One Day Visit - IOA or Magic Kingdom

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Despite twenty years of gross vandalisation and infantalisation, five minutes in the MK above an entire day in IOA.

But you've got Spider-Man and Harry Potter at Islands. These are great attractions that Disney hasn't created anything on the level of in almost 20 years.

If you've got the money, I actually agree with the suggestion to do both. Hit Islands at opening and see Harry Potter and Spidey, then go see your old friends at MK.

 

[BryceM]

But you've got Spider-Man and Harry Potter at Islands. These are great attractions that Disney hasn't created anything on the level of in almost 20 years.

If you've got the money, I actually agree with the suggestion to do both. Hit Islands at opening and see Harry Potter and Spidey, then go see your old friends at MK.

And a ride on Jurassic Park: River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dragon Challenge and The Cat in the Hat. It could be too cold to do Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls and Popeye & Bluto's.

However, if the OP chooses to spend all day at Islands of Adventure, then there is of course more attractions that they could do. I'm just suggested the ones you won't want to miss. I find it easy to spend a full-day at Islands of Adventure, but I just enjoy taking in all of the park's atmosphere and walking slowly around the park. And of course re-visiting my favorite attractions.

 

[ddbowdoin]

going to say MK... I haven't been since HP opened, but once I get past the thrill attractions at IOA I am left with nothing. I am a huge JP guy, as far as I have had work estimated out to convert my 2010 Wrangler to a JP Jeep, but I just don't see the appeal for me coming from HP.

 

[BryceM]

going to say MK... I haven't been since HP opened, but once I get past the thrill attractions at IOA I am left with nothing. I am a huge JP guy, as far as I have had work estimated out to convert my 2010 Wrangler to a JP Jeep, but I just don't see the appeal for me coming from HP.

You should be excited to know that major expansion is in the works for Jurassic Park.

 

[MarkTwain]

Actually, if have a rental car, and are interested in the "abridged tour" of IoA (just the stuff new to your last visit... Potterland, the new Spiderman, and maybe some Jurassic Park or some other rides)... you might be able to do both. Get to IoA at rope drop, spend 6ish hours there and then hop on over to MK to close it out. It wouldn't be impossible.

 

[disneysince71]

I vote MK. Love the New Fantasyland... Try the Pork Shank...

 

[cheezbat]

As it is right now, I'd pick the Magic Kingdom...but if they don't get their acts together, down the road I'd pick Islands of Adventure.
Next year they're adding two attractions? More overall park improvements...and more attractions planned down the pipeline...IOA is looking pretty darn good.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

If you haven't been to IoA since 2004, you should go to see what's new, if not now than for sure in the future. If you haven't see FLE yet, I'd say just wait another year until it's actually done.

 

[Tony Perkis]

Islands of Adventure.

It has the two best theme park attractions ever built. Magic Kingdom has some great attractions (namely, Pirates & HM), but Potter & Spider-Man are better.

 

[Obi Walt Kenobi]

Islands of would be a great day adventure with the new wizarding world of Harry, and I am a huge fan, but if I only have one day... being the Disney dork I am, I can't pass on a return visit to my my Favorite place on earth. You win either way, plenty of new things to do at both parks. Have a magical Day

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I voted IOA. Doing only one day at WDW is sort of a tease and you wouldn't get that "I'm vacationing at WDW" feeling. Being a day guest at WDW just feels weird.

And IOA and the Universal Orlando Resort in general have really changed a lot since 2004.

 

[Mike C]

Islands of Adventure, New Fantasyland is incomplete right now, and I'd hold off until done. IOA only currently has one small construction area (for the train they are building) and plenty of new/refreshed stuff since 2004. Suess Trolly, all of Harry Potter, and Spiderman (HD) being the main new things there.

 

[ddbowdoin]

You should be excited to know that major expansion is in the works for Jurassic Park.

that's cool... but even with that, I can't see being in Orlando and NOT going to Disney.

 

[Skibum1970]

It's funny but after all the current votes, the poll is basically tied at 50/50. Slight edge to IOA. The points that everyone have made are the points causing me the biggest dilemma. I can't do both parks due to finances and time. I miss the Hulk, Spidey, JP, Suess Island, and would love to see HP. However, I won't get there until 12:30, due to my flight time, and worry that HP will be unavailable (if the crowds are too heavy). I am going on a Sunday in February and I don't know the crowd levels. That being said, the happiness of the Magic Kingdom is something I can't overlook. I love the rides and would love to see the new FLE (though the wife will punch me since she can't go on the trip).

What a dilemma. Of course, it's a nice dilemma to have.

 

[KCheatle]

Are you by yourself? If I was by myself I'd go to IOA. I think a lot of the attactions at Magic Kingdom are meant for groups of two or more (and I say that because I've been by myself before and felt very awkward riding the rides alone around all of these families). IOA has more thrill rides where there is usually a single's line and/or the rides are built for larger groups. I love MK, but it was definitely awkward for me to go alone.

 

[Skibum1970]

Are you by yourself? If I was by myself I'd go to IOA. I think a lot of the attactions at Magic Kingdom are meant for groups of two or more (and I say that because I've been by myself before and felt very awkward riding the rides alone around all of these families). IOA has more thrill rides where there is usually a single's line and/or the rides are built for larger groups. I love MK, but it was definitely awkward for me to go alone.

That is a very good point. I will be flying solo and IOA's rides are a little easier when solo. I have a feeling that it is going to come down to the last minute. As in, as I approach the exit for WDW (since I'm driving up from Tampa), I will make the decision at that time. I considered Busch Gardens but they close at 6 and my park time would be very limited.

 

[JillC LI]

That is a very good point. I will be flying solo and IOA's rides are a little easier when solo. I have a feeling that it is going to come down to the last minute. As in, as I approach the exit for WDW (since I'm driving up from Tampa), I will make the decision at that time. I considered Busch Gardens but they close at 6 and my park time would be very limited.

It's fascinating how the votes are neck in neck. Let us know what you decide!

 

[steamboat wil]

IOA

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I think the fact that this is a Disney Centric board and IOA is running neck and neck the MK says a lot about how much Universal has stepped up their game.

 

[Jimmy Thick]

Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is a complete full day park with something for everyone. IoA is a good park but not a full day park in my opinion. Once you get through the 2 big rides, the place loses its luster pretty quick. MK is about as perfect a theme park as it gets.

Jimmy Thick- MK a 10, IoA a 6.