AK or MGM

[Innerpc]

We are a large family of 9 (6 adults 2 of these are 20 and 18, 13 10 and 2 ) and we will be in Orlando July 27 for 2 days before taking off for a 1 week Western cruise!

My question: We plan on going to Epcot one day and then the next we are undecided between AK and MGM. We wanted to do only one because of the expense. We've heard because of the heat, many of the animals aren't out at AK. Has anyone heard of this?

Thank you!

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

Personally, I would choose MGM. You have RnR and ToT to enjoy. Fantasmic is not to be missed! I think AK is more of an easy going park. No rush to get anywhere and MGM is more for the rides and shows. Depends on what your group likes to do. Our family would choose MGM for sure. Enjoy your day!

 

[KristaTX]

I really do like AK fine, but I'd definitely choose MGM. The weather is bound to be very hot when you are down there, and for some reason AK always feels 10 degrees warmer than the other parks (it's humid and less breezy because of all the plant life). Sometimes the animals can't be seen very well in the middle of the day (especially when it is hot) because they are lounging in shady places.
MGM will probably be open later into the evening than AK, many of the attractions there are inside where it is cool, it is a more compact park so you walk less, and you can go see Fantasmic. Plus several of my can't miss favorite attractions are at MGM: Tower of Terror, Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Millionaire, Beauty and the Beast.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

If it was any other time besides summer I would say AK but because of the heat MGM might be the better. Also since it is open later, you will get more for your money. I hate saying that since AK is my favorite park, but if I was going in July I wouldn't stay all day at AK.

 

[karemore]

There's more to suit everyone at MGM.

Have fun!

Karen

 

[motaei]

I went to both last December. I loved AK & wanted to spend more time there (I love animals), but the other DW with us was bored. IMO, you definately will get more for your money at MGM. Although your 2-year-old won't be able to go on ToT, or RnR, there is the Indiana Jones show, the lot tour, Beauty & the Beast, and my personal favorite: Muppets! If your older ones like thrill rides, this would also be the better choice, as ToT & RnR are way cool! Also, you would get the Fantasmic show - great for all ages. Plus, it's open longer. Have a great time no matter what you choose!!!!

 

[GrizzlyBear]

I concur with the other responses - go with MGM.

Although I love Animal Kingdom, there is more to do at MGM. You also get the nighttime Fantasmic show, whereas AK has no nighttime events at the moment.

Animal Kingdom is beautiful, but the walkways are narrow & the park feels more crowded than the others. And as has been mentioned, there's not much breeze (or air-conditioned areas for that matter) at AK. There are however several shows and rides, so I think you'll find plenty to do & enjoy it if that's your pick.

As for the animals, most everything I read points to them often being out in the morning or early evening (or best of all, after it rains). You probably won't see many during the heat of the day. I've also found these generalizations to be true based on my own trips.

Have a great time regardless of your choice!

 

[QuickGold]

MGM would be my choice

 

[Aimeedyan]

I would do MGM. We really weren't impressed wtih AK and finished all that we wanted to do there before noon. MGM has some great rides, shows, eateries, and Fantasmic!

 

[il-gander]

I'm going to offer a differing opinion - try AK! We really, really liked it and found that there wasn't that much to do at MGM! LOL Many people don't like the relatively low number of "headliner" rides at AK and find the slower, more relaxed pace boring, but we truly enjoyed the atmosphere. MGM, to us, just did not have the same level of pixie dust as the other parks do. Fantasmic and Star Tours were big hits, however.

To answer your other question, we were there last June and it was very hot - the animals were still out, and we saw quite a few on the Safari and the trails. We did not find AK to be as hot as most people do. You could have a wonderful, relaxing day at AK and then head over to AKL for a great dinner at Boma's before your cruise!

Carla

 

[yecats]

Although I absolutely love Animal Kingdom, due to the young adults ages, I think they would love MGM better due to the rides and fantasmic. Have fun.

 

[Innerpc]

Looks like it will be MGM!!! Thank you to all of you.... you made this very easy to decide .