Disney Parks

I'm a HUGE Seaworld fan. There are lots of shows to amuze the whole family. My son especially likes the pet show, dogs, cats, pigs etc playing out a pantomine. It also has a kids play area with water etc so bring the swimsuit. It has rides as well.This suits me as I don't do roller coasters!!

I second the referral for Animal Kingdom! A Bug's Life is awesome! I do have to say that Epcot may be quite boring for his age...it is mainly for older children and adults.

I can tell you we lived at Disney until this last year when they raised the annual prices again. My son is also six. The one park you might choose to leave out if you must is MGM. I love it but for my 5/6 year old I don't think there's as much to do. Lots of shows. If you do go, the new race car show is a MUST for a little boy...also Indiana Jones. Animal Kingdom is good if he's in to the "zoo type atmosphere". Again, not as many "little kid" rides. Believe it or not, my son always loved EPCOT. There's all the interactive stuff at the front of the park and at the countries he can work color a mask, work his way around to each one and get a stamp on it. As simple as that sounds, my son wanted to do it over and over again. EPCOT always felt a little less crowded. I think the lay out of that park is far superior to the others. Don't forget to do all the new stuff in the aquarium section of EPCOT and the new flight ride (can't remember the name) is SOOO much fun! Magic Kingdom is hands down the most fun for a six year old but the most nerve racking for a mom with the lines. Be sure to take advantage of the Fast Pass system there. Hope this helps and have lots of fun!

We just got back from Disney last week, went for a 4 day trip. It was more fun for my boys this time, ages 2 and 5. We love Magic Kingdom (actually planning on going over again on Saturday just for the day) and MGM is fun because of the characters but "Great movie Ride" scared my oldest so bad that he wouldnt even open his eyes. Epcot is good for a half day trip (Nemo, Soarin', and a few others) But Animal Kingdom was probably my least favorite. There are alot of things to see, but my boys just werent too interested in it. If you think that it would be something that you would want to be able to just go for the day, we go the Florida resident season passes (they have black out days, but after we've been 5 times already this year-- they have paid for themselves.... $230 for adults, $205 ages 3-10) Good Luck and have fun!
Addy

We just went to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom last month. We LOVED Magic Kingdom, and should have done 2 days there instead of breaking it up. Animal Kingdom was good, but I didn't think it was any better than Busch Gardens. Unless you want to see the shows. If you do go there, you should know that the Dinosaur World ride (I think that's what it's called) is VERY scary!!! When we went, we were looking at a warning about the "A Bug's Life" 3-D thing - and we did that - a little scary for our younger ones, but it was ok. There was no warning on the dinosaur one, even though it looked like it might be kind of scary. It turned out to be EXTREMELY scary!!! Anyway, all that to say, Animal Kingdom is good, but for young kids, I think another day at Magic Kindom would be better. I don't know about MGM - we are planning on going there soon. Have fun!

I will check with my daughter. She works at Disney in Florida... Epcot is definitely a must see... I have heard animal kingdom not so great.. but she also likes that park.. Wild Kingdom is perfect... The Disney Movie Park (formerly MGM)not worth going to with a 6 year old, lots of fast rides and not really a big deal... but I will check with my daughter and let you know for sure... When are you going as the parks have Themes!! The Pirates of the Caribbean is awesome!!!!!!!

First of all, you are going to have a blast. When going through the park the first thing to remember is there are lots to do for everyone and it all depends on what you and your little boy like. I have a 6 year old little girl and we have been taking her to Disney parks since she was 1 month old. The Magic Kingdome is great for all that is available, but when looking at the other parks it is good to break them down.

My daughter loves animals, so we like to get up early one day out of our trips and head to Animal Kingdom (AK) and go straight for the safari. The great thing about going early is it is cooler and you are able to SEE a lot more of the animals. Then we like the conservation station, because not only do you get a bit of the behind the scenes with the train, but they have a great petting zoo and if you are lucky you get to see some characters and some babies being cared for in the labs. My daughter is a bit uptight with the 3D stuff, but if your son isn't, the It's Tough To Be A Bug, is really fun. Plus you have a lot of options with the street performances and they usually have earlier parades. Dinoland has a lot more kid friendly rides, and the Dino boneyard that is fun with the bridges and diging for bones. We usually can't find enough to take up a day, which makes it great to have the park hopper option.

Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows. The Hot Wheels show came from the Paris park and it has a lot of action and stunts so I'm sure your son would enjoy that one. If that is his speed, Indiana Jones is also one to head to. I'm not sure if he's out of the Playhouse Disney phase, but they just changed it and it really gets the kids involved. Stars Tours is fun, but it's a motion ride so I'm not sure if that is too much like the rollar coasters. I would definately try to stay and get seats for Fantasmic, I do reccommend showing up at least 30 mins before showtime though, but it really is worth the wait. Same as AK, there are a lot of street performers and parades to keep you busy.

Last but not to be forgotten, Epcot. Most people tend to shy away with the younger kids, but they are really making it alot more for all ages. There are 2 sides once you pass the "ball," called Innovations and inside you can try new video games, play instruments with robots, and alot of fun and creative things, not to mention they are always updating it with new things. Then you can go over to the Seas with Nemo and have a little undersea adventure. I would recommend going over to The Land and getting a FASTPASS for their ride Soarin' it usually has a long wait and the FASTPASS allows you more freedom to do something else and have less of a wait. Soarin' is a great ride that everyone I know has loved. My daughter's favorite ride is Test Track, but once again I'm not sure if it's too close to a coaster for you. They do have a section that you can look at a bunch of the new car models at the end (you can just go through the end), and I know my daughter loves to pretend she's driving. Journey to Imagination is also fin to at least go through the end, the ride might be a little "babyish" as my daughter says, but they have ImagineWorks which has cameras and fun techie toys at the end and you can e-mail freinds and family fun photos. If you make your way through the world showcase each country has a Kid Stop, with projects for the kids and they usually have masks to make and attach a charm for each country. In Japan they will write the child's name in Japanese, which is always fun. It is mainly food and site seeing in the showcase. There is a boatride in Norway, which is fun, and then just a slow one in Mexico that has the Three Cabeneros.

Sorry if it's a lot, but we are big Disney fans. If you have any questions though feel free to ask, as you can tell I tend to go a bit beyond basics :-)

All four parks have something for all ages to do, no matter how young or old. That's the Magic of Disney!!

Animal Kingdom has two great shows...Finding Nemo and The Lion King. My kids, ages 2,4,&8 love them. There's a parade to see. The Safari is wonderful! You get to see wild animals right before your eyes and you can get great pictures. The park closes earlier than the rest due to feeding and putting the animals to bed.

EPCOT: If he's taller than 42 inches (I believe that is the height) and he likes fast cars, Test Track is great. When you're standing outside of the ride and you hear the cars going, it's very loud and can be a little intimidating but once you're inside...it's great! Mission Space has two separate rides, one uses the G-force-the "Orange" ride, the other is tame- the"green" this is the one my son rides-he loves it. Soarin is another great ride that you can't pass up on. The countries in EPCOT are fun and educational. Each country has a coubter service area where you can try out differen't foods/beverages. They also have either a show, movie, or ride about that country.

Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM): THere are differen't shows to watch. Lights, Motor, Action is a stunt show that is so cool. Indiana Jones is another stunt show that has audience participation. Playhouse Disney has several short exerpts from the Disney Channel TV shows such as Stanley, Tigger and Pooh, Bear in the BIg Blue House, Little Einsteins, etc. There is "The Little Mermaid" show as well.

And of course The Magic Kingdom: THere's Mickey's TOon Town that is geared for the littler kids. There's Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster that is perfect for them. Just about every ride there is good for a 6 year old.

If you want to do a character meal there are several around the entire Disney property.
EPCOT: Garden Grill-character meal
Mexico-a nice little ambiance inside the pyramid, you could also sit outside at the counter service area and enjoy the fireworks at 9pm.
MK: Crystal Palace-character meal
Tony's-Italian
Animal Kingdom: Any of the counter services are good
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Character Meal with the Little Einsteins and JoJo and Goliath
Prime Time Cafe: You are sitting in some area of your "house" while "Mama's back there cooking and your uncle, aunt, brother or cousin is serving you dinner. It's fun! Sci Fi Diner is my son's favorite. You are sitting in a 1950's car, watching old movie clips and eating your meal.

Several other restaraunts that are in the hotels are
1. Ohana's at the Polynesian
2. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary
3. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian

Hope this helps you. We love Disney and always hope that we can help someone else have as magical a time as we do. Someday you have to consider a Disney Cruise. My husband and I went by ourselves for our 10th wed ann and were ready to come back the next week with our children. That's been almost 2 years ago and we are still trying to plan a time with the kids!
Have Fun,
K. H.

A 4 day PARK HOPPER pass is the way to go. It will allow you to visit more than one park each day and with the park hours varying you will have a chance to take a mid day rest break and continue later than evening. Disney Hollywood Studio's has Motor's Light Action show that should not be missed. Then there is the Indiana Jones show, Disney Playhouse, High School Musical, Beauty and The Beast Show. Don't forget the character spots. In Animal Kingdom, go early in the morning and start in the back of the park with the safari ride. All the animals are just coming out for the day. He will love how they can come right up to the ride vehicles. Don't miss the Lion King show or Nemo the musical here. Both are great shows that he can relate to. Epcot the Inovention pavillion is super for kids to explore the wonders of the world. The Nemo ride is fun but don't miss Turtle Talk. It is an interactive show where audiance participation rocks. HE would like the Land. Soaring is a great ride if you are not afraid of heights. You will feel like you are moving but you are not, it lifts you up and you will feel like you are soaring over trees and streams and the ocean. 6 is a great age for Disney. Their minds are always going and they love to explore. Have a great trip making the most magical memories together.

I love Animal Kingdom...it is so neat! My favorite was the Bug's Life show. Make sure you check it out!

K.,
I am not a single parent but have been to Disney with my 2 children many, many times. I would highly recommend that you get the opportunity to go to all 4 parks. Animal Kingdom is a very fun park and full of animals and other rides other than roller coasters. MGM Studios also has a lot of shows and movie making stuff that is very interesting and my children have always enjoyed it. Epcot, which I thought my kids would never want to go to, has so many interactive things for kids. I'm sure he will enjoy it thoroughly. The showcase part of Epcot may not interest him, unless he knows anything about his background, then you could go visit that country and get some history from it. Hope you have a fantastic trip and you both enjoy all the parks.

You can see by the response that it depends on your child. My daughter turned 6 at the end of January and her two favorite parts are Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, she never asks to go to Animal Kingdom and other than seeing the Ariel show she doesn't particularly care for MGM. At EPCOT she loves the "golf ball" - aka spaceship earth, she loves the interactive stuff with making the robot. She loves Figment and then where you go through and learn about photography and computers through interactive play. She loves going through world showcase and seeing different things and tring different foods. You can see a few characters in the countries, like Jasmine.
Read the reponses and take into account everyones suggestions with the interests of your child in mind. At Aminal Kingdom, Bugs Life and the Safari ride are the things Julia likes if we go with others.
Have Fun!

Take him to animal kingdom! My son is 2 and I took him last year and He loved the safari rides! All the animals and everything make sure you go for more then one day. We had a one day park hopper pass and Didn't get to see everything! Don't do the character lunches or dinners as it's no fun. At 6 there should be a few rides he can go on. Just have to go by height. Remember have fun and relax. But if He's into animals definatly Animal Kingdom.

Go to Mousesavers.com this is the most informative Disney site out there!
Have a great time!
J.

Hello K.
I been in Disney so many times, there so many things to do but the show that we love I gave it an A++++++++++++++ is the one in MGM studios is call fantasmic is so wonderful we love it. My girls are 4 and 8, and they both love it. The only thing is that the schedule for the show is very late and you have to check if they are going to do it in the day you're going and you have to be there at least 30 minutes before 'cause is a very popular show, but I think is worth it.

hi. we were going to the disney parks everyother weekend with our two children, so we know alot about the parks. if your going by yourself, i would say all the parks are pretty good, but epcot might be boring for your 6 year old. magic kingdom, animal kingdom and mgm, your son would enjoy. i'd skip epcot for sure. there's not much there for his age group. have fun!

Dear K.,

I would highly recommend Animal Kingdom. They have a lot of great things there for young children. There is dinosaur land where he can play in an area and pretend to dig up dinosaur bones. There is a safari ride in which you can see all the animals (it is not a roller coaster). They have a lot of birds, the tree of life and a lot of shows. This park is only open during the day. MGM would not be bad, they have a tour so that you can see how they make some of the movies and a few shows. Epcot has a few shows and they are able to meet Disney Characters. They also have a short boat ride that shows you part of their agriculture center. You and your son should have a really great time.

C.

Maybe you could check online to see what rides are at the Disney parks. I've been to them several times and the only real roller coaster ride are Space Mountain @ Magic Kingdom and the Aerosmith Rockin'Rollercoaster @ MGM. There's a small roller coaster @ Animal Kingdom in the dinosaur section, but it's not too bad. Have a great time!