MGM or Seaworld

[disneycool]

We will have time only to see either MGM or Seaworld. Which one do you guys recommend? We are going with our 12 and 5 year old boys.

 

[kaygela]

We really love MGM. My boys are 8 and 16 and it has things for both of them. But, it's really very individual. My kids are pretty bored with Seaworld so we don't go anymore. BUt, we also live in Ny where they can go to the Coney Island Aquarium and Atlantis so SeaWorld is no longer such a thrill. But keep in mind, MGM has the Disney magic.

 

[Cruisin]

If your guys are into Disney style rides, they won't find a lot of them at Sea World. It is more shows and exhibits. I like Sea World, but I like MGM better.

 

[lejaf]

My 10 year old son said he would pick MGM last of every park anywhere (and that includes parks like six flages etc.)....he really doesn't like it. There are very few "rides" and mostly shows and the shows just don't do much for him.

He loves Sea world...feeding the dolphins and petting the rays, and watching the whale show and the seal show and running around the huge play area make up for the low number of rides at Sea World whereas the non-ride options at MGM just don't interest him...but every kid is different and my son is very big into animals of any kind.

Personally I also prefer Sea WOrld over MGM, but I suppose I'm a sucker for animals as well...Watching the whale show amazes me every time I see it. I would love to see how they actually train a whale to do what they do...it's really astounding.

 

[Hippychickali]

I think I would choose Sea World too, especially with children. It would offer some variety and its much different than anything you'll get a Disney (as much as I love WDW).

Ali

 

[rhiansmom]

I have never been to MGM but myself, my mom and my 4 year old DD were really bored with Seaworld. I don't know if it was because the day we went it was so COLD or not.

After seeing about 2 exhibits we walked by the dolphin lagoon area and I asked DD if she wanted to get out of the stroller and see the dolphins and her reply was "no, they are just dolphins".

Now we live in Iowa so it isn't like she sees them everyday.

The beginning of the Sea Lion show and the dolphin show were the biggest highlights of the day.

 

[eeyore0062]

Gee, that is like asking Apples or Oranges. I most definitely couldn't pick. If you have a chance, try to do both.

 

[moinab]

How do your children feel about whales, dolphins, sea lions, manatees, and fish? If they are excited about sea animals, then they will love Sea World. If your 12 year old likes roller coasters, Kraken is a bigger rush than anything I've been on in WDW, and they also have a big flume ride. I've heard the Wild Arctic simulator ride is excellent, too, but we bypassed it because our children are too young. The shows are all excellent. (Don't miss Pets Ahoy!) Shamu's Happy Harbor play area is huge and the kids love it

If, however, they shrug their shoulders at the idea, it could be a waste of time and money. It really depends on what they like.

Regarding MGM, read through descriptions of all the shows to see how many would appeal to your children. Our DS will not go into any of the theaters, so MGM is basically a huge waste of time for us.

We had Fun Cards (annual passes) for Sea World last year, and have FL resident seasonal passes for WDW this year. While our 3.5 yo DS loves WDW, he still asks about SeaWorld and Shamu all the time.

Good luck with your decision and have a great trip!

 

[QuickGold]

MGM all the way

 

[ThwTwinsMom]

Ok, I guess that is settled! I'm sure you've realized by the earlier posts that it is a very individual thing. Here's our family's take on both. My boys are almost 8.

Seaworld: We love Sea World. Since there is a park in San Antonio and my in-laws live there, we have had season passes for the last few years. We always have a great time. None of us ever tire of the dolphin and whale show, the walrus and otter show or the killer whale show. We don't do many of the rides. That being said, it can take a long time to do it all. The shows are very spaced out and only occur a few times a day. This park is fairly relaxing because there is a lot of walking to a show and waiting. They also greatly reduce their offerings in off season. Ok, now this all is based on our Sea World of San Antonio. You may want to check on this based on when you are going.

MGM: My boys both loved this park on our last visit. They were 4.5 yo. A huge part of the reason is Star Tours. They live and breathe Star Wars. However, they also loved Muppets 3-D, Indiana Jones, and getting to see the Toy Story Gang (especially green army man). They weren't much for the shows. However, they really enjoyed Beauty and the Beast. They also loved Pizza Planet. My boys were too little to do the big rides there and have no desire to do them this time. We'll see when we get there.

Ok, I don't know what the moral of the story is, unless it is to say you'll probably have fun either way. They are so hard to compare. I would probably check to see if SeaWorld is in full swing when you go. I'd also ask myself if you are looking for a little more relaxation that day. Not that SeaWorld isn't a lot of walking, it is. It is just sort of shuffling from one area to another.

Hope this helps!

 

[Micca]

MGM. Then go over to Epcot and do Living Seas. It's not SeaWorld, but you'll get some of the same flavor

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Sea World. I love that place.

 

[moinab]

Then go over to Epcot and do Living Seas. It's not SeaWorld, but you'll get some of the same flavor

I love Epcot, but we were extremely disappointed with Living Seas. The Nemo exhibit was kind of cool, but even that could have been done much better. I would hate for anyone to skip SeaWorld thinking that Living Seas is any kind of substitute, unless you are just not interested in sea life, in which case, I would skip both.