AK - Can you answer a few questions for me?

[sdd1841]

We are going to AK on Tuesday, Sept 16. According to Touring plans and easyWDW its going to be a level 2/3 day (fingers crossed). Anyway - I have a few questions and hope you guys can help me:

1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday?

2. - FP+ - becasue it is supposed to be a 2/3 crowd level, how would you utilize you FP? Thinking about doing the rapids later in the day.

3. Because of the crowd level I would like to go from one attraction to the next versus criss-crossing all over the park...is that possible? What direction or plan would you suggest?...and we might not make rope drop - probally arrive closer to 10am.

4. My 2 boys are with us - ages 9 and 11 - As far as shows...I am going to try to do Nemo, Birds and the LK...but becasue I doubt they will be up for all 3, thinking about cutting Nemo - thoughts?

Whew - I know that is a lot of questions but really appreciate any advise.

Thanks!

Sandy

 

[TinkerElsasMom]

We are going to AK on Tuesday, Sept 16. According to Touring plans and easyWDW its going to be a level 2/3 day (fingers crossed). Anyway - I have a few questions and hope you guys can help me: 1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday? 2. - FP+ - becasue it is supposed to be a 2/3 crowd level, how would you utilize you FP? Thinking about doing the rapids later in the day. 3. Because of the crowd level I would like to go from one attraction to the next versus criss-crossing all over the park...is that possible? What direction or plan would you suggest?...and we might not make rope drop - probally arrive closer to 10am. 4. My 2 boys are with us - ages 9 and 11 - As far as shows...I am going to try to do Nemo, Birds and the LK...but becasue I doubt they will be up for all 3, thinking about cutting Nemo - thoughts? Whew - I know that is a lot of questions but really appreciate any advise. Thanks! Sandy

Sounds like your going to have a great time!!

I would utilize Disney Transportation, but that is a very individualized response. People always seem to disagree with this particular aspect. So, it's entirely up to you.

Since you want to go in a circle around the park (I highly recommend this method) I would plan your fast passes accordingly..

I would begin your day in Africa.

Since arriving at 10, plan a FP for 10-11 for Wildlife safari.

Go to Pangani Forest Trail

Maybe do rafiki planet watch...

Do lion King show around 12

On walkway between Africa and Asia do flights of wonder around 1pm...

Make Kali river rapid FP + for 2pm

Do maharaja jungle trek

Make a 330-430 FP+ Expedition Everest

DinoLand USA
Dinosaur should be a walk on this late in the day

Spend the remainder if the day walking, taking pictures, and anything else...


Touring plans are always on to up to change, this is just what I would do.

Good luck to you!!


Go to DinoLand...
Dinosaur should be a walk on

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Fyi - there is also a Wilderness Explorer program at AK. I believe there are 31 stations throughout the park and as you complete them you can earn badges. Might be something fun to do while touring the areas.

 

[BrianL]

With a crowd level of 2 or 3, AK is gonna be one fine day! You should not need FPs early in the day. I was recently there on a 5-6 crowd day and we had FP's that we totally didn't need (I switched them to Epcot). The park was just starting to get crowded as we left around 2 PM. Kali River Rapids was the only really long line so we skipped it.

If you are staying the full day, make your FPs for later. Kali is definitely one to get. If you hit Kilaminjaro Safari and Expedition Everest early you should be all set (EE is practically walk-on for at least an hour after opening). Honestly, with a 2-3 crowd level, you should be able to just go at your own pace pretty easily.

 

[jacksonsmom]

I would take Disney transportation, coming from AKL it is super easy and very quick.

I would try to get there for the 10am LK show and start your day there and then go around the park, hitting LK, Safari, (FP for 10:45 - 11:45, so you can use it after LK) then walk the trails, if you are interested.

Head over to Asia, and see when the next Bird show is. I LOVE this show and recommend it.
If the show is near starting I would stay and watch it, otherwise maybe grab a snack at Yak & Yeki counter until the next show starts. Or you could do on Rapids at this time, if you think you could do that before the next show starts. The Rapids and the bird show are not that far apart.

After the bird show, I would do the Rapids, if you haven't done them and then head over the Everest, if anyone is interested in it. I would FP this, maybe a 2 -3pm time? Check the times for Bird Show to figure out a good time for the FP.

I would then after Everest catch the next Nemo show.

After Nemo all you really have is the Dinosaur area, all of that should be walk on or close to it at that time.

Heading out the park I would visit Mickey and Minnie at the outpost, which again should be less than 10 mins wait. Last month the last hour of park opening wait times for Mickey and Minnie were 5 minutes! We walked in and no one was there, Mickey and Minnie were waiting for us!
Check the times though because I don't know if during non peak times if they stay open until closing.

Then at the end of the day, before you leave the park I would do It's tough to be a bug. We always hit it on our way out of the park. Last month, we had 5 minutes before park closing, we got in line and were able to see the last show of it for the day, the theater was not full at all.

 

[DizDaD7]

We are going to AK on Tuesday, Sept 16. According to Touring plans and easyWDW its going to be a level 2/3 day (fingers crossed). Anyway - I have a few questions and hope you guys can help me:

1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday?

2. - FP+ - becasue it is supposed to be a 2/3 crowd level, how would you utilize you FP? Thinking about doing the rapids later in the day.

3. Because of the crowd level I would like to go from one attraction to the next versus criss-crossing all over the park...is that possible? What direction or plan would you suggest?...and we might not make rope drop - probally arrive closer to 10am.

4. My 2 boys are with us - ages 9 and 11 - As far as shows...I am going to try to do Nemo, Birds and the LK...but becasue I doubt they will be up for all 3, thinking about cutting Nemo - thoughts?

Whew - I know that is a lot of questions but really appreciate any advise.

Thanks!

Sandy

1) I wouldn't drive. Especially from this resort too. It's literally a 4 or 5 minute ride if that... I don't drive to the parks even if I drive to WDW. My car stays put until the day we return to reality..lol

2) to be honest, I wouldn't worry too much about FP+...Don't drive yourself crazy..With 2's & 3's you'll be able to do things over and over, but if you do want to book, I'd say Dinosaur, EE, then Kali.

3) As stated in #2, I'd go to the right first..If you have your heart set out going left, then FP, FOTLK, Kilamanjaro Safari, EE.

4) I wouldn't cut out that show...One of the best shows we've seen. & we've probably seen it 6 or 7 times. Honestly I wouldn't cut out any shows...This park is great for that..

HTH...DizDad

 

[figment_jii]

1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday?

As others have said, I would take the bus when going from AKL to AK. It's a very short bus ride and I found the buses system to be pretty good from AKL. If you drive, you have to get to the car, drive, park, and then take the tram to the front gate. For some of the other parks (like Epcot and DHS) I would drive, but for AK, taking the bus is the easiest route.

 

[LoveStitch]

My 2¢ about Nemo - I agree it's a great show! Also keep in mind that mid-September is still VERY hot and humid, and Nemo is 40 minutes or so of GREAT air conditioning while seeing a great show!

With that said, though, if I were going to skip one it'd be Nemo instead of LK or Flights of Wonder. (On the other hand...if I had never seen it...hmm...hard call.)

 

[DizDaD7]

My 2¢ about Nemo - I agree it's a great show! Also keep in mind that mid-September is still VERY hot and humid, and Nemo is 40 minutes or so of GREAT air conditioning while seeing a great show!

With that said, though, if I were going to skip one it'd be Nemo instead of LK or Flights of Wonder. (On the other hand...if I had never seen it...hmm...hard call.)

uh huh what they said

 

[sdd1841]

This is all great info - so based on your reviews - I think we will use Dinsney Transportation to get to the park and will try to make it to Nemo too!

Still not too sure aout when to use my FP and what direction to take - think I will look over a park map tonight with your suggestions! I can book my FP starting on the 17th so will need to figure that out quickly but considering what you are saying about crowd levels - perhaps it will not be that much of an issue.

I love of of the advise - keep it coming -I am having such a fun time planning!

Thanks!

Sandy

 

[shelemm]

Nemo is fantastic. It is especially great from the back of the audience. Much better than being close up. The effects are better from a distance and sometimes it really pays off to see the whole stage picture. Even better if you can sit center rear.

Birds..... I think this show is very annoying, the comedy is childish and forced. If they had just kept it to animal stunts and education, it would be a lot better.

Africa first. Try to do the Pagani Forest Trail as soon as possible because the layout of the trail makes it difficult once a crowd builds. Even a few people make it seem crowded. See the Tam Tam drummers in Africa. Excellent show - the times will be listed on the entertainment schedule.

Have fun!

 

[Dannek]

This is all great info - so based on your reviews - I think we will use Dinsney Transportation to get to the park and will try to make it to Nemo too!

Still not too sure aout when to use my FP and what direction to take - think I will look over a park map tonight with your suggestions! I can book my FP starting on the 17th so will need to figure that out quickly but considering what you are saying about crowd levels - perhaps it will not be that much of an issue.

I love of of the advise - keep it coming -I am having such a fun time planning!

Thanks!

Sandy

I was there at that time last year, and actually I'll also be at AKL on that Monday night (part of a 4 night stay) and will most likely be at AK on Tuesday as well..

I always have my car as I live close by, but I always take the bus from AKL to AK. It's less than a five minute drive and I think I read that they will be doing some construction to expand the AK parking lot, so that may have an effect on self parking. It may not, and I don't know when it starts, so just some food for thought. The buses have always served us well from AKL.

The only things you may want to make FP+ for, since the park will be very manageable with the low crowd levels, is Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and then get an extra at a kiosk for Dinosaur if the wait is longer than ten to fifteen minutes. But it may not be, as that time of year the crowds are much lower than during the busy times of the year.

Enjoy, and as other said, the Lion King show is imo a must see. My girlfriend always loves to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch as well to see Rafiki and the petting zoo. She loves to brush and feed the animals..

 

[LoriABil]

We always had luck starting in Africa at the Safari, then Pangani Forest Trail. Afterward we would go (meander!) to Asia. On a 2/3 day, I bet you could do EE easily if you choose. Even KRR afterward (although this might be better after lunch depending on your dining plans! I like the Maharajah Jungle Trek after KRR because it's a great time to dry off, so I would hold that depending on when you did the rapids. I would do the Flights of Wonder (Bird show) before or after lunch (there is usually a show around 11:45 and 1:45 if I remember right). But if I HAD to miss a show, this would be the one I'd cross off the list.

Maybe a 10 to 11 FP for the Safari, followed by EE. You can use the 3rd on KRR or something in Dinoland maybe? But I agree with a PP who said you really might not need to use many Fastpasses. In which case, I would wait standby, then use FP+ to get a second ride time if your family wants?

Now we are into the afternoon. Your choices for Nemo are (typically) 3, 4 or 6. Your choices for Lion King are 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Personally, I save the lion King for last; I love ending our day with it!

So, let's say you head out in Dinoland USA around 3 and watch Nemo. You would have plenty of time to either go back to Asia and hit the big rides again, wander through Discovery Island, and be back for the Lion King for a later show. Or see what Dinoland has to offer, then head back to Africa. A very long day, but doable. And you might miss Rafiki's Planet Watch and the Wildlife Train.

To put it in perspective, we would get to the AK for rope drop or EMH, do Africa, Asia (including the FoW) and Dinoland and we wouldn't be done until 3. Then we would go through Discovery Island to Camp Minnie Mickey for the 5:00 LK. Granted, we rode most rides several times. I am ashamed to say that I did KRR 5 times IN A ROW. The CMs would ask if we wanted to go again, and my son, who was apparently the only person insane enough to ride in 86 degree temps, would shout yes. And before the sane members of the family could get off, we were gone again!

Hope this helps and doesn't just totally confuse you! This would be my plan - but I love the AK and could stay all day!

 

[stschaefer]

We are going to AK on Tuesday, Sept 16. According to Touring plans and easyWDW its going to be a level 2/3 day (fingers crossed). Anyway - I have a few questions and hope you guys can help me:

1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday?

2. - FP+ - becasue it is supposed to be a 2/3 crowd level, how would you utilize you FP? Thinking about doing the rapids later in the day.

3. Because of the crowd level I would like to go from one attraction to the next versus criss-crossing all over the park...is that possible? What direction or plan would you suggest?...and we might not make rope drop - probally arrive closer to 10am.

4. My 2 boys are with us - ages 9 and 11 - As far as shows...I am going to try to do Nemo, Birds and the LK...but becasue I doubt they will be up for all 3, thinking about cutting Nemo - thoughts?

Whew - I know that is a lot of questions but really appreciate any advise.

Thanks!

Sandy

We stayed at AKL and used the bus, but it depends on when you show up and how long the wait is. You could go either way.

I wouldn't worry about FP's as much. We used our FP for Everest, Safari, and Dinosaur but our longest line was Everest of 20 minutes. We went standby and used our FP for two straight rides. Did Kali first and rode three times before a line started to form.

Which ever ride hits you the most. You can start at Dinosaur and work your way around or hit everest first. Any way you look at it the park is fun to navigate.

Nemo and LK are both good. Don't forget the dino play area for your boys.

Enjoy a great time at both AKL and AK!

 

[nkereina]

We are going to AK on Tuesday, Sept 16. According to Touring plans and easyWDW its going to be a level 2/3 day (fingers crossed). Anyway - I have a few questions and hope you guys can help me:

1. - We are staying at the AKL Monday night - would you drive (we have a car) or use disney transportation to get to AK on Tuesday?

2. - FP+ - becasue it is supposed to be a 2/3 crowd level, how would you utilize you FP? Thinking about doing the rapids later in the day.

3. Because of the crowd level I would like to go from one attraction to the next versus criss-crossing all over the park...is that possible? What direction or plan would you suggest?...and we might not make rope drop - probally arrive closer to 10am.

4. My 2 boys are with us - ages 9 and 11 - As far as shows...I am going to try to do Nemo, Birds and the LK...but becasue I doubt they will be up for all 3, thinking about cutting Nemo - thoughts?

Whew - I know that is a lot of questions but really appreciate any advise.

Thanks!

Sandy

1 - We wouldn't drive only because we prefer to use the buses. I agree with PP in that it's a very short bus ride from AKL, if you don't want to hassle with the car.

2 - Since you mentioned in #3 that you're arriving around 10am, I would plan FP+ for mid-morning through lunch hours. You'll miss the benefit of low crowds at rope drop for the safari and even with crowd levels like that, I'd bet it's still 30+ minutes. Using your FP+ shortly after you arrive prevents you from waiting stand by and also may give you time to obtain kiosk FPs after your booked 3 are finished.

3 - We are always coming from Tusker House, so we start with the safari (skip Rafiki's) and then make our way through Africa, Asia, Dinoland, etc. We don't like to criss-cross either.

 

[sdd1841]

1 - We wouldn't drive only because we prefer to use the buses. I agree with PP in that it's a very short bus ride from AKL, if you don't want to hassle with the car.

2 - Since you mentioned in #3 that you're arriving around 10am, I would plan FP+ for mid-morning through lunch hours. You'll miss the benefit of low crowds at rope drop for the safari and even with crowd levels like that, I'd bet it's still 30+ minutes. Using your FP+ shortly after you arrive prevents you from waiting stand by and also may give you time to obtain kiosk FPs after your booked 3 are finished.

3 - We are always coming from Tusker House, so we start with the safari (skip Rafiki's) and then make our way through Africa, Asia, Dinoland, etc. We don't like to criss-cross either.

You mentioned skipping Rafiki's. If I remember correctly, that is the train ride to the conservation station.....correct? I do not remember much about it. Would you recommend going?

Thanks

 

[DizDaD7]

You mentioned skipping Rafiki's. If I remember correctly, that is the train ride to the conservation station.....correct? I do not remember much about it. Would you recommend going?

Thanks

We've done it 4 years now. Nice train ride, some cool educational stuff, all with a basic petting zoo,. A must do IMHO. But also there are a ton of secret passage ways that are designed in a way that don't stand out...these are cool to explore. Also look for DiVine. She blends in with the trees, usually just past Africa.