[Disneywife]

Hello,

I posted an intro thread in the Mouse Trap earlier today but I have a question for this forum!

My dh works for the DL Resort and we are obviously regulars there, but as part of a family visit we will be going to WDW this December. Our focus is finding things to do that we *don't* have here in CA in order to make the trip more memorable, except for the Magic Kingdom, which we're going to really just so the kids can say that they've been. We'll have 3 days in Orlando (but will stay 4 nights due to spending our fourth day at the Kennedy Space Center). Epcot is a totally new experience, and for our third (and final) day, we can't decide between Animal Kingdom and MGM. MGM has several attractions that we have here, and Animal Kingdom has none, but we do have the San Diego Zoo and I guess my concern is that Animal Kingdom will be like visiting the zoo. Is it different from that and how? If it's not then we will go to MGM or even consider a 2nd day at Epcot.

Thoughts?

[ARIEL]

hi Disneywife,
Why not do both? The Animal Kingdom park is personally one of my favorites and I really don't think you would be disappointed in visiting there. Although the park is quieter than the others, obviously due to the aninals etc, There is still a wide variety of things you can do. River Rapids, safari trek ( very bouncy!) Dinoland, Parades, tree of life ( STUNNING)...you name it! I know that this park is one of the least favorite parks for many ( as seen in previous threads on AK) but I really don't think you should miss an opportunity to visit.
The park does close early though so, If you have a hopper ticket....hop on a bus and pop to MGM for the rest of the day/eve ( if your legs can stand it!).

have a really great time, whatever you decide to do

[inluvwithdisney]

Disneywife, I agree with Ariel!!! You really could fit both in!!! No you will not be able to do everything in both parks but pick out the best things and start at one then move to the other!!!!

[WDWaddict]

I love Animal Kingdom..lots of people seem to think it is boring or no better than a zoo but we had a great time there and the kids loved it. We got some fabulous pics from the safari ride and came SO close to several animals..it was neat. They also have a big sandy pit(course sand..won't get you dirty) where the kids can dig up Mammoth bones and play on the playground..our kids had a blast while we got to relax.

MGM I wasn't so fond of. We did MGM in 5 hours and we did almost everything b/c it wasn't crowded at all. DH and I both agreed that we wouldn't go back again anytime soon unless we had park hoppers again. Then we could just run over to do Tower of Terror, the roller coaster and a couple shows and then leave. Not worth the $ IMO. My 3 year old was very very bored at this park and my 9 year old kept entertained mostly, but it was not his favorite park by any means.

[markypooh]

On Debs www.allearsnet.com website there is a one day touring plan for these parks to be done on the same day!

[mickaholic4077]

I would do both parks in the same day. You can skip the stuff at MGM that you already have in DL and DCA,and spend most of the day at Animal Kingdom. Don't miss at AK Mickey's Jungle Jamming parade. It's the best daytime parade Disney has.

[lisalovesmickey]

If you feel that you absolutely can not do two parks in one day then I would say AK. The only reason I say AK is because there is nothing there that you have at home. BUT if your family is a bunch of thrill seekers than MGM should be your way to go. Rockin' Roller Coaster is worth it alone.

If you can do both parks it is very easy. There are 4 definate must sees in AK then move on to MGM. I recommend AK first so if you run out of time at least you saw AK!

Hope this helps!

Lisa

[LESLIE]

Why not do both? The parks are not far away from one another. Though... MGM is my absolute favorite!!!!

[Park Hopper]

As the TV commercial says, Animal Kingdom is nah-ta-zu. And, really, it isn't. If you're worried that AK will be like a zoo, forget the comparison -- it's not anything like a zoo at all. As others have said, it's possible to do the highlights of AK and MGM in a day, but definitely don't skip Animal Kingdom because you think it will be like a zoo.

Kilimanjaro Safari is not to be missed. If the animals cooperate, you'll be up close and personal with many of these wonderful creatures. There's nothing more thrilling than when your tour vehicle passes within a few feet of a giraffe as it wanders the savannah.

[EmpressJenny]

They can both be done in a half day. Pick up the Birnbaum guide to Disney, and it has really great tips on what to see and how to fit each park into a half day.

[Metalfan]

I have to agree!!! Honestly, if you were going to pair 2 parks together to do in a day, these 2 would be it! You can easily fit in the best of both and not be too worn out when it's over! You won't be dissappointed!

[hiner]

As stated, you should do AK. It is not like a zoo at all. Have breakfast at Donald's Breakfastosaurus (character meal) in the AK and see the park. When you are done, hop over to MGM and finish the day at MGM with a Fantasmic dinner package.

[tragic312]

you can do AK first because it closes early in the day. AK is not a zoo. i forget the african word that they use but it sounds like "not a zoo." you get to see so many animals and learn all about them. you even get to go on a safari to see more animals!! there are rides for your little ones to go on so they'll enjoy that. also, mickey's jamming jungle parade is a must see. it's lots of fun for everyone.
mgm has a parade, too, the motor car parade. that's a cool parade. you would have to check the times for both AK's and MGM's parades to see if you can watch both. there are great shows and rides at MGM to experience. the beauty and the beast show is a must see. i think your dd will love that show. also, the muppet 3-d show is a must see, too, for the kids. if your dd is into the little mermaid, check out the adventures of the little mermaid. it's a cute show for the kids. fantasmic is an excellent show but it might be a little scary for a 4 year old. it's at night and there are fireworks, water effects and mickey, of course!!
it's really up to you on what you want to do on your last day there. i'm just giving you some ideas.

[SeattleRedBear]

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[SeattleRedBear]

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