AK Parking Lot opening time

[Asnell]

Is it true that the AK parking lot doesn't open until 15 minutes before the park? Sounds like that would make it almost impossible to be in time for RD if one is driving.

I thought we'd save some time on our AK day by driving our rental car there and back from CR, but if the parking lot really isn't open early enough to make RD, I guess we'd have to take the bus.

 

[seashoreCM]

The Animal Kingdom parking lot usually opens at least an hour before park opening, but it has been known to on occasion not open until 15 minutes before.

For those staying off site and absolutely having to be at AK for rope drop (e.g. doing the backstage Safari tour), the only alternative is to go to the All Stars around 6 AM, tell the guard you are having breakfast there, then parking yourself at All Star Music and being out on the bus platform by 6:30.