1st time to Anim. King.-- tips??

[FloridaGirl]

I am a Florida resident who has not been to Animal Kingdom-- GASP-- I know-- but it is true--- I have a 4 year old daughter so we are just now getting back into making Disney trips

any tips, advice, don't miss things, ideas?? Thanks in advance

 

[jl3614]

With a four year old the one thing not to miss is The festival Of The Lion King Show - it is great.

The lines for character pictures are generally shorter in AK than any other park. Mickey/Minne/Goofy are by FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING. THE POOH characters are down an often missed path near the entrance to DinoLand. Lilo and Stitch is near there also.

Skip It's Tough To be A Bug for a few years, it frightens most 3- 4 year olds.

Have fun - bring sunscreen, there isn't a lot of shade in many areas.

 

[dopeys biggest fan]

The Safari is a must do. I suggest going first thing in the morning, RUN. If that doesn't work go during the parade if parades aren't important to you. The animals are very active first thing in the morning so that is the best time and if you get there quick the line will be short. it's toward the back of the park so i suggest running!

Camp Mickey Minnie is great for kids as well as Dino land USA!

Have fun!!!!!!

 

[diswedwish]

We've never gone with a child, it's always been just DH and myself, but I think this is a good tip overall with AK. Take your time and let the park draw you into the atmosphere - you won't be disappointed! We always go to AK a few times each trip and every time we go in with a "must-do" list and rush between things it's no fun at all. But when we take our time and just wander around we have a blast. It's a different park than the rest...

Hope you have fun

 

[popy]

Do not rush through this park, take your time, use your map
and do every thing. Do ALL the shows and catch the parade
you will have a great time. AK is a great park with a lot
to see.

 

[debkorb1]

Definately agree with the last poster. All too often I see people saying there's nothing to do in the AK. Yes it's true there are less rides than other parks, but AK is a park to linger over and savour.

I understand this will perhaps be a little more difficult with a 4 year old, but either way take your time and take in the phenomenal atmosphere.

 

[markºoº]

Animal Kingdom is my 5 year old's (and also 12 year old's) favorite park.

As others said, do not rush. Take your time and explore all the trails.

If you arive at opening, go with the heard and do the safari first. No need to RUN as the line moves very fast first thing in the morning. We get there 30 min. before opening. Go to the safari first and grab FastPasses and then walk through the standby line. After your first trip you can explore the trail when you exit. When done with the trail, use your FP and take a second safari. We find each safari is different as the animals do roam around.

I would skip ITTBAB with a 4 year old if they get scared by the dark and/or loud noises. If you to give a try, you might have her sit on your lap to avoid a few "surprises."

Don't miss Festival of the Lion King. We usually go later in the day. Getting good seats is hard because of the way the theater is filled. We usually show up right before show time and take whatever is left.

AK is a HOT park so be prepared. Not many attractions/shows have AC. Make sure toake breaks inside shops and restaurants that have AC.

Have a great time and feel free to PM me with questions.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

IF you can...try to get a front row seat for Festival of the Lion King. Getting into the theater last isn't always a bad thing.. the front row is reserved for handicap companions but many times it's not used and the CM's will allow you to sit there when it's not. (If you can't sit there than try the row behind it).

The reason I mention it is there is a good chance your child will be pulled from the audience to participate in part of the show. My son's done it twice and loved it! We have great video and pictures of him in the show.

AK is also a big hit with my boys. Don't forget Camp Mickey Minnie...the characters are there just about all the time to sign autographs!

 

[pumpkinfish]

I agree with previous posters about going to the safari first. We grab a fastpass and use it after doing the trail (after our 1st trip to the safari). Also, something I have never done before was Rafiki's Conservation Station. That was pretty neat. And I bet your 4-year old will get a kick out of brushing the animals! They brush at the petting zoo, instead of just feeding the goats, sheep, cows ect. I spent almost an hour here each day we went to AK!!! (and I am 26 ). Also, this is a great area to get pics with Pocohontas and her friends

I have a tip for Camp Mickey Minnie (as told by my DH). While I was watching FOTLK, DH was feeling ill and sat outside in case he needed to run to the bathroom. While he was out there, there was NOBODY around to have their pics taken with the characters. Everyone was inside watching the show. I suggest doing the pics with characters about 15 mins after the show starts. Also, since there was nobody around, DH was able to see Chip and Dale playing around with Mickey until there were fans that came out of the show. A classic moment for him indeed!