AK: Favorite "Non-Attraction"?

[HuggaBaloo]

Next week I'll be visiting AK for the second time (the first was 2 years ago). I realize that a lot of people don't care for AK but, for those of you who do, I was wondering what your favorite "non-attractions" are? What do you like to do that most of the people who go to AK never experience?

One example I just learned about is The Awakening, which happens as the park opens. This sounds like a lot of fun and I look forward to experiencing it. Anything else like this we shouldn't miss?

I'll be going with someone who has never been and another person who went to AK once but only experienced a few of the main attractions. I'd like to be able to show them why AK is a different sort of theme park. Nohtazu!

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Harambe]

Walk thru the tiger trek and the gorilla expedition. Both are so cool! The Flights of Wonder show is different, and both Tarzan Rocks and Festival of the Lion King are well worth seeing. Also, the shops here, for some reason, just seem like they have more adult merchandise. The clothing sold at the shop in Harambe is more laidback (less Mickey and Goofy) and focuses on the safari animals.

Dawa Bar! Love it! Grab a beer or some wine and watch the street performers.

 

[stinkerbelle]

just hang out in Harambe! there are some great "street performers" there!


speaking as a smoker - I think AK has the BEST smoking sections out of all the parks! (I know - wierd) They are tucked away from everything and are in BEAUTIFUL locations.

 

[jaysue]

AK is tied with Epcot for our favourite park - we love the treks and trails, the train to Conservation Station, the shops have great merchandise, the CM's from Africa are great to talk with and very friendly. The street performers, just walking around the Tree of Life, the boneyard etc.....

thanks
jaysue

 

[debster812]

Devine!!!!!

You can see her walking about AK. It is a CM, covered in vines, leaves, foliage, etc, and walks about on stilts (arms and legs). You have to be quick to actually catch a glimpse of her face!

Also we had so much fun with a Talking Trash Can out at Rafiki's Planet Watch. We were walking, and the trash can came out and just started jabbering...DS was dumbfounded. Then, when the trash can called Rafiki out, it was just priceless.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I spent 5 hours in AK once and only did 1 real attraction. I just love to walk around. The Discovery Island Trails are hard to find, but well worth the effort. Enter right past a snack cart across from Pizzafari. The other end is behind the FP kiosks to ITTBAB. I love both there and just walking around the Oasis.

 

[Kate-n-sam]

Great place to sit and relax and people watch. Often a street show nearby. We also like to grab lunch at Tusker House and sit in the shade of the bar to eat.

We are not big 'show' people, so we mostly just like AK for the ambiance. We'll do the trails, Kali, Safari, the boneyard with the kids. Usually skip Camp Minnie Mickey altogether, skip Tarzan. Usually will se ITTBAB if the lines are short.

Have fun!

 

[hammertime]

The conservation center??? It's where the petting zoo is located. I think that's what it's called anyway inside we got to see the vets give a bird an anual exam. It was really interesting. While talking to people in the parks(I'm really good at starting conversations with who ever is around me in a line) they said they had actually witnessed a monkey having an operation. Really cool.


I like any of the places where you could view the animals at your own leisure.

 

[meeko_33785]

I agree that the exploration trails in Africa and Asia are must-sees. Also, when you're on the trails, be sure to talk with some of the Cast Members that are stationed along the paths. All of them are highly educated about the animals along the trail and some are actually from Africa or Asia. They are a wealth of information and definatly add a lot to the trails.

And also keep an eye out for DeVine. She's very entertaining (almost as entertaining as watching people figure out that she's real and not just a part of the foliage).

 

[bobcat]

The talking tree. It's like Push the talking trash can but is a small palm tree instead. Too cute!

Eating at Tusker House! Mmmmm!

 

[gshoemate]

I agree with Simba's Mom (love that name) about the Discovery Island Trails. They will take you very close to The Tree of Life and you can get a close-up view of some of the animal carvings. My favorite is a full carving of a buffalo, but he's a little hard to find. And for some reason, there is hardly anyone on these trails. It's always nice an quite. Have fun, AK is by far my favorite park.

 

[HuggaBaloo]

Wow...thanks for all of the wonderful ideas! I didn't expect to get much of a response but I was obviously wrong. Thanks again and anyone else feel free to add yours to the list.

 

[BadgerBruce]

We like to hang out around Tusker House for the food, people watching & entertainment. On our last visit they had a band in the bar area, drummers & story tellers in the walkway, & a great acrobatic tumbling act, too! We really enjoy AK!

 

[Shells9]

Wes Palm is a DELIGHT!
He mixes with the crowd before the park opens. He is the talking Palm Tree. Very witty and a keen (cruel, lol!) sense of humor!

 

[bibbidiboo]

As you enter Africa from the Oasis, take the first right after you cross the bridge( there is a food cart there) shortly after that you will see an area on the right with tables--It's a nice secluded, shady area where you can eat a snack and you are right on the river across from the Tree of Life.


Also, as you are on your way to the festival of the lion king show, stop around the bridge area and you will hear instrumental disney music--It's really cool


But over all, take your time there is so much detail everywhere--like the bike tire tracks in the ground in asia, and more!!!!