King of Prussia Mall vs Mall of America (Center City: amusement park, neighborhood)

[jennifercheswold]

Both are the largest malls in America but which one is better?

[rzzzz]

KoP is better if you want luxury stuff.
MOA is better if you are bringing your kids.

[Rhody2Mn]

The obvious disclaimer is that the answer is purely subjective since it is simply a matter of taste.

Having said that, I have been to both malls and like them both for different reasons. KoP has always had better department stores and more upscale offerings than MoA, although in recent years, MoA has closed that gap as it continues to attract high-end retailers. I think MoA is a better "entertainment" destination since it offers more than just shopping with its amusement park, mini-golf course, aquarium, etc. KoP doesn't offer many attractions outside of shopping.

In recent years KoP has been ranked "larger" than MoA in terms of leasable retail space, but MoA will regain that distinction once its expansion project is complete.

I enjoy visiting both malls during quiet times when they're less crowded (i.e. weekday afternoons); they both offer pleasant shopping environments.

[emcee squared]

The one that is better is the one that you think is better.

[Thedosius]

The King of Prussia was a much, much better general.

[PeachSalsa]

MOA is far easier for me to get to, so for ME, MOA is better for my once a year venture there.

[Ghengis]

I like Southdale

[uptown_urbanist]

Originally Posted by Ghengis

I like Southdale

Me, too.

If choosing between KoP and MOA I like MOA better, although it's admittedly been awhile since I last visited KofP. I'm not a big shopper, and feel that the people watching is more entertaining at MOA. Agree that if you're on a mission for some serious luxury shopping you're better off at King of Prussia.

[rogead]

Originally Posted by Ghengis

I like Southdale

I go to the dollar store up the street.

[lili2344]

KoP has more of a luxury feel, like it was built just to serve all the bored Main Line housewives. The food courts are much fancier (well, the one upstairs).

But I had no idea that a mall could have things other than stores (amusement park, etc.) until I went to MOA!

Another thing to consider is that KoP is more spread out and less dense. There's two components to the mall (the "Plaza" and the fancier Court, which I ventured to only for the now-defunct Borders and the fun Five Below), connected by an outside walkway. Also, there's a bit more stores and entertainment (Nordstrom Rack, movie theater, Toys R Us, Best Buy) on nearby Goddard Rd. as opposed to on site at MOA. For MOA, most of the shopping in the neighborhood is on the premises simply because it can accomidate it all.

It depends if you want to stay in one place with more crowds (good for winter), or if you want to walk around more for a less "dense" shopping experience and get some fresh air once in a while. I miss KoP but MOA is an acceptable replacement, and I don't miss having to pay $4 on SEPTA to get there one way from Center City.