Should we do MGM?

[HayGan]

I'm debating whether or not we should even bother going to MGM during our trip. When I was there (1991), I was less than impressed and really liked Universal better. Since our boys will be 4 and 5 1/2 on our next trip, I'm wondering if we should just skip MGM and go to the MK another day. We will be going back in late 2006 so we would probably go that trip.

So, what would we really be missing by not going to MGM (other than Playhouse Disney?) Or it is definate must do?

 

[PamNC]

that MGM isn't what it use to be but there are some really good attractions such as RnR, TOT, Millionaire (I love it, I can't help it), Inidiana Jones, Little Mermaid. Plus, the new Stunt Car show should be open, I think in the Fall...is that right? Why not spend 1/2 day there and park hop...

Not to mention Fantasmic - it's a must see for us.

PamNC

 

[MeredithJ]

I think you should do MGM...it is our second favorite park next to MK. We are also big Universal fans, but MGM is always a hit with our family. We always find plenty to do. If we skip a park, we normally skip Epcot, but now that I have been doing a lot of planning this year, I realize how much we are missing, and I wish we hadn't skipped it on previous trips. Like another poster suggested, why not park hop if you are bored at MGM, then you can experience both MK and MGM on the same day. And Fantasmic is awesome, you won't be sorry.

Have fun!

Meredith

 

[jl3614]

I agree with PamNC, if you have the Hopper option on your tickets, you may want to spend 1/2 day at MGM and 1/2 at MK. If you do not have hopper option, then by all means spend a second day at MK and skip MGM.

Your kids are similar age to mine, they like - Playhouse Disney, Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, one liked Little Mermaid - one thought it too intense, Beauty and the Beast, Muppets. They tolerated The Great Movie Ride, Stuntshow, and Backlot tour. My son tolerated StarTours - daughter was too short.

We arrived close to opening and were done with everything they wanted to see and one ride of RNRC for me (get a fastpass), by 2:00 pm.

 

[Kallison]

That is our fav park, we like all the attractions, even Sounds Dangerous. For some reason my kids love this. They love Star Tours, Indiana (I said do we HAVE to see this again -- my 14 year old said -- are there still explosions and fire, duh!), Backlot, RNR (6 times in a row), finally got my boys on TOT, that was a hoot. My DD really liked the new Animation Tour. All our favorite restaurants are there too, Sci-Fi, Prime Time and Brown Derby, plus ABC Commissary and Pizza Planet for counter service.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Honestly, Fantasmic is worth the price of ticket itself.

My family and I visited MGM when it first opened. Like you, I was not too impressed. I did not plan on spending too much time there on my recent trip but let me tell you, we really enjoyed the park this time.

I think for your boys they would enjoy Playhouse Disney, Muppet3D, Honey I shrunk the kids playground, the backlot tour, Fantasmic, Indiana Jones, the great movie ride and maybe Beauty and the beast and the little mermaid (but those two are kinda girly). And, depending on when you are going, the new stunt show might be open (we saw them practicing and it looks great).

Add in a few character signings (they seemed to be everywhere in MGM) and maybe the parade and you certainly have a full day.

 

[PrinceJohn]

I didn't read the other posts so sorry if I repeat, but...
Our kids LOVE MGM. Our boys are 3,7, & 9.
3 yr old loves Bear, Muppets, Backlot Tour
7 & 9 love Muppets, Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Backlot, Movie Ride
I'm sure I'm leaving out some favorites, but the bottom line is that MGM is very kid-friendly - i would say more than AK. Have fun.

 

[TheBeast]

I remember being unimpressed 1st time I visited , now we love it . It can definately be done in less than a full day especially if you get bored then you can park hop . Its a little tricky since there are lot's of shows, you have to manage the time so you don't take a ride then realize you just missed a show you wanted to see. Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[HayGan]

Thanks for all the info. The reason why I was thinking of skipping and not park hopping is because our MGM day will be a MVMCP night at MK. We wouldn't really have much time to make a decision at MGM if we wanted to go to MK later.

I think we might base our decision on whether or not we like MVMCP (on Tuesday night.) If we enjoy MVCMP, we will splurge and go another night (Thursday) and go to MGM during the day. If not then we may just do MK during the day.

 

[Evil Queen]

This is just my personal take on this one....no flaming, please

Other than Star Tours and Pizza Palace, my DS 8 could care less about MGM.

We do Star Tours, over, over,over...etc. Not 1 or 2 tmes, but 6 or more. Ok, it's alright the first couple of times, but man...it gets old quick!!

He refuses to do other things, even Muppets, but my son has Asperger's Syndrome (high end of Autism-he is bright, smart, etc, but follows suit with social skills, noises, etc of autism). His sensory skills are not that of most 8 year olds. Hates fireworks (either won't go or sits in a car to watch 4th of July at home), loud noises etc.

So if "special" needs are an issue just keep that in mind.

But on a lighter note....we are looking at ear plugs this trip. His interest in loud things (fireworks and shows) are becoming "interesting" to him. He wants to try Fantasmic this year. Sights don't bother him only sounds, but he is still too scared to try other things (ToT and RnR).

Like I said this is only my personal experince and if anyone can give tips to help him enjoy this park more I would appracite it. Myslelf and other travelers for next trip LOVE this park!!

 

[beansmom]

With kids the ages of yours, I might not have to do MGM. I'm going for the 'big kid' thrills. My dd was less than impressed with Beauty after having seen the Broadway production and while she liked Fantasmic (am i the only person on earth who didn't care for it??), would never have to do it again. If we do, it will be for the friend who is going with me.

I'd def do 1/2 day in MGM, hit the highlights then scoot over to MK.

 

[HayGan]

He refuses to do other things, even Muppets, but my son has Asperger's Syndrome (high end of Autism-he is bright, smart, etc, but follows suit with social skills, noises, etc of autism). His sensory skills are not that of most 8 year olds. Hates fireworks (either won't go or sits in a car to watch 4th of July at home), loud noises etc.

So if "special" needs are an issue just keep that in mind.

My DS#1 is diagnosed as PDD-NOS (high functioning autism spectrum as well)
He doesn't have the same sensory issues as your son but he does not like characters so Disney (everywhere) is going to be an issue!!


Thanks for the advice. It is good to get all perspectives of the experience!!!

 

[LeoGrrrrl1982]

Like some other posters said, MGM is a park that can easily be done in a half day. When I went to MGM in 2003, I wasnt impressed (it seemed like the park paled in comparison to the other parks in attractions and in customer service...the day we went the CMs at the rides, shows, even food places were very un-disney like), but we decided to go this past trip a few weeks ago and it has really returned to its normal, fun, Disney-esque self. I was happy to see this, as this was always one of my fave parks as a kid (following MK of course!)
Actually this year I couldnt make myself do a whole day of Epcot (which I LOVED in 2003). I guess it just depends on mood sometimes.....

 

[Evil Queen]

Glad to know we are not alone, but I really know we aren't.

I work around him for the most part, but encourage many things...if he hates it we promise not to try again until he thinks he ready.

Talking of earplugs, really changed his attitude for going this year to other parks other than MK. He says he's still not sure about certain rides and fireworks, but really wants to "try" things.

Keep me posted on your trips and what has worked with you and yours. I know the conditions are different, but in many ways the same. I will do the same.

 

[Worfthedog]

Go to WDW and not go to MGM? I'm feeling faint just at the thought!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I recommend not skipping MGM. It has so many great attractions...even if you only do a half day it is worth it.

 

[scrump]

We've always enjoyed MGM, especially at night. TOT at night is really cool, especially the waiting area since it gets all spooky with the music and the mist. Also just walking around is fun for us, but I can see that perhaps with younger kids, it may not be enough. Sounds like you're going again at a later date, so why not save this trip for MVMCP? Either way, you'll have a great time!!!