MGM Studios

[Princess Ariel]

We are planning a trip to WDW in May. We have a six day pass and plan to go to MK, Epcot, AK, and MGM. I visited WDW in 1995 and went to MK and Epcot and Animal Kingdom is pretty self explanatory, but what are the best things to do at MGM?

I will be traveling with my husband, three children (8, 3, 1), and bother- and sister-in law and their childe (5). Anyone know of great attractions for this crazy crew.

 

[rbrower]

Well, there are going to be somethings that you might want to do that your kinds will not enjoy (Tower of Terror, etc.). If any of your kids are interested in Playhouse Disney, you might want to go to the Playhouse Disney live show. Also, there are many shows like the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Two things that I reccomend that you dont do: Sounds Dangerous and The Chronicles of Naria walk through tour. The Narnia tour isn't as good as previous tours. It basically just shows an extended trailer of the movie. Hope that helps! Also, have fun on your trip!

 

[njmom66]

MGM visit

:king: We did MGM on our last day b/c the kids were tired and it's a pretty easy day. My kids are 8 and 4--they both went on TOT and loved it--still talk about it! They enjoyed all the shows and my 4 year old and I spent a lot of time at the Honey I Shrunk the kids playground while my daughter did Star Wars. The both enjoyed meeting the Power Rangers and they liked the Indiana Jones show. The little ones will really enjoy the Playhouse Disney show--it's cute. It's very low key-mostly shows. Parade is great. We had an early dinner at Hollywood and Vine and saw the 7:30 Fantasmic show which they both loved. I know some people don't like MGM but it was a great day for us and the park is small and not so tiring like MK. I think the younger kids really enjoy it. You can pace yourself and take it easy. We got our best pins at MGM! My son also loved the car stunt show which I don't remember the name of. That's just my opinion. I hope it helps.

 

[rbrower]

It the Lights Motor Action Show (hope that helps).

 

[slacker]

MGM is fantastic! Tower of terror and all that is great, though my family and i had a TON of fun in the animation academy at the animation tour. They teach you to draw a disney character. It's hilarious with a group, especially if someone in your group can't really draw. Anyways, it's easy to pass by, and i thought you should know how much fun it can be!

 

[dazzer68]

i wouldnt bother with mgm at all
after tower of terror and rocl roller coaster the rest isnt much...
go back to mk and animal kingdom again and go to a waterpark on your pass instead blizzard beach i think would be much more thrilling for the kids whilst the adults can have a great time with them

 

[CThaddeus]

i wouldnt bother with mgm at all
after tower of terror and rocl roller coaster the rest isnt much...
go back to mk and animal kingdom again and go to a waterpark on your pass instead blizzard beach i think would be much more thrilling for the kids whilst the adults can have a great time with them

Personally, I'd avoid the two attractions mentioned by dazzer68, but that's because I've always considered them overhyped (of course, RNR is good for a laugh because of the acting inabilities of Aerosmith). And I'd never say to avoid Disney-MGM. Some of Disney World's best attractions are there. The Great Movie Ride should not be missed, Star Tours is still a great rush, Muppetvision is the best 3-D film in the Parks (WAAAAAAY better than Mickey's Philharmagic, if you ask me), Voyage of the Little Mermaid is quite enjoyable, and so is the current version of Beauty and the Beast. I'd also say to check out One Man's Dream: The Walt Disney Story, the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, and I even recommend Sounds Dangerous!, though I'm sure most here will disagree. If nothing else, check out the Soundsations area at its exit. It could use an update, but it's still a lot of fun playing with all the foley and other sound equipment. When all is said and done, though, you've got to know what your companions like or can stomach. I'd say TRY EVERYTHING if you have the time. Don't let us cloud your decision as to whether or not to ride something. If you're not into thrill rides, then obviously skip those, but give the Park and its attractions a chance. For some, going to Disney World is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not try to experience it all? If you hate it, you'll never have to do it again (my feelings about Lights, Motors, Action and Narnia), but if you love it, you'll have a reason for wanting to come back to Disney-MGM again and again (my feelings about GMR and Muppetvision, for example). Have a great time!

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I'd say TRY EVERYTHING if you have the time. Don't let us cloud your decision as to whether or not to ride something. If you're not into thrill rides, then obviously skip those, but give the Park and its attractions a chance. For some, going to Disney World is a once in a lifetime experience, so why not try to experience it all? If you hate it, you'll never have to do it again (my feelings about Lights, Motors, Action and Narnia), but if you love it, you'll have a reason for wanting to come back to Disney-MGM again and again (my feelings about GMR and Muppetvision, for example). Have a great time!

I couldn't have said it better myself - take everything people tell you with a grain of salt. The advice on this board is extremely helpful, but it shouldn't be taken as gospel. Everyone is different - only you can decide what you like and don't like.

 

[hrcollectibles]

Fantasmic is a must.. Great way to end your day

 

[fizzle75]

i wouldnt bother with mgm at all
after tower of terror and rocl roller coaster the rest isnt much...
go back to mk and animal kingdom again and go to a waterpark on your pass instead blizzard beach i think would be much more thrilling for the kids whilst the adults can have a great time with them

Sorry...I must respectfully disagree. Yes,there is no doubt that MGM is the lesser of the 4 parks(at this point)but to sum it up by saying the only things worth doing are the thrill rides is just crazy. What makes Disney so awesome is that there are tons of things to do for those of us who aren't crazy about thrill rides. MGM has many great attractions to offer here are my favorites...

Fantasmic(you absolutely cannot miss this attraction,it is amazing!)
Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Star Tours
Lights,Motors Action
Muppets 3D
Backlot Tour
The Great Movie Ride
Voyage of The Little Mermaid Stage Show
Beauty and The Beast Stage Show
Stars and Motor Cars Parade
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Rock N' Roller Coaster
There are also usually some really entertaining street performers at the Studios,be sure to look for them as you travel around the park.

Don't dismiss MGM as a throwaway park,it has some great attractions that both the adults and children in your party will enjoy.

 

[dazzer68]

im not saying its not a great park i just think they would probably enjoy a dya at a water park,they would get better value for money.
yes fantasmic is great
yes so is indian jones but they went there in '95 and probably saw it then and the kids wouldnt know who jones was
sound dangerous dreadful
the backlot tour now half what it was
no animation studios any more
honey i shrukn the playground is old
you couldn't take 5 and 8 yolds on the great movie ride
beauty and the beast show how old is that now
narnia ..ive seen a better set in the local cinema
who wants gone
i am a disney fan through and through, i was just disappointed with this park and out of our two week holiday we went there for one day
get to the water park you can all have fun together

 

[unkadug]

Actually, they could probably split a day between a water park and MGM.

Do the water park in the morning, go back to the room, rest and change and then get to the park in time to hit a few attractions then Fantasmic!

 

[cdunbar]

I live very close to Disney and have been to Blizzard Beach on one occasion, couldn't stand it and this was when it was almost brand new, I especially wouldn't recommend it for you with members in your party as young as 3 and 1! I say this because I agree with so many people on this board that MGM is great! I mean on our trip this summer my best friend and I almost forgoed AK for another day at MGM we particuarly enjoyed Beauty and the Beast, RnRC, TT, and Star Tours ( what can I say we both have significant others who are star wars crazy!) Neways I especially tend to think with your 2 youngest that MGM proably has some of the best age appropriate things for them like the muphets as well as all the play house disney stuff! I mean you could easily allow two of the adults and possibly your 8 yr old to enjoy the thrill rides and then the two other adults do the same if they wished!:sohappy:

 

[davewasbaloo]

Having recently returned with a 1 year old and 3 year old, do not miss Playhouse Disney Live, the parade, Muppetvision 3D and Fantasmic, they will love them, and so will the rest of the party (your 8 YO might not like Playhousedisney so much though).

And for us Adults - Great Movie Ride; Lights, Motors, Action; One Man's Dream (we're Disney geeks); and Tower of Terror are not to be missed. Rock N Roller Coaster is fun too.

 

[doop]

I love MGM, ToT and Rock n Rollercoaster are musts, Star Tours is a little outdated, but I still love it. I also really love indiana jones, muppetvision, and beauty and the beast. Don't miss Fantasmic either!

 

[Princess Ariel]

Thanks for all the helpful information. I'm sure my kids will love Playhouse Disney (especially since our TV is program to automatically go to PD every morning at 6:00). My 8 yold will probaly love Tower of Terror and the Indiana Jones. We puchased the park hopper pass just in case we are not happy and can go to another park.

We also will be going to Fantasmic! When I went to Epcot in 1995 that was the evening show and I absolutely loved it. We are planning to reserve a dinner at one of the restraunts that have the prority seating.

We will be skipping the water parks. We have season passes to Sea World San Antonio and hardly ever go to the water portion. With two little ones it is difficult. Plus I just had laser eye surgery and am limited regarding water activities. Again thanks for the all the advise. We will definitely go to MGM.:sohappy:

 

[Bud Fox]

the last trip to Disney my family had, we were picked as the Grand Marshals of the parade at MGM studios. We rode in the front car and received a plaque and signed a book in the back room. One of the best and memorable times in my life. I think MGM is a great place.

 

[Mori Anne]

.......though my family and i had a TON of fun in the animation academy at the animation tour. They teach you to draw a disney character. It's hilarious with a group, especially if someone in your group can't really draw. Anyways, it's easy to pass by, and i thought you should know how much fun it can be!

Suprisingly, This is also our favorite part of MGM. It is a blast!!!! But if you tend to be a boring person, you might not see it as more than a 15 minute drawing class.

Also, I'd like to add the "Magic of Animation" show is really adorable and entertaining. Also, don't forget to play the game to see what Disney Character you are most like.:sohappy:

FYI: I was Belle, Daughter was Cinderella, Husband was Aladian, and 2 year old was Gastone (I think).