3 days in Orlando where should I start???

[startingtolooklikemother]

We are thinking of booking a repositioning cruise next year. As part of the deal we get 3 days in Orlando chucked in.
I've looked at extending our stay in Orlando but that means I'm taking too much time off work so not really possible.
DS will be 7.5 never been to a theme park, is 3 days in Orlando even worth doing? Will we be able to do any justice to any parks in that time? I've never been and absolutely no idea what to do. Any Orlando experts out there????

Anyone?

you could do disney in 2 of the days and see a few of the parks

I sound really silly but I understand the parks are huge so would I be better just doing one park rather than trying to squish in everything?

I'd do one day magic kingdom, one animal kingdom and Epcot. Aim for long days in each and enjoy them! They are unlike UK theme parks, much more of an experience.

I would do magic kingdom, Epcot and universal.

What is you DS into?

Magic kingdom - very classic Disney films - quite a few non rollercoaster rides (which our 2 year old could go on)
Fab firework show

Animal kingdom - personally not my favourite and only do if we have the time. But with the new pandora area it's quite popular. Has animal exhibits and a safari, few gentle and gel rollercoaster type rides.

Epcot - is a good park to wonder round - some rides very dated but lots of opportunities to meet characters as not so many rides to take up your time. Again another fab firework show- but the current show finishes it run after the summer of 2019.

Hollywood studios- is what it says on tin - movie based fun! Has been a bit of a poor cousin recently with lots of ride closures but set to be very popular from early 2019 when Star Wars opens! Along side the new toy story land which opened this summer. Another great theatre style firework show.

Universal studios - I didn't visit this year so it's a been a while, but from what I hear it's mainly aimed at the teen market, with more thrill type rollercoaster rides.

You the also have the water parks and sea world but given your lack of time I would discount those altogether.

I'm a purest and magic kingdom is what it's all about for me! Seeing the castle, Main Street! You just cannot beat the first glimpse of the castle!!

But it really depends if your DS is into any thing specific? X

Also check out the DIBB / it's a fab website full of lots of great tips and info xx

If you are going to do any justice to Disney you’ll need to get you tickets in advance and book some fast passes for the rides you really want to do.

Have a look at touring plans website,

3 days I would probably just do Universal as you can get a 3 day 2/3 park ticket and pretty much manage to do it all. I would stay in one of the hotels near by (Cabana Bay or Hard Rock depending on budget). You are on site and can walk most of it. Has Marvel/Minions/Harry Potter

Disney 3 day tickets are expensive as are individual parks and you just cant do it all. needs a lot more planning as well and is huge for far more difficult to navigate - need a least a week

Universal studios - I didn't visit this year so it's a been a while, but from what I hear it's mainly aimed at the teen market, with more thrill type rollercoaster rides.

I wouldn't say it was just aimed at the teen market. DS was 8 when we went over the summer and there were very few rides he didn't/wouldn't go on. If your DS likes Harry Potter then its definitely somewhere really worth going..

If your DS is a Harry Potter fan I’d o universal for 3 days. If not, one day magic kingdom, one day Epcot and then either Hollywood Studios or animal kingdom. Do long days and thrash yourselves - you can recover on the cruise!

I’d base it off your DS’ interests, have a look at all the rides and see which park is most suitable/enjoyable. DD hates Epcot, loves Hollywood studios and universal - but she’s into big rides and Harry Potter.

I’d try out a water park too, relaxing if you like but lots to keep the kids occupied.

Definitely the Magic Kingdom.
Hollywood Studios is great for shows.
Maybe a water park too, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach

I’d say what are,your dates first of all?

and what hotel are you planning on staying at

Hi Startingtolooklikemother, have you found something yet?
From my experience of Disney when my children were around that age, 3 things matter:

1. Children get tired after a few hour at the park and you have to pace yourself. It helps to have a hotel very close to the park so that you can take a break. I found that going really early and spending 3-4 hours in the park, followed by a 2-3 hour break (perhaps at the hotel pool) followed by an evening visit back to the park, is better than trying to tough it out for a whole day at a time.
2. For such a short time (3 days), it's really hard to do all the parks justice. You can get a 3 day Disney pass and a 7.5 year old will absolutely love Magic Kingdom. I'll never forget the looks on my children's faces when they saw Mickey Mouse in the flesh for the first time. It made me cry! I suggest Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom for two days, interspersed with a day at one of Disney's Water parks just to have a different perspective and experience.
3. Everything inside the parks is really expensive including food and merchandising so budget accordingly.

Please let me know if you need any detailed advice - happy to help!