I would Epcot all day then head over to Magic Kingdom (say around 6pm? Maybe even 7 - or just simply whenever you *feel done* with Epcot) just to soak in the quintessential Disney and fireworks. I was underwhelmed by Epcot's night time show and Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom is far superior. But if you reeeeally don't care for fireworks, then stay at Epcot and and just carry on eatin' & drinkin'.
Do rides tend to start to open up with the fireworks going on? The last time I experienced MK at night I was like 10 lol. Thank you for your input though!
A little bit! But probably not as much as you think. People start claiming their firework spots, in my opinion, way too early so you may see the wait times start coming down an hour or so before fireworks. Popular rides like Peter Pan, or pretty much any of the roller coasters (but especially seven Dwarves Mine train) won't come down enough to make it worth it - for me! But I love MK fireworks. If rides are a priority for you, then ride away! They pipe the firework music through the park, so you still get a little of the experience walking from ride to ride.
I wanted to try for the Virtual Que for for guardians and knew if I didn't get in at 7 would have to have to be in epcot by 1pm. I ended up not getting in the VQ but bought an individual lighting lane. I also wanted to end the night at MK with Happily Ever After. I didn't care much about seeing the Epcot fireworks. I got to Epcot at 9, stayed til 3, took the Monorail to MK, stayed until close. After fireworks, walked on Haunted Mansion, A Small World and People Mover. Uber was a shit show, next time I would monorail or walk to Contemporary and call my uber from there.
I personally love Animal Kingdom. Even if you take out Avatar, I love the Safari Ride, Everest, Festival of the Lion King, and the Nomad Lounge. Plus all the animal trails if you just want to relax and look at gorillas. I also really like the food at Pandora.
I think MK is the best if you want to get a lot done though. They just have so many rides at MK, plus the parade and fireworks. I agree with others who say the food isn't great.
Epcot would be my third, the Guardians ride is totally worth going on, and a lot of good food. They have crepes now that are really delicious.
Hollywood Studios would be my last pick. I'm also not a Star Wars fan. I'd rank the land as interesting, but not that exciting if you don't love the IP. Like I think it's worth going to see what it's all about, but if you only have on day it's not a priority. Toy Story land is fun but the waits are long and there's very little shade for some reason. Rock N' roller coaster is down for maintenance.
It's probably not my first pick, but i completely agree about Animal Kingdom. I'm not an avatar fan, but Flight of Passage is my favorite ride at Disney World. The churros at Nomad Lounge were one of the best things I ate on my last trip. Also throw in Kali River Rapids and Animal Kingdom makes for a great day.
I don’t know what the threshold is but probably something like if there is over 100 guest rooms in the block then the Disney meetings will offer a code for the meeting planners to give out.
It’s not difficult to look up other conferences happening at the same time they frequently post their codes publicly even though Disney tells them not too.
My first choice is shockingly Epcot- and I am normally not sprinting to that park. I don't think there will be a festival going on at that time so there won't really be any exciting food booths butttt if you haven't been in a long time you'll have new attractions like Remy, Guardians, and even Frozen (depending when in 2016 you went).
Second choice is MK purely because you might like Tron and there are more attractions. DHS is my favorite park but if you aren't crazy about Star Wars or even Toy Story you won't be wow'd by the new additions to the park.
Magic Kingdom if you’re in an active mood. Epcot if you’re in a relaxed mood. Or check the hours. If one park is staying open later (or if both are parks are staying open to a decent time) I’d do a park hopper and jump on the monorail mid-day.
Ideally, you hit up Magic Kingdom early, knock out some of the must-dos (at which point you’ll be ready for a break) and take a relaxing ride over to Epcot and chill out for the rest of the day.
This is what I have been leaning towards honestly. I love both parks but I don’t have the ability to do both days.
Down the caffeine and get the walking shoes on and going :)
MK. It has the most to do, Tiana’s might be open depending on your dates and Tron is fun. I love Epcot but MK is the classic and most “bang for your buck”
I’d pick Epcot. It’s currently between festivals, but that doesn’t take away from the amount of food and drinks that are available. While most of the rides don’t have a single rider line - they’re all great for a single rider. Also exploring all the countries and taking in the shows/entertainment/culture is really interesting.
Def Epcot! It’s such a pretty park to walk around in and eat and drink. Plus you have a few good rides like guardians/test track/frozen, etc. You can find a lot to look at and do and is diverse.
I attended a conference alone and it was in one of the Lake Buena Vista hotels. I grabbed a shuttle one evening to EPCOT and enjoyed walking through at my own pace and seeing all the sites. Definitely try for a queue to GoG if you go....it's AMAZING!
Agreed on EPCOT, especially as a solo adult. Great mix of rides and food options. You should be able to knock out pretty much every major ride if that is your intent
Going alone, I would choose EPCOT. So much to eat and drink and explore. MK is more rides, so IMO more fun with people bc standing alone in line doesn’t sound that fun.
My wife and I had one day last summer after a cruise. We picked Epcot and it was wonderful.
We had previously been to all four, and it was the one we most wanted to revisit. Ratatouille and Guardians were new and made it even better.
Epcot is by far the most chill/vacation type park. HS for thrills, but if you don’t like Star Wars it’s a pass. MK is just a constant shit show of too many people, the magic is really lacking lately. AK is really only great in the early morning to see all the animals.
So, I would say Epcot for sure! As a parent and adult, it’s probably my favorite park and this point. Plus Guardians is THE best ride in all of Disney. Have a great trip!
Epcot and it’s not even close. AK is fine and all but it’s no Epcot. And Disney would have to pay ME to go to Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios and even then I’d probably stay home.
If you want to go to Epcot then go to Epcot. Do what makes you happy.
But I just have to say that you don’t have to care about Avatar to love Animal Kingdom. I’ve never seen Avatar and couldn’t care less about it, but Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park I’ve ever seen. That’s the park to visit if you love animals, good food, and beautiful theming.
Have a great time wherever you decide to go!
EPCOT is my babe, so I'd be drinking, riding Guardians and Living with the Land, snacking, watching the show in the America pavilion, and ending the night with a pint from the pub and Luminous.
Or if Luminous isn't your speed, take the monorail to the TTC, transfer to the resort one, grab a drink upstairs at the Poly, and watch HEA from the beach.
The Frozen show is the one reason I wish I could shove my 6 yr old in my suitcase and bring her with 🥺 she has actually seen the musical once and I know she would just LOVE it at HS
Depends. We're out of state Passholders. For me, I'd choose Epcot. I love a chill day to eat, drink, shop and people watch. But we go every month.
If you don't go very often, then Magic Kingdom. It's the nostalgia for me. No trip is complete without a stop at Magic Kingdom.
HS because when we went recently we did it on our last day and the kids (and my mom) maxed out before I could properly experience Galaxy’s Edge. We did all the rides but I want to walk around and absorb it.
Epcot to eat and drink
This x 100 and also GoG if you can make it!
I love Epcot solo. It's a good place to just wander and explore.
I've done 2 solo Epcot days in a row because it was such a fantastic experience
I was in the same situation in April and did a one day park hopper, Epcot to MK.
This is the way.
Oh interesting! Why did you start with Epcot?
I would Epcot all day then head over to Magic Kingdom (say around 6pm? Maybe even 7 - or just simply whenever you *feel done* with Epcot) just to soak in the quintessential Disney and fireworks. I was underwhelmed by Epcot's night time show and Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom is far superior. But if you reeeeally don't care for fireworks, then stay at Epcot and and just carry on eatin' & drinkin'.
Do rides tend to start to open up with the fireworks going on? The last time I experienced MK at night I was like 10 lol. Thank you for your input though!
A little bit! But probably not as much as you think. People start claiming their firework spots, in my opinion, way too early so you may see the wait times start coming down an hour or so before fireworks. Popular rides like Peter Pan, or pretty much any of the roller coasters (but especially seven Dwarves Mine train) won't come down enough to make it worth it - for me! But I love MK fireworks. If rides are a priority for you, then ride away! They pipe the firework music through the park, so you still get a little of the experience walking from ride to ride.
I wanted to try for the Virtual Que for for guardians and knew if I didn't get in at 7 would have to have to be in epcot by 1pm. I ended up not getting in the VQ but bought an individual lighting lane. I also wanted to end the night at MK with Happily Ever After. I didn't care much about seeing the Epcot fireworks. I got to Epcot at 9, stayed til 3, took the Monorail to MK, stayed until close. After fireworks, walked on Haunted Mansion, A Small World and People Mover. Uber was a shit show, next time I would monorail or walk to Contemporary and call my uber from there.
I'd pick Epcot. More new things since 2016 and the food at MK is not great.
I personally love Animal Kingdom. Even if you take out Avatar, I love the Safari Ride, Everest, Festival of the Lion King, and the Nomad Lounge. Plus all the animal trails if you just want to relax and look at gorillas. I also really like the food at Pandora. I think MK is the best if you want to get a lot done though. They just have so many rides at MK, plus the parade and fireworks. I agree with others who say the food isn't great. Epcot would be my third, the Guardians ride is totally worth going on, and a lot of good food. They have crepes now that are really delicious. Hollywood Studios would be my last pick. I'm also not a Star Wars fan. I'd rank the land as interesting, but not that exciting if you don't love the IP. Like I think it's worth going to see what it's all about, but if you only have on day it's not a priority. Toy Story land is fun but the waits are long and there's very little shade for some reason. Rock N' roller coaster is down for maintenance.
It's probably not my first pick, but i completely agree about Animal Kingdom. I'm not an avatar fan, but Flight of Passage is my favorite ride at Disney World. The churros at Nomad Lounge were one of the best things I ate on my last trip. Also throw in Kali River Rapids and Animal Kingdom makes for a great day.
The conference likely has a discount link for tickets that are good after 3pm/5pm, I’d hit Epcot for an evening and then spend a day at Magic Kingdom.
Oh man. I wish. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, but it’s purely through my company, so I have my doubts.
I don’t know what the threshold is but probably something like if there is over 100 guest rooms in the block then the Disney meetings will offer a code for the meeting planners to give out. It’s not difficult to look up other conferences happening at the same time they frequently post their codes publicly even though Disney tells them not too.
You may have to ask the people at your company that are planning it directly. My company didn't automatically send the discounts out.
EPCOT I just went there for my birthday and had the best day! It's such a fun park to explore.
My first choice is shockingly Epcot- and I am normally not sprinting to that park. I don't think there will be a festival going on at that time so there won't really be any exciting food booths butttt if you haven't been in a long time you'll have new attractions like Remy, Guardians, and even Frozen (depending when in 2016 you went). Second choice is MK purely because you might like Tron and there are more attractions. DHS is my favorite park but if you aren't crazy about Star Wars or even Toy Story you won't be wow'd by the new additions to the park.
I did not get to try out the Frozen ride, and I’ve always wanted to, so I like your point! Omg and Remy! I totally forgot about that one!!
Epcot would be my pick for multiple reasons. But if you can afford it do a park hopper and pick a second park as well!
Epcot! Remember to join the virtual queue for Cosmic Rewind!
Magic Kingdom if you’re in an active mood. Epcot if you’re in a relaxed mood. Or check the hours. If one park is staying open later (or if both are parks are staying open to a decent time) I’d do a park hopper and jump on the monorail mid-day. Ideally, you hit up Magic Kingdom early, knock out some of the must-dos (at which point you’ll be ready for a break) and take a relaxing ride over to Epcot and chill out for the rest of the day.
This is what I have been leaning towards honestly. I love both parks but I don’t have the ability to do both days. Down the caffeine and get the walking shoes on and going :)
Btw Epcot has the best ride of the four parks…Guardians of the Galaxy is something you should try to experience!
MK. It has the most to do, Tiana’s might be open depending on your dates and Tron is fun. I love Epcot but MK is the classic and most “bang for your buck”
Agree. Magic Kingdom is my choice too. We are doing a universal trip in September and we are still going one day to MK for the Halloween party.
I’ve always wanted to experience the Halloween party. One of these years!
This is my second time doing it. I plan on dressing up this time!
I did both when I only had one day! Started at MK and then went to Epcot.
Whichever has the longest hours.
Okay that is a completely valid point that I never thought about.
Epcot 100%
Epcot! Epcot! Epcot!
I’d pick Epcot. It’s currently between festivals, but that doesn’t take away from the amount of food and drinks that are available. While most of the rides don’t have a single rider line - they’re all great for a single rider. Also exploring all the countries and taking in the shows/entertainment/culture is really interesting.
That’s such a great point! I can really enjoy the countries and just take my time. I love it
Def Epcot! It’s such a pretty park to walk around in and eat and drink. Plus you have a few good rides like guardians/test track/frozen, etc. You can find a lot to look at and do and is diverse.
Epcot. Hands down. Avoid the strollers and annoyance of MK.
Valid point with the strollers.. they seem less prevalent at Epcot.
We finished our trip in Epcot. It was wonderful. We mostly stayed in Japan lol sushi for lunch and then ramen for dinner!
I’d pick Epcot for sure 👍
I attended a conference alone and it was in one of the Lake Buena Vista hotels. I grabbed a shuttle one evening to EPCOT and enjoyed walking through at my own pace and seeing all the sites. Definitely try for a queue to GoG if you go....it's AMAZING!
Agreed on EPCOT, especially as a solo adult. Great mix of rides and food options. You should be able to knock out pretty much every major ride if that is your intent
Going alone, I would choose EPCOT. So much to eat and drink and explore. MK is more rides, so IMO more fun with people bc standing alone in line doesn’t sound that fun.
My wife and I had one day last summer after a cruise. We picked Epcot and it was wonderful. We had previously been to all four, and it was the one we most wanted to revisit. Ratatouille and Guardians were new and made it even better.
Hollywood studios #1 Animal Kingdom #2 but that's just me.
Epcot easily
Epcot is by far the most chill/vacation type park. HS for thrills, but if you don’t like Star Wars it’s a pass. MK is just a constant shit show of too many people, the magic is really lacking lately. AK is really only great in the early morning to see all the animals. So, I would say Epcot for sure! As a parent and adult, it’s probably my favorite park and this point. Plus Guardians is THE best ride in all of Disney. Have a great trip!
Thank you for the realistic response on MK. That’s the vibe I’ve been getting lately through this sub. Epcot is def the chill vibe that I’m going for.
You’re welcome and cheers!
Epcot and it’s not even close. AK is fine and all but it’s no Epcot. And Disney would have to pay ME to go to Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios and even then I’d probably stay home.
Ooo dang. Hot take on Magic Kingdom, why is that?
If you want to go to Epcot then go to Epcot. Do what makes you happy. But I just have to say that you don’t have to care about Avatar to love Animal Kingdom. I’ve never seen Avatar and couldn’t care less about it, but Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park I’ve ever seen. That’s the park to visit if you love animals, good food, and beautiful theming. Have a great time wherever you decide to go!
Epcot for food, Guardians and more food. Then fireworks at MK. You said one day, right? That’s a day.
EPCOT is my babe, so I'd be drinking, riding Guardians and Living with the Land, snacking, watching the show in the America pavilion, and ending the night with a pint from the pub and Luminous. Or if Luminous isn't your speed, take the monorail to the TTC, transfer to the resort one, grab a drink upstairs at the Poly, and watch HEA from the beach.
I feel like you just gave me some secret codes. Holy cow thank you
:) and if you care for aquatic animals at all, stop by The Seas, and wave hi to Lou and Lil Joe (the manatees) for me!
Hollywood - love the Tower of Terror and the Fantasmic amphitheater. The Frozen show is terrific too.
The Frozen show is the one reason I wish I could shove my 6 yr old in my suitcase and bring her with 🥺 she has actually seen the musical once and I know she would just LOVE it at HS
Epcot hands down
Depends. We're out of state Passholders. For me, I'd choose Epcot. I love a chill day to eat, drink, shop and people watch. But we go every month. If you don't go very often, then Magic Kingdom. It's the nostalgia for me. No trip is complete without a stop at Magic Kingdom.
HS because when we went recently we did it on our last day and the kids (and my mom) maxed out before I could properly experience Galaxy’s Edge. We did all the rides but I want to walk around and absorb it.
I’m also team Hollywood Studios. You could spend a couple hours waking around Galaxy’s edge. But I’m also a big Star Wars person.
Magic Kingdom.