MGM Question

[IvorysMom]

This is our first trip to WDW and it's only 5 full days. We'd like to go to MGM but there are only 3 or 4 rides we want to go on. Is it possible to do just these in half a day? Ideally, we'd like to do MGM and Typhoon Lagoon the same day. I'd appreciate any advice!

 

[momxx5]

As MGM is smaller than MK I think it would be possible. Check the hours of operation. I would go to TL in the morning and then to MGM in the afternoon - don't want to miss Fantasmic!

That said - MGM is my all time favorite. I can't really understand why anyone would not want to spend the day there. To me, there is a treasure around every corner.

Anyway, have a good time!

 

[beattyfamily]

We also usually make a day of it with a meal and topping it off with Fantasmic!

 

[IvorysMom]

DD is a fish and she is looking forward to TL. I know she would be disappointed if we skipped it. We are planning on 2 days of MK, 1 Epcot, 1 Universal, and 1/2 MGM, 1/2 TL. Of course, things may change when we actually get there, though! The RnR is touted as being the most intense ride so we really want to do that and the ToT. There were one or two more rides that we were interested in based on websites visited. Also, what is Fantasmic?

 

[Tinkbell]

Oh, you must see Fantasmic. Check out the link.

Fantasmic

 

[helenabear]

I do MGM in a half day or less all the time. I usually go on about 3 rides or so and call it a day. I think most of the time I am there about 2-3 hours tops. Fantasmic is great and if you can see it that's great!

 

[IvorysMom]

We are arriving on Sunday around noon. We are on a short (2 hour) non stop flight. Do you think we should go after we get settled? Is Sunday a good day for MGM? We were planning on DTD or the Boardwalk followed by the parade and/or fireworks. All advice appreciated for this first timer!

 

[CarolynFH]

RnR and TOT are very popular rides, so you'll do better if you go to MGM in the morning when the lines are shorter. Perhaps you could go to TL afterwards, then back to MGM for other rides and Fantasmic. If you're interested in RnR and TOT, you should also think about Star Tours. Then there's Voyage of the Little Mermaid (a show with marvelous special effects), One Man's Dream (Walt Disney's life story; did you know that many kids don't realize there really was a man named Walt Disney?), the newly-refurbished Great Movie Ride.... Like Momxx5, MGM is a favorite with us too!

Unfortunately, 5 days is short, especially when you're planning to go to Universal one of those days. So you won't be able to do everything you want. Be sure to get a good guidebook NOW. What I recommend for folks who haven't been before is to have everyone read the guidebook and list 3 things in each park that are "must do" for them. That way we don't disappoint anyone by missing something they have their heart set on (like TL for your DD) and we don't waste their time on attractions that no one is really interested in.

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS, <b>IvorysMom</b>, I'm very glad you found us.

MGM is my favorite park...no <i>wait</i> EPCOT is my favorite park...no <i>wait</i>....I can decide

It's possible to do MGM in a half day but not all of the fun at MGM is the rides. There are street performers, parades, shows and just loads of atmosphere. You would miss a lot if you used only 1/2 day. On the other hand, I've never experienced any of the water parks. Giving up some of the fun at MGM to spend time at TL may well be worth it. That would mean no Fantasmic, though.

Difficult decision. Have fun planning your trip here.

Katholyn

 

[IvorysMom]

I'm a list maker so we've had that MUST DO, WANT to DO and CAN SKIP list for a few days now. That's how I know that there are only 3 or 4 rides at MGM that we want to do. The other issue that's been brought up on another thread is TL becoming full early. I hope I'm not being unrealistic in hoping to do both in one day!

 

[CRCrazy]

Within the limitations of your visit - you can definitely do this! I would go to MGM in the AM, at opening - get a Fastpass for one and ride the other (Rock N Roller Coaster & Tower of Terror. Then do the other must do rides on your list, and head over to Typhoon Lagoon around noon for the afternoon. I would hang at Typhoon Lagoon for the afternoon - then go back to MGM around 5 o 6 pm, get some dinner and see Fantasmic, as well as anything else you have time for.

I don't know if Typhoon Lagoon would be full by noon - we've only gone in wintertime, when only one water park is open, and it was not packed (too cold!). I do know that MGM is a partial day park for us - we still haven't seen everything we want to, even after 3 trips, but my youngest (6) has a built in button - as soon as she passes through the MGM gates - she wants to be back at the resort swimming! I don't know why - the atmosphere at this park just doesn't hold us there like MK or Epcot! We do enjoy the rides, and the shows - but in small doses!

Are you going on the Fairytale Package? If so, I probably wouldn't bother going to Universal for a day! I would save that for another trip. If not - have fun!! I would like to get to Universal someday to see Shrek - that's our family's favorite movie - but Disney has us hooked - once we get on property - we just can't seem to leave, even for a day!

 

[Tinkbell]

Ivorysmom, where will you be staying at?

I would do TL in the moring and MGM in the late afternoon, staying for Fantasmic. If you know exactly which attractions are important to you, you should have plenty of time.

 

[momxx5]

things to think about...

-when are you going?

-sometimes TL closes the gates, when it gets too busy.

-the waterparks get referbished at certain times of yr.

-MGM closes early at certain times of yr.

-after spending 1 day at MK, you may only want to go back there for another 1/2 day.

Be flexible and have fun.

I, for me, know dreaming and planning are half the fun!

 

[IvorysMom]

I am staying onsite at the Polynesian and I'm not doing the Fairytale Package (don't even know what that is!). I will be there from Aug 3- 9. After reading all the posts, I think Tinkbell's suggestion is a good one. Fantasmic does look interesting and it seems to be a favorite of most people. By the way, is there a better day to do MGM? I've read that Monday for MK is a no-no. PS. I love this site and it's been incredibly helpful!

 

[Tinkbell]

I would avoid MGM on Tuesday/Saturday. These are the early entry days and might make the park a bit more crowded by the afternoon.

Polynesian is a beautiful resort. Your family will really love it. You made a good choice.

 

[zcomic]

I agree with those here that say do MGM early, hit TL after doing your 4 rides, then head back for Fantasmic at night. It's an amazing live performance with virtually every disney character. Fireworks, lazers, movies projected on wall of water...... words can't do it justice. It is a not to be missed attraction.

 

[jeankeri]

Since you're staying onsite, you can do MGM early entry, then go to TL. Check the opening time for TL- I think it's 10am. You could try to book a Fantasmic dinner package- so if you return to MGM you won't have to spend all your time waiting in line for the show.

 

[jeankeri]

Forgot to mention- I had (what I thought) was the PERFECT itineary (?sp) and then my DS8 told me TL was what he wanted most to do in WDW!!! We are going in December, and hopefully the weather will cooperate, because we are going to TL!!!

 

[funnyhunny]

We usually do AK and MGM in the same day, but we aren't as much show attendees as we are ride fanatics. I think it depends on your interests....But, you definitely can do it.

 

[WDWAurora]

If you have a DD8, she might also be interested in the Beauty and the Beast show, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid...The muppet show would be great for her age...I know that wasn't the question, but I would hate for you guys to miss out on some of the great things there that you could wind up loving so much...I agree with what was said about maybe doing MK for a day and a half, not two...But you can decide that when you see what you get done the first day. And I don't normally recommend the Fantasmic dinner package, but with your time constraints, I would go for it, so that you can make sure to maximize ride/show/etc time. I'll be there the exact same days! If you see a (just barely, as of two days before) 21 year old and her fantastic grandparents, wave!