AK planning questions

[Punkin's Mom]

The only day of our trip we can go to Animal Kingdom is Monday the 13th, our last day (so we'll have to leave by around 2:00) and it's also morning EMG. I've been reading so much about how crowded this park is, esp in the morning that it's making me worry. I don't want to end our trip on a low point. Is the safari and Lion King show worth spending the morning fighting crowds? Should we just go back to MK to end our trip on a high note (although I've heard that Mondays are the worst day to go there)? Help!!!

 

[makinorlando]

If you are talking the 13th of this month, you should have no problem.

I think those things are worthwhile to go to the park for even if you have just a few hours. We don't go to AK has frequently as the other 3 parks, but that is mainly because it closes so early, and many times we go in the late afternoon or early evening.

I love the Festival of the Lion King show, and the safari is worth it if you see animals - with the cooler weather, I think it is more likely (DD and I are going this morning - Sun - for breakfast at Donald's Breakfastasaurus at 8:30, and then heading right to the safari after breakfast. I hope the scheduling works tomorrow to get both Lion King and Pochahontas in - we have yet to see that show. I will miss Tarzan Rocks!

We enjoyed the bird show when we saw it a few weeks ago, as well as It's Tough to Be a Bug (many small kids don't like).

Dinoland is a favorite for my DD too - the Dumbo Like Dinosaur ride, The Boneyard playground, Midway type games, and Primevil Whirl are favs of my DD.

 

[travelbug]

It's always worked out well for us to go to AK on an EMH morning. We get there right at early opening time, go on the safari first, then head straight over to Dinoland. We hit Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl. We usually do one or two other things, and then it's time to head over for the first Lion King show.

Usually we're done with all that we care to do at AK by about noon or 1:00. By then the crowds are large, and we're glad to leave.

By the way, I'm almost always stuck taking my WDW vacations during peak times (Christmas, Easter, Pres. Week). So if we can do fine at AK during peak weeks, I think you'll be just fine at a more moderate attendance time.

Go for it, and have a great time!

 

[disnut8]

Don't sweat it. Animal Kingdom can be done in a day. FastPass the safari and then go to the first Lion King show. After that, it'll be a breeze. Makinorlando mentioned the bird show. It's a must for us. Flights of Wonder so try and check that out. It's about twenty minutes in length and kids really do love it. Well, and some nature lovers like us too. It's not a typical bird show. And after the show, kids of all ages can go up to the stage and see the birds up close and personal. Don't bolt out of the area right away.

Also, take the time to enjoy the two walking trails in Africa (after you come off the safari) and Asia (near Kali River Rapids). You set your own pace. There's a lot to see there. And going into It's Tough to be a Bug (which is great), slow down, let others by you and really enjoy the carvings on the Tree of Life. The show inside will still be there when you get to the entrance.

 

[TikiGoddess]

We went to AK on our last day and I think we had to leave around 2 also. We fit in It's Tough to be a Bug, Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, Primevial Whirl, The Boneyard and several autograph huts at camp Minnie-Mickey. We also ate lunch while there. I didn't think the crowds were that bad. We went first thing in the morning.

 

[Punkin's Mom]

Thanks everybody. I think I've been obsessing about this trip too much - I'm second guessing all the plans I worked so hard to figure out! I'm going to stick with my original plan and, hey - we might get lucky enough to sneak in a ride on Everest.

 

[bicker]

Even if it isn't enough time, some AK is better than no AK!!!

 

[Harambe]

Even if it isn't enough time, some AK is better than no AK!!!

Oh, I agree! Don't skip AK! We go on EMH, too. We start by doing Tough to be a Bug (since most folks head for the safari, and now they head for EE, I assume), then walk over to do Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl.

We don't do FotLK everytime, but you should really do it, it's fun.

And too bad you can't enjoy the parade. It is one of the most upbeat parades at WDW!