Park Hopper Strategy Question?

[phiremin]

We are doing a short (first) trip to Disney in April, with 2 full days for the parks with our 6 year old. The original plan was for 2 full days in Magic Kingdom…Morning…back to the resort for a nap…and back to the park in the evening.

She isn’t going to wait on line to meet characters and she is probably going to skip Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion & anything else she thinks is too scary (she is very sensitive to anything even mildly “spooky”…maybe it will be different when we go).

As such, maybe 2 full days is too much for MK. So, I was thinking about the park hopper, but I don’t want or need 2 days of hopping. Since there is no discount going from a 1 day ticket to a 2 day ticket, it is actually most cost effective to buy 2 separate 1 day tickets; one with hopper and one without.

2 day base (for 3) $550
1 base + 1 hopper $668
2 day hopper $732

Has anyone ever done this for a short trip? Does Disney have anything in place to try to stop you from doing this?

 

[Figgy1]

With a mid day rest 2 days is probably what you'll need. She may not want to meet the characters now but I can almost guarantee it will change when you get there. Let her watch the planning video it unscares alot of kiddies no matter what you decide let her dictate her limits and you will have a magical trip

 

[counselorgc]

I agree with figment, you can also fastpass some meet and greets(hopefully this hasn't changed) if that helps. You could park hop but it would be a little difficult with certain parks to get a good experience. If you spend the majority of your time in MK over the two days, EPCOT would not be a good park to hop to for a younger kid. DHS doesn't have a lot for an easily frightened 6 year old except for some shows. Animal Kingdom would be your best bet if she likes animals. There is plenty to do there for younger kids.

2 days in the Magic Kingdom would probably be a good idea. Hit Fantasyland early both days and play the rest by ear.

 

[phiremin]

Thanks for all the advice. I think we'll stick with the original plan and just do 2 days in MK.

 

[bmarkelon]

I agree with above advice and good call to stick with your original plan. Park hopping is tough to accomplish with little ones. The only reason we use a hopper with our kids, 7,5 and 2, is because we stay at BLT and will walk back into Magic Kingdom on a few afternoons/evenings during our trip.

 

[fosse76]

Thanks for all the advice. I think we'll stick with the original plan and just do 2 days in MK.

If, once you are there, you decide you want to visit another park, you can add it at that time.