Aloha, Diana, and welcome to planDisney! I love that you reached out to us to help plan your first trip to the
Walt Disney World Resort. And since it sounds like there is a Stitch fan in your family, let's make sure your vacation is filled with plenty of "ohana," adventure, and magical memories!
While it's pretty difficult for me, as a big Disney Parks fan, to pick just two parks, I understand that sometimes there's just not enough time to visit them all. And since you're first-timers, I would hands-down recommend
Magic Kingdom Park, which is the quintessential Disney experience with the most rides of all the parks. The next park I would recommend is either
EPCOT or
Disney's Hollywood Studios. If she is a thrill-seeker and can meet most of the height requirements, I would go with Hollywood Studios. Otherwise, EPCOT should be your go-to. No matter which one you choose, she will have a truly magical time. And with a little pixie dust and perhaps a bit of Stitch-style mischief, I think you're in for an unforgettable vacation!
To see height requirements, click "Attractions and Entertainment" from the "Things to Do" dropdown menu on the Disney World website. Click "Height" and use the slider to select your daughter's height. You can then select "Sort by Location" and find the rides she'll be able to ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If she ends up being tall enough for attractions like Slinky Dog Dash or Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, I have a feeling Stitch would absolutely approve of those wild adventures!
Speaking of Stitch, you can typically find him in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom near the exit of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. To check meeting times, open the My Disney Experience app, tap the map pin icon on the bottom menu bar, select "Characters," and click the Mickey Mouse icon near Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. And if you have a Disney Rewards Visa Card and visit Hollywood Studios, there is currently an exclusive Stitch photo opportunity at Celebrity Spotlight. Just check that it's still being offered closer to your January trip.
If you want to start your day off with some Lilo and Stitch fun, I'd recommend looking into breakfast at 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. During breakfast, both Lilo and Stitch (as well as Mickey and Pluto) will come around to your table while you eat! If you go this route, I'd suggest one of two options:
- Park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and take the Resort Monorail line to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Have your breakfast, and then get back on the monorail to Magic Kingdom to start your day.
- Because Guests with dining reservations can typically park at Disney Resorts Collection Hotels for up to 3 hours, you could also park at the Polynesian for breakfast before driving to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Just be sure to give the lead Guest's name on the dining reservation at the security booth when you arrive.
Because it's a bit easier, I tend to prefer the first option, especially because either way, you'll have to take a monorail to Magic Kingdom since you can't park right by the entrance. For the other park you choose to visit, you'll be able to park and make your way directly to the entrance.
Diana, enjoy every minute of your first visit to the parks. Be sure to stop at a Guest Relations location to get a Celebration Button to let everyone know it's your first time! If you have any other questions,
please reach out again.
Have a Stitch-approved intergalactic Disney adventure,
Matt