In Africa, Safari and Lion King show(awesome Broadway quality performers with music and acrobats) are great for everyone. You can FP, or go do Safari 1st thing, and Lion King after(there are show times throughout the day, but you do have to line up to wait for seats, FP gives you a time to come with reserved section, but probably not as busy early). The Pangani Trail is right next to the Safari, which is a walk through with gorillas and underwater hippo. Tusker House is there as PP mentioned, and you can do the pre-park opening brft and get characters in their Safari gear, or go on early EMH day or at Rope Drop to get those done, and then have late brft.
In Asia, you will have Everest and Kali River Rapids. You will want to FP Everest if the big kids want it, and there is a single rider line if one of you want to do it, or kids want to do it again later. Kali is good for everyone if it's hot, and FP is a good idea - just be prepared to get wet, sometimes you get drenched! We wear disposable ponchos from Target, and put our feet up on the center ring, and some people bring a change of clothes just in case or do it at the end of their day (there are lockers for your belongings). There is another trail, Maharah Jungle Trek, which has tigers and bats.
In Dinoland, there are some carnival style rides and a dig site playground for younger ones, and the Dinosaur roller coaster(may need FP) for older ones (warning: dark, loud, and jerky, with Dinos roaring in your face, so make sure you YouTube it or prepare the kids ahead of time). There is also the finding Nemo show(musical with sophisticated puppetry), which the younger might like better than the older, but can be for the family.
At the front in Discovery Island, there are cool Discovery Island Trails that go up close to the Tree of Life, so you can see all the animal carvings along with some animals. You will hit this as you walk to Africa, but won't want to do it till later so you can your major things done. You can also stop here on the way over the bridge in the morning, and get a booklet for the Wildeness Explorers program. There are stations all over the park where you stop and learn some new facts/solve a quick riddle and get a sticker(badge) for each one you complete. My DD did it at 10 and wanted to try and complete it this yr. at 12, so it depends on your kids( she is a big animal/nature lover who wants to be a vet), but younger ones would definitely like it, and older ones could assist younger. You can do as many as you like as you come upon them in each land. Two of your main CS places are here as well, Flame Tree BBQ and Pizzafari. FYI - We avoid Tough to be a Bug movie, but your kids may like it, 3-D film based on Bug's Life, but has moments when you feel like bugs are crawling near you in the dark, so not for me!
They are now also adding night activities that are supposed to start around Earth Day, with a night show Rivers of Light over the water, and parade in Asia, and some type of party in Africa, plus a nighttime Safari, so you will have to watch for the details of that as it starts. Also keep your eyes peeled for Devine, who is a women dressed all in vines that moves around the park, but is hard to spot as she blends in, really cool. We have seen her on the paths in Asia, and also up font in the Oasis in the morning - you can always ask a CM where to spot her if she is around that day.
As you can see, you will have to choose your 3 FP for your most important things or what you won't do 1st thing, and then try and get a 4th later once you've done those. Have fun!
cassie58
