AKL - Animal Activity in Winter?

[DisneyDW]

We just got back and I can't seem to stand not having a trip to plan. We'll probably do another week next May but I'm thinking about a short trip either during Nov '05 or Jan '06. I have always wanted to stay at AKL but not for our week trip where I would like to be more convenient to the other parks. How is the animal activity during the colder months? I guess it doesn't get all that cold but it certainly isn't Africa? Is it still pretty good?

 

[Nuchi15697]

We went in Nov. 3 yrs. ago. The daytime temp. was 75 to 80 . We saw alot of animials. I'm not sure if the colder temps have a factor or not.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Winter in Florida means 70 degrees. I'm sure the animals LOVE winter! I know I do. We were at WDW last year at the end of November and it was
75-80 degrees every day. January and February get a little cooler but it certainly isn't anything I would really consider to be winter weather.

 

[Carrieberry]

We had a savannah view room a couple of years ago during the first week of Dec. It rained one of the days- all day and was cooler. All the animals were out and enjoying themselves. We also always go to AK on rainy cooler days (we did that day as well) because a CM at AK once told us that the animals love the rain and get very playful. This was a chilly rain too-not a warm rain! We hopped on the safari and sure enough the animals were all out playing! Don't let the fear of cold weather make you rethink AKL- it is great no matter what the weather!

 

[Ilovestitch]

It rained one of the days- all day and was cooler. All the animals were out and enjoying themselves. We also always go to AK on rainy cooler days (we did that day as well) because a CM at AK once told us that the animals love the rain and get very playful.

When we stayed at AKL this past May it was rainy one day and I assumed the animals would all be hiding undercover. Nope- they were all out on the savannah enjoying the shower!

 

[sjw4870]

I typically visit AKL each year in November each year. I've always seen tons of animals. I just returned from AKL the other day and I definitely saw less animals this time. I asked the CM out on the savannah's and they said that in the hot weather the animals are often further back, getting shade. They also said in the "winter" months, the grass on the savannah grows less (or something like that) so the animals are more dependent on the daily feedings (rather than grazing) so you can see them more towards the middle of the savannah since they are eating.

 

[TammiMcMan]

The cold weather may effect how quickly they get out and about in the morning. We did the backstage safari tour last January and it was pretty cold at 8:30am. I think it was in the low 40's. Our guide mentioned that they let the animals take their time on cold mornings and don't rush them out to the savannahs or viewing areas. The animals let them know when they're ready. By the afternoon though, the sun warms things up nicely and the animals don't seem to have any problems.

Tammi

 

[heathers4um]

We stayed in AK during the last 2 weeks of February 2004 and there was a lot of animal activity. We didn't take the Savannah room we had booked because an upgrade to a larger pool view room had been offered and my DBF has a thing for space but we could still view the animals off in the distance behind the pool area and it was amazing! We still walked out to the Savannah area and visited so it was actually a good compromise for us. The weather was 70ish, sometimes almost low 80's, during the day, and chilly around 50ish at night. The CM's say that the animals love the cooler weather because it allows them to be more active. I didn't really mind the distance to the parks, either, It made it seem like we were in a different world that much more. The themeing is awesome, and the fact that it is so quiet after a hectic day at the parks was a plus. The bus service was OK...never waited more than 10 mins for a bus in either direction, but we also had a rental if we chose to break up, or not wait. I say go for it....you will not be disappointed!

 

[dmslush]

We stayed at AKL in November of 2001 and there were a ton of animals all the time!