We are goingt to Orlando and Disneyworld in late December to beginning of January. How many days should you recommend spending on the Disney World/EPCOT, MGM Studios and Animal World if you want to "see it all"???

Are there any dates New Year's Eve we should avoid if we don't want to stay in endless lines?

Dag Wolters
Sweden

Depends on how many in your group, and ages. If you are going with small children, and you try to get too much in, you will not enjoy yourselves. Also, depends on if you're going during a school break. For first timers, figure 2 days at the Magic KIngdom and 1 day each, for the other parks.
During the summer, the parks are crowded, but stay open very late. The Magic Kingdom is really the only park you will have to deal with large crowds. During Easter break, the parks were more crowded than in the summer, and closed much earlier. If you're going during the holiday break in Dec. expect it to be very crowded. But, if you give yourself enough time, you will get to enjoy it all. Bottom line is, don't join the crowds. If the line is too long for an attraction you want to see. Skip it and then on your return day, do the attractions you missed. Take your time, it's a lot to absorb. It's also one of the greatest places in the world!! If you need any more tips, email me. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Mary Ann

I think you need two days for Epcot as wll as Magic Kingdom . I really recommend the guide book called
The Unofficial Guide to Disney World by Sehlinger. It has been our bible on our last three trips to Disney and we have found the suggestions and descriptions to be helpful and accurate.

My son and I visited DIsney WOrld last year. We had a 4 day 3 night package and stayed in the aprk, which is KEY because you get into the park an hour and a half before the "outsiders" are admitted in the morning. That's when you do the really popular rides (Space Mountain, Star Wars, etc.) without lines. The guide books are all pretty good (Mine was called Disney with Kids, or something) Take their advice to get up early, go all morning, rest in afternoon and then start up again in evening. There are events you'll want to see every night. We liked Magic Kingdon and MGM best. Depending on where you're from, Epcot is redundant of a lot of science museums and things you've seen elsewhere, also I thought the foreign country part was very phony if you've ever travelled at all. By the fourth day, we were exhausted. I just can't imagine spending longer, and we're very energetic.

I live in Orlando and go to the parks often. Since you will be here during Christmas there are a lot of extra things to see. Lights and MGM, parade at kingdom and lots of things at Epcot. Weather is usually very nice but can be cool. Do not miss the candlelight processional at Epcot and have lunch at the restaurant in Italy. Earlier Reports are accurate. 2 days each at Kingdom and Epcot, one day for MGM.

I think you need a week at Disney, and plan to take a day in the middle of the week for a break to enjoy the pool. If you get the park hopper passes they include the water parks and pleasure island for free.

Dag, I am so embarrassed that Jack wrote such a message and I have no idea who he is. I hope you do ignore his immature comment.

As for Disney, my family went in May and had a wonderful time. We hit all the parks you mentioned. I would like to mention that after Christmas to the New Year is the busiest time of year. My brother took his family there last year right after Christmas and didn't expect it to be as busy as it was. On the up side, the weather was great the parks hours were longer, like summer hours and they had a wonderful time. I don't know the age of your children but you need to take that into consideration plus the Unofficial Guide to Disney book was great. Also there is an Deb's Unofficial Web Site of Disney which has alot of useful information. As far as time in each park, I would have to agree with 2 days MK and a day at the other parks and depending on what you do at Epcot you can spend more time. There was alot of outside activity going on at Epcot, shows and such that you can sit down and watch. Catch the Illuminations at Epcot and Fireworks at MK if you can. Get up early leave around lunch for R&R and then go back to the parks in the afternoon. Also if you have the time try a boat ride and go to the Disney Market Place. There is so much going on outside the theme parks. Try the Board Walk, for nice strolling and people watching.