This was our second year going to Disney World. Last year we only spent one day at the Magic Kingdom, which was fine for us with our kids being 4 and 7. This year we spent two days in the Magic Kingdom and one day at Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom was wonderful again. Everyone complains about the crowds, but if people would just get their butts out of bed and go early it is so much better. Both days we were there, we were at the gates at least 15 minutes before they opened (they do a cute little opening show). We did just about everything the park has to offer and on the 2nd day we were able to repeat a lot of things. So go early. Eat breakfast in your room and get going. The rides our family enjoyed the most are Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, It's A Small World (yes, we do like it) and the Jungle Cruise. I have a 5 year old who does not like scary things and these rides were great. The train and the Transportation ride in Tomorrowland are great if you have a nervous pre-schooler. For the older kids, Big Thunder and Space Mountain are a must. So much fun. This year we did Country Bear Jamboree, Tiki Birds and Hall of Presidents. While some complain they are boring, I find these shows to be a nice break in the day and they are air conditioned (it was in the 80's when we went), so take a chance on them if you need to rest. The Philharmagic is amazing and should not be missed. So have fun and to get to the gates early. If you have small ones and need a break, go back to the hotel for rest or pool and go back in the evening. The cooler weather is nice and some crowds clear out. The evening parade is another do not miss. Beautiful. On the issue of fast pass, it worked great for us. We got our passes for busy rides early in the day and then enjoyed the rides either before or after lunch.

I have been to Disney numerous times over the last 15 years and I'm going again in May because I love it !
I can't beleive people complain so much about it .Of course its hot and busy but what do you expect ? I understand people have high expections but its pretty obvious its going to be busy and expensive its Disney. Get a life !!
I personally think Disney is pretty good value for money we don't really buy much in the parks apart from food so I can't comment on the price of soveniers but food is pretty reasonably priced . I'm sure that I could save money by buying my food outside the park and carrying it around with me but why on earth would I want to I'm on holiday !!! My only complaint I do have about the food is that it is really difficult to eat heathly (Epcot is the exception) there are lots of burgers hot dogs fries chicken etc etc but that gets a bit annoying after 2 weeks but I think this is a problem with most theme parks.
We don't have Kids so Magic Kingdom is done in a day for us . Its pretty tame ride wise which suits me but I would think many families may skip this park if they have kids in their teens.
MGM is a park that you may want to take two days to do as there are a couple of big rides here (Rock and roller coaster and tower of terror ) which if you go to at the wrong time of day you could queue for hours for (fast pass very handy here).The Great Movie ride is also here which I think is the best.
The Animal Kingdom is my least favourite park as I don't think thereis much to do here but I havn't been for a few years so we may give it a try in May to see if if has improved.
Epcot is my favourite park I really enjoy everything here and I like the fact it is so big you can wander round at your own leisure without it being busy . Love Test track . Mission space is about as hardcore as I get but not sure I'd do it again as it made me feel pretty rough. World showcase is fantastic I think the best resturant is the Canadian one (Germans awful) but you do need to book in advance. There are numerous stands around where you get get a drink the french ones the best as they do champagne cocktails which are lovely to have whilst watching the Fireworks which are amazing and worth staying for.
Can't wait to go back.

Okay, so in the summer YES it's hot, yes it's crowded, and I don't reccomend going during that time if you don't have to, but I can't help it...disney is my favorite place of all time. I go back once a year, and when I move back to FL in May I hope to go more.

Anyways, I've been in June, July, August, December, and March.

March was the BEST time to go (for me personally), it was I'd say the beginning of March or so. The weather was beautiful and we got to go on rides at lesat 2 times if not more. The lines were short and if you went early enough, you could walk right into a ride in the beginning of the day.

June/July/August: WORST time to go, too hot, WAY too crowded.

December (we went for new years): SUPER crowded, but the weather was nice. The fireworks spectacular is amazing for new years, but the park was way overcrowded and there were so many things we didn't get to do.

My favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom park: Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Splash Mountain (among so many more).

Epcot is nice if you want to stroll around the different "countries" they have to offer which actually have some great food (The Fish and Chips in England were surprisingly good). Favorite ride there: A tie between Soaring and Test Track. Test Track ALWAYS ALWAYS has the LONGEST wait so expect to wait at least an hour.

I don't frequent MGM as I'm not too much for stunt shows and the likes, they don't have many rides except for the popular Tower of Terror which I havent been on yet.

Animal Kingdom, I haven't gone to, I really don't have an interest but if you have young children I'm sure they'll love it.

Some tips:

If you don't absolutely need to, don't stay at a Disney Hotel. They're too expensive and you can get some GREAT deals only a mile outside of the gate! I suggest Comfort Inn Suites near Old Town which I reviewed on the site, either Radisson near the main gate, or the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista which has some GREAT rates and some other nice attractions/restaurants nearby.

Bring your own snacks/water to Disney if you can, it's cheaper and it'll keep you going. If you're going to eat there and are on a budget, any of the smaller restaurants will suffice and the food is decent (I think you can get a meal for like 6 dollars or so).

Try to go off-season if you can, you'll enjoy it more, trust me. OH and relax, take your time, enjoy everything Disney has to offer. Take lots of pictures!!

Our family of five went to the Magic Kingdom on February vacation. I highly recommend not doing this. Take your children over a long weekend and pull them from school a few days.

I thought the Magic Kingdom had the most to offer out of the three parks we visited (MGM and Animal Kingdom). Spend two days in the Magic Kingdom if you can. Skip MGM if your kids are under ten. I thought it is was just okay and my children are 5, 7, and 8.

If you do go to MGM make sure you see Spectromagic, the Stunt Show, and the Indiana Jones show. We also made a dinner reservation for the Brown Derby. It was an excellent but expensive treat.


If you do plan to eat in any of Disney's restaurant's make a reservation before you leave for vacation. Also make reservations for character luncheon's, dinners etc.

Animal Kingdom can be done in a day. It was very good. I thought Africa had the most to offer. Skip the petting zoo. Unless your from a big city and have never seen goats and a cow and llama.

The Dinosaur ride was good but quite loud and very jerky. SO if you have a bad back or had a knee replacement, etc. Think twice about boarding this scary ride. Definitely see it's a Bugs Life 3D adventure. Very good and cute.

We did not get the opportunity to enjoy EPCOT. I did not think there was a whole lot to interest my children at there ages. I do believe children over 13 may enjoy it more.

If you need a carriage bring your own. $12/single $18 double each day. This adds up.

Hope this review is helpful.