• On Jan 19, 2021
    Kayla from IN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Planning our first visit to WDW in 3 weeks- 1 park per day on 2/15, 16, 17, and 18. Which park would be best for which day? We are interested in character dining for our little ones as well. We are staying off property. Do we still need Magic Bands?

    Hi Kayla,

    Welcome to planDisney! Hooray for your family's first visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!

    When our girls were little, they loved EPCOT. It was always our first park day. Since you want to do a character dining experience, I would suggest that you make advanced dining reservations including one at Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera. My family loves seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck with their artistic flare! If you would prefer to dine in EPCOT, consider Garden Grill Restaurant

    Be sure to check the height requirements using the Attractions List prior to arrival so that you can manage expectations for your children. On our girls' first trip, one of them had just reached 40 inches tall, so we knew that she could ride more rides! She often got stopped for a height check, but she made it on the rides we expected her to be able to experience. At EPCOT, our girls had a blast on Mission: SPACE, Soarin' Around the World, Frozen Ever After, Test Track, and Journey Into Imagination With Figment. 

    If you start at EPCOT, I would suggest Magic Kingdom for the second day, Disney's Hollywood Studios for the third day and Disney's Animal Kingdom for the last day. Or, you could do Magic Kingdom on the first day and EPCOT on the second day. Although my family now prefers to visit Magic Kingdom first, with little ones, I do not suggest that you start with Magic Kingdom because you will want a full day there. And, on arrival day, we usually do not get to the park until after noon. Check the park hours for the days of your visit to help make your decision!

    Although you can certainly purchase MagicBands, you will not need them since you can use your Admission Cards for entrance. In between the rides, remember to stop by and take some photos with Disney PhotoPass Photographers and, if you want access to all of your digital photos, consider investing in Memory Maker. My family started purchasing Memory Maker years ago and have loved having access to all of our digital photos, especially the ones of us on attractions. 

    Kayla, be sure to check the information on Parking if you plan to drive yourself to the theme parks. And, check the operational updates for the latest information on park procedures and experience availability. Go in and make those Disney Park Pass system reservations as soon as possible. We hope you have an Incredible Disney adventure!

    Magic and memories,
    Donyell


thumbnail image for Donyell

Meet the Panelist: Donyell, North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina! I am a mom of twin girls, wife, and university professor who has been inspired by the creativity of Disney for a lifetime. Since my first Disney visit when I was 12-years-old, I have been drawn to the adventures crafted by Disney Imagineers. Planning Disney vacations helps connect me to families who will find in Disney the kind of joy my family has experienced over the years. Allow me to help you map your own Disney journey so that you, too can create the memories of a lifetime! Learn More About Donyell

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Quick Tip | Memory Maker

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.