SOS! Seniors stopping at Disney World for short time
 

HI! What do you suggest? We are active seniors. We are driving home to NJ from Florida during the second week of April. We were considering stopping at Disney World for 1 or 2 days. Is it foolish to go for such a short time? If not, where should we concentrate our time? Should we reserve anything now? Tips for saving money on entrance to park? Are there hotels that offer admission to the park included in their rate? Is driving to the park a traffic nightmare, even if the hotel is 2-3 miles away, therefore defeating the cost savings? THANKS SO MUCH! We were overwhelmed with all the websites and info. Sandy

Well, what do you want to see? In terms of which park, I mean.

i think with such a short time I’d stay on property. Enjoy a few of the restaurants. The hotels are part of the fun, anyway. Those will be long days. Driving onto property isn’t an issue though. Something to consider, though, is that a lot of off property places charge a resort fee, and Disney charges parking fees. So your idea that you’re saving a lot of money may be false. Especially if you are picky.

Another benefit of staying on property is that you can make your dining reservations and fast pass plus reservations EARLY. Dining is less important than fast pass. Fast pass is super important, because is means less time in line, and it means you have a chance to snag the “hot” rides. Like avatar, space mountain, etc.

you can look at mouse savers. But usually the parks aren’t discounted all that much. And no, no hotel offers tickets as part of the stay.

in two days, I could see three parks. Day one; magic kingdom. Day 2, animal kingdom, dinner in Epcot. (You need a park hopper to do this. But Epcot’s night show is great, and AK probably closes early).

So helpful! Thanks so much!

We are truly novices at this . What are fast pass items and how do they work? (And a park hopper? Is that transportation that is incuded? ) We wil probably not go on "rides," but easy boats etc. Your point is good about staying on the premises so we will look for the lowest price point for a Magic Kingdom hotel. I hope that someone is nice to you today!

Ok, you really need to go on Wdw website, and decide what attractions you most want to see. The keyword is attractions. A lot of the rides are more attractions than rides.

there are free buses that go between the parks and resorts.

A park hopper is a ticket that gives you access to more than one park a day. Not always worth it. But I do it because Epcot is a great food park, and other wise not a full day park. So I often spend the day in another park, and dine in Epcot.

this link for fast pass plus

https://www.undercovertourist.com/bl...-plus-mymagic/

Just so you know WDW is not your typical park where you park your car buy a ticket to the park and then leave at the end of the day. It is like a small city. On WDW property there are 4 theme parks, 30 resort hotels and villas, dozens of restaurants, 4 golf courses, 2 water parks, and a shopping, dining, entertainment complex. You really have to decide what you want to do and plan it. If you just pop in for a quick visit you will be completely overwhelmed. There are plenty of websites that are chock full of information out there.

Here is a good interactive map of WDW that will give you a good idea as to the size and layout of the complex.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/maps/

I found the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World very useful when planning a family trip with our kids years ago. You can probably get a copy at your library.

If I had 2 days, I would pick Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

<<<Ok, you really need to go on Wdw website, and decide what attractions you most want to see. The keyword is attractions. A lot of the rides are more attractions than rides.>>>>

I agree with this. The wdw site gives descriptions of the attractions. See which park appears to you. Park tickets are expensive and it would be a shame to waste $$$ on something that is not your cup of tea.
I am also a senior and if limited to two parks would choose Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

I would too.
I would also stay at one of the Disney hotels, instead of dealing with driving in.
If there is time to add a third day, I'd add Epcot.

Also be aware that that is around Easter season which is one of the busiest times of the year. Just be prepared for massive crowds, especially at Magic Kingdom. If it were me I would also recommend Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Since you say you are not that interested in rides Epcot and Animal Kingdom are better for just strolling around, seeing the sites, eating and drinking and just enjoying the atmosphere. I am in my mid 50's and Epcot is by far my favorite park.