AK - DH dislikes it - one day plan (or 1/2 day)

[pooh2001]

DH has a dislike for AK
Thinks it is too hot, too crowded
Our plan is to go in early November to avoid some crowds and cooler weather
No fast rides or roller coasters
FP+ selection

Tier 1 will be Na'Vi river ride (never done before - looks good on youtube)

Tier 2
DH does like Festival of the Lion King

Now the dilemma what to do for the 2nd Tier 2 FP+
Kilimanjaro Safari ?
Tough to be a Bug?
Are either of the above easy to get on to on a weekday without a FP+ ?
Other suggestions ?

Thank you

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

It's also my DH's least favorite park.
If those are the only attractions you're planning on, I would FP Navi River as your tier 1, Safari as a tier 2, and Lion King as your other tier 2. Lion King and Tough to be a Bug are generally easy enough to get into without a FP (you're really just waiting for the next show to start). There's also a Nemo show.

To tour for 1/2 a day I'd go to Safari first, then Lion King, then Navi. Then I'd cross over to Tough to be a Bug, and from there go to the Nemo show if you want to.

 

[mamaofsix]

If you're only planning a 1/2 day, I would do the afternoon / evening. Make a fp for Lion King first and then Safari in late afternoon. I would do a nice dinner somewhere at AK (Sa'tuli Canteen mobile order is excellent if you don't want to do reservations at one of the other restaurants). Save Navi River as an evening fp and walk around to enjoy Pandora at night. It will have cooled off and is an incredible atmosphere. If you've never watched the tree of life awakenings at night, that is also something wonderful to watch before leaving.

 

[pitpat]

Tough to be a Bug won't change his mind about AK, but Flight of Passage might. Is there really zero interest in doing that?

Absolutely FP Safari.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

If you're only planning a 1/2 day, I would do the afternoon / evening. Make a fp for Lion King first and then Safari in late afternoon. I would do a nice dinner somewhere at AK (Sa'tuli Canteen mobile order is excellent if you don't want to do reservations at one of the other restaurants). Save Navi River as an evening fp and walk around to enjoy Pandora at night. It will have cooled off and is an incredible atmosphere. If you've never watched the tree of life awakenings at night, that is also something wonderful to watch before leaving.

I love this plan. I never think to plan evenings because we're on toddler time so a 1/2 day at the park for us is in the morning, then pool time, then (hopefully!) bed time. AK is absolutely beautiful at night. This might actually be why DH doesn't love it- he's never seen it that way.

 

[mamaofsix]

I love this plan. I never think to plan evenings because we're on toddler time so a 1/2 day at the park for us is in the morning, then pool time, then (hopefully!) bed time. AK is absolutely beautiful at night. This might actually be why DH doesn't love it- he's never seen it that way.

We have young children as well. But we went in November this past time and this plan was totally do-able because it got dark at 5:30. We were out of the park by 7:00p.m. even with enjoying all of the night time atmosphere

 

[kniquy]

Tier 1 will be Na'Vi river ride (never done before - looks good on youtube)

Tier 2
DH does like Festival of the Lion King

Now the dilemma what to do for the 2nd Tier 2 FP+
Kilimanjaro Safari ?
Tough to be a Bug?
Are either of the above easy to get on to on a weekday without a FP+ ?
Other suggestions ?

Navi is a very anti-climatic ride, but it is a beautiful. So if FoP is out then i would use your FP here.

Tough to be a bug is a very easy show to see. Your wait really depends on whether or not you show up just as a show is starting, so you will likely not wait more than 15 minutes. Not worth the FP. FoLK is pretty easy to get standby but you could use your FP here to avoid a wait. I would absolutely get the FP for the safari. It typically has very long waits as it is a popular ride. If you don't use a FP for the safari your lowest wait would be right at park opening.

i would fill the day with taking your time going through the trails- there is a lot you can see and appreciate. You could also do a Rivers of light dining package and dine at Tiffins.

You could use this day as a sleep in and make your way to the park late morning. Take your time getting around the park. I wouldn't want to rush it and only do a 1/2 day. Seeing the park at night - particularly the pandora area is spectacular. Also in the evening time is RoL and tree of life awakenings (an on going rolling show so you don't have to show up at a certain time). The shops in AK tend to have more unique items. If you need a break from the park you could plan an afternoon lunch at AK - Jambo house and just check out that resort with lunch at boma. Or Sanaa at Kidani - both a quick bus ride from the park, but might give him the needed break in the afternoon.

 

[eagle1992]

My wife is NOT a fan of AK either. But the kids and I LOVE FOP...so the compromise is going to be one 1/2 day with EMH in the AM and separate evening later in the trip. That way we get the best of both worlds and we can FP+ FOP twice...

 

[mrsap]

I feel the same way, AK is my least favorite park and will not do a full day there. I highly recommend trying Dinosaur, it’s one of my favorite rides.

 

[pooh2001]

Did Nemo a few years back - DH thought the puppeteers were talented - but more of a kiddie show
I like your plan for the 1/2 day
Thank you

 

[pooh2001]

We have never done night - sounds like we could sleep in, eat a nice lunch, and then go to AK for an afternoon
I think the weather in November will be cooler.
I will look into Tiffins menu
DH has a low salt diet
Thank you

 

[rteetz]

Is flight of passage not an option? I would the FP there if you can.

AK is my favorite park. I get it can be hot but it’s definitely not more crowded than MK is.

If flight of passage is not an option stick with Navi but don’t have too high of expectations. Definitely go with the safari as the other FP. It’s tough to be a bug I would never use a FP on.

 

[mrsap]

Is flight of passage not an option? I would the FP there if you can.

AK is my favorite park. I get it can be hot but it’s definitely not more crowded than MK is.

If flight of passage is not an option stick with Navi but don’t have too high of expectations. Definitely go with the safari as the other FP. It’s tough to be a bug I would never use a FP on.

Holy medals, Batman! Congrats!

 

[rteetz]

Holy medals, Batman! Congrats!

Thanks!