Visiting All Four Disney World Parks in One Day

They said we couldn’t do it… so we did! On March 19th, 2019, my friend, parents, and I visited all four of the Disney World theme parks in one day! Here is how we did it…

Park Hopper

The first thing you need to do is purchase your park tickets with the park hopper option. The park hopper allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. When we visited Disney World in 2019, time reservations were not required to visit the parks, so we were able to go in and out of each park at the times that we pleased. However, now you are required to make a reservation, which may make park hopping more difficult. Make sure you do all of your research and preparation in advance! There is plenty of complimentary transportation that will take you to each park and even most hotels nearby have complimentary transportation to the park.

Be Prepared

We had all visited Disney World enough times in the past to know what were our must-do’s and what we could skip. If it is your first time visiting Disney World, I do not recommend trying to rush through to visit multiple parks in one day. Take your time! You could definitely spend a full day (or multiple days) in each of the four parks! If you are going to try and go to multiple parks in a day, it is important to have a plan. You should know which rides you want to go on, what characters you want to see, and any shows/events you want to see (parades, plays, animal encounters, Cinderella’s Castle light show, etc.). Here is how we planned out the order in which we visited each park:

1. At both animal kingdom and Hollywood studios we only had a couple of rides we wanted to ride so we chose to get those out of the way early, when the lines would (hopefully) be shorter. Animal Kingdom is the first park to open in the morning, followed by Hollywood studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom.
2. Epcot has food and drinks from all over the world! We decided this would be a great stop for food. We planned to go to Epcot after going on the stomach-dropping rides in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and have a late lunch!
3. We saved our favorite park, that we knew we would spend the most time in, for last! In my opinion, Magic Kingdom has the most to do, is the most fun of the four parks, and it stays open the latest. Also, we had to see the Cinderella’s Castle light and firework show at night!

“My Disney Experience” App

Downloading the Disney Experience phone app is a must! Here are some of the most helpful features on the app:

• Showtimes for each park, each day
• A map of the park that can track your location with filters to find characters, rides, dining, shows, restrooms, transportation, shops, and guest services
• Wait times for attractions, characters, and dining
• The Disney Genie Service to help you plan your day
• Order food
• Make reservations
• Purchase tickets and passes

Our Day

Animal Kingdom

Our first stop! We got to Animal Kingdom first thing in the morning and went straight to the roller coaster ride, Expedition Everest. Once we had ridden the ride, we checked the Disney Experience App and wait times were pretty high for the rest of the rides. We made the decision to do a little walking around and then head to the next park! A few other fun rides include Dinosaur, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Kali River Rapids. If you are not a fan of thrill rides or have some extra time, you can squeeze in time to see your favorite animal or for another experience.

Hollywood Studios

Stop #2, Hollywood Studios! The main purpose of this stop was to ride The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, a ride that drops several times and is indeed terrifying (see our reaction below). If you are a Star Wars or Toy Story fan this is the place for you. Hollywood Studios has Star Wars and Toy Story characters, shows, rides, and other experiences. Along with these, this theme park has several other attractions and experiences.

Epcot

Now it was time to visit 11 countries in about 2-3 hours! Epcot is the perfect park to stop for lunch, featuring cuisine from around the world. Epcot has a lot of stuff around the world to discover. We walked to each country, explored, listened to some live music, and had lunch before moving onto the last park of the day.

Magic Kingdom

We saved the best (in our opinion) for last, and the park that stays open the latest… Magic Kingdom! We, of course, had to end here to be able to see the Cinderella’s Castle light show and fireworks, but also because there is so much else to do! Magic Kingdom is exactly what it says in the name, magical. It was the first theme park to open at Disney World and includes some fan-favored classics like The Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, and the Country Bear Jamboree. They also have many places for dining, treats, shops, and experiences. You can find all the Disney Princesses here! The thrill rides include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Thunder Mountain. We rode as many rides as we could, using the App as a guide to wait times, and even stopped to see the character, Stitch! The most spectacular show of all is the light and firework show on Cinderella’s Castle. This show happens at 9pm each night. It showcases a wide variety of Disney movie characters and scenes using lights and animation onto the castle with music and sound effects. The park stays open until 11pm so you can still catch some rides after the show is over. This is a must-see for me every single time!

After the show, we rode a couple more rides and then headed out to meet our Hotel Shuttle. It is very convenient to stay at a hotel with shuttles to and from Disney World.

No matter how many times I visit Disney World, I always discover something new and magical!

What to Pack

Essential Packing Tips for Visiting Disney World

Packing for a day at Disney World requires some thought to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for anything the parks might throw your way. Here’s a list of must-haves and tips to help you make the most of your magical day:

1. A Comfortable Backpack or Bag – Choose a lightweight, water-resistant backpack or crossbody bag to carry your essentials. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your items organized and easy to access.
2. Refillable Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Florida’s heat. Pack a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the water stations or ask for free cups of water at the food stands.
3. Snacks – Bringing your own snacks can help to save money and keep hunger at bay between meals.
4. Sunscreen – Florida sun can be intense, even in the winter months. Pack a small bottle of sunscreen to reapply throughout the day. Sunglasses and a hat are also a great idea for extra shade.
5. Portable Phone Charger – The My Disney Experience app, photos, and navigating the parks can drain your phone battery quickly. A portable power bank is a lifesaver to keep your devices charged all day.
6. Poncho or Small Umbrella – Florida weather is unpredictable, with frequent rain showers. If there is a chance of rain on the radar, pack a compact poncho or travel umbrella to stay dry without taking up too much space in your bag. If it’s going to be chilly, you may also want a jacket/sweatshirt!
7. Comfortable Walking Shoes – You’ll be walking several miles during your time at Disney, so wear comfortable sneakers or sandals designed for long hours on your feet. Blisters can also ruin the fun, so consider packing a small blister kit or bandages.
8. Cooling Towel or Fan – A cooling towel or portable handheld fan can be a game-changer on hot days. Both are compact and can help you stay refreshed during the heat of the afternoon.
9. Disney-Themed Accessories – Bring some magic with you by packing Mickey or Minnie ears, Disney-themed clothing, or pins to trade. There are plenty of shops to purchase these in the park as well (for a premium price)!
10. Medications and First Aid Items – Pack any prescription medications you need, along with basic first aid items like band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness remedies that you may need.
11. Autograph Book and Pen – If meeting characters is on your agenda, don’t forget an autograph book and a pen or marker. Disney characters love signing souvenirs for guests!
12. Ziploc Bags – These come in handy for everything from keeping your electronics dry on water rides to storing leftover snacks or wet clothing.

By packing these essentials, you’ll be ready for a fun, comfortable, and stress-free day at Disney World. Don’t forget to leave a little room in your bag for souvenirs and magical memories!