The easy answer: all of them! All four of Walt Disney World's parks are their own beast, have individual personality quirks, and something for everyone. Your choices are made infinitely easier if you are staying at least four days and invest in the Park Hopper option on your park tickets.

If is not unusual for me to visit three parks in one day, even if I'm just stopping by Hollywood Studios for another Carrot Cake Cookie.

The tougher answer, especially if you are limited on time, might break down as follows:

• If you want the classic Walt Disney World experience of colorful parades, a photo of your family wih Cinderella Castle in the background, and nostalgia that drips thicker than the caramel on the amazing apples at Main Street Confectionary, Magic Kingdom is your destination.
• If you want to learn about horticulture and ride hangliders, drink and eat in eleven fake countries, take a spin on Walt Disney World's fastest ride, and don't mind a park in a bit of an identity crisis, head to Epcot.
• If you want to eat the world's best Carrot Cake Cookie, are a Star Wars fan, like thrill rides and don't mind a lot of construction, set your sites for Hollywood Studios..
• If you want to see animals, ride arguably Walt disney World's best roller coaster, get the crap scared out of you, and learn about wildlife conservation, trot on over to Animal Kingdom.

But, honestly, go to all four. They're all unique and I make sure to stop by each one for at least part of a day on each trip.

You might be thinking to yourself, "hey, I'm on vacation. I'll sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast, and roll into the parks around mid-morning. That sounds awesome."

No. No, that would not be awesome.

More and more there seems to no longer be a slow season at Walt Disney World. I used to be a proponent of this schedule, but more and more I see the value of getting up early and getting to the park when it opens. If I need a break I head to a resort (mine or one of the other resorts near where I am) in the middle of the day to sit and eat and relax, and then head back into a park for the evening.

Sounds weird, right? But I have empirical visual proof of why this is the way to do it, courtesy of Danielle L. from Ohio:

That's quite a difference in crowds, isn't it? Plus, this is Florida. The afternoon will be the hottest part of the day, no matter what time of year you are visiting. Do you really want to be thrown into the throngs arriving to a park at high noon?

I mean, if you do, that's cool and up to you. Me? I'll be there at the beginning of the day.

What should you bring to the park each day? That's up to you! Walt Disney World is fairly permissive on what you can bring into the parks, including your own food and drink (provided it is non-alcoholic, and no glass bottles)!

And though it is fairly permissive, they are very strict about what you cannot bring in, including but limited to selfie-sticks (which must be checked with Guest Relations), wagons, hard sided coolers, anything resembling a weapon (including bubble guns), and costumes for those over 14 years of age. It is a good idea to look at the prohibited items section on the Walt Disney World website.

Beyond that, it really depends on if you are a minimalist, or like to be prepared for any possible situation that may arise. WDW Prep School has an incredibly detailed look at her own park bag, and if you like to be prepared you can't beat that list.

I am a minimalist, and prefer to travel light. This is what the official Five Star Mouse park bag holds at any given time:

• Crumpled up guidemaps and times guides for all four parks (can be picked up at any park near the entrance or in shops, or at WDW resorts).
• A bottle of coke. Never underestimate emergency caffeine rations.
• My resort refillable mug.
• A small tube of sunscreen. Note: if it is very hot, the sunscreen cream may separate!
• Sunglasses.
• Smartphone, charging cord, and portable charger. Walt Disney World is smartphone heavy, especially when you're checking wait times and reservations and booking FP+ on MDE. There are some outlets in various places to charge your phone as well as Fuel Rod kiosks in the parks, and you can also drop your phone at Guest relations to charge. I prefer to utilize Fuel Rod kiosks or carry a small charging unti with me.
• A pack of smokes and two lighters. I know. I'm a horrible person.
• My Magic Band. Well, that's on my wrist.
• Disposable rain poncho. I usually pick up a couple in the camping section of Target before each vacation. It's Florida. It rains nearly every day, even if only for ten minutes.
• Ziploc bags. One for my resort mug, one for my electronics, and a couple extras for whatever I might need them for.

Whether minimalist or prepared for the Disney Apocalpyse, every bag regardless of size must be examined at bag check before entering the park. The times we live in. Your time in line will be expedited if, upon approaching the bag check table, you have all compartments unzipped and your bag is well-organized.

If you want to be prepared for anything, or bring in your own food, but don't want to look like a pack mule, lockers are available to rent at each park on a first come, first serve basis.

Bags may be brought on all rides, unless directed otherwise by the attraction cast member. If they ask you to not bring your bag on the ride, remember that it's for your own or others' safety.

While not technically part of MyMagic+, it is accessed through the MDE app and this is my site so I'm putting it on this page.

Do I have other tips? Of course! But not many.

1. Never try to leave a park immediately after the nighttime show (i.e. Fireworks). Even if the end of the nighttime show is right at park close (like Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot), they are not going to leave guests stranded. Allow the crowd to disperse and enjoy a leisurely walk around the park, step into some of the shops, or, if still open, get in a couple more rides! After thirty or forty-five minutes, then make your way to th exit to your resort bus or your car. You will be treated to a lot less commotion and grumpy people.
2. Don't chew gum. There's a reason you can't purchase gum in any park: it's a mess. Walt Disney World is known for its cleanliness, but it can't be achieved if guests don't do a little bit on their end to keep it that way.
3. Have a general plan, but don't be stressed if it changes or LOOK AT THAT AMAZING THING OVER THERE! The theme parks are full of delightful surprises around corner: stop and look at everything! Go in the show in Adventureland and buy a coconut you can mail as a postcard (seriously, you can)! Happen to be walking by the Japan Pavilion when the Taiko drummers begin? Stop and listen! EVEN IF IT WASN'T ON YOUR ITINERARY. Itinerares can change just as quickly as unforgettable moments can be missed. For me, I know I'd rather have the memories.
4. Be nice to cast members. All of them. Theme parks aren't known for offering incredible salaries, and, unfortunately, Walt Disney World is no exception. These people are cast members more often than not because they love Disney, and they want to be part of the magic. Listen to them. Say thank you. Be kind.

   Once in awhile you may have a bad interaction with a cast member. IT happens. But before you let it derail your vacation, stop and think:

   1. Did I do something stupid?
   2. Is it possible that the cast member is having a bad day, or just ahd a negative interaction with a guest who writes one-star reviews?
   3. Did I say something stupid?
   4. Is what the cats member is saying for my own safety?
   5. Was I stupid?

   If the answer to all of these questions is "no," then and only then do I think you have a right to say something about it. Your best bet is to visit Guest Relations in that park, or utilize the contact form on the Walt Disney World website.

   Slip side of the coin, if you come across a cast member who has done something amazing, tell Guest Relations or send an email, and try to remember their name and some other details (where, approximately what time, etc.). You will make someone's day, knowing they made yours.