MGM or AK?

[Natalya]

I'm trying to plan our October trip and make ADR's. The whole process is so overwhelming.

It will be me, my DH, and our 2 sons ages 12 and 4.


MK is a must for us this trip because it is our kids' first time at Disney so of course they HAVE to visit MK. Epcot is a must for us because I LOVE Epcot (and because this is the kids' first time at Disney).

However, I've never been to Animal Kingdom and the last time I was at MGM it was just okay. (we are talking 12 years ago or so).

Do you go to all 4 parks on every visit? Or do you just choose a couple and alternate on each visit...most specifically....do you visit both AK and MGM on all your visits...do you alternate them....do you favor just one...or do you omit them altogether?

If you do them both on every visit...do you do 1/2 day at each, and if so, do you do them both on the same day?

I'm trying to keep our schedule nice and light with plenty of down time for the 4 year old but exciting enough for the 12 year old. I'm just not sure what exactly to do with these two parks.

We are going in October from the 15th-20th. So we will probably hit MNSSHP and we will definately hit the food and wine festival. Plus, there are 3 restaurants in Epcot that I plan to make ADRs for...so I think we will spend alot of time there.

 

[SoCalKDG]

I'd go to both MGM and AK. With the addition of Everest and the fact the Nemo show might be open, AK offers a full day of things to do that will appeal to both kids. MGM has some great shows(including Fantasmic - do the Fantasmic package) and some great rides you won't be disappointed.

 

[indigoxtreme]

I agree try to do both, especially if your 12 yr old is into the coasters the AK is a must for Mt Everest. Also the new nemo show which is to open in the old Tarzan section will be great for the little one. At MGM they have playhouse disney with all the characters etc even little einsteins to meet, your little one will like this and the Rock N Rollercoaster is great for the older one. Have a great trip, get both the kids an autograph book, they have so much fun getting the autographs. It breaks the ice for the little ones and the life size characters.

 

[Paranoidfairy]

We have done both AK and MGM. MGM has some good rides and shows like Tower of Terror, Star Wars ride (can't remember the name) and the Fantasmic show at the end of the night. MGM might be the place you visit last. It's good for to go on a day you want to sleep in and not spend all day there. Where the other parks you'll probably want all day.

 

[Natalya]

Ok so then AK is an all day event?

Any good restaurants I should make ADRs for there?

 

[Evad]

We always do all 4 parks each time we are there. Each park offers a diffrent feel and atmosphere. We will spend the entire day at each park. Going in Oct. will help as well as the crowds will be very low. That is same time of year we go as well.

As for ADR's at AK we just do counter service and since the park closes at 5 we make our ADR's for one of the resort restaurants such as Ohana or Chef Mickeys etc. Have fun!!!

 

[clonetothebone]

Ok so then AK is an all day event?

Any good restaurants I should make ADRs for there?

We like AK and will spend 1 full day and part of another there. MGM is hard to do in less than a full day if you want to see everything because the way the shows are scheduled but we are going to try. We will spend a full day here as well.

AK only full service restaurant is Rain Forest Cafe and it is very loud. We went to the DtD version last time and I didn't enjoy it at all. Had to shout across the table to DW. We are planning on Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge for our evening meal the day we are at AK. It is a buffett with an African flair or so I'm told and gets great reviews.

We also do all 4 parks and 1 water park each trip.

Might want to consider splitting up for part of your day. There will be a few attractions the 4 year old will probably be too short for and there will be some things the 12 year old won't be interested in. Hope you have a magical time!

 

[beattyfamily]

For a first trip or a special trip with newbies, I'd hit all the parks and because of wanting to try EE at AK, I'd hit all the parks, BUT in the past, we have skipped AK on a few trips. It's not one of our favorites.

Regarding time, AK takes us half a day. IMHO, the parade is nothing to stay and wait for unless you really want to experience all parades and love parades so AK for us, can be done in half a day easily.

Regarding MGM, it takes us a whole day or two half days (I prefer splitting it). We love all the thrill rides, the shows and ending with the Fantasmic show (my girls LOVE this show so it is now a tradition).

Have fun planning!!!

 

[magicaldisney]

We always hit all 4 parks. We also do MNSSHP. If you are going to do this, you should not need another full day at MK (if you don't want to).

When you say down time for your 4 year old, you don't mention if you mean go to the resort and take a nap or just down time. Down time in the parks could be dining, sitting down for an ice cream sundae, seeing the shows (some will take up a fair amount of time), etc., etc., etc.

You also don't mention if you are park hopping. In my opinion, it's the best way to go, especially with kids. The age difference between my two boys is the same as yours so I know exactly what your dilema is.

Let me know if you need any tips.

 

[Natalya]

Thank you for all of the advice so far!!!

We are not big into parades so that will help. We do LOVE fireworks shows though so we will make sure to see each one.

As far as down time....I'm pretty much going to play it by ear. He doesn't take naps anymore...unless he is super tired....so we may just take the time to sit on a bench with an ice cream. Or, if we think he is overwhelmed in the parks, we may just hop back over to the resort to catch a swim in the pool or something. We are staying at the GF...we decided on a monorail resort so that we would have the convenience of jumping back and forth without taking too many buses.

We also included the park hopper option so that we have the freedom to go as we wish.

 

[beattyfamily]

Thank you for all of the advice so far!!!

We are not big into parades so that will help. We do LOVE fireworks shows though so we will make sure to see each one.

As far as down time....I'm pretty much going to play it by ear. He doesn't take naps anymore...unless he is super tired....so we may just take the time to sit on a bench with an ice cream. Or, if we think he is overwhelmed in the parks, we may just hop back over to the resort to catch a swim in the pool or something. We are staying at the GF...we decided on a monorail resort so that we would have the convenience of jumping back and forth without taking too many buses.

We also included the park hopper option so that we have the freedom to go as we wish.

You are off to a great start by staying at the GF and having the hoppers! They will make your trip so much easier (naps, pool breaks, running back to MK for a ride you missed etc...).

Have fun planning!

 

[DisneyDork712]

I always do each park. While I prefer AK over DS, I couldn't imagine not going to DS! I always plan a morning visit to each park, and an evening visit to each park. We always park-hop, so we don't spend the whole day at the same park. Then, I make plans to visit the larger/favorite parks even more than just one morning and one evening. I would definately do both AK and DS. They each have their own unique attractions and shows.

 

[gbanton]

There is no reason not to go to each park if you are there for 4 days. My last 4 day trip I did (in this order) 1 day MK, 1/2 AK other half back at MK, 1 day Epcot, 1/2+ MGM other half Epcot. Didn't miss anything and got to do some shows/rides multiple times.