I recently went to Walt Disney World for the first time. As a Disneyland local, I was most excited to see how World compares to Land. I had the bright idea of trying to visit all four parks in just 3 days, which was a tall task but I got it done. Now, let’s rank them.
Disney World Visit
I traveled to Orlando for a work conference that happened to be at a Disney World resort property. It seemed only right that I would also try to squeeze in park visits since I was so close. I landed in Orlando’s MCO airport at 6am. After getting an uber, I arrived at my hotel around 7am. Since it was so early, my room was not ready so I got dressed in the lobby bathroom and set out to visit the parks. The day started at Epcot around 8:30am where I was granted early entry because I was staying at a Disney World resort. After spending all day at Epcot, I then headed over to Magic Kingdom around 4:30pm for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I stayed at the park until around midnight. I spent a total of sixteen hours between both parks! The next morning, I was up and out, headed to Animal Kingdom around 8:30am, where I stayed until around 5:30pm. Then lastly, I finished this marathon by going to Hollywood Studios the following day with an after 4pm admission ticket.
As you can see it was an insane run of seeing all the parks. Here are my rankings. My rankings are based on how much I enjoyed myself in the park, which includes attractions, food, and overall vibes. My opinions could also change with another visit and more time spent in each park.
4. Magic Kingdom
This is going to ruffle a few duck feathers, but, as a Disneyland local, Magic Kingdom felt too familiar. The castle is absolutely beautiful and I do think Magic Kingdom does a better job at theming the spaces. However, Magic Kingdom felt every bit of 50-years-old. It seemed liked they could’ve done more to be modern (sans newer attractions and rides).
3. Hollywood Studios
I really did love Hollywood Studios because it felt so much like home (California Adventure). I loved that the names of all the buildings and streets were named after SoCal areas. Hollywood Studios also had some of my favorite rides like Rock’N’Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Mickey’s Runaway Railroad. If I was able to spend a full day at the park, I’m sure that it would be ranked higher because there is a lot of that I missed. Just another reason to go back.
2. Epcot
There is just so much to do and see at Epcot. Even more so, as a drinking adult, it has more mature options compared to the other parks. It is also home to one of the best rides out of all the parks, Guardians of The Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. I also had the best meal at Teppan Edo. I will definitely be back!
1. Animal Kingdom
I know my opinion is skewed because I spent the most time at this park, but I think my opinion would still stand. Animal Kingdom was the least overstimulating. The greenery, the music, the food, the characters, I loved the entire thing! I had my first character dining experience at Tusker House, which I 1,000% would recommend. Other highlights of the day included Expedition Everest, The Festival of the Lion King, and Zootopia.
While this was my first trip to Walt Disney World, I know that it won’t be my last. Watch my vlog below.
