What's a good meeting spot at AK entrance?

[off to neverland]

We have a Magical Gathering in May, and for our first day at Animal Kingdom our group will be coming from different resorts.

I'd like everyone to get through the turnstiles on their own, and meet somewhere after that.

Is there somewhere near the turnstiles that would be a good obvious place to meet where we would not be in the way of the crowd? I remember Mickey opening the park near the Tree of Life (or on it?).... Is there somewhere near there?

[Bob NC]

Why not meet in the Rainforest Cafe gift shop? It's not inside the gate, but, you will all have somewhere to browse while waiting for the chronically late one that's in every crowd. Then you can all go thru the gate that's right outside the back door of the gift shop.....no line there.

[dzneelvr]

The only problem with meeting inside the turnstyles is that area can be quite congested if you are entering early on. If you are just meeting to checkin with each other and then split up once in the park, the gift shop located outside the park, to your left as you walk toward the entrance is one idea. Rainforest is another if it is open early. Depending on your groups' size, once you enter the Park you may immediately find different paces. For example, we usually bypass the Oasis area until we exit. We go through oasis and head immediately to the attractions for a FP. Just another thought--could you meet at high noon somewhere for lunch instead? that way, you aren't wasting time for those who just don't get moving too quickly in the morning...if so, Rainforest is a great place for lunch. you can enter/exit directly from the Park, it seats large groups or you could split up; it's got a fab giftshop to browse through. and most importantly, the early birds can begin munching on appetizers and sipping a cold drink while waiting for the others to show....just a thought.
Have a wonderful time with your group. :earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsgirl:

[buzz2400]

Once you enter the turnstyles you go up the path to the bridge. Once you pass this bridge, you are then able to go in different directions. This might be a good place to meet, out of the way from people entering through the turnstyles.