Disney World with 3,5,8 - which 2 parks?
 

We probably want to spend 2 days at the parks....... which 2 are best for these ages?

I would vote Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

In my opinion Seaworld my kids loved. I have 2 girls age 2 and 9. They loved it. They also loved the luau dinner thats at the Seaworld and also Shamu and fireworks they also enjoyed. Disney was a lot of hype and expensive!

Same here, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, because of the ages.

Magic Kingdom and Sea World for kids those ages. Animal Kingdom is great if you see any - which means early am (NOT 10) or dusk - when they naturally eat. Not sure those are the best times for such little kids.

Would Sea World be a contender - and not Animal Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom, no doubt, and I'd actually suggest Epcot: I was there last summer with 16 kids aged 2 to 18 and the littles had a great time in Epcot. That didn't used to be the case, but they've made it a lot more kid-friendly. (They liked Animal Kingdom, too.)

As an Experienced Mother & Grandmother visitor to Orlando, Magic Kingdom is a MUST plus either Studios or Animal Kingdom.

Sea World is great but is hard work for young children, lots of concrete, sitting waiting for shows and no magic.

Do try and make rope drop at magic kingdom, usually 8am and remember you will need to be in car park about 30 mins before this.

Universal studios and magic kingdom for those ages. At universal there are two parks. go to Islands of Adventure.

I'm curious where you stayed...we have three kids about the same age. 3, 6, and 7. Resort?

my kids same age, advise please on where you stayed
would you rather just do 2 days at Magic kingdom than split?

Magic Kingdom and Seaworld

We went when our kids were younger.....Magic and Animal Kingdom for certain. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort and it was great. Very little walking or waiting since so close to monorail. Our rooms was super big, took a cooler and kept snacks in room. They liked the pool area also.

Magic Kingdom followed by Magic Kingdom. Seriously, there's a lot to do there and depending on the time of year you're going, you may not get to do it all in one day - or the kids will want to do certain rides over again (I speak as one who has taken nieces and nephews on Small World more times in a row than I'd like to recall). If you decide on MK and one other park, I'd go with either Sea World or Animal Kingdom.

I am with 321go. Do the Magic Kingdom two days. There is so much to do and kids like to do the same fun thing over and over again. If you had more days, I would suggest layering in the Animal Kingdom. Otherwise, two days of Magic Kingdom.

Also, take the advice given by an earlier poster and get there at rope drop. Spend several hours going on rides (start with dumbo and work from there) and then go to the resort for a pool/nap break. Return in the early evening for a couple more rides and dinner.

Have fun

Magic Kingdom and a waterpark. We the Disney waterparks.

Your question is really which park besides the Magic Kingdom. I mean, you're not going to Disney with a 3, 5, and 8 year old and not hit the Magic Kingdom I assume.

We've traveled to Disney 3 or 4 times a year for the last 5 years from our NJ home with our now 8 and 7 year old. We've been to every park and have been - as of our last trip - on every ride.

If you have only two parks to choose from then I agree that Sea World could be compelling in addition to the Magic Kingdom. Their shows are good, the few thrill rides are great for the 8 year old and maybe the 5 year old, and there is enough to do to warrant a full day.

I don't think you said anything about logistics and lodging. But, if staying at Disney and using their Magic Express service then you're going to need to figure out a way to get to Sea World.

If that isn't an issue, then by all means I think the Magic Kingdom and Sea World would be a good two days. If you're limited to Disney parks for logistics reasons, then Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Our kids have never really enjoyed EPCOT, probably because it always seems to have long lines for the major attractions.

As others suggested, I would do Magic Kingdom twice. It's HUGE, as are all the parks. You'll need 2 days just see & do it halfway well. Splash Mountain alone can entertain my family for 1/2 a day just by itself.

As mentioned before, get there early and have fun then return to your room in mid-afternoon for some rest or pool time before heading back out to the park in early evening. Excellent advice.

You'll have fun no matter what you choose. Enjoy!

Magic Kingdom for 2 days. So worth it and you can go at a slower pace if you don't have to cram it all in in one day.

We are heading back in October for Fall Break and even though we have done it many times will still spend 2 days at MK. We usually do 2 at AK also but are giving one up for a pool/beach day. Then it's one each at Epcot and HS. This schedule works for us with a 14, 7 and 6 year old.

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom for sure due to the ages of the kids. If you come during the hot florida days, you can choose Sea World's Aquatica which is very good and in my mind the best water park, however be careful with the Florida weather. It is often unpredictable and is sunny one second and rains the next.