MGM or AK ?

[diamondview]

Hi everyone! We are spending 2 days at MK and for our 3rd day I'm debating whether to see MGM or Animal Kingdom. It's our kid's first trip to WDW. DD is 6 and wants to go on all the rides but I'm thinking she may chicken out. DS is 2 and has never been on a ride but I betcha anything he would like any action rides.

We were leaning towards AK, but since we live in South Florida, we have access to so many exotic animals at various zoos in the area plus we have Lion Country Safari (which is a drive through safari where animals walk right past your car). MGM sounds like alot of fun too but somebody said it's not a full-day affair.

I'm not planning on getting Park Hopper but I'm open to the possibility. I don't want to lose alot of time going between the parks & I don't know how long it would take. With all that being said, what park do you think our kids would benefit from more? Any ideas or suggestions for this newbie???

Thanks guys!!!!!

 

[nicoleakr]

We just returned from our first WDW vacation. We went to MK , AK and MGM our kids are 8,7,and 3 . They loved MK and AK. They didn't like MGM at all . We got there at 9 and we left by 1 for the hotel. I hope that helps!!!!! I would say that it was the best vacation we ever had and the kids loved it.

 

[checkwriter]

Given the ages of the kids, I'm not sure, but I'd put my money on AK. It's wonderful. Such theming! Even down to the pavement (faux bicycle tire tracks and hoof marks, for example). Lots of chances to see animals, but some of the rides may not accommodate your kids (EE, Kali, Dinosaur are all wonderful but have height restrictions). Same with Primeval Whirl, which is okay but not in the same league. But they'll like Triceratops Spin -- Dumbo minus about 20 million years, the Boneyard (a playground), and Kilmanjaro Safaris. Maybe It's Tough to Be a Bug as well. Maharajah trail and Pangani Forest may capture their attention as well. And there's plenty to look at during the Lion King show.

MGM targets a bit older crowd. I'd pick AK.

Have a great trip!

 

[frndofpooh]

I'd also go with AK - the last time we went, our DS4 really did not like MGM because he wanted more "rides" (he is on the short side so there was nothing he could ride but Catastrophe Canyon). Of course, DS8 loves MGM and could stay there forever. We ended up splitting up and taking the little guy back to the pool (mom got to sip a tasty drink and put her feet up!). AK seems more appealing to the little ones - there is so much there that they can relate to. Have fun!

 

[ugadog99]

AK definitely. MGM is not our favorite. In fact, we could go in only for Fantasmic and be happy. AK, on the other hand, is one of our favorites. Of course, we love animals. With the ages of your kids, I'd say AK is your best bet. Be sure to see Festival of the Lion King. It is the best show on Disney property.

 

[Ghost]

I love AK... ans so does my 6 year old son. Beware of the play areas and digging up the bones... He could have stayed there forever

 

[Jrabbit910]

Hi Diamond,
Why dont you get the park hopper just for the last day that you are there, this way you can go to AK in the morning and enjoy MGM at night. You dont have to get the park hopper passes for the whole length of your stay and you wont miss out on either one if you do it this way.
If your staying on property take advantage of the extra park hours if they have them for the days you want.

 

[Chuck65]

Good idea there Jrabit................ I would do AK during the day and get on over to MGM for Fantasmic.

 

[barrie]

Jrabit - I was going to suggest that too. AK closes at 5pm, MGM closes at 9pm. If you plan it right, you could even do it on one of the days when MGM is open late for hotel guests (I forget what that's called).

But if both parks aren't an option, I'm with everyone else - AK is much more fun for kids. Barrie

 

[gems_smiling]

My vote is for AK. There's not as much to do at MGM.

 

[LisaBi]

Ummm.. how do you get park hoppers for just one day, without buying a single day ticket - which is usually more expensive than adding hopping to a longer ticket?

And my vote (I know I'm in the minority) is for MGM. We don't care for it. DS12 refuses to go to AK - but wants to go MGM first thing every trip! He loves Beauty & the Beast and Great Movie Ride.

Lisa

 

[NC State]

I think with the ages of your kids they would enjoy MGM better. MGM has more kid friend attractions. (Little Merimaid, Beauty & the Beast, Playhouse Disney and the Muppets).

As an adult I still think MGM is better than AK

 

[U2_rocks]

Isn't park hopping a fixed add on price? In which case, it's gonna cost the same no matter when you add it? I'd still wait to add it, though, in case for some reason you never make it to the second park.

If you are early risers I'd do AK first (right at park opening), see how that goes, then maybe add the hopper option and go over to MGM for the evening. The shows are mainly in the afternoon at MGM, which makes it not so much of a good morning park for kids who aren't doing the thrill rides.

If by the third day you are likely to be pooped, and will sleep in late anyway, MGM might end up being the better park.

It's so subjective! But do know that AK is more than just a zoo or safari park. That said, if you have frequent access to anmals but not to shows, and you think your kids would like a totally different experience, then maybe try MGM.

You know you're gonna be back someday, right? What you don't do now, save for next time!

 

[diamondview]

You know you're gonna be back someday, right? What you don't do now, save for next time!

That's a very good point! Right now we're buying the 3-day play pass for FL residents. I'm considering converting it to a seasonal pass. But I want to see how the kids like the parks & how they do on the ride up there & the stay at the hotel (my son will not sleep anywhere but his bed so I'm a bit nervous--he's 2).

 

[zoeabbymom]

We're at the world now for our first trip with our two daughters, ages 5 and 6. We've gone to MK several times for a few hours, and we haven't had nearly as much fun as at AK (partially because the MK is VERY crowded - shoulder-to-shoulder people, and partially because there is virtually no shade at MK). My girls loved everything we did at AK, especially the rides in Dino-land, the safari, the animal trails, and the SHADE!!!! Also, the parade at AK is really, really incredible - much better than the daytime parade at the MK.

 

[MJMcBride]

My vote is for AK too. I think there's a lot more for little kids there. MGM is a little light in attractions for a 2 year old and even the 6 year old if she'll chicken out on rides.

 

[katiesmomluvsdizne]

Somehow figure out how to do both. I think that both parks have a lot for both of you kids. MGM has Muppets 3D, Beauty & Beast, Honey I Shrunk Playground, Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, fun parade, and Fantasmic. AK has awesome awesome parade, lots of animals, Lion King show, safari, Boneyard and the rest of Dino Land. I am sure that I am leaving something out. Just try and do both if at all possible.

 

[Mrs Mouse]

AK definately!!! It has dino land(OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT) there are better, more exiting rides for little ones!!!

 

[glencoe]

It depends on your kids....AK is beautiful however it does not manage the crowds well. Dino land is neat but they have this fair/type amusement park w/ rides you can get probably at a local fair and most don't let the little ones get on because of size restriction, very frustrating. I hate to say we avoid Dino land, we have playgrounds at home and beaches to dig. The ride Dinosaur freaked out my 5 yr old, my 8 yr old loved it though and my 2 yr old never went near it!! My son was scared of Tough to Be a Bug till just a few years ago, we have an awesome zoo by us so the animals are not a must see for us and your kids are too young for EE, however MGM has alot of little kid things. Muppets, Playhouse Disney, the shows they enjoy, the great movie ride my kids loved and the backlot tour they enjoy, and of course, Buzz and Woody.
Dont get me wrong I love AK but if you can do both, you find you are more satisfied, both can be half day parks easy! Hop it!!!

 

[kydisneyfans]

I would say to spend only 1 day at the MK then spend one day at each of the others. Depending on time of year and using fastpasses wisely, one day at the MK is plenty considering a 2 year old will not go on the "big" attractions (the mountains, BTMRR, etc). Just be smart with fantasyland and get there at opening.