Help with MGM?

[JJsmama]

I've studied three different guide books but still don't have a plan for MGM. Anyone care to help with some questions?

We'll be there peak season with 4 boys ages 4-10.

1. There are so many shows. I know the kids won't want to sit through them all, so which do you recommend:
Muppets 3 D
Beauty and the Beast
Legend of Little Mermaid
Hunchback Notre Dame
Indiana Jones

2. Also, which is better between Backlot Tour and Great Movie Ride? Since they are both long tram rides, will we want to do both?

3. Is MGM as crowded as MK in the mornings? Do we need to be standing at the gate when it opens?

4. I know we want to do Playhouse Disney, Honey I Shrunk playground, 1-2 of the shows. What am I missing? Of these, which do we need to make a beeline to first thing? Thanks!

5. Transportation: How long is the bus ride from WL to MGM? Would we do better to start from the MK busses? If we go to Epcot after, can we take the ferry from MGM to Epcot? Would you recommend it?

THANKS!

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Wow - 4 boys! You will have your hands full!

I think some of your info must be outdated, because the Hunchback show is no longer there. Depending on when you are going, they might be a new stunt car show that I'm sure your boys will love! I would think they would enjoy Indiana Jones and the Muppets more that Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid - depending on how much they like the movies.

I would try to do the Great Movie Ride and the BacklotTour. IMO though, Great Movie Ride is the better of the two.

Don't forget about the Rock n Rollercoaster, the Tower of Terror and Star Wars!

I have no idea how long the bus ride is from WL to MGM, but I don't think you would save any time by going to MK first. Also, definitely take the boat to Epcot - it's scenic and relaxing!

Have fun!

 

[my3kids]

We all hated the Great Movie Ride. We head straight for the Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. The youngest of boys wouldn't be tall enough to ride RnR, but the ToT I think was 40 inches. Even when young all my mine LOVED that one.

 

[JJsmama]

Thanks AlladinsPrincess and My3Kids. Luckily, no one has told the boys about Tower of Terror yet, so we're hoping to avoid it since I think at least 2 of them would be freaked out. (We did Haunter Mansion last time and it almost completely ruined our trip!)

They want to do Rockin Roller Coaster, but I keep reading that recently it is VERY jerky and giving people migraines. I'm going to keep checking on that one.

Thanks for the advice on the shows. Grandma is going with us too and she really wants to do either Beauty and Beauty or Little Mermaid. I've heard B&B is much better, is that right?

 

[dis4fun]

Don't forget to get a Times Guide as soon as you go in the gate and plan accordingly. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you may run out of time before doing all that you want to do. The shows and Back Lot Tour don't usually start until after 10:00. Great Movie Ride is open when the park opens. You will want to get a FP for Little Mermaid as soon as it is available, then get one for Indy before going in Little Mermaid. Do the playground in between show times if possible. The Backlot tour can take a lot of time so make sure you allow as least an hour for it before your next FP or show time.

 

[PratersloveDW]

As for the shows, I would definetly try to make it to Indiana Jones and maybe the Muppets. The boys would probably enjoy these more; however, for grandma, it's a toss up. Beauty and the Beast is an amazing show, though the boys may enjoy Little Mermaid better and it's inside!

The Backlot Tour and GMR are both a must for us. I think everyone will really enjoy these. As for other rides, I know you mentioned that you want to skip RnRC and ToT but I would get to Star Tours. Most likely you will want to get a Fast Pass but I think this is one that you will really enjoy, especially, if everyone knows the movie.

Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playset will get a bit crowded but I have never known them to stop letting people in. However, for Playhouse, this can get very crowded. I would head over there first. Just a warning though, the older kids may not enjoy this at all and it may be a good time for a split - if possible - and someone escort them to ToT (or wherver) while the rest stay for the show.

Transportain to MGM doesn't take too long. Most likely it will take about 15 min to get there. It more depends on how long you wait for the bus. I would not suggest going to the MK first and then taking a bus, this would just waste time. The boat ride to Epcot is wonderful and takes about 20 min. If you get to the dock, however, and see the other boat just left, I would walk or take the bus. I say this cause we really love the walk. Not a good idea, though, if anyone is already feeling tired!

Have a magical time and enjoy!

 

[Keokagal]

Hi, I suffer from migraines frequently. I love RoRc. I never got a migraine from it. If I ever did, I carry my Imitrex. Thank science for that med.

 

[Disney Fool]

You didn't mention going to Fantasmic! which is a show not to be missed. Your entire family will enjoy it. It is next to Beauty and the Beast show, and is shown at night. Make sure you arrive an hour early to be seated.

 

[JJsmama]

You didn't mention going to Fantasmic! which is a show not to be missed. Your entire family will enjoy it. It is next to Beauty and the Beast show, and is shown at night. Make sure you arrive an hour early to be seated.

No, I didn't mention Fantasmic. That is most likely too late for us to be at MGM and have to leave the park and go back to WL. Our kids are on an EARLY schedule, despite our efforts to move them back. If we make it to ANY night show with the kids, we'll do Magic Kingdom since it is so close to hotel.

Also the youngest is Terrified of fireworks.

Maybe when they are older.

 

[NboroGirl]

Is Fansasmic shown every night? We will be there in Feb. (President's week) and I was wondering if the show is performed every night, and what time. Thanks.

 

[QuickGold]

I've studied three different guide books but still don't have a plan for MGM. Anyone care to help with some questions?

We'll be there peak season with 4 boys ages 4-10.

1. There are so many shows. I know the kids won't want to sit through them all, so which do you recommend:
Muppets 3 D
Beauty and the Beast
Legend of Little Mermaid
Hunchback Notre Dame
Indiana Jones

2. Also, which is better between Backlot Tour and Great Movie Ride? Since they are both long tram rides, will we want to do both?

3. Is MGM as crowded as MK in the mornings? Do we need to be standing at the gate when it opens?

4. I know we want to do Playhouse Disney, Honey I Shrunk playground, 1-2 of the shows. What am I missing? Of these, which do we need to make a beeline to first thing? Thanks!

5. Transportation: How long is the bus ride from WL to MGM? Would we do better to start from the MK busses? If we go to Epcot after, can we take the ferry from MGM to Epcot? Would you recommend it?

THANKS!

1. Muppets 3 D
Beauty and the Beast
Legend of Little Mermaid
(Hunchback of Norte Dame is no longer playing)

2. They're not that alike. Backlot Tour will take around 20-30 minutes and GMR will take 10-15 minutes (not counting wait to get in, of course). I'd rather see The Great Movie Ride if you had to pick between the two.

3. If you want to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror you will (or should) be there at gate before opening. Otherwise, you'll have the park to yourself for the first hour or so.

4. You can find touring guides for Kids here: http://www.mgmstudios.org/guide.html

5. Regarding Epcot, there is a boat. However, it is probably faster to take the walkway to Epcot. Keep in mind that if the boat is arriving when you leave MGM, then go for the boat. Also, the walk can be a bit much for kids so you might just take the boat anyway.