Which Walt Disney World park is best? Well that’s a controversial question, right there! The obvious answer is that the ‘best’ park is different for everyone. Some folks will have a favourite based on a specific ride etc, but there are some aspects of the parks that will appeal to some people more than others. If you have the option, we’d strongly suggest you visit all the parks, but if you’ve only got a day or two, unfortunately you’re going to have to choose! Hopefully this will help a little with the decision as to which to pick…
Which Disney World park is best for little kids?
Most people would jump straight to Magic Kingdom, and that would certainly be a great choice. You definitely can’t go wrong at Magic Kingdom with little ones – you can spend a day in Fantasyland and Storybook Circus, alone. You can meet Mickey and co, and a ton of princesses, and there is a lot of focus on the animated films that they will know and love – Dumbo, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland etc. Plus the parade is fab for them.
But, for very little ones, Hollywood Studios is also a great choice. If they are fans of Disney Junior, there is a show, meet and greets and a character dining experience dedicated to these. The new Toy Story land is exceptionally well done and there are also some fab shows – Beauty and the Beast and Frozen Sing-a-long.
Meeting Doc McStuffins was a big hit at Hollywood Studios
The difference between the two is that you could easily spend a whole day at Magic Kingdom, entirely focussed on the little ones, where it is a bit more select at Hollywood Studios. However, some of my daughter’s favourite things to do in Disney are at Hollywood Studios.
Which Disney World park is best for families?
Magic Kingdom is probably the best ‘all rounder’ and so meets the needs of most people in a family. It has the most character interactions, the biggest mix of rides, from scary, to tame to thrill, has some shows, and the best parade and fireworks. Everyone is going to be pretty happy with something at Magic Kingdom!
The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom
Which Disney World park is best for Grownups?
If you are going to Disney World as an adult by choice, without kids, then by default any of the parks is likely to be a good for for you. But if you’re there because you’ve got a spare day after a work trip nearby, or having the kids baby sat for an evening, then you might be more selective in your choice.
The park that is most geared towards adults is Epcot. The park is split into Future World, which is more attraction focussed, and World Showcase, dedicated to countries around the world. Some of the attractions are a little more cultural – you can learn about technology throughout the ages in Spaceship Earth, view sea-life in the giant aquarium and take a ride through the greenhouses. All done in a fun way – you won’t feel like you’re at school! It also has my favourite ride in all of Disney World – Soarin’, which takes you on a flight around some of the wonders of the world. World Showcase offers some of the best dining options in Walt Disney World, as well as bars, shopping and some attractions dedicated to the countries it is showcasing.
Japan in World Showcase at Epcot
Whilst not a park, Disney Springs is also a great spot for an evening out – it has some amazing dining options, shops and bars. The Boardwalk is also pretty fun, but much smaller. And you don’t need park admission for either of those.
Which Disney World park is best for teenagers?
The competition here is again likely to be between Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom has the most attractions – including the three Mountains (Space, Splash and Big Thunder) as well as Seven Dwarves Mine train. But any Star Wars fans are definitely going to want to check out Hollywood Studios, and it also has some ‘big hitters’ when it comes to thrill rides, including Rock n Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash.
Storm Troopers during the March of the First Order at Hollywood Studios
So what about Animal Kingdom?
Poor Animal Kingdom hasn’t had a look in, in this list, and yet it really is a great park. It will appeal to quite specific groups. For animal lovers, unsurprisingly, it is a must. I clearly remember being just blown away when I first went on Kilimanjaro Safari – seeing such amazing animals in the ‘open’, in real life is incredible.
Giraffe on Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom also has the most immersive area, in Pandora, home to one of the most impressive attractions in all of Walt Disney World – you ride a banshee during Avatar Flight of Passage, and it really is outstanding.
Lovers of shows will also get a treat at Animal Kingdom. Festival of the Lion King features all the favourite Lion King songs, plus a fire-eater, acrobats and performers. Finding Nemo, the Musical, tells the story using songs and puppetry, and is just fantastic. We leave singing ‘In this Big Blue World’ everytime.
Honestly, there is really is no ‘best park’ at Disney World. There all incredible, with different things to offer. Pick any of them – you can’t go wrong!
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