Fantasmic
  • On Jun 21, 2026
    Ingrith from Panama Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My parents are taking my 12-year-old son on their first Walt Disney World trip with 2 park days. Which 2 parks would you recommend, and what attractions, dining, entertainment, and itinerary would you suggest for each day?

    Welcome to planDisney, Ingrith! Your son must be so excited for his first visit to Walt Disney World! I am thrilled that he will get to spend some quality time with his grandparents at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Two days in the parks is a solid start, and I'd be more than happy to make recommendations for dining, attractions, and entertainment to help you plan. Let's get to it!

    First, no visit to Disney World is complete without a visit to Magic Kingdom. This is the iconic original park that opened with the resort back in 1971, and it has all the wonder, whimsy, and nostalgia for visitors young and old. Whether it's your first or fiftieth visit, there's something in the air at Magic Kingdom that is quintessentially Disney! My favorite attractions in this park include TRON Lightcycle / Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I try to strike a balance between the newest offerings and the tried-and-true classics that make Magic Kingdom such a fantastic place.

    I always eat at Columbia Harbor House when I visit Magic Kingdom because I love their lobster rolls and fried fish platters. If I'm craving a table service meal featuring comfort food, I make a reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern where Thanksgiving dinner is served every day. My favorite snack offerings are the waffle with fresh fruit and chocolate hazelnut spread from Sleepy Hollow and the iconic pineapple Dole Whip from Aloha Isle.

    Finally, be sure to catch the nightly fireworks show, Happily Ever After, to cap off your day at Magic Kingdom.

    For a second park day, I encourage you to check out Disney's Hollywood Studios. They have my favorite nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!, plus a host of amazing attractions for tweens and adults alike. Some can't-miss experiences here include Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and the recently reimagined Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. There's tons of amazing entertainment as well, and I always enjoy watching Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage and The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure.

    Dining is out of this world at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge where you can grab a Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters, or you can head to Echo Lake to cozy up with family for classic American comfort food at 50's Prime-Time Cafe.

    Have your parents and son take some time to review all the dining, entertainment, and attractions available at the parks and come up with an itinerary that everyone will love! These are just my suggestions, but you really can't go wrong no matter what you choose. A Disney vacation is about making cherished memories with loved ones, and that's what I reflect on when my trips come to a close. Yes, there are favorites and preferences, but it's the closeness I feel to my wife and kids that warms my spirit most when I look back on my visits. I am wishing the same for your family, too!

    Please visit us again here at planDisney for more advice and suggestions. It's our pleasure to assist our fellow guests.

    Stay magical,
    Scott
thumbnail image for Scott

Meet the Panelist: Scott, North Carolina

Hiya pal! I’m Scott, a husband and father of two small children from North Carolina. When I’m not trading pins, scarfing down pretzels, and enjoying my favorite attractions in the parks, I work as a librarian at a large public university. I love connecting my patrons with books and resources, and I can’t wait to provide you with the best Disney information, strategies, and tips that I’ve got in my collection! Learn More About Scott

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