which parks?

[perkinsclan]

We are thinking about taking our 3 kids (8, 6, 3) on a surprise trip to WDW over Labor Day weekend. We will drive which takes about 12hrs. We would probably arrive Fri. morning and leave on Mon am. so we could probably only go to 2 parks. Which leads me to the question: What parks do you think the kids would enjoy the most? They have only been to MK and no others. Thanks for your help!!

 

[Trinity721]

I say definitely MK. I'm going mid May, and we're only going to 2 parks also. We're going to MK and Epcot.

It depends on what your children like. If they want to see animals and wildlife, AK is great. It's a nice enjoyable park. But it closes early. If you do AK, you can get out by 4 or 5, and maybe hit Downtown Disney for some shopping or dinner.

Epcot is fun too, my husband and I love it there. There's a lot to do there too. For kids your age though, Epcot may not be that exciting.

MGM is great, several enjoyable shows, ToT if your kids are tall enough to ride, the Rockin rollercoaster (i think that's its name?) is fun too. Indiana Jones stunt show is great, the Muppet show is good. I think your kids would have a great time at MGM and so would the adults.

I think MK and MGM would be good choices. But if you can't decide I think you would have a good time at any park you went to. Kids at that age aren't hard to please, and I think they'll have fun and be impressed with any park. It's all about the magic!!!

 

[btuftee]

With kids, the MK is a must. As for your other park, it really depends on your kids' interests (I'd say Epcot is right out - definately not much there for young kids).

MGM and AK both have live entertainment and theater shows that might appeal to your kids. AK has Tarzan Rocks, Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends, Festival of the Lion King, and Tough to be a Bug. MGM has Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Muppet*Vision, and the Indy Stunt Show. It'll probably come down to which characters your kids are more interested in.

Of course, since AK always closes early, and has fewer attractions overall, one might be able to hit MGM in the evening after doing AK. Maybe you could tell us what your kids are like, it might help us pick another park for you. Hope this helps!

 

[StampMom]

With a three year old, I'd say to skip MGM, unless your 3-y.o. is really into shows. There are hardly any rides at MGM for that age/size child. We were there when my older DS was 3, and he was NOT impressed. We're now just planning on skipping MGM every trip until he's older. (Except that we park-hop over for Fantasmic, which is one of my "must do's" on every trip.)

I'd say definitely do MK, and then my second choice would probably be AK. I love Epcot, but AK is probably better for the 3 y.o.

BTW, very cool that you're doing a surprise trip!

 

[mommystieg]

Definitely MK and with kids that age AK or Epcot would probably be a good choice. My kids (9 and 2) loved Epcot. There are not a lot of "thrill" rides but there is a lot to do with kids and it is a good park to visit on Saturday or Sunday as it is usually not very crowded plus you don't want to miss Illuminations. I second the opinion about MGM and toddlers--we really didn't find much for her to enjoy there. And my oldest dd is still too scared to want to ride anything like TOT or RNRC.