Disneyworld - 3 days-only - where to stay? What to do?

[floridaflorida]

Will be in Florida for 3 days at Christmas. DDs 13 and 10. Can anyone advise on where to stay and what to do? Thinking possibly 2 days in magic kingdom and 1 day other. Probably not water parks, or mgm. Have heard of animal kingdom, is it any good?

Also, would you recommend staying in a Disney hotel ( if so, which?) or outside and bus-ing in? There seem to be loads to choose from. The resort hotels look great but is it a waste if we won't be using their facilities? Walt Disney world swan hotel, and Caribbean beach resort look lovely, but would we be wasting our money?

Any advice much appreciated!

Oh, and passes? We we will be looking for a 2 or 3 day pass- any recommendations for a website or anything please?

Anything? Anyone?

I can't help you on where to stay as we were there for 2 weeks & had a villa, but I would say that if you only have 3 days stay in a Disney hotel (I think you get into the arms an hour earlier?). Animal kingdom was our favourite and the only one we went to twice. MGM studios v good. I would say one day each at Magic Kingdom, Studios & Animal Kingdom. The problem is that 3 days simply isn't enough & you will miss something good whichever way you do it!

We stayed at Clarion Suites Maingate in Kissimmee and would highly recommend. We thought it was much better value than the Disney hotels and there was a shuttle bus from the hotel to the parks. Very comfortable, saved us loads of ££ and things like the launderette on site made a difference.

RE park tickets, the Undercover Tourist website was by far the cheapest when we went but that was 5+ years ago now.

Thank you, we think Dd will love the animal kingdom. Will have a look at mgm if you recommend. We would have chosen a villa if there for longer but we know it will be a rush ( and that we won't see much) It is a fleeting visit but likely our only one so want the Dcs to get the best we can.

If at Christmas the new Star Wars land will have opened at Hollywood studios so I would do a day in MK, AK and HS.

Bear in mind that Christmas is the busiest time of year to visit Disney World. Given you're only going to be there for three days I'd definitely go with a Disney hotel. Not only will the transport links be better and quicker than driving in and out at an already busy time, but I understand you do get extra magic hours if you stay on site. Art of Animation is supposed to be great for families.

Are they Harry Potter fans? If so then I would try and do a day at Universal. If they're not HP fans then I wouldn't bother.

Wherever you stay make sure you check for bed bugs before you unpack!

the swan hitel’s in a fab location, you can walk to Epcot and Hollywood studios from there. Animal kingdom lodge ok for the animal kingdom park but a bit of a trek to the other parks.

Bed bugs will have to google what they look like.

Going to look again at the swan. Downside is that it doesn't include the airport run.

Is one day enough for the magic kingdom?

Stay in Disney for such a short visit. Go for a value hotel as no point spending lots as you'll be in the parks all day. Free coaches all the time from hotels to park and park to park. Try attraction tickets or undercover tourist and you'll get fast passes through them. Enjoy!!!

Yes, if you plan your fast passes and food well then 1 day is fine for each park. Id definitely recommend animal kingdom and we loved Hollywood studios.

I'd stay onsite if I were you and if you are flying into MCO you can book the magic express. Staying on-site also means you get to book fast passes at 60 days out rather than 30.

Have a look on the dibb for more information and advice. They are experts on all things Disney world!