I need to know how many vacation days it takes in each park?

[Hilltoppooh]

I am planning to spend 2 weeks in Florida for the first time (probably in Oct 2006), I would love some recommendations on how long I should spend in each park to get an overview, then to spend extra time in areas I like the best. Any recommendations on which park to start with, and where to go next. I like rides, I love characters, I enjoy movies, I would like to visit all adult areas (it will be 2 adults 40-50 years old, no children...although we're both children at heart) available (except probably spending a lot of time in the "animal" section of Animal Kingdom...for though I love animals, I have visited many of the best zoos, and would rather spend my time at the attractions than with the animals unless there are things that are so unique that I shouldn't miss. Can anyone point me to a URL that gives me a good idea, or give me personal advice?

As an example, when I have visited Disneyland Anaheim I have spent a minimum 3 days in it and CA Adv...any ideas?

Also, any recommendations about Pal Mickey for adults? or is is SO engineered toward toddlers, etc. that it would be of no use to us?

 

[Lynx04]

Well the main factor to look at as far as how much time needed in each park is dependent on what time of the year you visit. If you during peak season then you will require more time to visit the attractions in each park. Oct is more mod to value depending on when in Oct you go.

 

[unkadug]

My first suggestion would be to pick up a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It is a rather large book (as compared to the the other guides), but filled with indispensable knowledge.

My thoughts on # of days to cover the parks:

Magic Kingdom - 2 days
Epcot - 2 days
Disney/Mgm - 1 day
AK - 1 day
Waterparks - 1 day
Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island - as much as you want !!

 

[RonAnnArbor]

I think it completely depends on what you want to do in each park. I always go with my partner - we are in our mid-40's, no kids. If you are interested in just doing all the attractions and getting things done as efficiently and quickly as possible, we have found that (off peak) and following the touring plans in The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World somewhat (although not to a tee), as two adults:

Magic Kingdom -- all of the major attractions can be done before 1:00 pm, and the rest of the day can be spent to do the minor attractions

Epcot -- all of the Future World attractions can be done before Noon, and the afternoon can be spent meandering around World Showcase

MGM -- all of the major attractions can be completed by 3:00 pm, and still have time for a few of the minor attractions before Fantasmic at 7:30

AK -- All of the major attractions can be completed by noon -- including EE, the Safari, Dinosaur, Bugs Life, and all of the major animal attractions. We have never spent more than three hours at AK and have always completed all of the attractions we want to do.

We tend to pick one park for early entrance each day -- that gets you in by 8 am usually...then when we are done with all of the major attractions, we will parkhop and go meander through a different park for the rest of the day as by that time, the early entrance park will be overpacked with people for the day.

In all honestly, as two adults without kids, and in an organized manner (i.e. you must get to the park half hour before it opens each day, no sleeping in) you can do everything, including some things twice or three times, in 3 days. To be more realistic, you should really allow 4 days if you want to include Downtown Disney.

 

[DisneyMarg]

You'll get many opinions on this, but here are mine. I've been to Disneyland and CA Adv and spent 3 days, like you did.

If you have the time and $$ I'd recommend a 1 day overview of Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and MGM, and 2 days for Epcot - 1 in Future World and 1 in World Showcase. And for these days, I'm assuming you'll move leisurely (not zipping around like teenagers), and break occasionally with some longer meals. This is 5 days! You can do it in less time if you move more quickly, skip breaks, or limit what you see and do.

Then you will need 2 more days to revisit the things you missed or want to repeat. Also, there are so many wonderful entertainment options (many more than Disneyland and CA Adv), and you have to have multiple days to see them all. For example, there are three great parades at basically the same time in 3 parks. Take a look at this link http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/ and you will get an idea of all of the entertainment. And it is all WONDERFUL!! So you will want to have these extra 2 days to work in the shows you want to see.

By the way, be sure to get Park Hopper added on for all of this.

As for Animal Kingdom, we are now 50 (SHEESH!) and have taken our kids to zoos all over the country. For our first three visits to Animal Kingdom we stuck with shows and rides, but on our last visit we had some extra time so we wandered down one of the trails where the animals are. I was completely amazed at the wonderful theming. It is definitely worth it even if you don't care about the animals. I can hardly wait to go back and see the other trails I've overlooked in the past.

Your other question was about which park to do first. Again you'll get various responses. I don't have emotional ties to doing any of them first, so here are my guidelines:
1) Avoid the park with Extra Magic Hours (EMH) that day - you can find these on the same link as above
2) Pick the park where the group can do the most together at first. You'll eventually split up but you'll enjoy being together at first. (I forgot how big your group is - you may not split up)
3) Decide where you want to eat and then decide which park to be in so you can eat there
4) And this is the pessimist/paranoid part of me... do things in the order of importance to you. If Epcot is a "must see" (and all other criteria are met) then do that first. If, God forbid, your trip should be cut short, at least you wouldn't have spent your only day at Magic Kingdom, which is very similar to Disneyland.

I can't help with Pal Mickey.

This is long, but I love pouring out my opinion. I'm sure others will be HAPPY to do the same! Have a great trip!

 

[SpectroMan]

I agree with the 2 days at MK, 2 days at Epcot, and 1 at the others. Don't worry about AK, and having been to some of the best zoos. The way the exhibits are set up, they are almost attractions in themselves. You almost feel like you are in the places that these animals live.

 

[Victoria]

IMHO I would say you would need the following amounts of time in each park to accomplish everything...

MK- 2-3 days (lots of attractions, lots of people, long lines, two parades and a firework show)
AK- 2 days (the animals in AK are pretty widely dispersed in little 'alcoves' yet others are featured in attractions)
MGM- 2-3 days (because you have to work aroun very specific show times)
Epcot- 3 days (it takes a long time to really 'do' World Showcase)

Typhoon Lagoon/Blizzard Beach- 1 day each
Downtown Disney- 1 day or even 1/2 day if you aren't really into shopping

I hope you find this somewhat helpful. The time in October you go is critical. Also, try to get tickets for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party if you can. It is a blast.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Epcot- 3 days (it takes a long time to really 'do' World Showcase)

.

Actually, it does not. We have done every single major attraction in Future World, and watched every movie and visited every pavilion in World Showcase and STILL been done by 6 pm in one day. It really depends on if you are an organized "tourer" or a slow "meanderer"

As an adult, we usually do not want to spend a lot of time at the child-oriented attractions (innovations, Kodak imagination station, etc) except for a quick peek in.

That being said - you can spend a lot of time at the parks if you want to - but it also depends on if you plan on doing other things while in Florida besides just Disney.

 

[Hilltoppooh]

I guess I should have been more specific...

If I can find time to see other things I'd like to, but my primary reason for going is because of WDW. Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I will check out the website recommended, and try to find a copy of the book. I usually like to avoid the really HEAVY crowded times, so will probably NOT go to the Halloween festivities. I don't care if I go to the water parks, mostly I'm interested in the main 3 parks (MK, Epcot, & MGM).

Does anyone have any recommendations about hotels? I love movies, so the movie themed ones seemed interesting....not that I spend much time in the hotel when I go to Dland.

How are the crowds in October (if you avoid Halloween), I usually go to Dland Anaheim in May or Oct. to avoid the long lines. Is there transportation between the parks (monorails, I would assume)? Also, has anyone gone to the Atlantic Side beaches, vs. the Gulf of Mexico side beaches, any recommendations? I'm thinking about one day at the beach, one day maybe at Cape Canaveril (sp), and possibly 2 days at Islands of Adventure/Unversal Studios. So, was hoping 9 days between the 3 WDW theme parks would be enough...but then, is there such a thing. Anyone know a good place to learn "secrets" for WDW...I found a phenominal site for Dland Paris, but was hoping there'd be something for WDW like that...I haven't spent much time on this site yet, but it seems great for behind the scenes information.

Also, anyone take any of the behind the scenes tours at WDW, are they recommended?

Thanks again for all the input. Here's to many days for all of us at the Happiest Places on Earth.

Jeanie

 

[barnum42]

I never plan how long to spend in each park - I just go where I feel on the day and with two weeks to play with you have plenty of time. You may wish to consider an Annual pass as it could prove most cost effective and let you nip in and out of the parks when you wish. You also get some discounts.

General guides of two days each for Magic Kingdom and Epoct with one day each for Animal Kingdom and The Studios are fairly common, but it all depends on what things you find more interesting. Personally I spent more time at Animal Kingdom, but as it closes early - about 5.00PM when you are going you then can have a few hours at one of the other parks.

Monorails only run between Epcot and the Magic Kingdom Transportation and Ticket Centre, plus the ring around the three hotels by Magic Kingdom. Rest of the transportation is mainly buses with a few water craft from certain hotels.

Or if you have the car you can drive. If you are not going to stay long at the hotels you may find a bargain off-site that will save you money. If so the Annual pass will give you free parking.

 

[Gucci65]

I prefer the Atlantic beaches. We normally stay at Daytona Beach in the summer and drive over to MK for the day. We stay at a Canadian owned hotel - The Nautilus Inn. It's about a 1 hour drive from WDW.

Definately don't miss out on Kennedy Space Center. I think it's about 45 minutes from WDW. I think it's worth the trip. Get there early, because there is a lot to see and do.

St. Augustine is about two hours away (on the Atlantic side) and also a very interesting place it visit. Check them out on the web.

If I was going to be in the WDW area for two weeks, I would fit in Universal Studions (2 parks) and Sea World. In addition to all the parks, the beach and the space center - I think you will find your 2 weeks won't be enough.

***JUST NOTICED - THIS IS MY 1000th POST***

 

[Nemo14]

I'd have to recommend 2 days for MK 2 days for Epcot and 1 day each for AK and Studios. When my DH and I go alone (we're about your age) we tend to take our time and just enjoy the atmosphere, but then we've done all the rides and shows countless times, so we can afford to miss things too. There are so many good restaurants in World Showcase - be sure to try some. And you might want to plan a day to go and visit the hotels - each one is different with its own themeing.
I'm not a big Universal fan, so I can't say anyhing about that, but definitely don't miss Kennedy Space Center. Our generation grew up with the space program, and it's really amazing to see it all in person!
As far as beaches go, I'm definitely a fan of the Gulf Coast beaches. The whole Gulf area has an entirely different feel to it, compared to the Atlantic coast, but bear in mind that October is hurricane season, so you may have to deal with unexpected interruptions in your plans. October is generall a great time to be in FL though. Have a great trip!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

First visit -

MK - 3 days,
EPCOT - 3 days
MGM - 2 days
AK - 1-2 days

Assuming that you want to see and do as much as possible / at a relaxed pace / eating at restaurants (not snacking) - take off time if you're skipping some rides and shows, eating fast food etc.
AK isn't "a zoo" - there is plenty to see and do that is obviously animal related (safari, conservation etc) but don't go with "zoo" in mind - take it for what it is (not what you think it might be)