Recommendations

[lighto]

I'm visiting Disney World for the very first time next month, and having lived in LA for 3 years with many, many, many Disneyland trips, I'm wondering if Epcot would be a good place to visit instead of Magic Kingdom? Can someone give me any recommendations in regards to which park to go to? I'm open to all 4 but strongly leaning towards Epcot because of an Imagineering class I took, which made it sound spectacular. Thanks guys!

[diehardguardgirl]

Magic Kingdom tops epcot any day. The only park I'd say could rival it *might* be animal kingdom.

[PhantomVirus]

I can say IT DEPENDS - can you advise who is going? Just you? Ages? EPCOT can be quite fun for adults but if you are travelling with older folks understand that there is a LOT of walking. If you are going multiple days do a park a day - Studios, MK, EPCOT and AK - I have 6 YO twins and we love both EPCOT and MK. AK was nice but my kids don't appreciate it and DHS was fun but the one day we went it was a stinking monsoon so it was hard to tell if my kids liked it or not.

Truth be tolks - you cannot go wrong with ANY of the parks. Are you staying on premises?

[Return_of_Phos]

:agree: with Phantom Virus how many days are you staying? Are you only able to vist one of the Disney parks, and also will you have a park hopper ticket? Out of all the parks MK is the one with the most rides but with you saying you have visited DLR many of times then I would say skip MK and visit one of the other parks since MK kinda has some of the same rides as DLR POTC, Splash Moutain, Space Mountain etc though I do realize that the rides at both parks are different.

If you are leaning towards EPCOT then that is the park I would go too. In all honesty I can spend a half a day at both AK and MGM aka Hollywood Studios and see everything I want to see. Where as with EPCOT and MK I can spend all day and still would not mind returning a day or too later.

[SirScott99]

Well it depends on how long you're staying and what kind of experience you want. If you want the traditional Disney experience then of course Magic Kingdom is the place to go just because of it's awesomeness and classic feel to it. If you want less of a Disney feel, then EPCOT is your place. It doesn't have that "classic" Disney feel as it is geared more toward an older crowd with World Showcase

[lighto]

Thanks for all the great advice! I'm embarrassed to say my upcoming trip is mainly focused on Harry Potter world, so taking my budget and time into consideration, I'm only able to visit Disney for one day/one park during my 4 day stay. I think me and my boyfriend would enjoy Epcot quite a bit since we seem to fall into the right age group. And the rides and attractions people have been talking about on this forum sounds pretty fun too, especially Test Track.

Did I mention I LOVE walking? :p

[HitchHikingGhostFangirl]

If you're leaning towards Epcot, then definitely, go to Epcot. Personally, it's probably my favourite park :)

There's definitely a lot of walking, but there's a lot of it in all the parks :lol:

[Epcot2000]

Ok. So first I would suggest change your plans and forget Harry Potter world. But since I'm 99% sure that would not be possible, and you've been to Disneyland, I'd say Epcot.

Although I can't deny Magic Kingdom's classic disney magical-ness, I must say Epcot's my favorite park. The engineering and wonder behind it... and the concept... Humanity. Us. We. Epcot just gives you this feeling of togetherness that you can't deny. Whether discovering our hopes and promises for tomorrow in future world or discovering other cultures and how amazing they are, Epcot is the place to do it... and after IllumiNations, I can guarantee you'll leave with a feeling that only Disney can bring about.

Ok. After all the emotional stuff in that last paragraph-- Epcot is amazing... and you'll probably feel quite overwhelmed. It's HUGE and there's So much to do, and even more to explore. Set aside some money for souvenirs and eating, because shopping and eating are at their unique Disney best in World Showcase. Also, do your research! The park is even more amazing when you see all the work and history that is behind every single detail.

Just a few tips:
1. Do not. skip The American Adventure. It is one of the most inspirational patriotic pull on your heartstrings attractions I've ever seen.
2. Since you're only going to be there one day, move fast, but Don't miss things. Epcot is a WHOLE lot more than attractions.
3. Do not miss Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. They are my favorite nighttime show, and just wrap up your entire day (and the lives and promises of humanity) in just a few minute show.
4. In Disney, The parks do have a set closing time, but usually you can roam the parks for up to 2 hours after it, just taking in atmosphere. Nothing's open, no rides are operating, but it is beautiful, and as the people clear out, you can wander just you and your boyfriend, quiet time together at the end of a long day. (don't quote me on the 2 hours, but I've done this for quite a while, and it really is great... and the worst they will do is politely ask you to make your way to the entrance)

Whatever you do... HAVE FUN!!

[lighto]

Ok. So first I would suggest change your plans and forget Harry Potter world. But since I'm 99% sure that would not be possible, and you've been to Disneyland, I'd say Epcot.

Although I can't deny Magic Kingdom's classic disney magical-ness, I must say Epcot's my favorite park. The engineering and wonder behind it... and the concept... Humanity. Us. We. Epcot just gives you this feeling of togetherness that you can't deny. Whether discovering our hopes and promises for tomorrow in future world or discovering other cultures and how amazing they are, Epcot is the place to do it... and after IllumiNations, I can guarantee you'll leave with a feeling that only Disney can bring about.

Ok. After all the emotional stuff in that last paragraph-- Epcot is amazing... and you'll probably feel quite overwhelmed. It's HUGE and there's So much to do, and even more to explore. Set aside some money for souvenirs and eating, because shopping and eating are at their unique Disney best in World Showcase. Also, do your research! The park is even more amazing when you see all the work and history that is behind every single detail.

Just a few tips:
1. Do not. skip The American Adventure. It is one of the most inspirational patriotic pull on your heartstrings attractions I've ever seen.
2. Since you're only going to be there one day, move fast, but Don't miss things. Epcot is a WHOLE lot more than attractions.
3. Do not miss Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. They are my favorite nighttime show, and just wrap up your entire day (and the lives and promises of humanity) in just a few minute show.
4. In Disney, The parks do have a set closing time, but usually you can roam the parks for up to 2 hours after it, just taking in atmosphere. Nothing's open, no rides are operating, but it is beautiful, and as the people clear out, you can wander just you and your boyfriend, quiet time together at the end of a long day. (don't quote me on the 2 hours, but I've done this for quite a while, and it really is great... and the worst they will do is politely ask you to make your way to the entrance)

Whatever you do... HAVE FUN!!

It is exactly why I want to visit Epcot, Disney's vision to showcase the world and our achievements, through our past, present and future. And I'll make sure to check out all the pavilions, especially The American Adventure! ;)

[theeighthpassenger]

Yes! Go to EPCOT! Every Disney fan should! Although its not the masterpiece it once was, it is incredibly unique and you'll see things you'll never see in another Disney park. Plus its got Mission: Space and Test Track. Two of the best E tickets Disney has even created, and are exclussive to Epcot. Make sure to see the science of The Seas, the architecture of World Showcase, the specticle of Illuminations, the grand ideas of Spaceship Earth, and on and on and on. Its a beautiful place, I hope you enjoy your trip!

[diehardguardgirl]

Ooooh but watch out for Mission: Space. I never get sick on rides but on that one I was looking for an emergency stop. :(

[Return_of_Phos]

I have only one WARNING about EPCOT and that is AVOID The Circle of Life film, don't even look at it just walk right past it, but whatever you do DON'T watch it

[Story]

I have only been to wdw once, so my opinion probably isn't as valuable as others who have already weighed in, but I would definitely say Epcot out of the two as well. Don't get me wrong, I truly did enjoy magic kingdom no matter how many times I have gone to disneyland. But nothing replaced Epcot for me on that trip. I just loved the world showcase - ended up spending two days exploring the different "countries" when we originally only planned one day at Epcot. And even then I still didn't see all there was to see there. :lol:

Hope this helps and above all with any decision you make, have fun! :)

[theeighthpassenger]

I have only one WARNING about EPCOT and that is AVOID The Circle of Life film, don't even look at it just walk right past it, but whatever you do DON'T watch it

Hmm confused about your hate for this film. Its a well done presentation with a great message that is a central part of Epcot. And its not going to take that much time to watch. Sure its not Test Track but never heard somebody criticize it that much?

---------- Post added 12-28-2010 at 12:00 AM ---------- Previous post was 12-27-2010 at 11:52 PM ----------

Oh and I would say if you're looking for things to skip since EPCOT is so big, make it Innoventions. Make sure to see the films in World Showcase in France, China, and Canada, and Maelstrom in Norway though. Smaller but really great attractions.

[Return_of_Phos]

Hmm confused about your hate for this film. Its a well done presentation with a great message that is a central part of Epcot. And its not going to take that much time to watch. Sure its not Test Track but never heard somebody criticize it that much?

---------- Post added 12-28-2010 at 12:00 AM ---------- Previous post was 12-27-2010 at 11:52 PM ----------

Oh and I would say if you're looking for things to skip since EPCOT is so big, make it Innoventions. Make sure to see the films in World Showcase in France, China, and Canada, and Maelstrom in Norway though. Smaller but really great attractions.

Ok now I will retract my comment about the Circle of Life b/c truth be told I have never seen it :look: but I have been warned by my brother to avoid the Circle of Life, but the Norway video after the ride..........yeah I'm not a fan of it and I always walk past the theater once when the ride ends :lol:

[theeighthpassenger]

yeah save your time on the norway movie, but the boat ride is really cool

[Epcot2000]

Yes! Go to EPCOT! Every Disney fan should! Although its not the masterpiece it once was, it is incredibly unique and you'll see things you'll never see in another Disney park. Plus its got Mission: Space and Test Track. Two of the best E tickets Disney has even created, and are exclussive to Epcot. Make sure to see the science of The Seas, the architecture of World Showcase, the specticle of Illuminations, the grand ideas of Spaceship Earth, and on and on and on. Its a beautiful place, I hope you enjoy your trip!

I completely agree with this. Although not completely the Haunted mansion E-Ticket, both are very solid rides. And this also supports my suggestion to do some research on the history of the park, and why it was that masterpiece. It's still amazing, but Disney's flawed management certainly has been taking it's toll on this truly inspiring park.

[lighto]

I'm off to my week of awesome theme park adventure. Thanks for the great advise guys!

[chemnerd09]

I'm off to my week of awesome theme park adventure. Thanks for the great advise guys!

Have fun. I hope you chose EPCOT because its one of my favorite parks. There is a lot more to do then ride rides all day. My favorite aspect is the World Showcase because I love seeing the different cultures. I'm not a thrill rider so I don't do Mission Space but Test Track is great. I also love Finding Nemo and Friends. The sheer vastness of that tank is amazing. I don't think people realize how big it actually is. You can fit the entire Spaceship earth inside of it and still have room to swim around. Please let us know how you trip goes when you get back.

[photographymom517]

I would say if you are leaning towards Epcot, its an excellent choice!!! For me personally, if I only had 1 day to visit a park, I would be very torn between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. To me, a Disney trip just isn't complete without either park! That being said, I agree with others...MK & alot of the rides there are similar to Disneyland. So in your case, I would recommend Epcot!!! My husband and I love all of the parks for different reasons, but by far, our top favorite is Epcot! The World Showcase is just amazing! There's so much to enjoy there...dining, shopping, just taking in the scenery! Also, don't skip Illuminations! If going during a busy time, make sure to look for a spot to stand/sit at least 45 minutes ahead of time. We waited too long last trip (during mid-June) and we got a horrible spot & weren't able to see the giant globe at all...that sort of takes away from the show. Just a suggestion but last year, we sat on a ledge right after the Mexico pavillion on the way back to Future World. There are a few little food carts there & a little shopping cart. You have a really good view of the fireworks & the globe...even if people stand in front of you, its still a great view & you can still see everything. Its also right before the path leading back to Future World so you are able to get out of the park quickly. It was completely packed when we went & we had no trouble getting out of the park, didn't wait in lines, etc.

I don't even know what to say "not to miss" at Epcot because we honestly love it all!!! I would also check the Extra Magic Hours (if you're staying on Disney property) to see which park is open early/late. You might be able to fit 2 parks into 1 day...in that case, I'd recommend Epcot for the evening and Hollywood Studios in the morning (if possible, depending on when EMH are). Just my opinions of course! Hope you have a wonderful experience at WDW!!! :-)

[lighto]

Epcot was GREAT! I only got to spend a day there but I was able to to do Mission Space, Test Track (fav!), Soaring and a complete walk through of the park. It's just such a different and unique Disney experience that you can't get anywhere else! LOVE the concept of world showcase + future world, it got me fully immersed through out this whole experience.
The best part was definitely meeting Remy at Les Chefs de France, but too bad we passed out around 6pm and didn't get see Illuminations...and now I have a legit reason to go back again! :D
Thanks for all the awesome recommendations!

[diehardguardgirl]

Meeting Remy was my FAVORITE thing from our honeymoon. So unique! And did you have the french onion soup? Because it's amazing. :P

[lighto]

Meeting Remy was my FAVORITE thing from our honeymoon. So unique! And did you have the french onion soup? Because it's amazing. :P

YES, it was the best! So much cheese I was already full by the time I finished it...YUM! I actually took a picture of it so I'll update this post as soon as I upload it. :D

[diehardguardgirl]

Yummm, I can't wait! I've actually started buying canned french onion soup at the store. It pales in comparison, but I like to pretend I'm in the happiest place on earth. :P

P.s. where did you get the Fav. Need Want banner?[COLOR="Silver"]

[lighto]

Yummm, I can't wait! I've actually started buying canned french onion soup at the store. It pales in comparison, but I like to pretend I'm in the happiest place on earth. :P

P.s. where did you get the Fav. Need Want banner?[COLOR="Silver"]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5356975838_cbe27a9a0a.jpg

Hmm, it's making my do a Homer Simpson drool. I'll think of Epcot too every time I have French onion soup from now on. :D

I made the banner from having way too much free time one day. :lol: