AK visit - Morning or Afternoon? Late August

[Sandy Feet]

Which is better? To visit Animal Kingdom in the morning, or to go in the afternoon. What's a good time to go for an afternoon visit and still get to see/do a lot?

Also, do you think the new baby elephant will be "on show"?

 

[Pete W.]

We went last August and I would highly recommend early. Late afternoon thunderstorms are very common in August and that could disrupt your plans. The mornings are cooler, less crowded, and you're more likely to see animals. You will also have full access to FastPasses in the morning. By late afternoon, you won't have that advantage (the park doesn't stay open late anyway).

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Definitely the morning! I think AK is the hottest park to go to in the summer, so you definitely want to go when it's a little cooler and less crowded. You will be so ready to go jump in the hotel pool by the afternoon!

 

[ArielsMommy]

I agree with the other posters. Go first thing in the morning and enjoy the slightly cooler temps. As for the baby elephant, it is my understanding that it will not be displayed per say, but it can be viewed on video in Rafiki's Planet Watch. I hope you enjoy your visit. AK is my favorite park.

 

[Destination Disney]

MORNING! We went over Labor Day weekend last year and yes that park has to be one of the hottest. There doesn't seem to be any air movement!
When you get there go on the safari tour first thing. You do not want to be standing in that line come the afternoon. It is hot back there under all of the trees, there is minimal air movement, plus all of the animals are out and about in the morning! As the day heats up they take shelter under and in the trees so you will not be able to see them as much.
Have fun!

 

[Sandy Feet]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.
Morning visit it is!
Have any of you followed UG's touring plan for that park, and how did you like it?
I'm a little concerned about all the criss-crossing involved with those tours.
Basically, our "plan of attack" should be arrive 30 mins before park opens, head straight for safari,and...? Should we get an FP for another ride before we go on safari?

 

[Pete W.]

Everyone will be doing the same thing (going on the safari first) so don't stop to get a FP elsewhere. There will be plenty of FPs for the other attractions when you finish the safari.

 

[Sandy Feet]

Thanks

 

[jann1033]

many feel Ak is a "few Hour" park..don't know if that is what you are anticipating but we loved it there and went 2 days...just in case you are only planning on needing a little time. it seems to me to be a park you really enjoy more if you don't rush around but take the time to look around

 

[sugermouse]

Morning!

 

[LovesHauntedMansion]

Morning definitely, but not just for your comfort. You will not see as many animals in the afternoon because they will be napping in the shade someplace.

 

[meeko_33785]

Definatly morning. It gets very hot in the afternoon and the animals are not as active. I would definatly recommend getting all the animal attractions (Safari, Pangani and Maharajah trails) done as early as possible.

As for the baby elephant, it probably won't be out on the Safari savanah for a while, but you may be able to see it at Rafiki's Planet watch on the train or on the Animal Cams in the Conservation Station section there. I can't give an guarantees you'll see it, but that's probably your best chance.

 

[sters]

just to be contrary, I'll say "afternoon"... Note: I'm a parade person.