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WDW First Disney World Trip

WDW First Disney World Trip
Shelterkat said:
I mainly go to MK to see the attractions DLR doesn't have or no longer has, like Carousel of Progress, Peoplemover, Country Bears, and the WDW Hall of Presidents is so great because it has all the presidents, not just Lincoln.
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Yes Carousel and People Mover. Is Country Bears a ride? But other than that it seems like the other rides are the same?


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PinTraderSam said:
Date seems to be April 26-29, I’m thinking of going to MK on a busier day because I’m assuming most rides are the same as Disneyland so ride priority is lower therefore not as pressured to do everything there. Priorities are 7 Dwarves, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise. Are there any other rides that are worth the difference/better and not worse than Disneyland?


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You're just asking about attractions in the Magic Kingdom, right? In addition to what already has been suggested, maybe Splash Mountain and Big Thunder? I don't go on Splash Mountain very often because I don't like getting wet (I know, I'm weird), but the seating is different and I think there might be some differences in the ride. While the overall ride experience for Big Thunder is similar, the track configuration is different.
Rick195275 said:
Space mountain maybe? Seating is in a straight line instead of side by side. Pirates is different too but my understanding is the Disneyland version is far superior. I’ve yet to make it to Disneyland so can’t comment on the differences.
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Pirates is different and, having been on both, IMO, the Disneyland version is better. I won't comment on the differences because I don't want to 'spoil' it for those who don't know. That being said, I would suggest going on Pirates at WDW, especially if the queue is short, just because I think it's fun to see all the variations of an attraction in the different parks.
 
PinTraderSam said:
Date seems to be April 26-29, I’m thinking of going to MK on a busier day because I’m assuming most rides are the same as Disneyland so ride priority is lower therefore not as pressured to do everything there. Priorities are 7 Dwarves, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise. Are there any other rides that are worth the difference/better and not worse than Disneyland?


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I know it sounds daft but try and hit Peter Pans Flight early , the queue is really fun and much more involved than the DLR version
Other than that one most of the attractions are close enough that I'm happy skipping or delaying them myself .
Given your priorities I'd suggest going dwarves / jungle / mansion in that order , the lines build up surprisingly fast for Jungle cruise . Either that or leave Mansion until last thing at night after the fireworks , it's usually under a 15min wait then . You can't really leave either of the others until then, cruise needs natural light imo and dwarves queue doesn't ever seem to drop in wait time
 
I'd buy the Lightening Lane for 7 Dwarves unless, you stay on property and do Early Entry. With Early Entry, you can do 7 Dwarves and Space Mountain (for free).

Peter Pan has the BEST Standby Line. Might be worth going thru it if, no more than an hour.

To make the most of your day, Genie + ($15) might be your best bet to get on Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and Buzz Lightyear.

Otherwise, the "less intense" rides - Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, Teacups, Little Mermaid, Small World, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents and Enchanted Tiki Room make a great day.
@PinTraderSam
 
Wow thanks for all the insight. I will definitely now go on Peter Pan for the line. I heard Indy may have some differences?


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PinTraderSam said:
Wow thanks for all the insight. I will definitely now go on Peter Pan for the line. I heard Indy may have some differences?


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No Indy in WDW, our version of Indy is actually dinosaur at animal kingdom. Same ride mechanisms from my understanding but obviously completely different lol.
 
PinTraderSam said:
Wow thanks for all the insight. I will definitely now go on Peter Pan for the line. I heard Indy may have some differences?


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NO New Orleans Square, no Indiana Jones, no Storybook ride, no Galaxy's Edge (it's in the Studios) and most rides are different.

You REALLY HAVE to go to the Walt Disney World site and check out the Park maps with the Attractions shown. Our Magic Kingdom is VERY different than Disneyland. :)
 
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The four Parks are a lot more spread out, so bring a couple pair of good walking shoes. There is also Disney springs (shopping), miniature golf, and Blizzard beach (water park).
 
Hi! The Water Taxi only runs between Disney Springs and the 2 Port Orleans Resorts.

If you're talking about the Friendship Boats that connect the Yacht & Beach, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin to Epcot and the Studios, then yes, BUT check at Resort to be sure.

If you're talking about the various Boats that run between Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian, Poly, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, then yes, BUT check at Resort to be sure.

WHAT Resort are you staying at??
 
Bringing this back up as my trip is getting near and I’m looking to purchase tickets in the next few days.

We’re wondering if it’s worth park hopping Animal Kingdom/Epcot or Epcot/HS. Was told HS has a lot to do so requires a full day. Wondering if Animal Kingdom requires a full day or if we can fit both Animal Kingdom/Epcot main attractions/events/shows. In short what’s average time to experience pandora/animal kingdom and Epcot in your experience?


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Depending on what you deem "main attractions" at Epcot (I count Living with the Land and the Grand Fiesta Tour in this category, but understand why others don't), I wouldn't try to split this day. Epcot is about the experience, IMO, and I wouldn't try to race through it and miss what makes it such a magical place far outside the E-ticket rides.

That said, I could easily split a HS/AK day, but I've also ridden everything at both parks and wouldn't feel the need to spend a lot of time in line for some of the "big" attractions at either. Since it's your first trip, I'd pick one park to definitely do, and if you feel like park-hopping after 2 pm when it's allowed I'd do the other. Barring that, save the final park for a future trip. Everything important will still be there!
 
So....it depends? A few years ago both Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios were really half-day parks. However, now Animal Kingdom has Pandora and Hollywood Studios has Toy Story Land and Galaxy's Edge. If you're interested in doing all of those, then they become more like full day parks, if only because they have more attractions with long wait times.

Pandora and Everest are the biggest time sucks wait time-wise at AK, so If you get lucky with those wait times you could fit it in in a half day and still do EPCOT. But for your first trip I would suggest sticking with one park per day.

(Keep in mind that I'm biased towards Animal Kingdom and between Festival of the Lion King and the Kilimanjaro Safari I could spend the entire day just doing those attractions multiple times.)
 
For AK get there early. Pandora queue fills up quickly. Expedition Everest was closed last week. AK opens first at 0800 and closes first. Epcot is the last to open at 1100 and is open the latest.
 
Hm thank you for the insight. We might have to do AK and HS full day and possibly do EPCOT the day we arrive and we’re going to just spend in Disney Springs. Maybe spend some time at Disney Springs and then EPCOT? How big is Disney Springs?


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If this is your first time, a full day in each park is a must. There is so much to do you won't be able to do it all. On my longer trips I devote two days to AK and two to Epcot and it still isn't enough LOL. All the parks are massive and you have to figure in transportation time too. Disney Springs is huge too!
Edited: I just reread your OP and you said you only have 3 days. This is a tough one...4 parks in 3 days :fig:
 
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PinTraderSam said:
Hm thank you for the insight. We might have to do AK and HS full day and possibly do EPCOT the day we arrive and we’re going to just spend in Disney Springs. Maybe spend some time at Disney Springs and then EPCOT? How big is Disney Springs?


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Disney springs is a mile long. The east side (market place) is where the majority of the Disney stores are located, including the pin trader. You can spend hours in the world of Disney store (and a lot of money)!
 
More FOOD for thought
If you don't have a Landry's Select Club card you should get one.
it will get you priority seating at the Rainforest and Yak & Yeti ( an AK favorite) restaurants.
The card is basically FREE... and has other numerous locations in the area and the USA.
 
Personally, I think AK is a half day park. Especially right now with so many things closed (Everest, Nemo, Primeval Whirl, night show). A number of the remaining attractions are basically walk-through zoos. And while certainly worth experiencing when you have the time, you might want to consider skipping them being short on time and interested in the "main attractions". Unless you are looking for the more zoo side of Disney.

Disney Springs is great, but again, if you have limited time, is it worth spending it there? It's basically an outdoor mall. A very big and nice mall, but still. If shopping is the focus of your trip, then do it. If not, your time is better spent in the parks (where you can also shop).

Epcot is huge and has a lot in it, both big (Ratatouille, Test Track, Soarin', Frozen) and "small" (Grand Fiesta, Imagination, Nemo, Spaceship Earth, etc). Plus the country pavillions, lots of restaurants, etc.

If it was my trip, I would go to Epcot on arrival day rather than Springs and then also do a split AK/Epcot day. The down side is you don't get a morning in Epcot so trickier to get on things. But you only have so much to work with.

I would definitely leave both HS and MK as full days. They each have a lot.

Whatever you decide, you are going to have a GREAT time!
 
firechief18 said:
If you're a big star wars fan you'll need to spend a whole day at HS the detail of Black Spire is amazing.
Number one rule for visiting WDW parks, don't be in a hurry, be flexible, and do the things you enjoy!
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Experienced it at Disneyland so not a priority for us.


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