Two Parks, One Epic Day: Princesses, Space Travel, and Safari Adventures

A Travel n Taste Journal Series

Some days at Disney are for strolling and snacking. This was not one of those days. From rope dropping Frozen Ever After to hopping between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, we packed in two parks, princess breakfasts, thrill rides, and a trip to space—all without losing our minds (or our MagicBands).

Rope Drop at EPCOT: Frozen Ever After and Royal Breakfast

We entered EPCOT just before 9:00 AM and made a beeline to Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion. The posted wait was 55 minutes, and we were in line by 9:10 AM—still a smart move if you want to skip using a Lightning Lane on this one.

After Elsa and Anna, we stayed in Norway for a reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where we enjoyed a warm and memorable breakfast with some of Disney’s most beloved princesses: Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Tiana, and Ariel. The setting was cozy, the food satisfying, and the character interaction felt personal and unrushed.

World Showcase and Classic EPCOT Vibes

From there, we took a scenic stroll through the World Showcase and made a quick stop in China to meet Mulan—a hidden gem for character lovers.

The rest of the morning was classic EPCOT fun:

• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Soarin’ Around the World – still breathtaking and immersive
• Living with the Land – a calming ride with surprisingly fascinating greenhouse views
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends + Turtle Talk with Crush – always a hit with kids

This stretch of the day gave us a mix of storytelling, sensory experiences, and educational charm—something EPCOT still does better than anywhere else.

Lunch in Orbit: Space 220

For lunch, we booked one of the most immersive dining experiences in Disney: Space 220. This restaurant takes you 220 miles above Earth for a space station-inspired meal with cosmic views.

The elevator ride alone is worth it, but the food was equally impressive. Beautiful plating, thoughtful flavors, and a peaceful, air-conditioned reset before diving into our next adventure.

Off to Animal Kingdom: Wildlife and Water Rides

By mid-afternoon, we park-hopped to Animal Kingdom, starting with a ride through the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. We spotted giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more—plus great guide storytelling that kept everyone engaged.

Afterward, we went full adrenaline with:

• Expedition Everest – thrilling as always
• Kali River Rapids – we got soaked, and it was 100% worth it

Back to EPCOT for a Nighttime Finale

We closed out the evening with one last hop—back to EPCOT to finish strong with:

• Mission: SPACE – still intense, still underrated
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – a highlight of the entire trip, smooth and energetic with a killer soundtrack

From princesses to space pirates, this day had it all. And while it was a whirlwind, it reminded us how much you can see, do, and experience in a single well-planned Disney day.

Final Thoughts

Is two parks in one day ambitious? Absolutely. But with smart timing, a solid game plan, and just the right breaks, it’s totally doable—and totally magical.

Want to see how we prepped for days like this? Check out our Lightning Lane & Multi Pass strategy post here.