AK questions

[KatieCharlotte]

I think I have a better grasp on what to expect at MK thanks to these boards, but I'm still a little lost as to AK. We haven't been in a LONG time, so obviously pre-Pandora. We will make RD, but we will probably need a good afternoon break, unless a sit-down lunch and quieter activities suffice.

I want to see Rivers of Light, but in a low-stress way. There are still dining packages available for a Tusker House lunch. Would that make the most sense, or is FP a workable option now if we want to spend the extra money on something else?

We are most interested in Na'vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro, the UP bird show, and real live animals. Lion King if we can just walk in and watch without a long wait. My daughter would like to ride Everest and laugh because it scares me. Kali is not a must-do. (Sorry, but Grizzly River Run and Universal's Bilge Rats are better, imo.)

I think my daughter would love FOP, but I need to know where it falls in the Soarin -Star Tours - Forbidden Journey motion sickness scale. My DD rides Star Tours multiple times but was sick after FJ.

What are the best areas to just walk around and enjoy the scenery, or take a quiet break?

 

[Kelly014]

I think FoP is more similar to Star Tours or Soarin. Forbidden Journey (while I absolutely love it) does throw you around more while also being in front of screens, FoP is a bit different. Forbidden Journey makes my husband motion sick but he had no complaints after FoP. Plus it's just an incredible ride, totally worth a bit of sickness if you ask me!

Everest is a great ride and probably my family's favorite Disney ride. It's the perfect amount of thrill for us while still being kid friendly. And I love the themeing.

I think the two animal trails (can't remember names) are a great way to just chill and take it slow. We also used the Lion King show as a break. Great show and we enjoyed being able to sit for a little while. There was no wait for us. Pandora is a great place to just walk around and take it all in, especially at night.

The rest I can't help with, but that's my two cents on what I'm familiar with!

 

[MrInfinity]

The AK has tons of scenery and walking options. There are multiple animal trails and details everywhere. Many people think of this park in terms of Avatar and Everest but it's so much more because of the overall feel. It is incredibly shaded. Trees and comfort everywhere. You're doing three shows (UP, Lion King, Rivers) so you've got your rest time already planned in. I would personally not break this into two trips to the park, unless maybe if you're staying at the AK Lodge. Anywhere else is too much transit time. Rivers of Light is not a problem. You can see it via one of the dining packages or FastPass or you can just walk up. It's not a hard thing to get into. I'd use your Fast Passes on rides. For the shows, they're like most Disney shows. Get there 1/2 hour early and you'll be toward the front of the line for a better spot. Kali isn't a must do -- it's like other raft rides. But it does have a surprisingly long line in the summer. FOP -- can't say if you'll get motion sick. You aren't moving on a track like FJ, but it's intense and crisp and you feel like you're really doing the motions. I think it's one of those things you just have to try. I certainly wouldn't recommend a trip to the AK and skip the World's #1 ride. Have fun. If you're going open to close you'll have lots of time to see everything and not be rushed.

 

[Klayfish]

I don't know what Forbidden Journey is, I'm assuming it's not a Disney ride. But FoP can make you motion sick if you have issues with simulated rides. It's kinda sorta like Soarin', but on a much grander scale.

You can do standby or FP+ for Rivers of Light. Like many others here, I was very underwhelmed by it. Not sure we're going to see it again, let alone pay for it. I'd just get a 4th, 5th FP+ for it.

You'll see tons of animals on the safari, which is a nice break because you're sitting down and relaxing for a good 20-25 minutes. There are tons of walking trails, many near the safari. You can also go out to Rafiki's Planet Watch, which can be a good spot to relax.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

What time of year are you going? AK tends to be a warmer park than the others. We have gone in the summer and we can only do AK for 4-5 hours before we have to go because we are just melting and miserable. Next trip is November and we are dedicating one morning, one day arriving around 11 and staying to close and then another morning. Since we are going in November I'm hoping it's not as hot! I'm glad AK is open later. We did a PM EMH at AK many years ago and it's when I fell in love with the park.

If you don't want to leave for a midday break the shows are a good way to "rest" midday. Do The Lion King and Nemo shows after a lunch ADR. That's my plan on the day we are staying until park close.

 

[holden]

FJ is a ride I will never ride again. Too much for me. FOP is intense and I scream my head off the whole time. It’s Soarin times 1,000. DH says he feels slightly sick after riding it, but if you have a little food in your stomach (crackers, etc) that should help. However, I think it’s the best ride in WDW.

 

[disneyvoice]

I get very motion sick on Star Tours but I have no problems at all of FoP - it is my absolute favorite ride!!

 

[Klayfish]

What time of year are you going? AK tends to be a warmer park than the others. We have gone in the summer and we can only do AK for 4-5 hours before we have to go because we are just melting and miserable. Next trip is November and we are dedicating one morning, one day arriving around 11 and staying to close and then another morning. Since we are going in November I'm hoping it's not as hot! I'm glad AK is open later. We did a PM EMH at AK many years ago and it's when I fell in love with the park.

I completely agree, AK is a very hot park. You will LOVE it in November. It's so much better to walk around in, you're not just looking for a place to cool off or get shade. We really enjoyed walking around in the warm-but-not-hot weather.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I completely agree, AK is a very hot park. You will LOVE it in November. It's so much better to walk around in, you're not just looking for a place to cool off or get shade. We really enjoyed walking around in the warm-but-not-hot weather.

That's what I'm hoping for! Our last two trips were in August and we only spent one morning in AK each trip. It was just too hot to enjoy anything and we were too traumatized to go back another day. We did March before those two trips and we loved AK, especially that PM EMH night. We did two days on our March trips and it was still warm in the morning but not unbearable like the summer.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I got motion sick on FoP, also can’t ride star tours or FJ, but I’m ok with Soarin. I think Pandora is beautiful to walk around and take in the scenery, day and night. All the animal trails are beautiful and relaxing as well, but I stay away from the bat exhibit (they freak me out) and the aviary (had a bird there fly right into my head before) If you can FP FoP, RD Navi with a shorter wait. We are among the few who enjoyed ROL, not my fave nighttime show by far, but different and pretty. We did the dinner package because we were eating anyway, but you can get a last minute FP for it. And sit in the back row of KS for the best animal view and best opportunity to take good pictures. We always go in Nov/Dec, and it’s perfect weather for touring AK.

 

[loves to dive]

Everyone has done a good job of answering your questions, AK is our most relaxing park. We take our time when walking the trails and actually stop and read all the little signs and take in the details. There are tons of little nooks and crannies throughout the park to just sit and take it all in. We do ROL on a FP which you can get late in the day.