Planning A Trip For Easter 2007

[cupcake123]

I am planning a trip for Easter 2007. I have two children ages 14 and 10. I don't want to spend my whole trip at the parks. I would like to visit two of the parks and maybe a day at Sea World. Which parks do you recommend? Should we stay inside the park or get a hotel outside the park? I hear that Easter isn't the best time to go, but I don't want to take my kids out of school this is the only time we could go. Any help would be great!

 

[ZambeziZelda]

My two personal favorites are Magic Kingdom and MGM...however, for a first trip, I'd recommend Magic Kingdon and Epcot...I think those two really encompass the whole Disney experience. And I know you didn't ask, but honestly, SeaWorld is kind of boring...if you're going to do a day away from Disney, I'd recommend Universal Studios.

Also, if you're not worried about money, I'd say stay on property! However, if your budget is tight, you can have tons of fun while staying at a motel. Trust me, I know, I've done it several times (well, at DLR at least, lol).

 

[tigsmom]

We've done the week leading up to Easter and the week afterwards and the week after is less crowded. Having stayed both on and off site I would definately vote for the on site resorts, there is one for every taste and budget. You don't need to use a car unless you want to and you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours in the mornings and evenings. We always just stay at WDW when that is the focus of our trip and plan trips to other parks at another time.
If you only want two parks then I would say definately MK & EPCOT, but if can squeeze some time in at the Animal Kingdom then do so. Its an under rated park and very relazing. There is also the new Expidition:Everest ride there. No matter what you choose, just relax and have fun! :wave:

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

I am planning a trip for Easter 2007. I have two children ages 14 and 10. I don't want to spend my whole trip at the parks. I would like to visit two of the parks and maybe a day at Sea World. Which parks do you recommend? Should we stay inside the park or get a hotel outside the park? I hear that Easter isn't the best time to go, but I don't want to take my kids out of school this is the only time we could go. Any help would be great!

1) Easter is a busy two weeks - although with planning it is quite "do-able". Our last 4 trips have all been during the Easter fortnight and we have enjoyed them all. The bonus at this time of year is that the parks are open later (mainly to accomodate the larger crowds). Fantasmic and SpectroMagic usually run twice a night - the period after Easter Sunday is usually quieter but then the park hours are reduced to reflect this.
2) You don't say how long you're planning to be in Disney. If you're not doing all the parks AND visiting SeaWorld then I would consider staying off property and saving $$$.
3) Favourite parks (ie those to visit and those to miss) are very much a personal choice. On any trip I MUST visit Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Animal Kingdom is getting better all the time, while MGM I can take it or leave it (although I would always pop in just to ride Tower Of Terror and Rock'N'Roller Coaster). SeaWorld on the other hand is a MUST. Its more relaxing and has an educational content. As the majority of the park consists of shows there is very little standing in line and a lot of sitting down.
4) Invest in a good guide book - I would recommend The Unofficial Guide.

 

[tigsmom]

...
3) Favourite parks (ie those to visit and those to miss) are very much a personal choice. On any trip I MUST visit Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Animal Kingdom is getting better all the time, while MGM I can take it or leave it ...

4) Invest in a good guide book - I would recommend The Unofficial Guide.

I agree wholeheartedly!

 

[ChuckElias]

3) Favourite parks (ie those to visit and those to miss) are very much a personal choice. On any trip I MUST visit Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Animal Kingdom is getting better all the time, while MGM I can take it or leave it (although I would always pop in just to ride Tower Of Terror and Rock'N'Roller Coaster).

I also agree with most of this. For me the priority for parks is

1) EPCOT -- I love to walk around the World Showcase. And if you're there at Easter, the Flower & Garden Festival will be going on.

2) Animal Kingdom -- The safari never gets old. Looking forward to my first trip to Everest! Also, I'm excited about the new Nemo show. Believe it or not, I've never seen the Flights of Wonder show. Last time I was there, I finally got in, but then it started raining and they cancelled it. Also, Animal Kingdom's parade is my favorite.

3) MGM -- Because I absolutely MUST ride the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster.

4) Magic Kingdom -- There's just not a lot there that I really LOVE.

SeaWorld on the other hand is a MUST. Its more relaxing and has an educational content. As the majority of the park consists of shows there is very little standing in line and a lot of sitting down.

I agree with this too. I think you should see SeaWorld. I enjoyed it a lot (except for the constant Anheiser-Busch ads). The Kraken is a great ride, but our kids really liked the shows too. And you can feed the dolphins or the stingrays. I don't think I'll visit SeaWorld every time I go to Orlando, but I was glad that we went last year.

 

[lukacseven]

Magic Kingdom is a must for any first-timers. But, I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that Animal Kingdom is "just another dumb zoo." I've heard this over and over from people who have never been there. Personally, this is a favorite park of mine, and the major attractions can all be enjoyed in less than a full day. Depending on what your children are into, that will help you determine what parks they might enjoy most - If they are interested in thirll rides, then maybe MGM is a good park to go to (Tower of Terror, Rock'n Roller Coaster).

 

[MansionFan415]

We are going at Easter this year, well the week before actually, and have gone before at that time. it's crowded but not overbearing and is still an ejoyable relaxing trip.

If you don't want to spend your whole time in the parks, make sure to at least get in Magic Kingdom and MGM. I say this mostly for your kids, and their ages. EPCOT is wonderful and I could spend full day upon full day there, but for younger kids, once you get out of Future World, they will be bored to death.

And Animal Kingdom is great too, but especially if you don't want to spend a whole day at the parks. It's not JUST a big zoo, but is has the qualitites of being a gigantic exotic zoo with some rides. I love the park, but it's true that if you get there early, you can enjoy yourself and be out of there by 1 or 2 in the afternoon.

Quite possibly, if you get park hopper tickets, you could get in Magic Kingdom one day, and half a day at Animal Kingdom and the other half at MGM or EPCOT.

Sea World is a great park. Kraken is an awesome roller coaster, and the shows really are fun to watch at any age.

If you want a few other things to do:

~Downtown Disney - walk around, enjoy the shops, DisneyQuest
~Mini Golf - Fantasia or Winter Summerland