Our August trip will include 6 park days. We do not have park hoppers and won't upgrade to hoppers. Which park(s) do you recommend doing more than once? I am leaning towards MK 3 days, and Epcot, HS, and AK one day each. I am second guessing myself though, and wondering if 2 MK days is enough??? Not sure of any other park that is worth 2 days though? My kids are ages 3, 6, and 8, and don't like thrill rides. Our 60 day FP window comes up on Wed, so trying to figure this out. Thanks!
We tend to do 2MK, 2Epcot, and 1AK/HS. It depends a little where you are staying though.
in the World Showcase, your kids can tour the Kidcot stations. At each station it is fun to talk to the CM's a little and learn something about each country. the CM's in each country are from that country. The FW pavilions also have places for kids to explore. for example, the Seas has many aquariums with unusual critters like seahorses, eels, and even jellies (in the Turtle Talk waiting area). Epcot also has a number of character greeting spots, and the World Showcase pavilions have little hidden areas to explore.
Of all the gift shops, we often kind of skip past most of them, but the Japan store is just chock full of awesomeness for kids of all ages, including many reasonably priced items.
Even if your kids don't do thrill rides- the adults can still enjoy them. Short split ups are easy, especially if you happen to have 3 adults. One adult goes on the thrill ride, while the kids+1 adult go on a non-thrill ride/nap/snack/bathroom break/playground/water fountain/character greet. After, the kids re-ride or do something different w/the other parent. WDW is set up for this! Every thrill ride has easy options to keep little kids busy.
I don't think I'd choose 3 MK days, but it depends where you're staying. If you are at the values or mods, it doesn't matter as much, because getting around is roughly similar - at least until the new gondola opens. If it is open in August- you will likely want to use it.
For the deluxe hotels:
BC/YC/Bwk/Swan/Dolphin = all super easy walk/shuttle boat to both Epcot + HS.
AKL = close to AK
Monorail resorts, WL and Ft W = easy access to MK
Poly = relatively easy access to Epcot, otherwise the rest of the monorail resorts are a longer trek to Epcot, especially if you need to go directly to dining in the World Showcase.
August = hot afternoons, and (thunder)storms are common. Swim time can be a challenge because they close during lightning. Then again, so do all coasters and animal exhibits. So that could be a reason to consider 2 AK days (if it is important to see all the animals), or a reason to stay to 1 AK day. Of all the parks, Epcot tends to be the most breezy year round, and therefore feels a bit cooler.
You will greatly appreciate afternoon breaks, so you have good reason to plan both park days and dining options that are near your home resort.