If you were only going to be at WDW for 3 days...UPDATED

[alisoncooks]

...and it was your first trip ever, what would be your "must see" or "must do" items?

 

We were scheduled to go 2 years ago...but DH's cancer treatment required us to cancel and then postpone. I just made our reservations for May '17 (finally!) but our finances have changed (we've got one kid now 10 --adult price :glare: -- and we've missed out on the free DDP that we had in the previous reservation). So our trip will include only 3 park days (instead of the 4 or 5 we had planned).

 

What I know we'll do:

1 day at Animal Kingdom (probably dinner at Sanaa that night) for my animal lovers

2 days at Magic Kingdom (would love 1 meal at Be Our Guest) -- the rest of this is a blank slate!

 

We don't do scary/intense roller coasters and we're not especially into character meet'n greets.

So what should be on our "to do" list?

 

We are early-to-bed types, but we will do the fireworks/parade at least 1 of our MK days, maybe both.

Edited September 30, 2016 by alisoncooks

[Tess in the Burbs]

Epcot is great.  Lots of fun stuff to do, food to eat.  You can enjoy the day and not do the intense rides.  

 

My kids were young when we went the first time, but I had them bring a scrappbook/marker in case we ran into characters.  it's a great memory book...I took photos and put into the book and they can see which characters they met and such.  Mine would not have said they wanted to do this, but I am glad we did.  Once there you really get into it all.  I did not stand in line for these....all signatures were just random interactions and we filled up the book.  

 

If you are going to WDW consider the breakfast in the castle.  It's pricey but you can get seconds on the food if you ask.  It's all princess characters,  and most little girls love those characters.  By choosing a breakfast you get into the park EARLY.  We have a wonderful family photo with the castle behind us and maybe 3 people in the background.  Way better than hundreds.  And by doing early breakfast we were able to get to the back of the park rides before the opening crowds did.  Then we worked out way around the park.  

 

We were early bed people as well when they went the first time, but I am glad we stayed for fireworks.  It was worth it.  

[catz]

If you are not into rides or character stuff, I'd definitely spend a day at Epcot over a 2nd day at Magic Kingdom.  Especially with an 8 and 10 year old. 

[Okra]

I think that Animal Kingdom can be done in half a day.  It is smaller than the other theme parks.  While I'm not a big fan of park hopper passes, you might want to consider getting one for the day of Animal Kingdom, then you can go to Epcot in the morning, and Animal Kingdom in the afternoon, and eat your dinner at Sanaa if that's what you want.

 

You will have a great time!

 

 

[magnificent_baby]

The Monsters Inc Comedy Show (not sure the actual name) was so funny! Way better than we expected (found it by accident when hiding from the rain). Highly recommend catching that. 

 

The Jungle Book night show at Animal Kingdom was really cool; I recommend seeing the current movie first, it helps with the story line. 

 

If you spend 2 nights at MK and don't want to see the light show/fireworks twice, I found that to be a really good time to ride the rides since most people are watching the fireworks. 

 

 

[OhanaBee]

If you have park hoppers then I recommend the fireworks at Epcot and/or the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios.  If you don't have Park Hoppers, then skip Hollywood Studios. It's in a state of flux right now and is really a 1/2 day park.

 

Though dd just reminded me that "Fantasmic!" at HS is "totally awesome, Mom.....don't forget about that"

 

Get your hands on the book "The Complete Disney World 2016" by Julie Neal.  It's a great write-up of everything at the parks and they don't pull any punches.  It's probably the best way for everyone to see if there are rides they want to go on, and rides they want to avoid.  We even got my roller-coaster-hating daughter on "Big Thunder Mountain" after she read the write-up about it.  She decided it was something she could handle [and she did!] [and liked it!]

[alisoncooks]

The Monsters Inc Comedy Show (not sure the actual name) was so funny! Way better than we expected (found it by accident when hiding from the rain). Highly recommend catching that. 

 

The Jungle Book night show at Animal Kingdom was really cool; I recommend seeing the current movie first, it helps with the story line. 

 

If you spend 2 nights at MK and don't want to see the light show/fireworks twice, I found that to be a really good time to ride the rides since most people are watching the fireworks. 

These are great suggestions!  My girls love Monsters Inc. and Jungle Book!  (I didn't even realize there was a Jungle Book show -- all my research is 2 years old, LOL, so I guess I should start updating my notes/plans.  What did this take the place of?)

 

Though dd just reminded me that "Fantasmic!" at HS is "totally awesome, Mom.....don't forget about that"

 

I did consider park hoppers just to do Fantasmic...but the price wasn't worth it.  Back when we'd previously planned the trip, the girls were super-into Star Wars, so Hollywood Studios was a MUST.  Now...not so much, so we probably will skip that park.  But I did think Fantasmic would be awesome...

 

Who knows, maybe we'll run into extra cash...  Does anyone know, even if I've made reservations/park ticket purchases, can I go back and make changes to them closer to date?

[OhanaBee]

I've found the reservations people at WDW to be super helpful, even when making last minute changes.

 

And they will ALWAYS let you upgrade your park tickets. ;)

[lynn]

I second the monsters, inc. My DD and I loved it.

[itsheresomewhere]

You can always make changes.  Don't forget to check out the deals often as you can switch to a better deal (sometimes the first hotel might not be available).  

 

 

[PeterPan]

You can make your resort reservation now and buy your park tickets later.  You only need them in time to do the Fast Plus reservations.  Are you planning to stay on property or off?  If you stayed at an economy resort or off-property, would that bring more time into reach?  We're going for 3 days ourselves, and I'm ELATED.  It's way more than I've ever had, as I've never been there.  :D  If you make your resort/hotel reservation, then you can modify it later if deals come out.  

 

That way you can wait and buy your park tickets when you see the schedule.  It will still change, but you sort of want to pick parks that roll with what the EMH hours are, etc,. especially if you're staying on-property.  

 

Since you're within a year, you might go to the Touring Plans website, surf around a bit till they give you a coupon code ($2) and then sign up with them.  Their app has EVERYTHING list.  Like all the food options, everything.  I'm terrible.  I think my whole trip revolves around the food, lol.  

 

Have fun planning.  I've found it surprising, because some of the things some people like I was kind of ambivalent about and some of the things really, really fascinated me and became must includes.  And that's just kinda personal.  Like for me, I keep watching Fantasmic over and over on youtube.  I think it's phenomenal!  So I just watch everything on youtube and decide.  :D

 

[Farrar]

Seconding that Animal Kingdom could be done in half a day - especially if you're not into big rides (there are a couple big ones there). I don't feel like you can do Epcot in less than a day but you could potentially do a couple of things at Hollywood studios if you were doing a Park Hopper pass (or whatever it is these days) anyway. Or you could do a couple of things at Magic Kingdom and then spend the rest of the day at Animal Kingdom, freeing up another day - so you'd have 1.5 days at Magic Kingdom and .5 at Animal Kingdom, with dinner there. Then you could do an Epcot day - if you wanted.

Edited September 28, 2016 by Farrar

[kroe1]

With three days, do 3 different parks. Magic Kingdom is not a two day park. Check the Disboards for fellow newbies and experts who will help plan your trip.

[Lanny]

I would be sure to buy "Park Hopper" tickets. We bought 4 Day Park Hopper tickets and I'm thankful we paid the extra money.  How old are your DC?  I think 2 days in MK might be excessive.  Have you considered going to Universal Orlando? We only spent one day there, but in retrospect, that was #1 for us and we wish that we had spent 2 days there and 3 days in WDW.  About the Roller Coasters....  I am *very* old and hadn't been on one in many years. I had *no* plans to ride Coasters.  Little did I know that the first thing DD took us on in Universal Orlando was a Roller Coaster.  My wife has Vertigo and after the ride she told us that she'd thought that she was going to die and that she would never ride one again. The next day, she rode one with us in WDW.   There is something in Hollywood Studios, the Elevator Drop, I can't remember the exact name, that DD wanted to ride. My wife and I didn't want to ride that, but we went with her to the top of the line. She chickened out and the 3 of us walked down out of the "hotel".   That, to me, looked scarier than any of the Coasters we rode in UO or in WDW.   

 

In November, we are going to a reunion where my wife lived for much of her life.  There are now 2 coasters in the Natioinal Park of Coffee.. The first one, is about one kilometer long and i think it is pretty gentle. The new one is very short (about one minute?) and from this video, I think it is too much for me. I don't want any 180 or 360 turns. 

 

 

Bottom Line: I do not believe *anything* we rode in Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World was that tough.  Look at the signs near the entrances to the rides, to see what they involve. If the turns are only 90 degrees, it is only for a few seconds and you will be fine.   Ride before you eat.  Use the restroom before you get in long lines.

 

Have a good time and enjoy!

[alisoncooks]

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

Now I have a new dilemma.... :p :D

 

I have found that I can "upgrade" from a AoA Little Mermaid room to Port Orleans FQ for a very reasonable amount.  
And we've decided that we'll probably add an additional park day/resort night.  

 

 

SO.... given the choice between AoA LM and POFQ, which would you choose?

 

My thoughts:

I am not into the New Orleans look.  At all.  I actually was looking forward to the Disney/Pixar character theme.

But POFQ has bigger beds than AoA LM.

DH (still going through chemo) has some mobility issues, so POFQ looks to have an easier walk to bus stops/etc?  Am I right?

I love the idea of taking the boat to Disney Springs.

 

Thoughts on this new development? 

[itsheresomewhere]

We love Port Orleans. DH has issues with mobility and has no issues with PO. The theme is not my thing but it is really nice. The boat to Disney Springs is really nice and goes about every twenty minutes.

[Daria]

...and it was your first trip ever, what would be your "must see" or "must do" items?

 

We were scheduled to go 2 years ago...but DH's cancer treatment required us to cancel and then postpone.  I just made our reservations for May '17 (finally!) but our finances have changed (we've got one kid now 10 --adult price :glare: -- and we've missed out on the free DDP that we had in the previous reservation).  So our trip will include only 3 park days (instead of the 4 or 5 we had planned).

 

What I know we'll do:

1 day at Animal Kingdom (probably dinner at Sanaa that night) for my animal lovers

2 days at Magic Kingdom (would love 1 meal at Be Our Guest) -- the rest of this is a blank slate!

 

We don't do scary/intense roller coasters and we're not especially into character meet'n greets.

So what should be on our "to do" list?

 

We are early-to-bed types, but we will do the fireworks/parade at least 1 of our MK days, maybe both.

 

As a fellow early to bed type, I would rather not fight the crowds after the fireworks.  I'd make a reservation for dinner someplace where I could see the fireworks from the beach or from an observation deck.  

 

With an 8 year old and a 10 year old, I'd think about whether I wanted to do Epcot or Hollywood Studios instead of the second MK day or the AK day.  My kid loved those parks, more than AK.  

[Bensmom]

Definitely POFQ! We enjoy moderates over value resorts and POFQ is our favorite moderate. I love the smaller size and quiter, peaceful feel.

[alisoncooks]

Alright then, settled! Definitely switching to POFQ. I like the idea of a calmer resort to come back to at the end of the day.

 

Now...I'm adding an extra night. Should I add an extra park day (we currently plan 3) or spend that as a free day: boat to Disney Springs/Lego Store/T-Rex, ride the monorail to check out the resorts on the loop, afternoon at the pool, maybe a cool dinner (luau at the Poly, maybe, and watch the fireworks there?)

 

Or just do another park day? Do you all like having a built-in "downtime" day? (Likely the last day of the trip.)

[OhanaBee]

We like having a built-in "down day".  You'll now be close enough to Disney Springs that you can pop over there a bit [from AOA resort it's one heck of a bus ride].

 

  I like the idea of a big dinner at one of the other resorts.  My kids have loved the Luau or eating at Ohana's or the character dinner at the Grand Floridian [my pickiest eater likes that one the best because it's a buffet and she can get exactly what she wants].

 

DH prefers dinners over at the Wilderness Lodge or the dinner at Trails End [Fort Wilderness] or Mickey's Backyard BBQ [the man is from cowboy country....can you tell??]

 

The big three resorts [Polly, Grand Floridian, Contemporary] are all connected by monorail.  Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness are connected to the big three by boat. 

[katilac]

What I know we'll do:

1 day at Animal Kingdom (probably dinner at Sanaa that night) for my animal lovers

2 days at Magic Kingdom (would love 1 meal at Be Our Guest) -- the rest of this is a blank slate!

 

We don't do scary/intense roller coasters and we're not especially into character meet'n greets.

So what should be on our "to do" list?

 

We are early-to-bed types, but we will do the fireworks/parade at least 1 of our MK days, maybe both.

 

I think that Animal Kingdom can definitely be an all-day park, it depends on your interests. Of course you will want to do the safari, and they have a great bird performance called Flights of Wonder. They also have a lot of live shows like Lion King, Finding Nemo - The Musical, and various forms of world music. Oh, and It's Tough to Be a Bug is great fun!

 

When my oldest was 8, she spent about two hours playing in The Boneyard, a mock dinosaur dig. My kids also liked to walk the trails and look at the animals. Kali River Rapids isn't intense but will get you soaking wet. The Dinosaur ride isn't a coaster but does jerk back and forth, and has some fairly realistic looking dinosaurs. There are a few typical carnival-type rides in the dinosaur section. 

 

At Magic Kingdom, we like the following non-intense but fun rollercoasters: 7 Dwarfs Mine, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Goofy's Barnstormer. We always walk through Fantasy Land and do several rides, even though our trips are all teens and adults. We rarely miss Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Carousel of Progress. Hall of Presidents, Philharmagic, Jungle Cruise, Buzz Lightyear, or Monsters' Inc Laugh Floor - although do tell your husband to not wear 'dad' clothes and a baseball cap and sit near the aisle unless he wants to be put on camera as "That Guy." 

 

We love eating at Be Our Guest, and you might be able to get an early morning breakfast reservation.  

 

MK fireworks are definitely worth it; my kids never liked fireworks but I have the best pictures of them gasping in awe at the Disney fireworks. They are exceptional.  My kids liked the live shows in front of the castle when they were the age of your kids. 

 

Be prepared for the kids to change their minds about autographs once they get there; mine certainly did, and we endured a good three years of constant character greetings before it faded away to only new characters, lol. We waited forever to meet Princess Tiana when they were 9 & 11, lol. 

 

Toy Story Mania at HS is great fun, but I don't know that I would bother if no one is going to ride Tower of Terror or Rock and Roller Coaster. The reno has knocked out some of the things we loved there, like the animation classes. 

 

People tend to either really like Epcot, or be rather 'meh' about it. We really like and always go for at least one full day. 

 

At Epcot, we generally make sure to do Test Track, Soarin', and Spaceship Earth, and we'll generally do Nemo and Figment and whatnot if we have time. I think the new Frozen ride is open as well.

 

Even when they were little, my kids liked walking around the countries looking at everything and watching performances like the Chinese acrobats, etc. We all still enjoy that, plus we really like to eat desserts, so we will visit the French patisserie (omg the pastries) or the Karamell-Kuche in Germany (omg the caramel). 

 

Unless you long to be depressed, skip the energy and environmental shows, no matter how cheerful and colorful the signs appear  :laugh:

 

With three days, do 3 different parks. Magic Kingdom is not a two day park. Check the Disboards for fellow newbies and experts who will help plan your trip.

 

Heresy! We've been to Disney World an embarrassing number of times, and we always spend two days at Magic Kingdom. It is by far the most magical of the parks for us. If I only had 3 days and no park hopper, I might do MK, AK, and Epcot, but only if I were convinced my kids would thoroughly enjoy those parks. Even then, I would be torn - it would be very sad to not start and stop at the Magic Kingdom. We strayed from that once, when it was logistically the only way we could go to every park plus visit the water parks for the first time, and my kids (teens!) said never again. Even though we still had 2 days at MK, they said it just has to be the first and last day in order for the magic of Disney to have full effect, lol. 

 

Which is my long-winded way of saying that there really is no such thing as a half-day, one-day, or two-day park. Some people will say a half-day is more than enough at Epcot, others will say two days just scrapes the surface! You really have to look long and hard at the attractions and make your best guess for that first visit. 

[itsheresomewhere]

Just to throw this out- one of our favorite meals is at Fort Wilderness.  Right next to Trails End is the quick service/take out.  A bucket of chicken(big, good size chicken) with sides and biscuits is about 30. We get that and go eat at the dock and if you time it right, you can watch the fireworks at MK and the parade on the lake.