Which park would you choose?

[fletchers]

This is our first trip to Disney World. We are travelling with 2 kids...5 year old girl and 18 month old son. We are planning on going to two parks only. For sure, we're going to MK. My question is which of the other 3 parks would you choose if you had a 5 year old and a 18 month old?

 

[bluejasmine]

This is our first trip to Disney World. We are travelling with 2 kids...5 year old girl and 18 month old son. We are planning on going to two parks only. For sure, we're going to MK. My question is which of the other 3 parks would you choose if you had a 5 year old and a 18 month old?

I think Animal Kingdom would be best, be sure to do Safari first thing in the morning and do the walking trail, they have animals to see and then ride the train to conservation station it is a petting zoo. There is a bunch of kiddie rides in Dinoland also, my kids love to watch Its Tough to be a Bug but some children do get frightened...

 

[cleo]

I agree that AK is a terrific park with children. The other option would be Epcot, which holds more interest for older children and adults, but very young children who are not interested in the 'thrill rides' are likely to find a great deal to enjoy at Epcot, too.

 

[babar41]

For sure AK! Not only are there the "kiddie" rides, there are many animals to see not only on the safari ride. Epcot is great, but I don't think there would be much to hold a 18 month old's attention. Not like the birds and gorillas and tigers at AK.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Much to my surprise, my kids--ages 5 and 3 LOVED Epcot. I really thought they'd be too young to enjoy it but they loved The Living Seas, baking cookies at The Land, and the Kid Cot stops in the WS.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I also suggest AK!

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

We went last Jan, Rachel was 5 Matthew was 19 months, they LOVED MK and Epcot, didnt care much for AK. DD loved fast track and Epcot Ball, and doing the Kidcot thru the countries They also like MGM better than AK, great shows especially for princess lovers (Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid) DS loved Playhouse disney.

good luck picking.

 

[marksor]

With a five-year old and 18-month old the answer is definitely Animal Kingdom.

 

[homeschooler]

My first response was going to be AK, but after thinking about it, AK wasn't even open and my kids LOVED EPCOT at that point. Either is a great choice.

 

[momto2inKC]

I agree with the others who said Animal Kingdom.

 

[bubba73]

Since you are talking about a park for kids, I would suggest EPCOT. Not only is it great for adults but kids too. You have some thrill rides for the adults but for the kids, you have Journey Into Imagination, Living Seas, The Land, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Cranium Command, and more. My kids love Epcot almost as much as I do (if that is possible).

I have only been to AK once and didn't like it at all. I am going to give it another try in a week when we start our vacation but I don't have high hopes.


Leaving in 6 days heading to POP. Praying for very little rain.

 

[tar heel]

I would go to Epcot, especially if your trip is in the summer. AK is so hot and the hours are shorter. Also, I think a stroller would be awful on those narrow paths. At Epcot, you have long hours, variety in attractions and lots of opportunities for a/c. If you're staying on site or close enough for it to be practical, you can even take a middle of the day break if you do Epcot, then come back and see Illuminations. If that isn't practical, do a sit-down lunch at one of the nice restaurants and catch American Adventure and the movie in France for a break.

 

[skuttle]

If you kids love animals, definitely AK.

 

[dangler]

My kids 7 and 5 at the time loved MGM! They liked the shows and the honey I shrunk the kids movie set. They really enjoyed the parade there as well. AK was good too, but we would recommend MGM.

 

[MrShiny]

The only worry about AK is it is mostly outside, so it might be taxing on small kids if the weather is very hot. Another option is MGM if shows (which can sometimes be loud) don't scare them. Muppets may be too frightening, but Little Mermaid ands especially Playhouse Disney might be good. Also the HISTK playground is great too.

Best thing is MGM is physically small, so the amount of walking is minimized.

But if it is a moderate to cool day, AK would probably be the best. Just avoid "It's Tough To Be a Bug" and hold them really tight on the safari so they don't get bumped around that much.

 

[minijeanie]

With an 18 month old............

definitely AK...way to go.
good shows, they will love the animals

nothing for 18 month old to enjoy in Epcot

 

[cowtownmom]

MGM does have alot for kids. Playhouse Disney, Little Mermaid show, Beauty and the Beast show, Muppets show, Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. The nice thing about MGM is that most everything is inside compared to AK. We enjoyed AK a lot too, but the shows at MGM really are fun for the kids. And AK does require a lot of walking. If it's a really hot day it can really wear you out.

 

[mill4023]

With those ages, I'd probably pick MGM. I just think there is a lot more for young kids to do there than at AK or Epcot.
Disney's Playhouse Live will be a big hit for both of them.
They'll also enjoy Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
The 5 yr old will probably enjoy Star Tours and Indiana Jones also.
Plus, you cannot miss Fantasmic.

 

[crazyj4488]

I would be selfish and goto EPCOT especailly if it's ur first time at WDW. Missing EPCOT during your first impression of WDW would be a grave mistake in my book. Besides, you won't melt as much touring EPCOT in the Summer.