Disney MGM or Universal Orlando

[disneyphanatic1911]

I've been having this debate with my SIL about whether to go to MGM or Universal during our vacation this summer.

I have never been to MGM but did go to Universal back in 2000. I enjoyed it, but felt like it could have offered more. I think IOA took up most of the slack on that though. Personally I would rather go to MGM, since I've never been before and I know that it'll offer something that Universal can't, "That Disney Touch".

She wants to do Universal instead, because she has a teen aged son who she thinks will enjoy it more.



Please help me win this debate. What would you do?

 

[LadyZolt]

I have two teenage sons myself and we've been to both MGM and Universal. The pro's of Universal for teens: There are more "thrill" rides -- the Dueling Dragons roller coaster, the Hulk, the Mummy and Spiderman. They also got on the ride whose name I can't remember where you get dropped from a height (not something I would ever do. LOL!) My sons also loved the Terminator and even the Shrek attraction. Surprisingly, they really enjoyed the live animal show, too. They went because I wanted to do it, but they were astounded by the birds in the show.

The pro's of MGM for teens: The Rock-N-Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror are really the only "thrill" rides there, so if they like lots of thrill rides, they probably would like MGM better. But the Indiana Jones stunt show always impresses my sons, and this past year they saw the stunt car one as well and enjoyed that. The backlot tour gives more of a feel for how the movie industry works, which I think is a plus for MGM. And if your teens like Star Wars (as my eldest does), if you can go during Star Wars Weekends, they will be thrilled. I find MGM to be more entertaining with the Star Tours ride, the Muppet 3-D, and the Great Movie Ride.

You might want to just look at both sites online with all involved and what interests they all have to decide which one makes the most sense with your group. In my opinion, Disney has more of a "magic and movie" feel, whereas Universal just seems like a 6-Flags type amusement park. But both places are enjoyable and worth seeing, so it all depends on what you're looking for. I wish you the best!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[cleo]

When you say 'Universal' do you mean Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure or both?

If you mean Universal Studios, I would pick MGM for a teen. If you mean Islands of Adventure, I'd pick that over any other park for a teen. If you mean both, I'd pick Islands of Adventure over any other park for a teen.

 

[disneyphanatic1911]

When you say 'Universal' do you mean Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure or both?

If you mean Universal Studios, I would pick MGM for a teen. If you mean Islands of Adventure, I'd pick that over any other park for a teen. If you mean both, I'd pick Islands of Adventure over any other park for a teen.

I meant Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.