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Home / Blog / Theme Park Tips & Planning / Which Disney World Park Should I Choose?

Which Disney World Park Should I Choose?

by Mommy Frog on December 13, 2024
Orlando

Which Park Should I Choose at Disney World — PinterestWhich park should I choose? Which Disney World park is the best? We frogs get that question a lot when planning a Walt Disney World vacation —and understandably so. With four distinct parks to choose from, there's something for everyone.

Whether it's deciding what to prioritize for a quick two-day trip or which park to visit twice in a week-long vacation, the Frog Family has lots of different factors to go over. Leap likes the outdoors, so a morning at Animal Kingdom is usually in the works. Tad is our resident thrill-seeker, so he likes Hollywood Studios the best. Our own princess, Lily, is all about the fantasy of Magic Kingdom. Myself? Well, I never say no to some international cuisine and beverages at EPCOT.

With four very different atmospheres, we can never pick just one for the whole family. We try to fit in time at each of the parks for everyone's favorites. There isn't always one set plan for which parks to prioritize because it comes down to what is best for your family. Read on for our frogtastic tips on which park to choose at Disney World!

What Park Should I Choose at Disney World?

For the Classic Experience: Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

If you're looking for the classic trip that really says "I went to Disney World," you can't go wrong with the park that started it all — Magic Kingdom. Tadpoles often can't believe they are at Disney World until they see that iconic Cinderella Castle. For many parent and grandparent frogs, we remember our trip to Magic Kingdom all those years ago. Furthermore, it's the park that has remained mostly the same over its 50+ years.

Even with a focus on magic and fantasy, the distinctly themed lands provide lots of different atmospheres for all to enjoy. Enjoy original attractions like "it's a small world" and Haunted Mansion as well as exciting newer rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle Run. With its nostalgia and whimsical Disney fun, Magic Kingdom is a must-do for most frog families!

For the Thrill Seekers: Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Ride Photos - Tower of Terror Ride Photo

With rides such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, Disney's Hollywood Studios provides a thrill for coaster lovers. This park has a variety of adventures that throw you right into your favorite movies. With the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, there are lots of epic rides to enjoy (Slinky Dog Dash, here we come!)

Teenagers and pre-teens like Tad will likely find the most interest in Hollywood Studios, where action and adventure provide a nice contrast to the other parks.

For the Foodie Family: EPCOT

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2023 — food items from Germany

Enjoy the tastes of the world with incredible international cuisine at the World Showcase in EPCOT! With four themed festivals throughout the year, you are almost guaranteed to be visiting during one of them. Each of them always has amazing food and drinks! Extra booths are even added to offer dishes from countries not physically represented in the park. We've enjoyed fantastic treats from Brazil, Spain, and Greece over the years!

With plenty of options even for picky eaters (and lots of adult drink options), everyone in the family can look forward to the great tastings at EPCOT. It's not often you can say you tried food in Germany, Japan and Mexico all in the same day!

For the Leisurely Pace: Animal Kingdom

What Not-to-Miss at Animal Kingdom - Zebra at Kilimanjaro Safaris

For a different kind of pace to your Disney vacation, we recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom. There's so much to see and learn that you can't help but feel like you're on a jungle adventure! We always take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris and love to spot all our favorite animals. There are many trails throughout the park that allow us to see animals up close, including giraffes, hippos, and elephants.

While journeying through your wild day, we suggest participating in the Wilderness Explorers, a free, at-your-own-pace activity where you learn animal and nature facts and earn badges. The focus on nature helps us to relax and take in the day at a leisurely pace. With plenty of incredible rides to keep your family entertained, such as Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, there is something for the whole family. A day at Animal Kingdom has the perfect balance of fun and spending time outside — exactly what we like from a vacation!

 

For the Royal Tadpoles: Magic Kingdom

Festival of Fantasy parade — Ariel

We know the big question that will be asked by young princesses and knights alike, "When can we see the princesses?" No shock here — your best bet for a royal day is at Magic Kingdom! Nearly all the princesses can be found somewhere in the park (check out our guide to finding the princesses at Disney World). It's a perfect chance to get autographs, photos and royal hugs! If your young tadpoles want to dress up like their favorite princess, we recommend doing so on your Magic Kingdom day (along with a regular backup outfit, just in case).

Along with meet-and-greets, the princesses make their way through the park several times a day. The first is in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, which usually occurs in the morning. Then, the Festival of Fantasy parade, which usually occurs at 3 p.m. Frogs of all ages can enjoy seeing the princesses and having royally awesome interactions that will not be frogotten.

For the "Star Wars" Fans: Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Month Disney World - Magic with Meg

For the ultimate "Star Wars" experience, you have to devote a day to Hollywood Studios! With the classic Star Tours attraction and the incredibly immersive Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, your fellow Jedi or Sith won't want to leave. You can now pilot the fastest ship in the galaxy with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and have a thrilling immersive experience escaping the First Order with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You can spend hours just discovering all the incredible details this themed land has to offer. And be sure to stick around until park close! Seeing Batuu at night is a truly incredible experience.

When planning ahead, consider reserving one of the special experiences. You can craft your own lightsaber at Savi's Workshop, build your own droid at Droid Depot and enjoy a drink at Oga's Cantina. Reservations are available 60 days in advance and often fill up quickly. Day-of availability is rare, so if these "Star Wars" experiences are a priority, make sure to book well ahead of time.

For Families with Young Kids: Magic Kingdom

For families going to Disney World with small tadpoles, we recommend Magic Kingdom. It has the most kid-friendly rides and shows, and has the least amount of attractions with height requirements. It's always difficult when getting to a toadally awesome attraction, only to find out that the little one is not tall enough to ride. Magic Kingdom has so many elements that are perfect for all ages. There's even a designated area, Storybook Circus, just for the little ones. Here's to riding Dumbo five times!

For the Lifelong Learner: EPCOT

EPCOT Kidcot station at Germany

One of our favorite things about EPCOT is that you can learn about different cultures from around the world in World Showcase. It's an experience both tadpoles and frog parents alike enjoy! Did you know the cast members working in the pavilions are Cultural Representatives? This means they are actually from that country! It's a great opportunity to learn about different ways of life. (And there are even Kidcot stations with fun tadpole-friendly activities in each pavilion!)

Plus, you can't froget about EPCOT's festivals that hoppen year-round. We're always learning new things about horticulture, art, food and holiday traditions. Learn more about the World Showcase and Cultural Representatives in our complete guide!

For the Animal Lover: Animal Kingdom

While Animal Kingdom has its fair share of thrilling rides and experiences, we can't overlook what it's most famous for: animals! Whether you're exploring the Harambe Wildlife Reserve or seeing tigers up close and personal during the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Animal Kingdom has animals for every age to enjoy....even some creepy crawlies (if you're into that sort of thing.)

Animal Kingdom offers a treasure trove of animals to learn about, take photos near, and see. No, seriously — the park is home to approximately 300 species of animals! If you or your little one loves animals, this is one park that should be at the top of your list!

For the Adult Only Trips: EPCOT

EPCOT Fireworks — EPCOT Forever, view from Japan pavilion

Family trips are great, but every now and again you might want to sneak away for a quick weekend trip at the parks. If so, there's no better place than EPCOT!

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or want to hang out with friends, EPCOT offers exciting adult-only experiences. From drinking around the world to taking in a show at the American Gardens theater, EPCOT offers a break from the hustle and bustle and gives adults the chance to unwind. Sure, there are many live shows tadpoles will enjoy at EPCOT. However, the bands of their parents' youth may not always be one of them. 

The Historian: Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Hidden Gems - Walt Disney Presents

Hollywood Studios is great for movie buffs, but it's also great for historians! At Walt Disney Presents, you can view artifacts from the Disney Company, as well as from Walt himself. I always love seeing old sketches while Tad enjoys the larger-than-life models. You can also enjoy a 15-minute documentary about Walt Disney and the lasting impact he had on, well...pretty much everything! Us frogs wouldn't be doing what we're doing without that man's imagination!

But that's not all! Gertie the Dinosaur represents Winsor McCay's short film of the same name, which made bold strides in animation. There's also a bronze film producer statue in the Courtyard section of the park that has a quote from former CEO, Michael Eisner and the official insignia of MGM. It's a little remnant of what the park used to be – and what will always be at the heart of it: movies and the impact they leave on the world. 

For the Show Lover: Animal Kingdom

Technically, you could find great shows at any of the four theme parks. However, for a Broadway-level experience, look no further than Animal Kingdom. There are two great shows at Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!

Both shows feature incredibly talented actors, larger-than-life puppets, and songs that will stay with you long after your day at the park has ended. These aren't short shows, either! Finding Nemo is a little less than a half hour, while the Festival of the Lion King is 40 minutes! The dedication and raw talent that both of these shows display are otherworldly. Words don't do them justice, but just promise us you'll make time for them on your next trip!

Different Ticket Options at Disney World

So you've chosen your parks to prioritize, but which tickets should work best? Base Tickets are admission to one theme park per day. Date-based tickets do not require a park reservation. However, select admission types require a Disney Park Pass Reservation for each day of your visit.

The Ticket with Park Hopper Option allows admission to more than one theme park per day. With the recent return of all-day park hopping, you can hop to your next park whenever you want — no limitation!

The type of ticket depends on the trip you are planning. Park hopping allows for more flexibility since we know plans always change. For instance, we might start at Animal Kingdom (often the first park to open and close) and then park hop to EPCOT for the evening. Families need to weigh if the extra cost of the park hopper option is worth it for them. Some families get the base ticket and make sure they get everything done in that park for the day.

Then, you also need to decide if you wish to utilize the Lightning Lane service! If you're not a fan of waiting in long lines, look into Lightning Lane Multi Pass. With it, you can skip the lines for over 40 attractions.

For frogtastic savings, purchase tickets through Undercover Tourist with lots of customizable options to fit your vacation.

Which park at Disney World is a must-do for your family? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: The Best Theme Parks in Orlando by Age Group

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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