1 Day at Disney World

Updated on March 14, 2014
B.B. asks from Salt Lake City, UT
13 answers

Hi Everyone,
I am tagging along on a business trip to Florida with my husband next month without our kids. We have one free day and since we will be a hop, skip and a jump away from Disney World, we would like to spend it there. We have been to Disneyland and love it but have never been to Disney World. Could any of you offer us any advice for making the most out of our 1 day at the park? I know the park is huge and it will be impossible to see it all but, what things should we make sure we do? Where is the best place to buy tickets? What rides and attractions should not be missed? We hope to go back and spend more time there with our kids someday soon. This will just be a fun day with my hubby who is my biggest kid of all. Thanks for any suggestions!!!

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So What Happened?

Such great advice! Thank you everyone. Still not sure which park we will visit but it sounds like Epcot might be a fun place for us this time around without the kids. We definitely want to come back with the kids and see the rest. I appreciate all of the suggestions. They have been very helpful!

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J.P.

answers from Lakeland on

There are 4 parks in Disney World where Disneyland has only one. Since it will be you and hubby I would suggest Epcot, it has fun rides and then the world showcase (the Flower & Garden festival has also just started there as well and goes through next month).

I think that Magic Kingdom is more like Disneyland, but there is the new fantasy land and so much to see there too. You can always get the park hopper tickets and visit more then one park. There is a monorail system that goes between MK and Epcot so hopping between those two is quick and easy.

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N.L.

answers from Tampa on

Disneyworld is VERY different from Disneyland. It is not one park, but 4 separate parks (with, alas, separate admission to each park, unless you get the parkhopper add-on). I would agree with sticking with one park for a single day trip. There will still be plenty for you to do! As for which park...that really depends on what you and your husband like to do. Single day tickets for MK are slightly more expensive than the other 3 parks.

If you like rides and "mouse magic" I would say probably Magic Kingdom. Get a Times guide and catch the new Festival of Fantasy parade, ride all the "classic" rides, eat at Be our Guest (if you can get a res) and watch Wishes in front of the castle. I tend to think of MK as the "kids" park, but my husband and I want to do the "behind the scenes" Keys to the Kingdom tour without the kids. You *can* see Wishes from various other locations throughout the WDW complex (Fort Wilderness, Polynesian, etc) and they even pipe in the music! MK is usually open the latest, so this may be the biggest "bang for the buck."

You'll also be there during the Epcot Flower and Garden show. Lots of neat topiary displays to see, try new foods at the outdoor kitchens (on top of all the "usual" places at world showcase), flower power concert, and various demonstrations. You can eat/drink your way around the world showcase. Soarin', Test Track, Maelstrom, and Mission Space are fun rides there for adults. This is usually the park we do for a "day trip" without the kids since my husband isn't all that keen on "disney magic."

Animal Kingdom is great for...well, animals. :) But, as others have said, have shorter hours and is a bit more away from the center of Disney. I would maybe save this for a longer trip and use this as sort of a "down" day in between the other parks. Not saying it's not fun, but I probably wouldn't do AK on a single day trip. Another option here is to go to the Wilderness Lodge (maybe a meal at Boma?) and check out the lodge and viewing area in between your park stuff.

Hollywood studios. We usually do this park with our 4 and 2 yr old b/c of the disney jr stuff, but if you and your husband are movie buffs, it could be fun. Fantasmic is an amazing show that's at Hollywood studios. You can do a "package' where you eat lunch or dinner at one of 3 restaurants and get reserve seating for Fantasmic. Indiana Jones, Tower of Terror, and Star Tours are also fun to do here. Oh, and you can learn to draw a disney character at the Animation thing (I forget what it's called).

Don't forget that you can check out the disney resorts, even if you're not staying there. Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Polynesian, Beach club (if you like ice cream, check out The Kitchen Sink at Beach Club), etc are neat to walk through and have fun places to eat. And there's also Downtown Disney for shopping and food!

Hope you have a great trip!

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E.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I would definitely go to Epcot. It is completely different from the Magic Kingdom, which you have already seen to a large extent if you have been to Disneyland. I loved Mission to Mars and the Maelstrom, in addition to the things mentioned by Lori. I also think it is the best place for grown-ups, lots of rides but also some really interesting things to see and experience. Also tons of great restaurants.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

If you buy a Park Hopper ticket, it will allow you to visit more than one park during the day. There are actually 4 Disney theme parks -Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. You and your husband would probably enjoy splitting your time between the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. What did you enjoy most about Disneyland? Was it the rides, the roller coaster, the attractions, the parades, the fireworks or the shows?? If you tell us your favorites, several people can give you a list of don't miss activities. You can probably buy your tickets at the hotel you are staying at-many offer Disney tickets for sale at the same price at the park. That would save you some time getting in the park. Have fun!

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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

I would do Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. You can cover a lot of ground without kids. Epcot is more adult oriented. You can ride Soarin' and do the Test Track. "Drink around the world" is where you have a cocktail in each country of the World Showcase. You can eat at one of the many good restaurants there, but try to make a reservation beforehand. The steakhouse in Canada is good, and so is the Japanese place. I like the Biergarten in Germany too.
At Magic Kingdom, you can just act like a kid. I love the magic of that place. It does cost a few dollars more to attend this park over the others as it is most popular. Disney just raised ticket prices. It will be $99 for a one day to Magic Kingdom. Others are $5 less. I wouldn't waste my day at Animal Kingdom. Its a nice park, but hours are shorter and better for the kids.
I do Like the Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rip Ride, Rocket, Star Tours and Indiana Jones show.
But if I had one day with just hubby and me, I would choose Epcot.
If you have never been to Magic Kingdom and don't know when you will ever return, I would do that one. But you will wish your kids were with you when you see Mickey and all the princesses, etc. They just launched a new parade that is supposed to be phenomenal at MK. You would have to go on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, its a small world, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean for sure. Great parade and great fireworks. They do this projection show on the castle at night that is just beautiful.
Sorry for rambling, but there is so much to do! Have fun!

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J.D.

answers from Albany on

Go to one park. There will be tons to do. Why waste time traveling? I personally would pick Epcot if it was me. I haven't been yet. But sounds fun for adults. The fireworks are supposed to be one of the best. And you have a better chance for some decent food. And they have beer :) I love love love Animal Kingdom. That would be my 2nd choice. Safari is great. It's beautiful just walking around. Festive atmosphere. And AK Lodge is worth seeing. I stayed there and it's gorgeous. And all the restaurants are excellent. Personally I would not go to MK or HS without my 7 year old Daughter in tow. MK is a lot of fun. But geared towards the little ones. Restaurants are less than stellar. Think bad food court food. But it is beautiful. It really depends what you're interested in.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

NOt sure how old your kids are. If they are under 6, go to Disney Hollywood Studios. They will love it.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Get to Magic Kingdom early. Do what you want to there and then head to Epcot. Maybe a nice dinner with hubby at one of the many nice restaurants
And see the fireworks. There are some great rides i.e. Soaring and Test Track are the biggies. Have fun.

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

A day is not long but you can do a lot if you get there when the gates open. When we get there we always head straight to fantasy land then go from there... There are some attractions I personally don't care for as much an would skip (Tiki Room, Presidents, Bear XXXX, Winnie the Pooh)

The following are my favorites and can be done in a morning if you hustle. Personally, I would get them done first thing in the morning when the gate opens, then go back and enjoy are more casual stroll down Main Street.

Fantasy land - MickyPilhar Magic Show, It's a Small World, Peter Pan
Piarates of the Caribean
Jungle Cruise
The Haunted Mansion
Really cool roller coasters - Thunder Mountain Rail Road, Space Mountain

If you are only there for a day, I would not waste time traveling to another park.

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L.H.

answers from Abilene on

A month out you can order your tickets online and be ready to go. Have them shipped to your home. It won't matter which park you choose because you get a one day pass that's good to all the parks. You don't have to choose which one when you order. I agree with the poster below about not traveling to another park if you only have one day. Choose one park and maximize your time there.

Magic Kingdom is generally opened the longest hour wise. It's a lot of fun and the park is huge. If you decide on that one make sure you stay for the fireworks show and electric light parade. Magic Kingdom has the most rides.

Epcot will be gorgeous while you're there. The grounds alone are worth going. The countries offer culture specific shows (China has an acrobatic show, Japan has a drum show. Both are great). If you like aquariums they have a nice one. Rides not to miss are soaring and test track. They have a wonderful fireworks show as well. Make sure you find a place close to the lagoon. I like to watch from China.

Animal Kingdom is my family's favorite. Downside though is it's open the shortest time. They have two broadway type shows, the lion king and finding nemo. Both are incredible and should not be missed. Expedition Everest is the roller coaster my family loved. Kilimanjaro Safari is a must do and if you've never seen weaver birds please do the forest walk. There are no fireworks show because of the animals.

Hollywood studios is fun too. More theater things here. They have their own American idol show that's fun. Aerosmith roller coaster is my husband's fave. Tower of terror is fun if you like dropping. They have a Star Wars ride and area as well as Indiana jones. This park has a fantasia show at night that you shouldn't miss.

You will have a ball no matter what. Lots of sun screen, sunglasses and comfy shoes are necessary.

Enjoy!
L.

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*.*.

answers from New London on

If you are going to go back to the Magic Kingdom w/ the kids one day, I would spend your day in Epcot. Epcot is more of an adult park.

Visit the countries. Make a dinner reservation in one of the restaurants (Mexico, Italy...What u love) as far in advance as u can. See the flower festival.

Soarin and Test Track are great rides !!!!

OR---Go to Hollywood Studios if u guys are movie lovers. The best Italian restaurant is in Hollywood Studios.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

For one day I'd try to pick one specific park to see otherwise a big chunk of your day will be lost in traveling between parks.
I love the Magic Kingdom but if you are going without kids I'd save that one for another time.
Epcot is beautiful - I've been there a few times..
I haven't been to either the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.
You should pick which will interest you the most.
We love looking at animals so for a 1 day trip we'd probably pick the Animal Kingdom.

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M.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you've already been to Disneyland multiple times I would consider choosing Epcot for your one day. It's different, but I found it fascinating when I went for the first time in my 20s. My kids were a little too young to appreciate it the first time we took them there and I actually had more fun going there as an adult with my adult family. My husband and I went to Disneyland just the two of us before we were married so I completely understand, but if you want a slightly different experience I would consider Epcot. And it's a full day by itself; personally, I wouldn't try to park hop.

ETA: And yes, I agree with the other poster, if you decide where to go purchase your tickets in advance. I'm working on planning a Disneyland trip right now. It will save you some time waiting in line if you have tickets in hand and can just go through the turnstile. AAA usually sells them and you can get them online at the Disney website, although some email providers (including mine) are blocking their website right now. People on this site advised me to not purchase tickets through any of the websites offering discounts or special deals, although I've found there are a few of them out there. Check out the Disney website for any closed attractions or special events while you are going to be there. You can sign up for email notices from Disney and see their FB page also. Have fun! Mousesavers. com and Mousebuzz. com are websites created by Disney followers.

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