AK - What are the best things to do - and how long will it take?

[lucas]

We are planning on spending a day at AK during our trip next week.

What are the not to miss attractions?

How long will it take to "do" the park completely?

 

[resol37]

I haven't been to DAK since 2004, so unfortunately I couldn't give a realistic time frame for how long it would take. However, here are my picks as far as attractions:

Festival of the Lion King (one of my favorite things in all of WDW!)
It's Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Dinosaur
Kilimanjaro Safari

I haven't had a chance to ride Expedition Everest yet, but being roller coaster fanatic I'd label that as not to be missed, as well.

Have fun!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

If you really want to DO AK then take the entire day and do it.

This is becoming our 2nd favorite park next to MK.

If you jump and fastpass it right you can get the entire thing done by the time the parade ends.

 

[lucas]

If you really want to DO AK then take the entire day and do it.

This is becoming our 2nd favorite park next to MK.

If you jump and fastpass it right you can get the entire thing done by the time the parade ends.

Since we don't have park hoppers - we are planning on being there all day, so hopefully we will get to really see it. It is just dh and myself. What are your favorite attractions?

 

[Jillpie]

Whatever you do, DO NOT MISS Festival of the Lion King show. It is worth the price of admission. The whole family will love it.

 

[deide71]

After you hit the "not to be missed attractions" make sure you spend time walking the trails. I believe this is a park to be savored.

You have the Mahraja Jungle Trek, beautiful attention to detail as well as fruit bats, Tigers, etc. The Pangini Trail has some cool primates. But really, everywhere you wander is a sight to enjoy and behold. The Flights of Wonder bird show is fun also.

I think Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, I hope you enjoy it!

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Since we don't have park hoppers - we are planning on being there all day, so hopefully we will get to really see it. It is just dh and myself. What are your favorite attractions?

EE is not to be missed.

then we hit Safari>Trainride to the conseratory center
Wonders of flight >Tiger trek > Kali
EE agian or FP it
Dino >PW
FotLK and Pocha & Friends
ITTBAB then the Parade

But do walk all the trails they have wildlife scattered everywhere.

Look for or ask a CM about Devine and try to find her.

 

[lucas]

Thanks for the replies. I see that the Festival of the Lion King is a not to be missed! For sure, we will see it.

What about Rafiki's Planet Watch? Is it worth taking the time to do it?

Also, how is Dinosaur?

 

[MELSMICE]

Thanks for the replies. I see that the Festival of the Lion King is a not to be missed! For sure, we will see it.

What about Rafiki's Planet Watch? Is it worth taking the time to do it?

Also, how is Dinosaur?

We didn't care for Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Dinosaur is definitely not to be missed, along with all the others mentioned, especially Festival of The Lion King.

We also enjoy the Flights of Wonder show & make sure we see it every time we are there.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

We are planning on spending a day at AK during our trip next week.

On my do-not-miss list:

Festival of the Lion King
Kilimanjaro Safari
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Some time exploring the trails around the Oasis
Watching the African drummers in Harambe
Expedition Everest

How long will it take to "do" the park completely?

I'd say at least a week

 

[AStamm]

In all our trips (we usually hit the park twice per trip), we only did Rafiki's once--and that was enough.

Depending on when your trip is, you should definitely check out the new Nemo musical...they took away DSs favorite "Tarzan Rocks", but I'm still looking forward to this new show.

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

In your travels thru the AK, keep watch for Devine, very interesting viewing and just amazing positions she endures during her appearances.

 

[SnwflkCts]

As adults on our first trip (your sig appears to show just the two of you!) we missed Rafiki's Planet Watch. Just ran out of time. I know there is some conservation information there (and Hidden Mickey's in the mural) but I believe the draw is the petting area. Since we just ran out of time and didn't make it doesn't mean you shouldn't go - but since you know you will return at some time ... you can most likely take that off the MUST SEE list.

EE from all appearances has made AK a little more crowded and frenetic so if trying to ride EE, you may have to pick up the pace a little! Definately Fast Pass it early.

All the must sees listed were good. One overlooked attraction that we LOVED was Flights of Wonder. It is a "bird" show but the birds are very unusual. A great sit and unwind place ... check it out if you can. DH and I will definately see that again.

And agreed with another poster about DeVine. Spectacular and a litte creepy too (all at the same time!).

PS: The NEMO Musical will only be open to AP holders and special tickets during the time you are there. I will miss it ... but hoping to see next visit!

 

[lucas]

Regarding Festival of the Lion King - do we need to get fast passes or is it a first in line kind of thing?


Regarding some questions above:
It is myself and dh.
We arrive this coming Wednesday!!

 

[MJMcBride]

DAK is a park that takes as long as you want it to. You can do it in half a day but I prefer more than 1 day so I can linger over the animal exhibits and go on the Safari ride repeatedly since its different every time. Make sure you hit the Lion King and Flights of Wonder, noth are great. The Nemo show starts soon too.

 

[MELSMICE]

Regarding Festival of the Lion King - do we need to get fast passes or is it a first in line kind of thing?

You can do either, as I believe they have FP for this attraction.

What we usually do is try to get there are opening, get a FP for Kilamingaro Safari & then see the Lion King performance. By the time that show is finished our FP's are usually good to use.

As soon as you are done with the Safari I would get a FP for EE. You should then be able to fit in Tough to Be A Bug, Flights of Wonder or Dinosaur.

Honestly, to enjoy the entire park, including the walking trails & other exhibits, you really need an entire day there.

Have a great time. We love AK.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Musts: Festival of the lion king, Kilimanjaro safaris, Expedition everest (if you like thrill rides), tough to be a bug (if you don't have small children), Dinosour (another thrill ride), finding nemo, the musical.
If you have time: Pangani forest exploration trail, Kali river rapids (be sure to bring a change of clothes), devine, maharajah jungle trek, primeval whirl, flights of wonder

 

[Rella Bella]

Just to clarify a little. You must get FP for the Safari and Expedition Everest as early in the day as you can. They "sell out". It's nice to have one for Dinosaur but not absolutely necessary.

The Lion King is open seating and all the seats are great. You just need to be sure you get in... you don't have to be at the front of the line.

These are the absolute do not miss. We also enjoyed "Bugs life"

You can do most of the park in one day... especially if you're there at opening. Keep in mind it closes early -- 5 to 7 depending on the time of year. Some people like doing the Breakfastasaurus character breakfast because you can get in to the park early and can possibly have a bit of a head start in the race to fast passes at opening. But it's not a necessity.

The parade is wonderful ... but take note of the time and route because when it is going or coming it's impossible to get through. The lanes are more narrow than at the other parks and get blocked more easily, so you'll want to watch on the side you want to end up on.

And heed the warning about Kali River Rapids! You WILL get wet... I've gotten soaked inside a poncho, it just depends which way the water decides to descend upon you. Being soaked in summer is one thing... in the winter it can be miserable.

Pocahontas is cute but really aimed at kids... so if you don't have time don't worry.

The other thing about AK is that for some reason it is often warmer when it's hot or cooler when it's cold than the other parks. Maybe your in the open more... or there's more shade... I'm not sure but be prepared for the temp to be a bit more extreme

Enjoy planning... it's half the fun!

 

[TikiGoddess]

We went for the first time last year with very low expectations and were so very pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it. Unfortunately we went on the day we had to fly out so really only had a half day.

It's Tough to be a Bug is not to be missed for several reasons. 1) The line is up close to the Tree of Life which is absolutely amazing 2) The movie posters inside the tree are a riot 3) The bug 3-D glasses make for great picture opportunities 4) The actual film is extremely well done and very entertaining.

Dinosaur was great especially if you like the subject matter. They appear to be very real and scared the crap out of me which was really embarrasing since I was a single rider (we did the child swap). Still wish I would've bought the picture...my horrified expression was hilarious.

I was really impressed with the theming. You actually feel like you are in Africa and Asia. It's very well done.

The safari is also really good. We really would have liked more time to visit with the CMs who were talking about the animals and explaining the exhibits.

EE sounds like it is great. It wasn't opened yet, but from what I've read it's not to be missed and I also hear the parade is wonderful.

AK is now my kids' and husband's second favorite park and we'll be spending a day and a half there in January. Enjoy! Oh, and hit Tusker House for lunch...it is really a good CS restaurant.

 

[lucas]

Thanks for all the suggestions! Now I really can't wait for our AK day!