Half Day Parks

[Chef Mickey]

What each park has to offer makes all of them a "full day park". What the OP is asking about is when someone says it's a half-day park, why do they think so, because each park has enough offerings to make a full day if you see everything. I was answering what makes Epcot a 1/2 day park for me.

I'll agree with one point. I'm not a big Epcot fan. I am an EPCOT Center fan. I love what the park was. I do not love what the park is currently. On my past 3 trips, I've never spent more than 5 hours in Epcot, typically 3 hours is my average. I used to be able to spend 3 days just in Future World. Horizons, World of Motion, The Living Seas, Journey into Imagination, Wonders of Life, Communicore. It goes on. I could and would spend multiple days just in Future World.

Now there are 2 attractions that are "must do" for me (LWTL, SSE), 2-3 attractions I enjoy, but am not upset if I miss them (EEA, TT, M:S), and 3 attractions I actually try and avoid going on (Soarin, Imagination, Nemo).

Whatever the semantics of the question were, im just saying exactly what you said...EPCOT is a half day park for you, but it's not a half day park. I liked EPCOT Center more too.

 

[sshindel]

Whatever the semantics of the question were, im just saying exactly what you said...EPCOT is a half day park for you, but it's not a half day park. I liked EPCOT Center more too.

In that respect though, none of them are half-day parks because in theory you could find a way to fill up your day in any of the parks if you went on things you didn't like, saw shows you didn't want to see, etc. There would be no point in having this conversation.
But I can't argue with your point. There are enough things at Epcot to fill in a full day if one so chose.

 

[Doug Means]

I could argue MK is a one day park or really any theme park anywhere.

I understand we all have preferences, but your preference doesn't make it a half day park in my own personal opinion. Skipping The American Adventure is a huge miss, along with the Voices of Liberty. Sure, you've seen it before, but we all have. It's just too good of a show (the best on property for me) to just straight up miss.

Additionally, just totally skipping Energy, Test Track, Mission Space, and Imagination is just ridiculous, again in my opinion. You're just flat out not doing great attractions out of personal preference. That's fine, but it doesn't make EPCOT a half day park.

I've beaten the EPCOT needs a $1b transformation and tons of TLC, but what's there isn't just totally missable. Even Ellen's Energy Adventure is worth doing once and Test Track and Mission Space are pretty unique. Illuminations is also a great show that can't be skipped and a lot more time can be spent enjoying World Showcase.

I'd argue that if EPCOT is a half day park for you, you're just not a big EPCOT fan and you're done with what they have to offer. It could be so much more, but calling it a half day park is extreme.

The definition of half day should be that you're able to easily do all offerings in a half day, not just do what YOU like and leave. Even still, most of the fun is exploring, eating, and doing favorites multiple times.

I've run through Magic Kindom in its entirety in under a day, quite easily...including shows.

Again, these parks are about a mindset and going with the right intentions. If you want to criticize, skip entire areas, and say there isn't enough, you'll be right. If you want to do the things offered and try to enjoy your time, you will.

It all could be better but it's not to a point that half of everything at EPCOT or anywhere is missable.

I agree to a point with this, but i'd think IMO i'm glad that people on here have "throw away" money in a way, that they can just run in and do things they "really" like, or that they go SO much that things become stagnant for them. Again, for my family who is lucky enough to be able to go every other year or so if we want, the shows, though seen many times, are never that stagnant to us, and really we just can't afford to make anything a 1/2 day. we want to try and ring every cent we can out of the experience, and really love doing it. beaty and the beast, tarzan rocks, indiana jones are all shows that we just love to even remember some of the great times we were together there in the past and love it as we are there again. the time i was in indiana jones and got to do the evil laugh, then the next time we went my brother got to do it, and the next time my daughter got to...never have missed that show and won't until they close it ... like tarzan rocks

 

[Figgy1]

There is no such thing as a half day park. It is what you make of it. It always confuses me when I see that term. If you choose to do only a few things, or think AK or DHS, or even Epcot (wow) is all about rides, yes, you can visit for only a half day, but you have missed very much. Heck, you could go through the turnstiles, turn around and go back out...that would make it a half minute park. But, I'm guessing you would miss out on a few things.
Rushing through any park, hitting a few rides and calling it a day does not mean there is not more there to enjoy, it means you chose to skip what others enjoy.

^^^^^THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We do 3 MK days, 3EPCOT days, 2 DHS days and 2 AK days. We like to see the shows find the little bits of unexpected magic and sometimes just stroll and enjoy between healiners. Even with that much time in each park we sometimes feel like and extra 1/2 day at some of the parks would be nice. Oh that's what they meant by a half day park!

 

[Figgy1]

And the same breakdown can be made for each park. Good post. You left out dining, snacks, just strolling the grounds, taking in the scenery and the general joy of escapism from the real world.

^^^^ and that!

 

[BJones82]

Mostly full days for us. We take our time, dont rush everywhere, do things at a relaxed pace. Our vacation time allows us to take our time and not feel like we must DO IT ALL in one day.

Completely agree, I work 50-60 hours a week and my Fiancée works 60-80 so when we go to WDW we have learned to just enjoy our time together and relax because it will end too soon and we will be back to it in the real world too soon lol

 

[Chef Mickey]

I agree to a point with this, but i'd think IMO i'm glad that people on here have "throw away" money in a way, that they can just run in and do things they "really" like, or that they go SO much that things become stagnant for them. Again, for my family who is lucky enough to be able to go every other year or so if we want, the shows, though seen many times, are never that stagnant to us, and really we just can't afford to make anything a 1/2 day. we want to try and ring every cent we can out of the experience, and really love doing it. beaty and the beast, tarzan rocks, indiana jones are all shows that we just love to even remember some of the great times we were together there in the past and love it as we are there again. the time i was in indiana jones and got to do the evil laugh, then the next time we went my brother got to do it, and the next time my daughter got to...never have missed that show and won't until they close it ... like tarzan rocks

To be honest, nothing is stale to me even though I go up to 4 times/year. I'm the wrong person to ask what to avoid because nothing is missable to me.

 

[Doug Means]

To be honest, nothing is stale to me even though I go up to 4 times/year. I'm the wrong person to ask what to avoid because nothing is missable to me.

i wonder why it get stale to others, not me either

 

[epcotisbest]

i wonder why it get stale to others, not me either

Short attention span, lack of appreciation for detail, other things to do, gotta do as much as possible mind set, easily bored, busy life carries over into busy vacation, just can't seem to slow down, don't know what is actually there, lack of pre-planning, roller coaster junkie...lots and lots more of reasons.

 

[Figgy1]

Short attention span, lack of appreciation for detail, other things to do, gotta do as much as possible mind set, easily bored, busy life carries over into busy vacation, just can't seem to slow down, don't know what is actually there, lack of pre-planning, roller coaster junkie...lots and lots more of reasons.

Be nice to us roller coaster junkies! LOL

 

[epcotisbest]

^^^^^THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We do 3 MK days, 3EPCOT days, 2 DHS days and 2 AK days. We like to see the shows find the little bits of unexpected magic and sometimes just stroll and enjoy between healiners. Even with that much time in each park we sometimes feel like and extra 1/2 day at some of the parks would be nice. Oh that's what they meant by a half day park!

Wow, I would be exhausted...and there is still SeaWorld, Uni, outlet shopping and more still on the list.

 

[Figgy1]

Wow, I would be exhausted...and there is still SeaWorld, Uni, outlet shopping and more still on the list.

We're not going to Sea World next trip!

 

[epcotisbest]

Be nice to us roller coaster junkies! LOL

Did not say there is anything wrong with that. My wife loves them, but usually rides by herself as I watch. She did the Hulk twice in a row recently and I got a bit queasy just watching.

 

[epcotisbest]

We're not going to Sea World next trip!

Well, you can't really do it all every trip.

 

[muse1983]

AK has and will continue to be a 4-5 hour park for us. I'm able to spend all day at HS though....1000th post!!

 

[Figgy1]

Well, you can't really do it all every trip.

I can dream! Can't I?

 

[Goofyernmost]

I agree to a point with this, but i'd think IMO i'm glad that people on here have "throw away" money in a way, that they can just run in and do things they "really" like, or that they go SO much that things become stagnant for them. Again, for my family who is lucky enough to be able to go every other year or so if we want, the shows, though seen many times, are never that stagnant to us, and really we just can't afford to make anything a 1/2 day. we want to try and ring every cent we can out of the experience, and really love doing it. beaty and the beast, tarzan rocks, indiana jones are all shows that we just love to even remember some of the great times we were together there in the past and love it as we are there again. the time i was in indiana jones and got to do the evil laugh, then the next time we went my brother got to do it, and the next time my daughter got to...never have missed that show and won't until they close it ... like tarzan rocks

First, let me start by saying that I am not quoting your post to single it out, but, as representative of a number of posts in this particular thread. It's also a revelation. I have felt this way about it for a long time, but, couldn't put it into words.

Basically, there are no 1/2 day parks, there are a lot of 1/2 day visitors though. Again with the $100.00 per day park spiel. Like anyone that doesn't find enough to do to cover a day would actually pay $100.00 to do that park (although it can be justified that there is at least $100.00 worth of entertainment there). That is not what the vast majority of people are paying. Even DHS can be stretched out over an entire day, easily, if you are not just there for thrill rides. If you are, you must feel silly cause your in the wrong park. Do more research next time! The park you want is up the road about 6 miles.

DHS needs help, it needs attraction that are new and innovative, but, hopefully eventually that will happen, it just isn't happening fast enough for many. My hope is that they take their time and do it right and not just throw something in there to keep the impatient happy.

Although DAK is "notazoo" if you don't like to see animals and learn about them, then this isn't your park. You won't stay any amount of time because once you have ridden Everest and Kali River Rapids... your day is done.

Epcot is really just a shadow of it's former self, but, it still has some very good attractions that are entertaining and interesting (if you are interested in that stuff), if not then you are out of things to do early. I find it impossible to see everything there, stop and smell the roses and get that all done in one day. If I skip half the stuff I can do it, but, one and 1/2 days minimum.

Magic Kingdom I find is a puzzle. There are more things to see and do there now then in 1983 when I first went there. You know what, it took us almost 3 whole days to see everything, so now I can do it in a day, but that is because some of the stuff doesn't interest me, so I skip it now. I want my money back... I used to get three days out of the place, now it's only a day.

So in summary (finally) all of the parks are what we as individuals make them. Some of them are lighter on the ride side, which, if we allow ourselves to admit it, is kind of a blessing. It's a slow down from a hectic previous day and a chance to still be entertained without being beaten. Not everyone is still in their 20's.

 

[sshindel]

First, let me start by saying that I am not quoting your post to single it out, but, as representative of a number of posts in this particular thread. It's also a revelation. I have felt this way about it for a long time, but, couldn't put it into words.

Basically, there are no 1/2 day parks, there are a lot of 1/2 day visitors though. Again with the $100.00 per day park spiel. Like anyone that doesn't find enough to do to cover a day would actually pay $100.00 to do that park (although it can be justified that there is at least $100.00 worth of entertainment there). That is not what the vast majority of people are paying. Even DHS can be stretched out over an entire day, easily, if you are not just there for thrill rides. If you are, you must feel silly cause your in the wrong park. Do more research next time! The park you want is up the road about 6 miles.

DHS needs help, it needs attraction that are new and innovative, but, hopefully eventually that will happen, it just isn't happening fast enough for many. My hope is that they take their time and do it right and not just throw something in there to keep the impatient happy.

Although DAK is "notazoo" if you don't like to see animals and learn about them, then this isn't your park. You won't stay any amount of time because once you have ridden Everest and Kali River Rapids... your day is done.

Epcot is really just a shadow of it's former self, but, it still has some very good attractions that are entertaining and interesting (if you are interested in that stuff), if not then you are out of things to do early. I find it impossible to see everything there, stop and smell the roses and get that all done in one day. If I skip half the stuff I can do it, but, one and 1/2 days minimum.

Magic Kingdom I find is a puzzle. There are more things to see and do there now then in 1983 when I first went there. You know what, it took us almost 3 whole days to see everything, so now I can do it in a day, but that is because some of the stuff doesn't interest me, so I skip it now. I want my money back... I used to get three days out of the place, now it's only a day.

So in summary (finally) all of the parks are what we as individuals make them. Some of them are lighter on the ride side, which, if we allow ourselves to admit it, is kind of a blessing. It's a slow down from a hectic previous day and a chance to still be entertained without being beaten. Not everyone is still in their 20's.

The question I have over all this arguing about how can park X be a half day park is what the original intent of the OP was looking for. The way I read it, the OP was trying to understand, in the parks, each with large lists of attractions and experiences, how could anyone do only a half day. Discussions of people saying why they spend a 1/2 day at a specific park is the way I read the intent of this thread.

I mean, if we want to get all technical and nit-picky, we could say that DAK is sometimes a 1/3 day park, because in December, when I usually go, it's only open 8 hours. That's 1/3 of a day! It's a 1/3 day park!
Compared to the 13 hours or more that a park like MK is open on similar days, it's still nearly a 1/2 day park.

Now, I know that this is not what the OP is talking about, or anyone else is talking about. I'll argue that "does each park contain enough attractions that someone could spend a full day at it" is not what the OP was asking about either, so it's just as invalid a comparison.

And one note. You bring up the $100 price point. That is valid if someone decides to purchase a 1 day park ticket, enter the park, and then spend only 1/2 of the potential operating hours there. That isn't typically the case though, right? Most people on this site are buying multi-day park tickets. If I'm buying a 7 day ticket, that one day at Epcot that I decide to spend 3 hours at? Costs what? $10? It can easily be argued that it is a much more sane proposition to visit a park, spend a short time there, and leave when they've done what they feel they want to do when you are looking at a price of $10/each instead of $100/each.

 

[FettFan]

Magic Kingdom: Two days. Easy.

Epcot: With all of the flavors of Epcot, if you decide to eat (and DRINK!) your way across World Showcase, it's a 5 day park....until you get to Food and Wine, then it becomes a minimum 8.

DHS: One day.

And Animal Kingdom....the closest I've come to a full day there was when a stubborn animal decided to stand in the middle of the road at Kilimanjaro. So naturally, I logged in here.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

Even DHS can be stretched out over an entire day, easily, if you are not just there for thrill rides. If you are, you must feel silly cause your in the wrong park. Do more research next time! The park you want is up the road about 6 miles.

Did it occur to you that people actually do research on the parks, but yet couldn't do a full at DHS even those who don't do thrill rides? That couple has a park hopper and doesn't do single day tickets.

Case in point is the Couple I referred to earlier in this thread that are in their 60's without Grand kids. They can't do thrill rides anymore from a medical standpoint due to stuff including a past Triple Triple bypass due to doctor's orders.

Yes, that couple does do non ride stuff and takes their time such as Muppetvision 3-d and One Man's dream. The problem they have with Studios is caused by them being experienced visitors. That couple actually takes their time even besides going to a counter service. The shows DHS has is stuff they don't every trip since since Disney doesn't bother updating their shows at DHS.

Those people found Epcot and Magic Kingdom parks better for them. They even know how make AK work.