HS or AK with 4 yr old twins?

N

NC Del

Member
Original Poster
I am torn, we have 2 days at MK and were originally planning on Sea World for Day 3 b/c DS loves orcas until we learned all of the Blackfish controversy/info & now I don't know what to do for Day 3. Really wanted something special for DS b/c DD is really into princesses & we'll be doing Cinderella bfast & meeting some princesses, etc. and I couldn't get us into the Pirate's League to have a fun activity geared toward him. He is into Cars (and superheroes, etc though hasnt been exposed to Star Wars yet), likes Toy Story & Disney Jr but also likes animals & zoos... I have heard HS is great for this age, but I think MH wants to do AK.

Any thoughts or opinions? We are close to vacation time so booking character meals or special 'extras' is not an option so no need to consider (I've been checking Hollywood & Vine for lunch repeatedly every day to look for an opening b/c they like the characters at that lunch).
 
stevehousse

stevehousse

Well-Known Member
Hollywood and Vine only has the character meal for breakfast in pretty sure? I would go with DHS especially if they like Disney jr and toy story! AK is a very beautiful park, but doesn't have too much to offer the little ones IMO. DHS at least has sat tours, Disney he live, great movie ride, toy story ride, and tons of characters they will recognize where AK really only has tough to be a big, te safari and the triceratops spin.
 
journ116

journ116

Well-Known Member
I'd vote for AK, and here's why:

1. Safari…'nuf said.

2. Rafiki's Planet Watch: a "behind the scenes" look at what CM and animals do on a daily basis…there's even an operating room you can look in on (last time we were there, they brought in a Stingray to check on her pregnancy).

3. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail & the Maharajah Jungle Trek: two separate experiences to see even more animals.

4. Triceratop Spin: a dinosaur-themed version of Dumbo…typically little wait time (at least it used to be prior to FP+). This ride is located amongst a number of carnival games…always an unexpected money-pit for our family, but our DD's (7 & 4) ALWAYS have a good time!

5. The Boneyard: an enormous playground and digging site for kids. However, patience and a good eye are required as the kiddos love to just run around…good thing though, it's a self-contained environment meaning a child cannot walk out on their own (so long as the CM manning the entrance/exit is diligent). This playground is less of a headache for our family vs. the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground at DHS (seriously, I get heart palpitations there).

6. Finding Nemo the Musical: enough cannot be said at how amazing and entertaining this 30 min. Broadway-worthy show is!

7. the Tree of Life: the equivalent impact of Cindy's castle! A great, "I Spy," spot!

8. Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade: hands down beats DHS current parade. Another great way to at least "see" a number of characters and some very unique 'floats.'

9. find Miss DeVine: your kids will just stare…parents will just stare…"what did we just see?"

I'm not sure of the height or fear-level of your twins, but there are several more attractions to see and do here. This park, when sensibly explored, can take you from opening to dinner time.

As for dining options: check Tusker House for breakfast (even the day before, especially with Disney's strict 24 hr. cancellation policy)…you might have success for a later reservation. However, breakfast switches over to lunch close to 11 a.m…so, if you land a 10:25 a.m. ressie, you could conceivably get a few breakfast items AND lunch items. Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy are there.

If you do select AK, ask a CM near the Tree of Life where the characters are meeting. Since "Avatarland" broke ground and the Festival of the Lion King theater is under construction, M&G's have moved around.

Honestly, either park will keep your little ones entertained…but, it's your trip as well.

Have a magical time!!!
 
ratherbeinwdw

ratherbeinwdw

Well-Known Member
NC Del said:
I am torn, we have 2 days at MK and were originally planning on Sea World for Day 3 b/c DS loves orcas until we learned all of the Blackfish controversy/info & now I don't know what to do for Day 3. Really wanted something special for DS b/c DD is really into princesses & we'll be doing Cinderella bfast & meeting some princesses, etc. and I couldn't get us into the Pirate's League to have a fun activity geared toward him. He is into Cars (and superheroes, etc though hasnt been exposed to Star Wars yet), likes Toy Story & Disney Jr but also likes animals & zoos... I have heard HS is great for this age, but I think MH wants to do AK.

Any thoughts or opinions? We are close to vacation time so booking character meals or special 'extras' is not an option so no need to consider (I've been checking Hollywood & Vine for lunch repeatedly every day to look for an opening b/c they like the characters at that lunch).
Click to expand...
DHS is my suggestion. Animals are fine and enjoyable, but you can go to a zoo anytime. And seeing an Orca is fine also, but then what? There's not that much you couldn't find at home at an aquarium or six flags.
If he loves Cars, then he will love the back streets of HS. You also have Toy Story, Muppets, Star Tours and others that would probably appeal to him.
Don't get me wrong. We love AK and Sea World, but for a child, I believe DHS would be a much more special place to go. You aren't going to find anything like DHS around the block.
 
toasty

toasty

Active Member
Another vote for Animal Kingdom, and I don't really think it's close. Most of the non-thrill rides at DHS are shows, and it's asking a lot of a 4 year old to sit for show after show after show. They'd probably love Toy Story Mania, but other things at DHS are sort of hit or miss for kids that age. AK has a much larger collection of stuff to do that they are likely to enjoy.
 
Figgy1

Figgy1

Well-Known Member
journ116 said:
I'd vote for AK, and here's why:

1. Safari…'nuf said.

2. Rafiki's Planet Watch: a "behind the scenes" look at what CM and animals do on a daily basis…there's even an operating room you can look in on (last time we were there, they brought in a Stingray to check on her pregnancy).

3. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail & the Maharajah Jungle Trek: two separate experiences to see even more animals.

4. Triceratop Spin: a dinosaur-themed version of Dumbo…typically little wait time (at least it used to be prior to FP+). This ride is located amongst a number of carnival games…always an unexpected money-pit for our family, but our DD's (7 & 4) ALWAYS have a good time!

5. The Boneyard: an enormous playground and digging site for kids. However, patience and a good eye are required as the kiddos love to just run around…good thing though, it's a self-contained environment meaning a child cannot walk out on their own (so long as the CM manning the entrance/exit is diligent). This playground is less of a headache for our family vs. the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground at DHS (seriously, I get heart palpitations there).

6. Finding Nemo the Musical: enough cannot be said at how amazing and entertaining this 30 min. Broadway-worthy show is!

7. the Tree of Life: the equivalent impact of Cindy's castle! A great, "I Spy," spot!

8. Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade: hands down beats DHS current parade. Another great way to at least "see" a number of characters and some very unique 'floats.'

9. find Miss DeVine: your kids will just stare…parents will just stare…"what did we just see?"

I'm not sure of the height or fear-level of your twins, but there are several more attractions to see and do here. This park, when sensibly explored, can take you from opening to dinner time.

As for dining options: check Tusker House for breakfast (even the day before, especially with Disney's strict 24 hr. cancellation policy)…you might have success for a later reservation. However, breakfast switches over to lunch close to 11 a.m…so, if you land a 10:25 a.m. ressie, you could conceivably get a few breakfast items AND lunch items. Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy are there.

If you do select AK, ask a CM near the Tree of Life where the characters are meeting. Since "Avatarland" broke ground and the Festival of the Lion King theater is under construction, M&G's have moved around.

Honestly, either park will keep your little ones entertained…but, it's your trip as well.

Have a magical time!!!
Click to expand...
^^^^^^ is the perfect answer
 
Weather_Lady

Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
I agree -- as nice as Toy Story, Disney Jr. and Muppets are, that's really all there is in HS that will capture the imagination of 4-year-olds. AK has more to offer them (although be warned that it is a HUGE park, so you'll want to stop for shows and snacks so their little legs can get some rest).
 
D

doctornick

Well-Known Member
The Wildnerness Explorer scavenger hunt at DAK is also perfect for a child that age.

I'd also add the bird show (Flights of Wonder is the name, I think) to the above list of things that are great for that age.
 
S

Susan Savia

Well-Known Member
In Epcot the Living Seas might be interesting to him. I love looking at the sea horses and the manatees. We can spend a good hour checking out that Pavillion.
 
MaryJaneP

MaryJaneP

Well-Known Member
AK. Journ116 speaks the truth. Bugs Life if they can handle the "surprises" in the show, outside (tree of life) characters if they can't. Great park to wander as your kids see fit. Not a fan of DHS for youngsters, even with muppets, toystory, etc. If we had to choose one, it would be AK. We have done both numerous times with kids from 2 to 23.
 
Rutt

Rutt

Well-Known Member
Having just taken my four year old DS last September, I can tell you (at least for him) HS by a mile. Lights, Motors.. (which includes Lightning McQueen in it) was a huge deal, as was Disney Junior Live. The line to meet Woody and Buzz was huge, but there are so many photo ops in that line ( and usually the toy soldier is walking around outside too) that he barely noticed. IF you can get into Toy Story Mania, also well worth it. His favourite part however was lunch at Pizza Planet. He thought it was so cool to eat lunch at the same place Andy did. If worse comes to worse, make sure you still check with Hollywood and Vine even on the day of. We managed to sneak in for the breakfast thanks to a last minute cancellation.
 
popcenturylover

popcenturylover

Well-Known Member
stevehousse said:
Hollywood and Vine only has the character meal for breakfast in pretty sure? I would go with DHS especially if they like Disney jr and toy story! AK is a very beautiful park, but doesn't have too much to offer the little ones IMO. DHS at least has sat tours, Disney he live, great movie ride, toy story ride, and tons of characters they will recognize where AK really only has tough to be a big, te safari and the triceratops spin.
Click to expand...
I agree with you but, have to correct you on the H&V character dining. They also have a lunch buffet. Food is just meh but, interactions are great!
 

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