MGM or the AK (If you had to choose...)

[Perpetual3051]

It is quite likely that my mom and I will be going to WDW in Oct. I have a dear friend who will be in Orlando for business, and his boss has said that it's all right for us to stay with the friend at his hotel (thus saving us a lot of money). Given our available time, I'm not sure if we can do all of the Disney parks justice. I want to appreciate them, not burn out (but I do have a type A touring plan in place in order to appreciate them while best avoiding long lines).

I've barely been to WDW (just the MK briefly as part of a school trip). I've been planning a trip for a long time. I also don't plan on this possible upcoming trip being my one and only trip to WDW, so if I can't squeeze everything in, there should be a next time.

I'd like some advice on whether WDW veterans would go to MGM or the AK if they had to choose one or the other. I'm not sure if I will, but if I have to, the choice is driving me crazy...

Thanks for any help.

P.S.--I'm 26 and my mom will have just turned 60 in mid Oct., if that's relevant. There are some thrill rides that won't suit her, but otherwise there will be plenty for her to do.

 

[Elfstar]

I'd suggest Animal Kingdom - it is unique in itself, has a good variety of shows/rides/sights. The animals are fabulous, the trail walks are full of things to see, and the castmembers demonstrate an incredible wealth of knowledge about both the flora and fauna found in the park.

MGM is fun, too, but I find it almost harsh; there's the least landscaping, the most pavement and, I think, less to learn there, although the history of Walt Disney (One Man's Dream) is very, very worthwhile.

Whichever you choose, have a wonderful trip! And get ready to start planning the next one!

 

[mousehappy]

I have the same Problem. I am very limited time wise and love both parks but favor Animal Kingdom. I am also going to be with about 25 High School Kids. For this reason I think MGM will be more their style even though I believe AK would be better for me.Either way, It will be a blast.

 

[mking624]

We prefer AK over MGM (especially with Expedition Everest now open), but this is really a matter of personal preference. AK and MGM are very different parks. AK is about conservation and has fewer rides/attractions than the other parks. MGM does have more rides/attractions, but we personally find the park pretty dull. Other people love it, though. Keep in mind, too, that AK closes earlier than the other 4 parks (for example, last week it closed at 5pm).

 

[Baloo]

WELCOME to the DIS Perpetual3051!!


I'd choose MGM. Some of our favorite rides are there...Rock n Roller Coaster,Tower of Terror and Star Tours,Great Movie Ride.The parade.Several terrific shows to see too.Also the fact that it stays open later.

So the most bang for my buck for a day , MGM would be my choice!
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[glavine47]

MGM

 

[DebIreland]

I'm not a veteran, having been on just one WDW trip but if it were me I would choose AK for the ambience, sights, sounds, smells. Just everything there made me happy and we found it very relaxing. I thought MGM would be my favourite park of all as we're all big movie fans and my two sons are quite the movie buffs but I found it claustrophobic and annoying. lol!! Having said that I know my kids would choose MGM for the two headliners (Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror) and we are going back there but personally if I had to choose I'd say AK. Perhaps if you look at the photos on the DIS parks page here you might get a feel for which one you'd prefer.

 

[DebIreland]

MGM is fun, too, but I find it almost harsh; there's the least landscaping, the most pavement and, I think, less to learn there, although the history of Walt Disney (One Man's Dream) is very, very worthwhile.

That just about sums up how I felt too.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

MGM Studios!!

 

[wdwcoltsfan]

I would go to AK, especially if thrill rides aren't your thing. Enjoy whichever park you choose!


Rachel

 

[Spaceship Earthfan]

Yeah I'd have to say AK as well, as much as I love Muppetvision 3D at MGM, AK (especially with the Lion King show and now with Everest) would be my choice.

 

[mousiemom]

This is only my opinion, but we love MGM! You have the TOT and RNR and all the movie stuff. They're both great parks but I choose MGM over AK! Have Fun!

 

[goofy4dis]

Thats a tuffie because the your mom probably wont ride the ToT and RnR since they are the major draws of MGM, thats probably plays a big factor. Overall for your situation, it comes down to if you and your mom like animals, if you don't like to see animals, sometimes upclose, then MGM is the choice for you.

 

[brocklesnar69]

MGM

 

[smep013]

Animal Kingdom...

We spent more time in MGM this time around and really enjoyed it - plus - we met the Incredibles. But to me, the Animal Kingdom is so nice and really a different experience - that I would say go there if you have to choose.

 

[kaysmommie]

AK is a bteer than MGM IMO. Now my DH likes MGM better but I have no idea why. Ak is my second favorite after MK.