If you had to miss one park which one would it be???

[MEM]

We love AK and would never miss it. My guess would be that alot of folks are put off by the heat there -- it seems much hotter and more humid than the other parks -- the vegetation would account for the humidity. IMHO, AK is under-appreciated because not enough people take the time to notice all the detail that went in to it. It is definitely a "take time to smell the roses" kind of park. The addition of the Expedition Everest coaster is expected to capture the thrill-seekers who would normally pass on AK. Personally, I think its too bad because I am afraid it will ruin the exotic feel of the park.

It helps to be animal-lovers but at the same time it teaches people to appreciate animals they might have over-looked. I have met folks from Africa and Asia who feel homesick because those areas of AK are so realistic.

Our approach, since we usually visit in August, is to do AK on an Early Magic Hour day and leave at noon.

BTW, AK has some must-see attractions: Its Tough to be a Bug, Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur!,
Kali River Rapids. The Festival of the Lion King is also popular and the Flights of Wonder bird show is much better than expected.

 

[eleanor]

MGM

 

[roserae]

Originally posted by MEM
We love AK and would never miss it. IMHO, AK is under-appreciated because not enough people take the time to notice all the detail that went in to it. It is definitely a "take time to smell the roses" kind of park

I was going to say the same thing. It is such a peaceful park, so different from the other parks. (except, of course, dinoland) I think a lot of people try to run from attraction to attraction and miss a lot. For me, it's a nice break, and I just love the atmosphere in each land.

 

[SondraD11]

You don't mention your ages or whether you have children or what park is your favorite. If it was me, I'd split one day between Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. I enjoy Epcot and MGM too much to even think about not spending a full day in each. I don't know if Magic Kingdom e-ride nights will be available during your visit, but that would be another way to work in an extra park one of your days.

My son (age 23) and I (age 55) are going for 6 days in December and taking one of those days for US-IOA. We're planning to use the Mears shuttle ($14 each round trip from Disney hotel) and not renting a car. I haven't done this before so I'm not sure how it will work out but it's something to consider.

Sondra

 

[liznboys]

If it were just me, I'd skip MGM.

 

[AdventurerKat]

Normally, I would say Epcot but if you like trying new foods, etc, the food and wine festival is going on and I really like that.

As much as it pains me to say it, I would say MGM as well.

 

[sters]

That' easy.... MGM. Epcot and Magic Kingdom are not to be missed.

 

[coli]

MGM - BORRRRRIINNNNNNGGGGGGG

 

[disneyfanz04]

Ok, here is a little more detail...I am suprising DH with this trip...he has no clue, he thinks we are staying at the Embassy next to the airport. I told him we have dinner ressies at a philly restuarant Nov 18th @ 6:30...our plane leaves 8:25pm....so on our way to the "restuarant" I was gonna tell him the directions are in the glove box...and when he goes in there to get them he will see the plane tixs and park hoppers. So he really has NO clue...heehee...So it will just be him and I..kids are staying home this time. Here are the things I really want to do, then maybe someone can help me plan around that...

Wishes & Spectromagic @ MK
AK..all DH's fav park
Epcot..all my fav park
and IOA
if we could work it in, I would like to go to fantasmic too.......is this possible?????

Or should I just skip the rental cr, and not make IOA an option...he loves Spiderman there, and practically all the rides @ US. HELP PLEASE....I just want this to be perfect!!! Thanks in advance and for all the responses!!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I love surprises!!!

You could head to MGM to go on a couple rides and see Fantasmic after your day at AK. Have you been to Fantasmic? I have twice, but when my DH and I went recently (also a trip without kids), my DH was sleepy and fell asleep. After that we learned to take a nap if we wanted to stay awake after dark, such as the day we went to Cirque.

Since your DH likes IoA I would plan a day there. My DH wanted to go to Universal, but we'd gone to Universal in April (and the April before) so we only went to WDW. He did mention that he'd like to go away again and go to Universal (hey, works for me!).

Make sure you don't burn both ends of the candle. We didn't plan to do the EE parks since we were staying up later than normal each day. Also, make sure that you pick out a few good restaurants to eat at. My DH and I enjoyed that.

Have fun!

T&B

 

[roserae]

How very sweet of you! I bet you are so excited! You could definitely get Fantasmic in on your AK day, since that park closes at 5pm and Fantasmic is generally at 8pm. Plenty of time to get over there and grab a bite to eat too. Don't know what days you are going to be there, but you'll have to plan your MK day probably on a Tuesday or Saturday since those are generally the only days they do Spectromagic. Then plan on another day at IOA/US. I would rent a car regardless of what you plan. We always do and it just makes everything go so much smoother. It's nice to know you have your own ride and don't have to rely on other transportation. It's only 4 days and you can get the cheapest car available since it's just the two of you. Have fun!

 

[disneyfanz04]

OK....here is our trip days....

arriving thursday at 11:00pm...get rental car and check in to hotel
we have all day friday...saturday.... and sunday...we have monday until around 5:30....we are leaving monday night....I planned on going to AK on monday, since I know it doesn't take all day there....saturday I was gonna do MK since that is the only day they have Spectromagic.....that leaves friday and sunday open....maybe we could do IOA on friday, then go over to mgm to do fantasmic and tot and rnr...would it be worth it to use one day of our hopper to do those three things????? then sunday we can do epcot and see illuminations???? I made a few PS's...chef mickey...donalds breakfastarous(sp??)...o'hana...and LTT...oh yeah and I wanted to hit rainforest cafe, but if we don't I won't care as much because there is one 45 mins from our house.

well that is what I came up with...open to any alterations...what do you guys think?????? This trip is gonna drive me !!! At least everything is done for our Halloween trip!!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I was going to say AK, but since that's your DH fave park.....I still say AK! I can't imagine skipping any of the other 3, but we didn't like AK.....too hot, too miserable....we will try it again on our next trip, may have been a bad day for us.

 

[kenneyjo]

We would definitely skip Magic Kingdom. What a snoozefest that park is.

We don't have any kids and enjoy Epcot and MGM immensely. The Magic Kingdom does not provide the same type of experience for adults as the Epcot and MGM.

I know we are surely in the minority but remember, it's the differences that make DIS'ers great!

 

[lark]

Great thread.

I just don't "get" EPCOT. I strikes me as dated and not interesting. I sort of walk around and think, "hmmm, where should I go." If I really loved one of the restaurants, maybe it would be different.

In fact, one of the reasons I read this board is to try to understand what so many see in EPCOT that I don't. It sure does have some fans.

As for MGM, I agree that it has some issues, but in my mind TOT is the single greatest amusement park attraction in the country; at least the ones I've been to. Millionaire, the roller coaster, and Fantasmic make it hard to put 4th on the list of 4.

 

[kenneyjo]

Lark,

It's funny that we disagree on the strategy and game design of WWTBAM but do agree that it is a great attraction.

WWTBAM is in my mind the greatest non-ride attraction and TOT is the greatest ride attraction.

Some would say the Spiderman at IOA is better then TOT but I disagree.

Spiderman is great and I look forward to every ride I have, but TOT is so immersive, well designed and keeps evolving to get better.

As per your comments about EPCOT. I felt the same way for the longest time. There was no fun factor. I believe that has changed in my mind based on Test Track, Mission Space and the entire World Showcase area.

BTW, check out Le Cellier's Cheddar Cheese soup, Maple BBQ Filet Mignon and cream cheese mashed potatoes and you will find a favourite restaurant!

 

[disneyfanz04]

bumpig for the night timers...and hopefully for some more input!!!

 

[delilah]

MGM studios. Last time we went, I didn't go, and was perfectly content. We have seen all the shows that small kids like, and my son, 6, is afraid of all the thrill rides.

 

[LovePug]

I'd have to choose Epcot. I'd never skip MGM....we spend 2 days there....and wouldn't dream of skipping MK .

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Well, we've never been to AK. Each trip we say we're going to go there but always end up going to MK, EPCOT or DS instead.

So, I'd have to say AK. But, this trip we WILL be checking out AK! Espeicially since DD (7) wants to try Kali River Rapids.

Debbie