Animal Kingdom or MGM
 

I am interested in your opinions of these two WDW parks. If we have to choose between them, which do you think is the better attraction for girls at the ages of 9-10? In my research on the Net and reading guidebooks, I am getting the impression AK is not that big of a deal. Your thoughts, please. <BR> <BR>Ann

Ann, <BR> <BR>I'll vote for MGM, assuming that you would be a first-time visitor to both parks. The Tower of Terror is really not to be missed, and AK doesn't have anything nearly that much fun. I found AK kind of congested as the streets are too narrow. Oh, and the Rockin' Rollercoaster was the fastest roller coaster I have ever been on, and I really liked it. AK has the safari, but it just wasn't very exciting. At best you will see the same kinds of animals present at zoos just wandering about. <BR> <BR>One other pointer: Tower of Terror did not yet have fast pass as of last summer, so if that is still the case, get there early and get in line immediately so the wait will be short. And purchase The Unofficial Guide to WDW; it is very helpful. <BR> <BR>I envy you. Have a great time!

This really depends on what your kids like more. Are they really into TV and lots of media things. Then they will really like MGM better. And the Tower of Terror is GREAT! So are some of the 3D theater gigs. But if they are outdoor kids who never want to come in the house and have bug collections etc. <BR>then you can't miss the AK. The tree of life has a show featuring bugs that is <BR>a riot. My almost 30 year old daughter got so spooked and she lifted her feet so fast that she almost kicked the man in front of her in the head. I have done two very early morning safari rides and they are among my best WDW memories. One time we did a very early morning safari and then went to another park around 10:30am when AK gets real crowded. My whole extended family liked the AK better than MGM, but then we are <BR>real zoo people.

I guess I'd weigh in with the others voting for MGM. It's great, and a relatively small park--easy to navigate. It's also got one of my family's favorite restaurants: the Sci-Fi Dine-In. <BR> <BR>My kids are now 11 and 14; last summer we went to AK the second time. They liked it better than the first time, particularly the rapids ride, whatever it's called, and the bug 3-D show. I think we'd all pick MGM first of the two--but AK does have its charm. For one thing, you really feel like you're in Africa or in South America or wherever. <BR> <BR>Do you really have to choose? You could easily do AK in less than a day, if you got an early start, and then go to MGM. I'm picking that order, so you could have dinner at the Sci-Fi. . . .

No one has mentioned the shows. I like both the parks, & both have good shows your kids will enjoy. AK has Tarzan live stage show & Lion King live show, these are both OUTSTANDING! Also conservation station with hands-on animal exhibits, small shows in the center every hour. MGM has the Beauty & the Beast stage show, Voyage of the Little Mermaid (live & puppets), a fun sound effects show, love the rides! For more details on attraction specifics go to Deb wills site at www.wdwig.com Whichever you choose, you will have a good time. Of course, if you buy a park hopper pass (NOT length of stay pass), unused days never expire and you could see some of both parks this trip, then come back & see other things or revisit your favorites!

It would really be a shame if you had to choose between the two. <BR>If you have been or plan to go to the San Diego Zoo and its Animal Park which is a simulation of an Africa wilderness, you should opt for MGM. San Diego and AK are not identical but similar. MGM is a unique attraction with rides that will appeal to your childern.

Ann, <BR> <BR>We have really enjoyed both parks, but for your girls at ages 9 and 10 I would definitely say the AK. The rides mentioned at MGM are great (TOT and RRC) and my kids (ages 15, 13 and 11) rode them until they couldn't stand up anymore,but I do not think that is the case with 9 and 10 year olds but you know your kids best. The AK had some absolutely wonderful things...the Festival of the Lion King was our favorite of ALL the parks' shows, the Bug 3D thing was great, the tree of life totally wonderful, the safari rides fun (if kind of hokey) and then the Kali River Rapids and Countdown to Extinction had plenty of wild, scariness to them to be a good contrast to the more tame things. We even ejoyed the educational laboratory they have (can't remember the name). Good Luck, you should decide if your kids are big-time thrill and high speed seekers or will enjoy the sheer delight of a wonderfully done animal-focused experience. <BR> <BR>Maria

MGM gets my bet. I loved MGM, number two behind Epcot. I liked all of the parks but AK was at the bottom for me, even though I enjoyed it as well. <BR> <BR>Mark <BR>www.enjoyyourtravel.com

<BR> Both parks are really great. It's a shame that you have to choose between them. We were at both in Jan 00 with our boy 12 and girls 10 and 7. MGM is really cool but the Tower Of Terror was way too much for the 7 year old. Other than that we loved everything. Animal Kingdom was much better than I thought it would be. The Kali River Ride WILL drench you and so will te other water ride that I cant think of the name right now. Which ever park you choose, I am sure that your family will have a wonderful time.

I just spent a week at Disney earlier this month. I love MGM, but it was my first time at Animal Kingdom. I'd say it's a shame to pick between the two, b/c they're the best of the 4 main Disney parks. I LOVED Animal Kingdom! The Lion King show was amazing, rates up there with the Broadway production from what I hear. The whole park is very impressive, the atmosphere is truly authentic. <BR> <BR>MGM is fun too, more like an amusement park. Can't say much more than what others have said, except that if you go to MGM, you MUST see the nightly light/music show, I think it's called Fantasmic. They warn you to be there an hour or more ahead of time to get a seat - take them seriously, and it's well worth the wait. They let you take food in while you wait, and there is some pre-show entertainment. <BR> <BR>It's all still fresh in my mind, feel free to email me.