Advice on parks when DC have done Disneyland and Universal in CA

[niccig]

We're starting to make plans for our trip next June. We may only have 5 or 6 days to do DSW and want to go to Harry Potter World in Universal. We're thinking 2 days universal and 3-4 days DSW. DS will be 10, we've gone to Disneyland and Universal Hollywood several times as local to us. He doesn't want to meet characters, and we did that when he was younger. So far, we're thinking 1 day Epcot, 1 day Hollywood Studios, then maybe 1/2 day Animal Kingdom and 1/2 day Magic Kingdom, these might become 1 full day if we stay 6 days. Then day each at the 2 Universal Parks - DS really wants to do Harry Potter World and wants to do a meal at Leaky Cauldron. He is not interested in character meals at DSW, understands we can't do everything, and wants to do things that hasn't done here.

I do wonder if access to the parks here makes it less amazing eg. if it's the same minion ride at universal, he'll enjoy it, but it's not new.

[Staraglimmer]

I think you need at least a whole day at Magic Kingdom. 1/2 a day in Animal Kingdom should be fine. I can't comment on the similarities between the CA and FL parks though. I hope you enjoy your trip.

[123LuckyMom]

If it were me, I'd do a full day at MK and half a day at DHS, and we don't do characters, either. To me, though, MK is Disney, and I wouldn't give it short shrift, but it's all about what interests you.

[niccig]

I'm hoping to do a full day at MK, that's most like Disneyland though. MIL thought 1/2 day AK was enough and that DS would want to do full days at Epcot and DHS. I'm hoping we can be in FL 6 full days and not 5.

[egoldber]

You definitely need a full day at MK, Epcot, and DHS. You can probably do AK in half a day.

We just got back from a Saturday-Saturday trip. Parks were open late (9-11 for MK most days) and my kids went all day long. And we STILL didn't do and see everything. The MK has so many rides and attractions it's very hard to do them all. The other parks have fewer rides, but if you want to see and do other things besides the rides, then it takes time. DHS in particular has many shows that are only offered 3-5 times a day, so it can be difficult to work them all into one single day.

My kids favorite park by far is Epcot. They really like the Innoventions pavilions, which are ignored by many people. There are numerous interactive attractions and activities. Even a few hidden rides. Also there is Agent P's Adventure: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/agent-p-world-showcase-adventure/

There are other interactive adventures at other parks too. These are VERY popular with older kids. The MK offers two:

Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/sorcerers/

Treasures of the Seven Seas: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/pirates-adventures/

These 2 adventures are also very popular with adults. The Sorcerer's game has add on packs that you can buy as well: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Sorcerers_of_the_Magic_Kingdom

Animal Kingdom also offers the Wilderness Explorers: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wilderness-explorers/
My younger DD collected every badge of the WE at AK this trip. It took her a full day in AK to do it and we did nothing else while we were there!

As for dining, I would suggest the SciFi DineIn Theater at DHS. My older DD loves this place. We also like Mama Melrose there.

At Epcot, we ate at Via Napoli in Italy for DD's birthday. Excellent wood fired pizza and pasta.

There are many fun places at Downtown Disney.

[KrisM]

DS1 was nearly 10 and had never been to any Disney before when we went. Hollywood Studios was his favorite. He enjoyed the Rock n Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror a lot. He also really liked the shows - Indiana Jones, the stunt show, etc. He could have about skipped Magic Kingdom. He really liked Expedition Everest at AK as well. He liked Epcot quite a bit as well.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Disneyworld Magic Kingdom is definitely different enough from DL to merit a full day.