AK's Wildlife Express Train....do it or skip it??

[DisneyWishes14]

It really depends. It's a must-do for us, but that's because DS8 wants to be a zoologist and loves exploring Conservation Station. The last time we went, they were doing exploratory surgery on one of the AK cheetahs and they had video monitors set up and were narrating the entire operation. It was amazing. They also gave DS a certificate with the cheetahs footprints on it. They typically bring animals out (I seem to recall a turtle and maybe an owl?) so you can get up close and learn a little more about them. On the train, on the way there, you can see many of the animal holding buildings and sometimes see some of the animals who aren't onstage. We love it, but, if you are more interested in rides, shows or meandering on the animal paths, it may not be for you.

 

[Delirium]

If you're thrill seekers, it's a waste of your time.

If you're a group that is interested in animal care, it's a must do.

I would not ride the train just to ride the train. It's not meant to be a scenic ride. If you go, you really need to check out everything Conversation Station has to offer.

 

[mshanson3121]

For the love of Pete, skip it!

I'm the opposite. We loved it. Enjoyed the train ride, it was a nice little break. The kids loved the walking trail, doing the scavenger hunt, loved watching the vet procedures, all the hands on stuff, they got to meet Rafiki, got to touch a cool animal, see animals being fed, got to enjoy the petting zoo. If you enjoy animals, or have kids that do, do it! It does take up a good amount of time yes, about an hour at least, but... it's great.

 

[Klinger13]

We really enjoyed it. The train ride was a nice way to relax and DD4 loved the petting zoo part! She's been to many petting zoos elsewhere but I think she had more fun brushing the goats then she did on the safari. We went mid-morning and they were doing a procedure on a fox which we all thought was really cool.

 

[kiford]

We did it a few years ago and there was basically nothing happening when we got off. Walked around for a few minutes and got right back on the train. Hadn't been back in years. But last December we were tired and hot and it was an opportunity to sit down for a few minutes so we got on. Ended up spending about 1.5 hours at Conservation Station. There were more exhibits than there had been a few years ago, we wandered around a bit, they had a giant rabbit of some sort at the meet the critter thing. We had a really nice time there. I quite enjoyed myself and felt that the time was definitely worth it.

 

[dachsie]

If your kids do the Wilderness Explorer they will need to go out there for some of the badges. Its a nice ride and good change of pace. Not everyone likes to go 60mph thru the parks

 

[ArielSRL]

We rarely do it.
It eats a LOT of time.

I figured it would. So that's why we aren't doing it.

 

[pa. dad]

For the love of Pete, skip it!

I would say only if time permits. there are several things that i would give a higher priority to. We did not do it last time.

 

[RedAngie]

It's worth riding once and seeing what's back there. But definitely skipable during subsequent visits, unless you're really into those kinds of exhibits.

 

[TinkFan74]

If you have only one day at AK it can be skipped without feeling as though you missed something. If you have two days at AK park it is a nice rest stop with a petting zoo, my 18 year old daughter can spend hours with the goats, and if you get there at the right time you can see the petting zoo animals compete in agility competitions.

 

[msmama]

It's our second favorite thing to do at the AK - after the safari. My 8 year old really enjoys it.

It's also one of the cooler (temp wise) places in AK during the summer months.

I've never felt super rushed at AK so it's never really been an issue to not have enough time to do it.

 

[MrsDuck]

We really enjoy it!

 

[disnut8]

It's just my husband and me, in our early 50s, and we skipped this up until a few years ago. Now it's a must do for us each trip. We are nature lovers, though, so the petting area is a big thing for us and it's not unusual for my husband to walk around and make sure he has petted every goat in the area. I head for the pigs and have to wait for those darn kids to stop petting the hairy one so I can have my chance. We also take our time on the walk to and from the train depot to Conservation Station and enjoy that while most are rushing by us. And I usually have to find my husband inside the Conservation Station since I slowly walk by that beautiful mural and see how many animals I can identify. For us, it's not a waste of time and it takes over an hour for the entire experience and we enjoy it very much.

No FastPasses needed and it's a very nice break from the hustle and bustle.

 

[dreiwhit]

I like trains, and we used it as a rest break.