Universal Studios or MGM Studios

[3princesses+aprince]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I figured there were Disney and Us fans here.
For our trip in March we might have to decide between US or MGM.
Hopefully we will end up being able to do both, but if not I can't decide.
My kids are 10,7,5,and 2. I was really looking forward to US for my youngest dds to see BARNEY, they are in love with him, they also really like all of the nickeldeon characters like the rugrats, DORA, spongebob...
But I was also really looking to take them to MGM for the Little Einsteins/JoJo and Goliath character lunch, and the Star wars ride and shop for my ds10!! I'm sooo confused, what would you do, for those who have been to both. I DON'T KNOW.

 

[aztecgoods]

You may search this in here for there has been another identical thread exactly on this issue MGM vs. Universal that will give you some more thoughts, from what I remember everyone was in agreement with me on this issue.To me it is a no brainer. Universal is the best park bar none. To me MGM is the last park on the list for Orlando. There is no comparison definitely go to U. I only do MGM when we run out of things to do at the other Disney parks and are sick of Universal only because we have been there for over a week. I like U better than all the Disney parks, although I still love Disney, if you have never been to Universal, you have something very very special to look forward to. They have 2 parks there keep in mind the Islands of Adventure (IOA) and the main Universal park. I prefer IOA but they are both great.

 

[Todd&Copper]

I just got back from my Orlando trip, and as far as USO v. MGM, I'd take Universal in a heartbeat. I thought that, while MGM had about 4 or 5 attractions that I really enjoyed, the extremely poor layout of the park made it seem so much more crowded that it actually was, and some things seemed just thrown together. I think MGM is the "let's throw that ride in this left-over park" dump-spot for WDW. I love MK and Epcot, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Animal Kingdom, but I think next time I head down there, I might just pop into MGM for a few rides and attractions in the morning then head over to another park, while I will definitely spend the entire day at Universal.

 

[ChrisFL]

I just got back from my Orlando trip, and as far as USO v. MGM, I'd take Universal in a heartbeat. I thought that, while MGM had about 4 or 5 attractions that I really enjoyed, the extremely poor layout of the park made it seem so much more crowded that it actually was, and some things seemed just thrown together. I think MGM is the "let's throw that ride in this left-over park" dump-spot for WDW. I love MK and Epcot, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Animal Kingdom, but I think next time I head down there, I might just pop into MGM for a few rides and attractions in the morning then head over to another park, while I will definitely spend the entire day at Universal.

Thats my feeling too, MGM just is not a full day park, while Universal is.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Thanks for the replys, I think I am leaning more toward US , especially seeing how i've heard MGM isn't really a full day park, and we are definately looking to spend most of the day. The only thing that makes me really want to go to MGM is Fantasmic and the JoJo and Little Einsteins Lunch.
But I REALLY want my dd's to see/meet Barney

 

[ChrisFL]

Thanks for the replys, I think I am leaning more toward US , especially seeing how i've heard MGM isn't really a full day park, and we are definately looking to spend most of the day. The only thing that makes me really want to go to MGM is Fantasmic and the JoJo and Little Einsteins Lunch.
But I REALLY want my dd's to see/meet Barney

If you're planning on 3+ days at Disney with a parkhopper, you can easily check out MGM and AK the same day IMO

 

[ro80]

Hands down, definitely go to Universal !!! We were there in May and it is an absolute blast for all ages. There were 13 of us ranging in ages from 2-56 and we all had such a great time. There is something to do and ride for everyone as well as PLENTY to do at night if you want to. It's funny because while we were at Disney and Universal in May, we actually bought into the Disney Vacation Club (which we love) but I have to say, If Universal had one , we would have bought there instead. I vote for Universal !!!

 

[F-L-A]

MGM is my least favorite park in Orlando.

 

[Amity 3]

MGM is our second favorite park at WDW. but it's a tribute to Disney trying to beat Universal as the first to open. it's cramped, and has horrible traffic flow. however, it has Fantasmic and TOT, two of our favorites. and it's got some really good shows for the kids, and One Man's Dream.

even with the departure of the Nick Studios, US wins hands down IMO.

 

[goofy!]

I also vote for US.

Your kids will probably LOVE talking to Donkey from Shrek. It is absolutely hysterical. And beware the Curious George play zone right next to Barney. Let your kids in there, even the grown kids, and you may not see them again for hours . The whole kids area there is great.

You also have Jimmy Neutron that has Rug Rats, SpongeBob and a whole other slew of Nick characters in it. And the Shrek 4-D ride - both in the front of the park.

Fan2CSkr has also reported that there is a new character breakfast in US with Dora and some other characters. You can find the thread and see if the dates work for you.

And if you can swing it, try the two park pass so you can walk over to IOA and visit Suess Landing for the kids.

And at IOA, you can have breakfast with Spiderman (and several other characters such as Cat In The Hat and/or other superheros.)

 

[WillCAD]

I love them both.

Each has a unique atmosphere. MGM definitely has that Disney attitude, while Uni is a more straight-forward movies park.

I don't think either one is "better" than the other, but since their attractions are so radically different, it's easy for most people to pick a favorite. Well, except me, I guess.

I recommend that you look over all the attractions in both parks and decide which ones appeal to you anr your kids, then add up the yea's and nay's to make up your mind.

And if at all possible, try both!

 

[imwithgoofy]

I really like MGM Studios AND Universal Studios.

We found that MGM can be a full day park when you do the shows and the

rides. It takes time to watch the shows (and ride) Indiana Jones Stunt Show,

Muppet Vision 3 D, Sounds Dangerous, Star tours, Backlot Express, Lights,

Motor Action Extreme Stunt Show, Millionaire (now closed), Beauty and the

Beast, Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller coaster, Voyage of the Little Mermaid,

Playhouse Disney, and the Great Movie Ride!

On our last visit (this month) to Orlando, we went to MGM first!

********


That being said, I would say that Universal is a more do-able park.

It is not spread out all over the world like WDW and you don't have to walk

forever to get to the next thing.

That is my favorite thing about US/IOA.

We usually can only go in the summer, so it's always hot and humid and

hot, so not walking forever in the heat is an, oh so wonderful thing!!!

After all that I vote for Universal...but for practical walking reasons.

Otherwise I can't decide, ok, stop twisting my arm


UNIVERSAL

 

[Mad4Dizne]

If I had to choose between the two. Definately would choose US/IOA. There is so much more to do at U and IMHO MGM does not have a great layout and there is not as much to do as U.

Have a Great Trip!

 

[Laurajean1014]

MGM, for sure.

 

[LOLA2]

TOWER OF TERROR IS MY FAVORITE RIDE, THAT BEING SAID BOTH MY KIDS CHOOSE UNIVERSAL HANDS DOWN - (11,5) lOVE mib, WOODWOOD pECKER ZONE AND CURIOUS GEORGE WATER PLAY AREA, THEY COULD EASLIY SPEND HALF THE DAY THERE IF DH AND I DID NOT DRAG THEM AWAY. THEY ALSO LOVE E.T.AND SHREK. I MADE THEM WATCH E.T. BEFORE WE WENT SO IT WOULD BE MORE FUN FOR THEM.