AK or Islands of Adventure?

[Eoywin]

We are only having a limited amount of time for our WDW vacation (about 7 days). We are going to do MK, Epcot, MGM, and US for sure, but I want to have a couple of days to just relax, so we can only do one more park.

It's down to AK or Islands of Adventure. It will be me and my fiance going on this trip (we will be 30 and 32 at the time).

From the information I've read in the Unofficial guide, I'm leaning towards Islands of Adventure, but DF has expressed an interest in AK.

Can anyone give me the pros / cons of each park?

 

[Metro West]

What kinds of rides do you like? If you like thrill rides/coasters, head to IOA. Everest, Primeval Whirl and Dinosaur are great fun but that's about it for thrill rides. AK does have Kali River Rapids but IOA has three great water rides: JPRA, Ripsaw Falls and Popeye/Bluto's Bulge Rat Barges. IOA also has three awesome coasters: Hulk and Dueling Dragons (Fire and Ice are different tracks) and probably the best ride on the planet, Spiderman. The theming is as good as anything Disney has and there are plenty of great places to eat. My favorite is the chicken wrap with fries at Thunder Falls Terrace.

Whichever park you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Eoywin]

We like thrill rides, which is why I think skipping AK and going to IoA would be a better bet.

And I've been to some pretty cool zoo's before, so the animal element doesn't really appeal to me that much.

 

[ToontownPrincess]

I say skip Universal Studios and Do IOA and AK. Most people who do US instead of IOA seem to be disapointed. If you are sure you want to do US then I vote for IOA. It's a great park. I am such a huge super duper disney freak but if I had to choose between AK and IOA, I'd do IOA.

 

[Eoywin]

I really want to do US, since I've never been, and it appeals to me much more than AK.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I feel, US is incredibly boring. There's really not much there in terms of thrills or excitement. IOA is tons of fun!

But if it were me, I would chose AK only because I rely on Disney Transport and would not pay for a cab to get me there. I would go to AK and IOA...

 

[Airb330]

I feel, US is incredibly boring. There's really not much there in terms of thrills or excitement. IOA is tons of fun!

But if it were me, I would chose AK only because I rely on Disney Transport and would not pay for a cab to get me there. I would go to AK and IOA...

I agree. However, if one must do US, then I'd do IOA as well. They have some good ticket deals with both parks usually. If you are getting hoppers/MYW tickets....then I'd stop at AK for a few hours to get in the good rides. Otherwise, yeah just do IOA.

 

[Amity 3]

keep US in your itinerary and do IOA over AK. I love the detail and theming at AK, but we can spend 4 hours there and be done for the day. our family loves the thrills.

I have a hard time picking IOA over US as my favorite, they're totally different parks. we spent equal time between the two Sunday, then had dinner at Bubba Gump's.

 

[Metro West]

I really want to do US, since I've never been, and it appeals to me much more than AK.

The Studios definately has some cool attractions that you would enjoy especially Revenge of the Mummy, MIB and Shrek. Plus, the atmosphere is more fun than MGM or AK...IMHO.

 

[keishashadow]

IOA is great, esp. water rides (lots of air time on Rip Saw & the Bilge Water/Popeye is best themed water ride - excluding SpM of course...zip-a-dee-doo-dah ). Lots of nice places to eat too.

Would hate to see you miss Everest, one of my new favs. Do you have PH tix, perhaps you can work it in, especially on an am emh-if staying onsite.

Good luck.

 

[Eoywin]

We are staying onsite (probably ASMo), so we could do EHM.

Everest, Dinosaur, and Kali River Rapids are the only things at AK that appeal to me.

 

[damo]

USF has the Mummy for thrills but the other rides are exciting too. IOA is great for thrill rides. I would try to include both.

 

[keishashadow]

We are staying onsite (probably ASMo), so we could do EHM.

Everest, Dinosaur, and Kali River Rapids are the only things at AK that appeal to me.

ASMo is my fav value resort, think the pool is great, food court not bad either, bus service is extraordinary.

Bilge Water is way better than Kali IMO...as I recall they have a great console in the middle of the boat where you can stuff your shoes, bags, etc. so they don't get wet.

 

[JRawkSteady]

. Plus, the atmosphere is more fun than MGM or AK...IMHO.

Just wondering, how so?

 

[yalegracey]

The theming is as good as anything Disney has and there are plenty of great places to eat.

Blasphomy!

 

[Metro West]

Just wondering, how so?

I like walking around the Studios listening to the music playing over the loudspeakers. The NY street is my favorite. I'll post some pictures when I get home this evening.

Blasphomy!

Sorry...it's true!

 

[JRawkSteady]

Just to let you know, IMO there's only one studios, and it's MGM.

 

[yalegracey]

the "incredible" hulk has theming? What about Dr Doom? Dueling Dragons? The whole idea is a copy of Disneyland. Any simaliarities between the skyway at Disney and the Pteranodon Flyers at Universal?

 

[yalegracey]

If you don't like thrills don't bother going, what a waste of money.

 

[JRawkSteady]

yale, while we all do have our own opinions (and even though I agree with yours), many people on this board think differently. There is no need to patronize or attack anybody's opinions. For that, there's always the Community Board.