Welcome to planDisney, Susanne. Let's get an answer to your question!
At this time, 2 days is the minimum number of days on a
theme park ticket that our friends in Europe can buy
ahead of their trip. If you would like to only visit the theme parks for 1 day, you would need to wait to purchase your ticket until you have access to the United States version of the website when you arrive. Alternatively, you could purchase your tickets at any ticket window outside of the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort, but the sooner you secure your tickets, the better!
If you end up only being at the resort for one day, I have a few suggestions on what to do in case you haven't fully decided on your itinerary yet. Here we go:
Suggestion #1: Pick one theme park and really commit. There's a lot to do in each theme park...plenty to fill an entire day and then some. My suggestion for the park you should choose? Well, Magic Kingdom Park is the quintessential Disney experience. It's got the beautiful Cinderella Castle, the classic Fantasyland attractions you've come to love and associate with the Disney Parks, and 2 of the newest attractions at the resort: Tiana's Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise.
Suggestion #2: Purchase a ticket with the Park Hopper Option and visit 2 parks in 1 day.While you could technically visit all 4 theme parks in one day with the Park Hopper Option, I wouldn't recommend it. Instead, I'd suggest you pick 2 theme parks that are the easiest to hop to and from. For example, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park are easy to hop between because of the Walt Disney World Monorail. Also, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios are easy to travel in between using the Disney Skyliner.
Other recommendations to maximize your time:
- Consider purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Pass to get access to shorter wait times for many attractions at the resort. You'll have the ability to purchase this service when you arrive in the United States (when eligible) through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
- Eat at quick-service restaurants (unless you need a longer break in the middle of your day). There are some delicious quick-service options at each theme park. And you are actually visiting during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which ends on November 23, 2024 this year. So if EPCOT is on your itinerary, this is one of the best options for quick eats that are delicious and unique!
- Instead of using the Walt Disney World Bus Service, opt for the Minnie Van Service. If you are hopping to parks that aren't connected by the Disney Skyliner or the monorail, the quickest way to get from park to park is to reserve a Minnie Van through the Lyft app. As a plus, these rideshares are operated by Cast Members, ensuring the best service.
Ultimately, Susanne, I can give you all the best tips in the world, but your dreams are wishes your heart makes. So make sure you plan out a few must-do things for your perfect Disney day. This way, you can concentrate on getting those things done and everything else is (a Mickey Dome) cake.
If you have any other questions,
don't hesitate to reach out. I love to help!
A very merry unbirthday to you,
Matt