AK strategy questions

[Christopher Robin]

Question: We plan to do AK on Wed, 21 SEP. Hope to be there at 8:30 for rope drop at 9:00. We are DS7(46", no fear), DD1.5, DW and me.

Where is the rope drop, at the Tree of Life?

Our plan so far...

Can we do Safari (using FP if necessary) and Exploration Trail in Africa, Rapids (FP, Kid Swap) and Jungle Trek in Asia, Tough to be a Bug (FP) and Tree of Life and Trails on Discovery Island by about 12:00 for lunch at Flame Tree BBQ?

And can we do Dinosaur (FP, Kid Swap) and Boneyard and a game or two at Hester and Jester's by about 2?

We'd also like to do the Greeting Trails in Camp Minnie-Mickey, and the Oasis Exhibits on the way out, but I may be a bit optimistic to begin with. We're planning on going back to POP for a PM rest before dinner at MGM, so would like to be leaving AK by about 2.

Keep in mind we will be there at rope drop, and its mid-Sep mid-week. We can come back later in the week if we must, but hope to get this in one visit. Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tjmouse]

Yes, they have an opening ceremony complete with characters.

The morning scheule you have seems a bit optimistic. I don't think you'll get it all done by noon, but I guess it depends on your wait times. Most people head straight to the Safari and get in line. I'd grab FP's and then do the Trail. If your FP time still isn't close, you can head over to Asia but that involves some backtracking. I guess it would depend on the crowds that morning. Definately do Camp Minnie-Mickey. Try to get there just before a showing of Festival of the Lion King. That way, everyone that saw the show has left and everyone going to see the show is headed in to the theater. You should have very short lines for the characters. Dinoland is our favorite part of AK. You'll probably have to drag your little one out of the Boneyard. It's fun!

 

[ssdeverell]

We were there the week after Easter, and this is what we got done by 2:00. I did have a set plan, but we finished things earlier than planned. I also had shows which you do not list.

8:00 breakfast at Donald's (park opened at 8:00, we were seated at 7:45)
Tricertops Spin - twice
Boneyard - 20 min
Tough to Be a Bug
Lion King
Pocahontas
Safari - FP - had to wait an hour
Train ride
Tarzan Rocks

I am not sure how long the trails will take, but we waited for a while for our shows, so I would think you would be able to get most done. However, we did not take the time for lunch either because it was so HOT!

 

[kirbsam]

go straight to safari, as soon as you are done with that, go to tough to be a bug, walk the trails, go to kali, and if time allows go to lionkingor tarzan rocks. check out dinosaur, if the line is long, grab a fast pass, go eat. go to lion king, back to dinosaur and dinorama, out by 2, piece of cake.

 

[FanOfStitch]

I know I have heard of the opening party that they have at AK, I just never managed to get my butt out of bed early enough. What time does this take place? I have ADRs at Donalds at 8. I thought I had heard this was done about 30 min before opening? TIA

 

[snowmouse]

Just a couple of comments to add. Yes, I think you can be out by 2. I would do Kali towards the end (especially if it is cool or rainy), you will be very wet. Also, the Lion King show is one of the best, don't skip that.

 

[Christopher Robin]

Thanx for the replies so far, keep em comin.

Still have a question about where the rope drop occurs,is it at the Tree of Life? And when should we be on the bus from POP to get there for it on time?

My DS7 doesn't like parades alot unless they throw candy, so if we see it, cool, if not, cool. Also, he would rather ride than watch a show, so Tarzan and Lion King et al arent a priority thing.
We hope for trails and safari in africa, trails and rapids in asis, boneyard and dinosaur and a game or three in Dinoland, Bug (that he wants to see) and trails on Discovery Island, and maybe the greeting trails.

We may switch the rapids till towards the end, due to wetness, though.

 

[hojo]

jumping i on this AK thread... does anyone out there have any info on a character breakfast Disney offers at the AK? What time, cost... the basics? any info is appreciated :0

 

[ssdeverell]

Christopher Robin - we were at the bus stop at 7:00 and were at Donald's in Dinoland at 7:45. I always arrived at the bus stop 1 hour to 45 min. prior to opening and I was always there at least 20 minutes early.

Hojo - Donald's Breakfastosaurus is really good. The cost is $17.99/9.99. You can get ADR's for as early as 8:00. They have Donald, Mickey, Goofy and Pluto. One of our favorites from our March trip.