First‑Timers at Disney World!

We’re heading to Disney World Oct 11–16, 2026 — just me and my 5‑year‑old. It’s our first time at Disney World (we’ve only done Disneyland before), so I’m trying to make sure our plan makes sense. We’re staying at All‑Star Sports and have 4 days of tickets, one park per day: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

I’d love some advice from you if I may:

1. Meal Plan: Quick‑Service vs Table‑Service. Table‑Service would cost about $200 more for the 4 days (for both of us). We originally leaned quick service to keep things moving, but table service might give us some fun experiences and a break from the heat. What do you usually pick?
2. Mid‑day breaks: Is it actually worth going back to the hotel in the middle of the day? I’m worried the shuttles + re‑entering the parks might eat a big chunk of time.
3. Park Hopper: Thinking about making one day (maybe Animal Kingdom) a hopper day. Again I’m worried about transfer time between and whether it would be best to just stay put.
4. Universal: Has anyone added a Universal day during a Disney trip? Would you recommend it? And what’s the easiest way to get there from All‑Star Sports?

Any tips or tweaks you’d make to our plan are super welcome. I found Disneyland a bit overwhelming as a solo parent so trying to plan as much as possible to help this trio go smoothly.