When was the last time you visited Disney? What keeps you from it?
If you a Florida resident with a yearly pass who spends their weekends in Disney, this post is probably will seem boring for you, however, I am hoping maybe you will get some useful info from it. This is the guide oriented for people who haven’t been in parks in a long time or never and only count on one day visit.
If you are going with little kids, 1 day 4 parks… will not happen. Don’t try it because you will not have a good time. Kids require different schedule and attention.
I have discovered lately that many of my friends haven’t been to Disney for a very long time. Some think (as I used to and as I wrote it here) that this is only for kids, others don’t have that much time and the drive is long and very monotonous. There are also many who come to Miami for a week or two of vacation and don’t have time to spend 3 days going to Orlando.
This is why I want to talk to you about one-day visit.. Everyone can find that one day to visit the happiest place on Earth.
You have a choice of driving there or going on a bus. Bus can be a great option as you can get back the very same day as you dot have to drive.
The bus will pick you up at your hotel or in some centric location and drive you to Disney where you enjoy the park and at night they’ll drive you back.
If you are visiting Miami, ask a concierge of your hotel to recommend you a day tour or even to make a reservation (don’t forget to tip). It will include transportation and a ticket to one park. You can upgrade the park ticket to “Hopper” for a little fee directly with Disney.
You also can take only a bus (that is in case you already have your ticket) When I was presented with an opportunity to visit 4 parks in one day I thought about that option however actually driving there after work, spending a night in the hotel and hitting parks early was better option timewise and also moneywise. Because hotels always have discounts and I was able to find a great deal. Ask a concierge of your hotel for different options.
A tip: If you are not a tourist or are staying in airbnb or with friends, you still can walk to the nearby hotel and ask a concierge, mention you are not a guest of the hotel, trust me you will be treated with the same kindness ( and don’t forget to tip).
There are some things to consider before embarking in this one day adventure
1-check when are the latest closing hours of the season in the parks (some days they close at 6 pm and you really want to take the full advantage of the parks)
2- get your tour set (if you are going on the bus and getting tickets through the concierge) and ask for the upgrade for hopper pass
<3- download Disney app and schedule your “fast passes” for the rides you want to do
4- get some comfortable shoes, sunscreen, portable water bottle and a hat
Things to know:
All 4 parks are connected and they have free transportation between all of them.
Something to have in mind: the hottest rides get busy very quickly and lines can be up to 2-3 hours, so set your priorities and schedule your rides with the fast pass if you can.
Remember we are here for only 1 day 4 parks adventure. You will get a taste of every park and can plan better for the next time.
Start in Hollywood Studios.
After having Dark Side chicken and waffles breakfast, enjoy “A Galaxy Far Far Away’ show in front of Chinese theater. I bet you reserved your fastpass for Toy Story Mania (a super entertaining ride that will set a mood for the whole day) or check out an Indiana Jones show (it is 20 min show). Head to the Tower of Terror, is a must!!! (check waiting times maybe you will not need a fast pass) and after that get yourself a margarita or Strawberry daiquiri in Anaheim produces (because after this ride you are going to need it)
Stick a little bit around and meet Hollywood Citizens for street entertainment or march with en empire guard.
Head to Epcot.
There is so much to see there but as you are here only for one day lets get straight to business. The absolutely best and a must: tacos al pastor in Choza de Margarita. and why not get yourself a margarita?
Walk towards Norway and get one of those Famous Hot Dogs. They are impossible to miss and I couldn’t eat it whole. It is really truly Viking Hot Dog.
Keep walking and enjoy the world. By this time I am sure you will be absolutely not hungry but please take pictures around, imagine yourself being a world traveler.
Next stop will be France. thirsty? taste a lemon champagne slushy and indulge in Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie with all carefully crafted sweets.
You will have to complete the circle of countries to get out of the park so just keep walking and enjoy the view. Every country will have a short show and a presentation about country’s history. Visit some of them, you will love it.
Shoes to wear
And now we will go to Animal Kingdom
I intentionally left Animal kingdom for the afternoon.While the sun is hotter in other places, this park will bring you a fresh shade from all vegetation. Also, I am sure you will spend some time there. If you were not able to book your fast pass for Avatar, check the wait time. If the ride is about 60 min wait, head there directly, but if it is 90-120 min don’t despair, it usually will get lighter by 5 pm.
Also, a safari is better left for later on a day as animals are free to roam and they usually look for shade. Get a refreshment in the Dawa bar and you can absolutely enjoy walking around and inside the tree of life and definitely visit Maharajah Jungle Trek located within oriental ruins( no wait time there). Dance with locals in Harambe market and enjoy a safari.
Now it is probably time when the line gets smaller for the avatar ride (of course if this is your main reason for visiting this park you might just stay in line and leave other attractions for later). Get yourself a Mo’ara Margarita in a meanwhile. Pandora becomes beautiful as the sun begins to set. You will love all those amazing colors around you.
Once you are done with Avatar ride you will not want to leave. this ride worth all the wait. Trust me it is so good that you will want to make a line again just to enjoy it once more.
It also will open your appetite because it is a time for dinner and in my opinion, the best food option is right there on Pandora, in Satu’li Canteen. You get to assemble your bowl of fresh protein and veggies as you like it and it is delicious and healthy.
After the dinner you can head to the last park, Magic Kingdom. Warning: the Magic Kingdom doesn’t sell alcohol so if you are good and would like another margarita get it before living Pandora (sure repeat it)
As for one-day visitor Magic Kingdom will be the absolute must to be at the end of the day. It will totally complete your magic experience.
Check the app and see what are the rides you want to visit. I loved Pirates of Carribean rides (I am not a big lover of mountains) also slow rides will help you relax your feet. Head to the main street for the light parade so you can see all princesses. I really enjoyed just to walk around and getting into slow rides. It was the end of the day I was tired and the amount of alcohol was making me sleepy. But as soon as we completed several slow rides we were ready for more. Got our ice cream and enjoyed the end of the day with magnificent fireworks.
Every park has a light show at the end of the day it is a story with epic music and amazing lights. but if you are going for just one day, the magic kingdom is the one where you want to be for the closing.
Also, Magic Kingdom is the park that usually closes later, except for special events (check my hack guide for more information on that)
Always check closing and special hours first. You can call Disney and ask about different hours and special events.
If you’ve done that, let me know in comments if I missed something. what is your favorite ride or place to eat?
Things you'll need
