HS vs. AK for first timers and no nighttime show

[bladiator]

So I am taking my in-laws to WDW coming up this December, and they will only have time for 3 days. We're doing full days at MK and Epcot, and the 3rd day will only be during the daylight hours.

I know that I myself have written off HS if you have to spend a whole day's ticket there, but I also have been over a dozen times. I'm thinking about a how HS still has a lot of shows (Indy, BatB, Mermaid, Frozen) that you can sit down during and burn a lot of time. On the other hand, AK has some great rides and PANDORA now. Any thoughts on the matter? Oh, also .. let's just say that seeing animals (except for the safari ride) is not really a draw for them.

 

[bladiator]

Bumping for a new day.

 

[Klayfish]

Personally, I don't follow the idea of crossing off HS for a whole day. Yes, GMR closing hurts, but the other stuff that closed previously really wasn't used much anyway. There is still a lot to do there.

As for which park I'd pick that would depend completely on what the in-laws want. If they want AK, then I'd send them there and go to HS. Oh wait, you're going to spend the day with them? In all seriousness, would they enjoy Star Wars and thrill rides more or would they prefer more animal centered things? HS has ToT, RnR, Star Tours, Launch Bay, etc... Yes, it has great shows, but so does AK, so I consider that a "wash". AK has the safari, animal trails, etc...

 

[epcotty]

I'd go with AK with HS in its current state not being that great (especially if they're not heavily into Star Wars)

 

[bladiator]

I'd go with AK with HS in its current state not being that great (especially if they're not heavily into Star Wars)

They're like ... above average Star Wars fans. I REALLY wanted them to see Star Tours, but didn't want to make that the whole reason for going there.

As for which park I'd pick that would depend completely on what the in-laws want. If they want AK, then I'd send them there and go to HS. Oh wait, you're going to spend the day with them? In all seriousness, would they enjoy Star Wars and thrill rides more or would they prefer more animal centered things? HS has ToT, RnR, Star Tours, Launch Bay, etc... Yes, it has great shows, but so does AK, so I consider that a "wash". AK has the safari, animal trails, etc...

I thought about the Nemo musical (I like it) but I forgot all about Lion King (I've only gotten my butt over there once to see it). Oh and Flights of Wonder. All good points. I had just sorta forgotten how many shows they have there. Ugh, this is a toughie. I guess I should throw it out there for them to decide.

Even though the shows are "old" to me, I feel like Indiana Jones is one of the best first-time shows that they have. I mean, the big moving sets and the explosions and choreography all are impressive. The "shtick" is the only part that brings the show down (even for a first-timer hah)

 

[chiburple]

For me, AK hands down. But I don't care much about Star Wars and ToT and RRC are too intense for me, so that leaves very little to do in HS these days. Now they've closed the Great Movie Ride and Lights Motors Action (My favorite HWS show) so there's not much appeal there anymore except for Toy Story Mania and Star Tours. Personally, I feel the Indiana Jones show is a little outdated. I would have much preferred to lose that over Lights Motors Action.

On the other hand, AK has Bugs Life, Lion King, Nani River Journey, Safari and, in my opinion, more atmosphere in general. But that's just for me. You know your family best.

 

[bladiator]

For me, AK hands down. But I don't care much about Star Wars and ToT and RRC are too intense for me, so that leaves very little to do in HS these days. Now they've closed the Great Movie Ride and Lights Motors Action (My favorite HWS show) so there's not much appeal there anymore except for Toy Story Mania and Star Tours. Personally, I feel the Indiana Jones show is a little outdated. I would have much preferred to lose that over Lights Motors Action.

On the other hand, AK has Bugs Life, Lion King, Nani River Journey, Safari and, in my opinion, more atmosphere in general. But that's just for me. You know your family best.

All good points. One thing that always gets me is that AK seems so much hotter than other parks (I think it's just due to how much foliage there is .. humidity I guess I mean). But we're going in December so that's a moot point. Toy Story Mania is a big draw as an amazing little ride as is Star Tours for Star Wars fans, but Pandora is brand new (but will we be able to ride anything without wasting half the day in line?).

I'm just getting my thoughts out digitally, I appreciate the suggestions .. it's stirring up the old brain cells.

 

[chiburple]

One thing to say for HWS: they've announced two new Christmas shows for this year. I know you said you were not doing any night-time shows, but Disney hasn't said what these will be yet or when. It's possible at least one will take place during the day.

Have you considered looking at crowd calendars for both parks? Depending on when in December your trip is, you might be best off just going to the park with the fewest crowds.

 

[chiburple]

(but will we be able to ride anything without wasting half the day in line?).

Yes, but you would have to work at it. For FoP, rope drop an hour ahead of park opening or stalk FP+ every day until you get lucky (hopefully). If you don't care about FoP, a fastpass to Nani River Journey is not too hard to get. Everything else in AK should be pretty easy to manage unless you're going on an ultra crowded day.