activating AP at AK/"the Adventure Begins"

[ellenmiele]

We are planning on spending our first day in the parks at AK and I will need to activate our APs. I don't want to miss the opening at AK ("The Adventure Begins") - does that happen inside or outside the gate? Will it delay us alot if I'm waiting to activate the APs or is AK not too crowded that early in the day? I can activate the APs at AK, can't I? I've never been to AK early so I don't really even know what to expect - I read about characters and animals that can be seen early - any details would be appreciated. And if AK opens at 8 that day, what time should we plan to arrive so that we don't miss any of the opening activites (since we're probably only spending one day in AK).
THANKS

 

[Robo]

The ceremony happens somewhat "deep" inside the park.

You will want to arrive at DAK 40 minutes before the scheduled opening time of the park.

Go directly to Guest Relations (there should not be much "back-up" at this window... there is not when we've been).

Then, after activation get in line for the gates. (You could actually have one of your party get in the gate-line and "hold your spot" while you activate the tix.)

They should open the gates and admit guests by 15-20 minutes before posted open time.
You (and a few thousand of your closest friends) will walk back through the Oasis and across the bridge to the walk that surrounds the Tree of Life.
That's where "The Adventure Begins" takes place.
The reason you want to get there EARLY, is that the area in front of this ceremony FILLS quickly and you can end up 100's of feet from the characters if you're later-arriving.

BTW, if you want to activate your tix at DTD, there is a Guest Relations there as well.