MGM advice

[LeslieG]

I'm trying to make a tentative schedule for our May visit, and I don't think we'll have time to get to all the shows at MGM. What about the Backlot Tour and Movie Ride for 5 & 7 yr. old boys? Should I skip them? Doesn't the Backlot tour have a semi truck that catches fire or something? They'd love that, but is the rest of it boring? Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

[wdwguide]

I'm trying to make a tentative schedule for our May visit, and I don't think we'll have time to get to all the shows at MGM. What about the Backlot Tour and Movie Ride for 5 & 7 yr. old boys? Should I skip them? Doesn't the Backlot tour have a semi truck that catches fire or something? They'd love that, but is the rest of it boring? Any other advice would be appreciated.

The movie ride is a bit inconsistent in quality, but it does have some great moments. Since the waits are usually short, I wouldn't miss it.
The bocklot tour, IMHO, is pointless. Catastrophe Canyon is just not all that realistic or exciting (though your kids might disagree at that age), but I just don't understand why they still pretent to have an active movie studio when there haven't been any real theatrical productions of any significance in years.

 

[zurgswife]

I think your boys would love either...but either are skippable..I would just play it by ear.

 

[Simba22]

For 5 & 7 year olds, I would say skip the Great Movie Ride - it will probably be boring to them, as they won't recognize a lot of the movies...The Backlot Tour is awesome - that they will enjoy...there is a exploding truck which is VERY cool - Here's a hint, if you are going to be taking pictures, don't sit on the left side of the train! After the truck catches fire, they put it out with a huge tidal wave...I got soaked last year. This would be cool for your boys though if you don't mind them getting wet! And especially if you don't warn them about it first. There were a bunch of kids on our train that were glowing after that!

Definitly stay for Fantasmic at the end of the day...and bring them to see the Lights, Motors, Action! They will love that. The Indiana Jones Show is pretty cool too....and there's more fire!

 

[fizz13]

My kids are the same age and they prefer Backlot Tour but only the Catastrophe canyon bit, the rest is kind of defunct now, there are no animators and the houses have been ripped out. If they are on the brave side, then go for Great Movie Ride, its more entertaining, although watch out for the Alien!
Claire xx

 

[LeslieG]

What about the Fast Passes? How long of a window do you usually have to use them? I'm trying to also plan when to get the Fast Passes so I have them at the right times. Can I get a FP for LMA right at 8 a.m.? (We'll be there for EMH) If so, I assume that will be for the first show only?

 

[dbenlee]

I don't think either one of those attractions have FP. I know Backlot Tour does not. My family has never had to wait more than 15 or 20 minutes for either one of these.

Our son is 6 and he loves both, especially The Great Movie Ride. I'm not sure why he likes them, but he has to make sure we are going on both of them when we enter the Studios.

 

[Tiffany]

I'm trying to make a tentative schedule for our May visit, and I don't think we'll have time to get to all the shows at MGM. What about the Backlot Tour and Movie Ride for 5 & 7 yr. old boys? Should I skip them? Doesn't the Backlot tour have a semi truck that catches fire or something? They'd love that, but is the rest of it boring? Any other advice would be appreciated.

I think the boys would definetly go for the exploding oil tanker part of the Backlot Tour. We did this with my 8yr old nephew this past November and he loved it. The Great Movie Ride usually does not have long waits so give it a try some of it I could see young boys enjoying.