What's wrong with MGM?

[tkd lisa]

MGM is up there in my families list of favorite parks too. I think one reason you hear people complain is that it's a very "show" focused park. So it's important to get a times guide in order to actually experience most of the attractions. At MK, you can just go from attraction to attraction, but at MGM, if you don't think out a plan at the beginning of the day, you can find yourself only accomplishing one attraction in the morning and one in the afternoon. That's especially true if you don't like the two thrill rides (Tower of Terror and Rock N Roller Coaster). Those two rides are the primary "normal" attractions in the park. By that, I mean they are rides that you get in a normal line for. Great Movie Ride and Star Tours are the only other ones I can think of there. Everything else is a show that starts at a specific time. And some shows are only done 3 times a day (Lights Motors Actions is one like this). So if you came in and saw Beauty and the Beast in the morning (usually a 10:00 start), and looked for the next show, you've probably missed the first LMA show. You might be able to fit in an Indiana Jones show, but then you'd miss the second LMA show. And if you have a sit down lunch, you might miss the last LMA show, and end up your afternoon with the final round of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. So if that was how your day went, you'd probably end up frustrated at spending a whole day admission on a park to see 3 things. And if the weather turned bad, they might even cancel Fantasmic (it's very weather dependent). So you can see why people can say they don't like it.

Now my family are big park hoppers, so we tend to hit MGM for a few hours and fit in the thrill rides and one show before heading off to someplace else.

Hope this helps!

 

[joshsmom]

Count us among the folks that LOVE MGM!!! We've decided that we don't have to see EVERY show EVERY time we go, but we love the themeing and the little surprises along the way like street actors. And of COURSE Tower of Terror is there, along with RNR and Fantasmic! There are also some really good places to eat at MGM. It runs a neck and neck tie with MK for us! 12 more days!!

 

[laughinplace199]

We love all of the parks, including MGM. However, we probably spend the least amount of time at MGM just because our kids are small and there isn't as much for them to do there.

I'm sure you will love it!

 

[eeyoregirl]

We visited MGM when it first opened, and we were disappointed. Then a few years later we decided to try it again. Wow, were we excited with the changes. We wouldn't skip MGM now for anything. MGM has fun thrill rides, great shows, and fun shopping. It's a more relaxed day than MK or EPCOT; it's a nice change of pace. Make up your own minds.

 

[Gillian]

We like it too, and on our last trip I had 2 days scheduled there - afternoon/evening when we arrived, and a morning at the end of our trip - but we didn't get to do either! The first day we were just exhausted with pop up camper issues, and the last day DD 2 got sick during the night and we all needed to sleep in. I was upset because I think DD would have enjoyed it, and the playground was DS's favorite last time.

Since we did not get to go at all this trip, it will be a top priority next trip!

 

[JRawkSteady]

MGM is definitely my favorite park. Not because of the thrill rides or anything, but mostly because of the Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour, (the Animation Tour which is now gone), and the many many many shows it has to offer (especially Fantasmic)... and with the Muppets and Star Tours here, how can you go wrong?

 

[melomouse]

Hi -
MGM is my 2nd favorite after MK. I agree with previous posters about needing more street entertainment and also that there seem to be fewer small children.

Sounds Dangerous so badly needs to be updated - the concept is good - but the place is worn out. Crowds tend to be near the front of the park with ToT and RnR. I love the shops, Fantasmic, the parade, Star Tours and we do GMR and Muppets every trip! One day we'll get there for Osborne lights and catch the Lights, Camera Action Show.The Backstage Tour was such a "ho-hum" after what seemed years of hype.

There's long-closed buildings it seems to me and attractions in need of rehab, though, also. Seems like a park in need of attention sometimes, but there's just so many special touches that I have always loved it from our first trip - the dinosaur in the lake and the statues come to mind. I've seen characters at MGM I haven't seen anywhere else!

Yes, every family is different. Find out what YOUR thinks!! Enjoy!!

 

[eliza61]

After reading many posts, it seems a lot of people rank Disney MGM as their least favorite. We are going to WDW for the 1st time in 2 weeks and I wanted to know why so many people do not like MGM?

My family and I love MGM, (basically we love all the parks). One of the things that makes disney such a great place to visit is that all the parks have a different flavor so you get a different experience. MGM has a lot of different things to see (lots of shows) and do. If I had to rank them in an order it would be #2 on my list after Mk, Epcot would be #4 but I still like Epcot.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I also love MGM. It is a great park.

 

[beattyfamily]

After reading many posts, it seems a lot of people rank Disney MGM as their least favorite. We are going to WDW for the 1st time in 2 weeks and I wanted to know why so many people do not like MGM?

Not the case for our family; MGM is ranked #2 for us.

Here's our ranking from favorite to least favorite:

MK
MGM
Epcot
AK

We love MGM for RnR, ToT, Ariel, Beauty & the Beast and Fantasmic shows.

We also enjoy the parade, Backlot tour, Great Movie Ride, and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.

Little ones enjoy Playhouse Disney show but my girls are too big for that.

 

[phisigprincess]

MGM is mine and my family's favorite park!!

 

[Kick Save]

I think the park rankings need a little perspective, putting MGM (or AK or Epcot) 4th isn't the same as disliking the park. It's like being asked to rank your favorite M&M...plain, peanut, almond, or peanut butter. One of them is going to be first and one last, but WHO'S turning down their fourth favorite M&M???

Admittedly, when we first went to MGM it wasn't our favorite park. But, in later trips we've learned to really enjoy the park. With a 7yo Star Wars nut, attendence at the park is required.

Ironically, our first trip there ended the day ToT opened, but we were on our way to the airport that morning, not the parks. Didn't get to ride it until 8 years later.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

It's like being asked to rank your favorite M&M...plain, peanut, almond, or peanut butter. One of them is going to be first and one last, but WHO'S turning down their fourth favorite M&M???

That is so true!

MGM is probably third on our list, because we are big ride junkies, and not that much into shows. Like others have said, you really have to plan each moment of your day at MGM to get more than a couple of shows in. Even doing so, it seems that one show we want to see starts 15 minutes after the first one ended, and is clear on the other side of the park, so there isn't enough time to get there before it starts (especially if you need a potty break in between).

Either that or your fast-pass return time for ToT or RnRC is at the same time as a show you want to see.

Plus, as people have said, there are less small children there, because there is so little for them to do (some are scared by the darkness in some of the shows, even those meant for young children). That might be good for people without small kids, but for those of us who have them, it makes for a less enjoyable day, as compared to the other parks.

 

[rie'smom]

MGM is my daughter's favorite,She loves RnR. The Brown Derby restaurant is,to me, the best restaurant on WDW property.MGM used to be my favorite-the street characters were so clever.I like it but it's no longer my fave.

 

[alabamagirl]

When I was on my CP this was my favorite park! My roomates and I would go and ride RNR and TT over and over. However, for my upcoming trip I am most looking forward to going to MK.

 

[GoofyGolferGirl]

I think everyonr should see Fantasmic!! Don't miss this show and you will not be disappointed with the park!

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

I love MGM. I have loved MGM since it opened in the 90's. I love the movie themeing and RRC, TOT, GMR, Muppets 3-D, Fantasmic. I could go on and on. It's a great park. It would be my 1st choice if MK didn't exsist.

 

[snickerboo]

We did not like MGM because of the way the shows are staggered. Even on a very quiet day we were forced to stand around waiting. We got there at park open then waited 40 minutes for the first show of Ariel. It also does not have a ton for the little ones-Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, B & B, and Muppets seemed to be about it.

The plus side of MGM is that the characters are pletiful and easy to find (all near the big hat) and Fantasmic! is fantastic . (Go 90 minutes early for a good seat).

 

[lorrainesy]

I don't dislike MGM, it has been a must do for us on all our trips. Our family is HUGE Buzz Lightyear fans and MGM is the only place to find them. The Honey I shrunk the Kids play area is a favorite of ours.



I think an issues people may have with it is that it seams kind of ....empty. Things are kinda spread out and the themeing is not as great as the other parks. But I still think its fun.

 

[elastigirl]

I love MGM. If I had to rank it, it would be #3 behind Epcot & MK. But it's still one of my favorite places ever.

However, I would love to see a new stage show go in to replace Hunchback from years ago.