" rides, so that is another consideration. My 11 year old only wants to do the cruise because he thinks we will just spend the majority of the day waiting in line. I just think there has to be somewhere that we could enjoy! We are driving 8 hours and it seems a shame to be so close to Orlando and not visit any of the many attractions, Thanks

If it has to be a Disney Park, I would say the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Animal Kingdom, that order, but lines are part of the deal. Any interest in Harry Potter? If so, I might say try Universal 1-day Park to Park and if budget allows, stay onsite to get early entry (and depending on the resort, express passes). Yes, they have more "big" rides, but there is enough for 8 and 11 year olds to enjoy there.

Even though is sounds like you only have 1 day after the cruise, I would normally say if possible, do any park(s) before a cruise since going to the parks may be fun, but not really relaxing. A cruise on the other hand, will likely be more relaxing and you may not want to tense up with the crowds and lines in a park after a nice cruise.

 

[BigredNole]

I would not do Disney for a 1 day at $100 per ticket. I would look to another place. You could do Sea World, Aquatica, TL, or BB. I do not know about Legoland, but others have suggested it.