Hey there, Julia, and welcome to planDisney!
You all are in for a rockin’ adventure—the 4 Parks Challenge will be a day that you won’t forget. I love that you’re already in planning mode. Your game plan sounds great so far. I’m happy to suggest ways to maximize your visit.
Usually,
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opens earlier than the other three theme parks. This makes it the perfect choice for Park #1. “Rope drop” (as soon as the park opens) any of your favorite attractions there. I highly recommend Avatar Flight of Passage for a bit of thrill or Kilimanjaro Safaris to see super active animals.
Magic Kingdom Park tends to have longer theme park hours. Ending there is the best option. And one word: fireworks. That’s quite the magical finish line. Once you get closer to your big day, check the
Day Calendar to see the most current theme park hours so that you can plan accordingly.
If you’d like to use the complimentary transportation options at Walt Disney World Resort, I would do the following:
-Take bus transportation from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to
Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
-From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, either take bus transportation to EPCOT’s front entrance or the
Disney Skyliner to EPCOT’s International Gateway near the World Showcase.
-Then, take the
Disney Monorail to Magic Kingdom Park.
As a local, my go-to way to get from theme park to theme park is to drive a personal vehicle. Once you’ve paid for parking at one lot, you don’t have to pay again at the others. Simply show the parking attendant your receipt. You could also use the Minnie Van Service (via Lyft) or another rideshare service.
AN EXTRA GEM: In order to fulfill the challenge, make sure that your theme park ticket has the
Park Hopper Option. This option is included if you have an annual pass. Theme parks can reach maximum capacity, but in May 2025, I doubt that you’ll run into any capacity roadblocks.
Remember to create a fun rule for what qualifies as a theme park visit for you and your family. I like eat one snack like a DOLE Whip and ride at least one attraction. It’s been a while since my own family has taken on the unofficial 4 Parks Challenge, but after sharing my thoughts with you, I’m penciling that into my 2025 calendar. Thanks again for stopping by, Julia. If you have any other questions about your upcoming vacation,
give us a holler at planDisney.
Magic always,
LeAndra