To do the parks or not?

[SmallMama]

I am planning a trip for May that we are going to orlando for 3 days prior to a cruise. Due to scheduling with other family members, we can only squeeze one day at WDW. Is it worth going just for one day or should we wait for another time when we can do more days? The cost is a lot, but we never been and it will be a experience for my 4 year old. Any help or advice will be nice. I forgot to mention we are doing a disney cruise in october for my birthday and i was thinking of doing the Halloween party at disney.

 

[PSUGuy]

I'd go if all I could squeeze in was a beer in the patio of the Rose&Crown.

Bill From PA

 

[mombrontrent]

I would do one day at Magic Kingdom, it’s perfect for a four year old.

 

[danielocha30]

if is a whole day and you stick for fireworks at MK it is worth.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Totally agree.
Don't try to do everything and make 3 early judicious fast passes, so you can follow them up with more.
MK is totally a blast for that age.
Enjoy!
ETA: Hit Rope drop.if you can or try to make a pre park opening breakfast reservation. Give you a "leg up".

 

[Bete]

MK is the best choice.

You could consider SeaWorld instead for one day.

 

[tinkerjo]

It will be a great precursor to get your little one excited for a Disney cruise. Just don't spend too much time with character autographs. The characters are plentiful and accessible on the cruises where there are long lines at MK. Go ride some rides and take in the atmosphere

 

[Ensusieasm]

I am planning a trip for May that we are going to orlando for 3 days prior to a cruise. Due to scheduling with other family members, we can only squeeze one day at WDW. Is it worth going just for one day or should we wait for another time when we can do more days? The cost is a lot, but we never been and it will be a experience for my 4 year old. Any help or advice will be nice. I forgot to mention we are doing a disney cruise in october for my birthday and i was thinking of doing the Halloween party at disney.

Yes, by all means, do a Magic Kingdom day. Arrive early, do a lot, see the 3pm parade, then take a nap break back at your hotel and return in time for the fireworks. You won't regret it.

 

[fhtpdw20]

I agree the cost of a one day MK ticket is too much. You might consider going to Disney Springs during the day and look at a character meal at a resort for lunch or dinner. If you want to make it a full day, you could visit resort to see fireworks and Electric Water Parade from the beach at Grand Floridian after Princess Meal, Poly, or Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge could be a good fit for a full day with a meal at Whispering Canyon, a visit to the petting farm, hayride and campfire movie with Chip and Dale. If animals are an interest try a visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge for meal, animal viewing and stories around the firepit.

PS. Halloween party may be expensive but it is still cheaper than full day at + $100 per person. Generally, using just the party ticket gets you in at 4pm. So if going to park is what you want, go for it.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yes, I would do it! The Halloween party is a ton of fun, but I would only go if your DS can stay up late, otherwise, it's a big expense for only a few hours of park time. If your DS would do better touring during the day time, I would just buy a one day ticket to MK!

 

[SmallMama]

Thanks everyone! I was npt even consider Mk, but looking at AK. My son does tend to stay up late if I let him, but I am normally ready to go to bed by 10 pm. I am not sure if we will be able to handle a whole day at the park, well I mean my self and the grandparents. How do ever manage to last all day at the parks?

 

[Dug720]

Thanks everyone! I was npt even consider Mk, but looking at AK. My son does tend to stay up late if I let him, but I am normally ready to go to bed by 10 pm. I am not sure if we will be able to handle a whole day at the park, well I mean my self and the grandparents. How do ever manage to last all day at the parks?

I go at a reasonable pace - not commando. I don't try to do everything. I try to space out things that involve sitting (like shows, meals, etc.) with walking/standing. I do one area of a park completely before moving onto another rather than criss-crossing all over the place. I stay hydrated with water. If I need a break and am not near a show or something, I'll hang out on a bench and people watch. While I do use my FP+ and get more as I'm able, I use lines as a kind of down-time - sure I'm still on my feet, but I'm not constantly moving.

 

[Micca]

Is the 4 yr old able to stay up late? If you're doing MNSSHP you want to be sure you could stay for the entire event (not sure how late it goes.) If you don't do the party I'd still go to MK for the day and get there at park opening. For someone who has never been to WDW, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

 

[Deanie1]

Yes, I agree with the others - one day at MK would be perfect for a 4yr old.

 

[scrapquitler]

One Day in Disney World is always better than no days in Disney World.

 

[Missish]

Is the 4 yr old able to stay up late? If you're doing MNSSHP you want to be sure you could stay for the entire event (not sure how late it goes.) If you don't do the party I'd still go to MK for the day and get there at park opening. For someone who has never been to WDW, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

This. MNSSHP goes on until late, and it's very expensive if you won't be able to stay for almost all of it. If you do the party, don't go into the park earlier - wait until you can get in with just your party ticket, that way you can have a relaxing day and stay later at MK.

I agree the cost of a one day MK ticket is too much. You might consider going to Disney Springs during the day and look at a character meal at a resort for lunch or dinner. If you want to make it a full day, you could visit resort to see fireworks and Electric Water Parade from the beach at Grand Floridian after Princess Meal, Poly, or Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge could be a good fit for a full day with a meal at Whispering Canyon, a visit to the petting farm, hayride and campfire movie with Chip and Dale. If animals are an interest try a visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge for meal, animal viewing and stories around the firepit.

PS. Halloween party may be expensive but it is still cheaper than full day at + $100 per person. Generally, using just the party ticket gets you in at 4pm. So if going to park is what you want, go for it.

This is a great idea if you're worried about cost - one day tickets are VERY costly, and those ideas are great ways to still have a 'Disney experience' without shelling out the money for the parks.

 

[evilqueenmindy]

one Day is totally doable, when I was a kid, we only did single day trips. As a passholder now, the majority of my trips are an afternoon in a park.
First— you will not see everything. Make your peace with that now and recognize that at 4, your kid will have no idea if they are missing something. You’ll still have a blast.
Pick a park and go with it. MK- tons to do, kid will of course love it, book early FPs, Book a table service lunch to sit down and get your bearings while someone waits on you. If you want to relax, hit the train when it gets hot.
AK- my second favorite park with a little kid- get a FP for the safari, check out the trails in Africa and Asia, they are super cool and get you close to the animals, again, I’m a big advocate for table service meals to cool off (and drink safari amber, the best beer ever IMO) catch lion king show in the late afternoon.
The keys are to not sweat the fact that you’ll miss a few things, just have a loose plan and a fabulous time.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Thanks everyone! I was npt even consider Mk, but looking at AK. My son does tend to stay up late if I let him, but I am normally ready to go to bed by 10 pm. I am not sure if we will be able to handle a whole day at the park, well I mean my self and the grandparents. How do ever manage to last all day at the parks?

If you plan AK, plan to see Lion King (use a fast pass for it and try to sit in front) and Finding Nemo. Both of these are theatre events and provide nice downtime.
The Safari is not on your feet either.
If grandparents are struggling, maybe let them take a break while you guys do the boneyard. They can sit while he plays.
The evening entertainment there (Rivers of Light) is not heartbreaking if you miss it, so it could be a much shorter day.
I assume you are not staying at a Disney resort, so going back to your room midday is not a really viable option.
Plan to eat at Flame Tree Bar B Cue, excellent food and HUGE portions. You could definitely save $$$ here by sharing a meal. (And believe me, they are sharable).
Enjoy your time, it's a great park!

 

[SmallMama]

I agree the cost of a one day MK ticket is too much. You might consider going to Disney Springs during the day and look at a character meal at a resort for lunch or dinner. If you want to make it a full day, you could visit resort to see fireworks and Electric Water Parade from the beach at Grand Floridian after Princess Meal, Poly, or Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge could be a good fit for a full day with a meal at Whispering Canyon, a visit to the petting farm, hayride and campfire movie with Chip and Dale. If animals are an interest try a visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge for meal, animal viewing and stories around the firepit.

PS. Halloween party may be expensive but it is still cheaper than full day at + $100 per person. Generally, using just the party ticket gets you in at 4pm. So if going to park is what you want, go for it.

This is a great idea. I did plan on going to disney springs especially to try theses Smores i seen.

 

[SmallMama]

One Day in Disney World is always better than no days in Disney World.

I really want to go, but afraid it will be a tease.