AK must see?

[SaneB4DVplanning]

Ok i must start off this post by stating that we have zoo friend(annual passport) holders to the Omaha Zoo, which is a very nice zoo for those who havent been there. My question is what is AK like i know it is much more than a Zoo atmosphere but is it a must see or just a way to relax and an escape from the hustle of Magic Kingdom. This is a first Disney vacation for my three sons ages 9, 7 , and 1 and we are limited to 5 days for the 4 parks and basically wondering how much time to plan for each park... thx

 

[penny28380]

I would definitely go to Animal Kingdom. It has lots of rides, a big climbing playground for the kids and don't miss the parade and be sure to see It's a Bug (I think thats the name of it). If I were you I would do one day at each of the parks and then decide what to do with your last day.

 

[katypop]

i agree with Penny, ak has a lot to offer, personally i would allow at least 6 hrs for this park. other than the spectro parade at mk, i think the ak parade is the best. it's a bug's life is a really cute 3D show, i think your sons would enjoy it, although it would possibly be too much(a little loud and scary) for the 1 year old.
don't miss the lion king show. it is one of the best on property.the safari ride is a lot of fun as well, and different than just walking through a zoo. i think you will all enjoy this park
katypop

 

[newholiday]

A trip to FL is not complete without a day at Animal Kingdom!
this is DSs favorite park

 

[RUSHBURY]

My children really wanted to go to AK and I was very unkeen - I thought it would just be like any other zoo/safari park - how WRONG was I? AK is a great park and we go every time we visit Orlando.

 

[Samirella]

Don't forget to go see Festival of the Lion King. Great show!

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by Samirella
Don't forget to go see Festival of the Lion King. Great show!

Festival of the Lion King is an absolute must see -- not just for AK, but for all of WDW. I would not go to Disney and not see that show!!!

 

[captJack88]

If you've never been, then I would go. It's a very nice park, and Lion King show is spectaacular! The safari ride is fun, the kids really enjoyed it. We have zoo passes also, and we decided to go, and we're glad we did!

 

[erinch]

AK is great for boys! If they like "thrill" rides, then the River Rapids and the Dinosaur ride are also must dos. Tip: if a grownup is going on the river rapids, a poncho is a very nice fashion accessory.

The Boneyard (the playground) is a great, sprawling adventure area where you can turn them loose.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by SaneB4DVplanning
Ok i must start off this post by stating that we have zoo friend(annual passport) holders to the Omaha Zoo, which is a very nice zoo for those who havent been there. My question is what is AK like i know it is much more than a Zoo atmosphere but is it a must see or just a way to relax and an escape from the hustle of Magic Kingdom. This is a first Disney vacation for my three sons ages 9, 7 , and 1 and we are limited to 5 days for the 4 parks and basically wondering how much time to plan for each park... thx

At Animal Kingdom I think your kids would love -
- It's Tough to Be a Bug
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Kali River Rapids
- Dinoland (Boneyard Dig and the 3 rides - 2 (Primeval Whirl & Dinosaur are only for the older ones. Your 1 year old could dig all day while the others ride!)
- 2 safari walks (you go spend as much or as little time here as you want)
- Festival of the Lion King
- Tarzan (I don't usually recommend this, but I thinkit might be perfect for 7 & 9 year olds)

Then if you have extra time...
- Rafiki's Planet Watch (train ride, animal petting zoo, exhibits - my kids love it here)
- Flights of Wonder
- Pocahontas
- character meet and greets

There really is so much to do at AK. You have to go at least once!

And if you haven't beento a Rainforest Cafe, it is a fun place to eat with kids.

As for planning time in each parks, here's what I did:

When I had 5 days, I broke it up into 10 chunks of time (5 days split in half). We were staying onsite, during a moderate season (May) so we had decent park hours - things open until 8 or 9 ish.

With your age kids, I would do 4 chunks of time in MK and 2 in AK, MGM, and Epcot (one Future World, one World Showcase) . If you need a break day - for pool time or DTD, you can skip one chunk of tiem in one of the parks after you list out what you want to see in each park. We got to each park at opening, stayed until about lunch (give or take) and then went back to the htoel for a few hours. The 1yr old *might* nap, but we just took a break, swimming, playing at the playground and watching TV some of the time. Just downtime -- it helps the kids rest up for the evening. We'd head back to the parks around 4 pm until 8 or 9. This worked well for our family.

Hope that helps!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

SnoWhiteRabbit, I've never seen the Tarzan show. For my next trip I'll be at WDW with only my DH and need to decide if we 're going to watch the Tarzan show. I've read from some adults that they liked the show, but I don't want to waste touring time on something that we're not going to like. Sounds like it's geared more for kids? What can you tell me about it to help me decide?

One of the reasons for us going to AK is to see the FOTLK show, so we are not opposed to shows, just don't want to end up watching something real cheesy.

Thanks, T&B

 

[mickeysaver]

AK is my favorite of the parks. I just find it to be totally amazing that Disney was able to create such a spectacular park that combines the aspects of a theme park with some of the most beautiful animals on the planet. It's just awe inspiring.

Now, I realize that this won't be the take that the kids have on it. But, there are lots of things there for the kids. The Performers like Devine and the antics of Wes Palm are pure Disney magic too. There are lots of characters there to see. The FotLK and Tarzan shows are worth seeing at least once, even for adults. The animal exhibits and tree huggin' hippie stuff back at Conservation Station are worth checking out too. You and your kids can actually even talk to the Vets/Zoo keepers that take care of all the animals too. Sometimes they have some nifty exhibits out showing skeletal critters, beetles, and other creature parts.

Overall, I try to schedule a day and a half for this park. We really try to take it all in, but then again, we are animal nuts......and Disney nuts. It's our perfect park. I just can't wait to go up Everest when they open it. Maggie

 

[Cobra B.]

Nahtazuh.

 

[natt]

Tigger&Belle; The Tarzan show is my favorite, however the music is probably my favorite of all Disney movies. If you like the Phil Collins songs and have seen the movie, then you will probably enjoy the show.

 

[TinknBoys]

I think a "must see". The bird show, flights of wonder is funny and incredible, will bring tears to your eyes. The rapids are great fun! The Lion King show is as good as broadway. The safari ride combines the animals close up, with a little adventure and lots of atmosphere and music. Don't miss this park!

 

[MarP]

???

Is the boneyard closed right now? I think I saw it on a rehab list somewhere... but I don't know where to check.

Thanx

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by SaneB4DVplanning
Ok i must start off this post by stating that we have zoo friend(annual passport) holders to the Omaha Zoo, which is a very nice zoo for those who havent been there. My question is what is AK like i know it is much more than a Zoo atmosphere but is it a must see or just a way to relax and an escape from the hustle of Magic Kingdom. This is a first Disney vacation for my three sons ages 9, 7 , and 1 and we are limited to 5 days for the 4 parks and basically wondering how much time to plan for each park... thx

if you really enjoy animals ( guessing with a zoo pass you must) i think you will love it! ( we do) much more to do than a normal zoo but the animal exhibts are great also ( never before saw gorillas climbing up into tall trees, they just sit around usually at our zoo), the cms very knowledgeable about them also...we spend 2 days there and am really excited about going back
the boneyard ( patterned after a dino dig) seems like a big hit with kids, ( mine are grown but they would have loved it)
the safari ride is great,,we like the earlier the better as the animals are more lively.
the atmosphere is great, very well done imo and the musicians are very good too
ttbab is cute and not real creepy( hate spiders but it was fine)
fotlk is fantastic.
tarzan would probably appeal to boys( skating and tricks)
all in all definelty worth the trip imo. but also think if you rush through it and just hit the main attractions, you miss the whole point. ask questions and take time to listen to the cms
also like the "conservation" theme that is casually reinfored park wide through many exhibits ect.
conservation station also has a vet ( empty when we were there,) a place they make the food for the animals ( we were there in the later afternoon and they were preparing things, had an interesting talk with the cm about the diffeirent diets)