Actually, if it's anything like the Animal Kingdom park, they will probably be more active that time of year because it's not as hot! We always see many more animals out and being more active at Animal Kingdom when we go in cooler weather.
We were there first week of December last year and saw TONS of animals. Even in teh middle of teh night we could see the Ankole cattle on the savannah right outside out room.
Have no fear; I've stayed at the AKL in April, December, and January. The animals were out and about during all three of those AKL stays. I did not notice a difference in my animal viewing pleasure.
I would think they would be more active. The heat and the sun usually sends the animals into the brush to cool off. I know the best times to go go the AK park is when it rains in the summer. The animals are all our and active. We are planning on going to WDW again in Feb of 2003 and are hoping for the animals to be very active.
I am so glad to hear the great comments about the animals in December. I just recently changed our trip from labor day weekend to December and I was worried about the animals. I feel much better now!