Spending 1 day at a park. Epcot?

[fayeelle]

We will be visiting my family in FL at the end of Aug and DH/SS's love Disney parks. We have done MK a few times and not much else. I was thinking Epcot this time around since DD loves both Frozen and Finding Nemo right now. I haven't been there since I was 12 and know that its changed a ton. The main reason for Epcot would definitely be Frozen for DD but I hear its kinda crazy? With only1 day is this a better option than out usual MK?
We would be driving about 2hrs to get there. SSs are 13 and 11, DD is 18mths.
Any and all suggestions welcome and appriciated!

[ECB]

Well, in all honesty, if I had only one day, I wouldn't pick a park based on an 18 month old. I think the 13 and 11 year old will get a lot more out of the trip and I'd focus on what interests them.

[erbear]

Jul 12, 2016 16:58:02 GMT -5 ECB said:

Well, in all honesty, if I had only one day, I wouldn't pick a park based on an 18 month old. I think the 13 and 11 year old will get a lot more out of the trip and I'd focus on what interests them.

I'm here. I'd do what the big kid want. Harry Potter world?

[fayeelle]

ECB and erbear SS's have taken trips to both DW and DL nearly every year since they were 1 and 3. As a family of 4/5 we've done MK/DL 4 times now and they went every year before that.
Both of our last trips they were both very underwhelmed and when asked about this upcoming trip weren't excited about it.
I was just looking for a way to shake things up.

I did ask about Harry Potter World and got no answer. We did that with them a few years ago as well so maybe they are feeling more BTDT overall.

DH is hardcore Disney so he wants to do 1 park with our friend who is also a cast member (bonus free tickets!). I take back my earlier statement about SS's. I don't think they are as into it as before.

ETA- spelling, fat fingers....

[ECB]

Ah, well, with that update.... Sure, do Epcot. I expect they'll be underwhelmed by that too but if nothing will make them happy, do what will make YOU happy!

[TBM]

Epcot is my favorite park, but that is no help to you. lol

I would think that the crowds for Frozen would be thinner by the end of August. A lot of kids will be back in school by then.

[fayeelle]

We would definitely only be going for the Frozen/Nemo aspect. I've heard Frozen is insane with wait times. I see a lot of people get FP waaaay far out in advance. Can you still get them same day or are we SOL?

[lala]

I think if you go in thinking, "we're only here for these 2 things for a toddler," you will be disappointed. There is so much more to Epcot. I'd see what else appeals to you guys and stay the whole day. Definitely do illuminations at night, get an ADR for an early dinner. There has to be something the teens will like. Soarin'? Test track? Mission space?

[curbsideprophet]

I don't know how cast member tickets work, can you not book a FP prior to the day of?

I would not expect there to be any available day of but I don't know for sure. Not sure if they still have to morning blocked off from FP. I know for my Aug trip is seemed the consensus was FP was starting at 11 even though the ride open at 9.

I have heard great things about the meet and greet though.

[spankswife]

All that aside, I think Epcot is a great park and has a lot for everyone! You can rider swap the more exciting rides, and the older kids can go twice. Or maybe you do Frozen and they do Test Track for example. Not sure how FP work with free tix.

They might like getting the passports and going to each of the countries to get it stamped. The aquarium is pretty cool.

They might like eating hibachi in Japan, and getting some of the fun sweet treats along the way. They would appreciate them more than a toddler.

[alleinesein]

Main Gate blue and silver guest passes (aka cast member sign ins) are park hoppers. Why do you want to limit yourself to one park when you are getting in for free and you have the ability to park hop? There is the Finding Nemo stage show over at AK that you could do.

[fayeelle]

Jul 12, 2016 19:51:46 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Main Gate blue and silver guest passes (aka cast member sign ins) are park hoppers. Why do you want to limit yourself to one park when you are getting in for free and you have the ability to park hop? There is the Finding Nemo stage show over at AK that you could do.

I DID NOT KNOW THIS.
I need to start prodding DH's friend! Lol

[jeaniebueller]

I love Epcot. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto there with only 5-10 minute waits. I love the food court. nemo is fun for kids that age. spaceship earth is fun. Walking around the countries and drinking is fun. I feel like the entire park experience is so much more laid back than MK.

[fayeelle]

jeaniebueller....I think youbsolf me at laid back. DH has mentioned how much different MK is now. He wants to show up, relax and see where the day takes him. He felt rushed our last 2 trips.