Do we also do MGM?

[alohamom]

Please help me my fellow
disers! We are going to the World the first 2 weeks of Feb and had really only planned to do Epcot(a priority as my DH is arguing that he has never been there but I went with him in the 80's!)and Magic Kingdom. We were going to do Discovery Cove because of the 7 days at Sea World bonus that comes with admission but the family says they would prefer to spend the $$$ on Disney parks instead.O.K. So with a budget for park admissions being around 850 to 1000 max I looked at the MYW tickets and figure my best bet for my family would be 4 or 5 days without the hopper option (my kids are young at 5 and 7 and not ones to spend the entire day going back and forth and can only take in so much)Here is the question. Is there enough at MGM for my family to do a whole day there? We are more into the rides than the shows,but my kids are not going to want to ride tower of terror so this concerns me. I would probably just get the 4 day pass if
I knew for sure that MGM wasn't for us. What do you guys think, what has been your experience? Was MGM a let down after Magic Kingdom? Thanks for any and all replies!!!

 

[alohamom]

ttt-thanks

 

[kilee]

MGM is really a park of it's own. We didn't think we'd be into the shows either. The shows are so much of an attraction themselves. I would bet your kids would love the Indiana Jones Show. It's incredible.

There is the GMR-- which is a ride. It's really a lot of fun. What about simulator's? There's Star Tours. Also you have Muppet Vision 3D. My son like the HISTK playground for quite a few years (he still played on it at 10). I think if you haven't been or haven't been for a long time there's a lot of things to do and see. There's also the afternoon parade, a lot of "fun" places to eat. Finally FANTASMIC is unlike any other show.

MGM is by no means my favorite park, but there is SOOOO much to do that I wouldn't consider it a waste.

 

[ErinInCT]

If your kids want rides then this is probably not the park for you. If they probably won't do ToT then I'm sure they won't do RnRC or Star Tours. Personally we love the shows. I have 2 dd's & they love VotLM, B&TB & Muppets 3D. Your kids would probable like GMR but it is almost more like a show then a ride! Maybe they would like WWTBAM-PI? We usually do this as a half day park, go in time for the parade & stay thru Fantasmic (mine are too young for the thrill rides so we ONLY watch shows). I don't think you would get your money's worth. I would opt to spend another day at EPCOT or MK. Both can easily be 3 day parks for our family!!
Have a great trip!

 

[disneyboy]

I would say that MGM is way better then Magic Kingdom. It has so many scary rides like TOT or Rockin Roller Coaster. But Magic Kingdom is still good but I would take MGM over MK. :thewave: all worship disney

 

[gingermommy94]

On our very first trip to Disney 3 years ago, we didn't include MGM in our trip plans. Once we were there though, we found we had some extra time one day and decided to check it out. We LOVED it!! I was so upset with myself for wanting to skip it. I don't know how to describe it...MGM just has a 'feel' all it's own. Very unique and many character opportunities as well.

I love MGM and now make it a big part of our trips!

 

[sunny04]

MGM has Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney which are great shows that kids love. They also have the Indian Jones Stunt Show and many rides that kids will enjoy like the Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour. It would not be a wasted day.

Having said that, we have been to Disney 5 times in the last 2 years, and MGM has quickly lowered in our preference list. It is now 3rd out of the 4 parks. They have great rides and shows, and Fantasmic is awesome. However, it always seems more crowded as it is a smaller park. This means longer waits, etc. If you are on a budget, and adding a day for MGM would be pushing it, I would say wait for the next trip. MK and Epcot are in a world of there own. Whichever way you go, you will have a wonderful time.

 

[debkorb1]

Firstly I should say I think MGM is a terrific park - myself and my boyfriend loved it. That said we are young adults (22) with no kids, so it's hard to say whether its appropriate for a family with such young kids.

As people have said there are great shows - I saw Indiana Jones and Fantasmic and they are fun (actually Fantasmic is OUTSTANDING), as is the Muppet Show. The Great Movie ride might or might not interest your kids. It's a tough call, but I say go for it cos the bottom line is the park is full of Disney magic and you might as well make your own judgment.

 

[kirbsam]

you can squeeze mgm in during one of your park days for mk or epcot. RNR is a must do. When you are at epcot, take the boat to mgm and spend a few hours there. At the time of year that you are going spending two full days at mk and epcot is more than enough. I say go to mgm.

 

[aec]

Are your children girls?

If so, little mermaid and Beauty and the beast are must sees IMO. My girls also enjoyed muppets 3D, playhouse disney, the afternoon parade, fantasmic, the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. Also it depends of the child, but my oldest (7 at the time) loved the rock N roller coaster.

 

[Mainebound]

We do not care for MGM and will not be going back in March. Our family is not into shows and I think this is a major reaosn that park is a disappointment for us.

 

[Cara]

We spent an entire day at MGM, and we still didn't get to do everything we wanted to do. We LOVED MGM and will probably spend a day-plus there on our next trip.

 

[QuickGold]

I would say to go to MGM, but of course, I'm a bit bias

 

[AshClan]

My boys love MGM. I'd say it's one of their 2 favorite parks. My 11 year old nephew said it was his favorite by far. There is enough to keep you busy for a whole day, but since we have been a few times, we take an afternoon break and head back to the hotel pool. Then, come back for a Fantasmic dinner pkg reservation and Fantasmic.

BTW, my kids don't do ToT either. Star Tours is a big favorite. Indiana Jones and WWTBAM are lots of fun, even for those who don't love "shows". Muppets 3D is good corny fun and RnRC was fun for my oldest and me, even tho DH and younger DS skipped it. We don't love the Movie Ride, thought it wasn't very relevant to my kids, as much is about older, "classic" movies that they haven't seen. Backlot Tour is fun, though.

I'd say give it a shot!

 

[Mama2jasminANDcaitie]

two years ago we missed SO much at MGM.. we planned really only to see "Playhouse Disney" and WWTBAM. And since we came late in the day.. and didnt have a plan for that park.. we saw those two things, the parade, ate at 50s Primetime cafe and saw fantasmic.. and that is ALL.

There are TONS of things that we missed. I WILL NOT miss them this time!!
MGM has a more relaxed feeling than any of the parks.. and I loved that.
I CANT WAIT!!!

 

[eeyore0062]

We really like MGM, but we are locals, so we are able to go in, pick and choose and hop to another park when we are done. The advantage of Florida Resident Annual Passes.

That being said, you can easily make a complete day at Disney MGM.

Are your kids tall enough to ride RnR? If not, don't you miss it... do the kid swap... same with ToT.... not to be missed! Do these 1st thing in the day, when the lines are smaller and if someone isn't riding they won't have to wait too long for you to finish. Have the other adult take the kids into the gift shops. My DD was able to engage a young CM in conversation about what was behind the locked door at ToT... she didn't even want to leave when we were both done riding. We have also seen Cruella and the Wicked Queen by ToT.

Moving on down Sunset Blvd, we usually grab a snack... they have open air markets that sell fresh fruit, etc. Then head to the Great Movie Ride. This is a lot of fun for everyone.

Then on to The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I haven't yet met a child who doesn't like this. Since Playhouse Disney is right there, see the next show time and if it is a while, duck into the newly refurbished Animation Tour. Your kids will even have the opportunity to learn to draw a Disney Character. Then do Playhouse Disney. Moving down Mickey Ln, the next thing you will come to will be The Walt Disney Story, which shows the life of Walt, and his plans for DL and WDW... you may be interested, but the kids probably won't--- skip this for the time being. Then you will see Who Wants to Be a Millionaire-Play IT. We enjoy that, and DD sits there and tries to copy my answers if she doesn't know the answers... if you are your kids aren't interested, then by pass this, get some autographs and pictures with the characters that line this street and go to the Backlot Tours-- make sure not to miss this. Everyone will definitely enjoy this attraction! From there, you can stop by the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set and let the kids burn off some steam, while you have a soda or beer. If you are going after the beginning of May, your next stop would be the new Stunt show. This may require a FP, and if so, then go see Muppet Vision 3D and get something to eat at Mama Melrose while waiting (may want to make PS for this earlier in the day at the Hollywood Junction on the corner of Hollywood and Sunset)... if Italian isn't your speed, the Sci Fi Dine In is close by, as well! After eating, go back and see the STunt Show. Next stop is Star Tours! Sounds Dangerous (to me, this is easily skippable, but the kids might like it) and finally the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. The parade is usually sort of late in the afternoon, so if you are interested, you could catch it between attractions, or miss it. Lastly would be the Beauty and the Beast Show, then line up for Fantasmic.

See, whole day! I think you and your kids would have a great time!

 

[cyndibelle]

Our family loves MGM its one of our favorites....i would definitely say go there.....rides or no rides i think you will enjoy the park....

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

We love MGM Studios! It's such a unique and fun park. We love to see all the shows and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is one of our favorite rides! There's a lot to do and we'd never skip it. But it just depends on what you like. Not everyone enjoys MGM the way some people do

 

[3xthecharm]

You mentioned that you do not spend a whole day in a park. MGM would probably be perfect. My boys were 5 and 7 on one of our trips. They liked Star Tours, Muppets, and Little Mermaid. I did not think they would like shows either, but they liked them very much. They also liked eating at the 50's cafe and pizza planet.

 

[ladyarcher]

I love MGM! It is my favorite park. My 11 yr old road RNR when he was six and it is STILL the ultimate roller coaster for him.