We have been to Orlando each year for the past few years and we are going to try a few new parks this time.
Epcot and Hollywood (MGM) Studios - I am wondering how big are these parks and how much time we will be at each. I understand some folks take more time than others at parks but can you compare the size of these parks to any others.
Thanks.
We are planning a whole day for Epcot but with your advice that we only need ½ day for MGM maybe we will get a park hopper and hit Typhoon lagoon the other half of the day.
We did go to AK two years ago and wouldn’t mind returning. But as with all vacations, time is limited….
THANKS.
How much time to allot to a park depends on your interests. Personally, I could spend two days at Epcot and two days at Disney Hollywood Studios. They are my favorite parks of the Disney variety. But once again, it depends on your interests.
And since I don't know your interests, or which kind of parks you enjoy, it's difficult to interpret. But I'd spend at least a day at each. Both have great thrill rides, sensational shows, interesting tours/exhibits, and a nighttime finale that will blow you away.
Have a bomb time.
We always allow one full day for Epcot (rope drop, break midday, and back for dinner and Illuminations), plus another 3/4 day (rope drop through mid afternoon).
One day at the Studios is enough for us, but we don't see all the shows, just a couple. If you were only doing rides you could do it in a half day, but if you're interested in even a couple of the shows you'll need a full day or most of a day.
However, if you are not pressed for time....
DHS: plan on arriving at park opening and touring until about 2:00, then taking an afternoon break to rest at your resort before returning that evening for dinner and Fantasmic.
Epcot: allow at least 3/4 of a day for FutureWorld (the front/thrill ride half of Epcot) and a full day (including an afternoon resort break) at the World Showcase for sight-seeing, show watching, food eating, and Illuminations viewing. If you have children, allow plenty of time for the Kidcot Funstops as your tour the World Showcase.
Please note, each "half" of Epcot is about as big as the Magic Kingdom, so trying to cover all that ground in one day without resting is not advised!
Good luck!
At Epcot we do one late day in World Showcase with a side run to Test Track via fast pass and stay for the fireworks, then we do another day with just Future World (hitting Test Track again)
At Hollywood Studios there are just too many shows not to spend two days. We start off both days with a Tower of Terror/Rock and Roller coaster triple play (thanks to fast pass we ride rock and roller twice or three times while we wait for ToT time to roll around). Then we hit the shows in order.
If you have the time its worth it. Otherwise you have to pick and choose some things or spend less time really seeing things (as with Epcot).
3 for EPCOT
2 for DHS
You will see everything. EPCOT is nice to stroll around and relax, but still, have a good time!