Animal Kingdom Dilemma

[brad813]

Right now, I have a day at MK and two at Epcot planned, plus Jollywood Nights. I have a three day ticket and only have about five total days for this trip, due to other plans. Would it be worth my time to add on another day for AK, given the closures coming up next year, or do you think I might be better off just grabbing a day ticket later on when I'm in Florida later? Most of the AK closures don't really concern me, but since I have never been, I would like to get in Dinosaur at least before the conversion starts. Everything I read seems to indicate a late 2025 to early 2026 best guesstimate for that closure, so it seems I may have a little time. What are your thoughts on how best to approach this dilemma?

 

[kanerf]

For me, I would do AK and get one last ride on Dinosaur. Do the Kilimanjaro Safari as well.

 

[Dug720]

I would do AK even without Dinosaur. It is by far my favorite park. I'll do it twice before I set a toe in Studios.

 

[brad813]

For me, I would do AK and get one last ride on Dinosaur. Do the Kilimanjaro Safari as well.

This would be a first visit to AK.

 

[Eve1007]

You could add park hopper and split one of your Epcot days.

 

[loves to dive]

I'd switch one of the Epcot days for AK and Epcot is my favorite park. Unless you have something special planned for it, you don't need two full days there.

 

[AussieFan8]

We are doing AK during the day before we head to Jollywood Nights so we don't have to pay for park hoppers, just an additional park day. However, I don't know that I would do this if it was my first time going to AK as I wouldn't want to be rushed at all. Also, I have found in the past that a park day before a party is not ideal for us - makes us more tired for the party. Just an option to consider.

 

[Mousetopia]

Right now, I have a day at MK and two at Epcot planned, plus Jollywood Nights. I have a three day ticket and only have about five total days for this trip, due to other plans. Would it be worth my time to add on another day for AK, given the closures coming up next year, or do you think I might be better off just grabbing a day ticket later on when I'm in Florida later? Most of the AK closures don't really concern me, but since I have never been, I would like to get in Dinosaur at least before the conversion starts. Everything I read seems to indicate a late 2025 to early 2026 best guesstimate for that closure, so it seems I may have a little time. What are your thoughts on how best to approach this dilemma?

Only you can answer if adding a day is worth it to you. I will say adding to a multi day ticket vs. 1 single day are much diff in price.
I love AK. All the shows, incredibles animals, I can spend days here. Another thing going away is Tough to be a Bug. A show worth seeing for sure.

 

[zavandor]

AK is my favorite park too, with the exclusion of Dinoland (it won't close soon enough) everything else is top notch, on par with Tokyo Disney Sea. Like a previous poster, I'd switch one Epcot day with AK.

 

[BostonEd]

A lot of people say AK is not a full day park. But if this is your first time going, I think you should definitely give it a full day for your first visit.

 

[Sheryl2059]

I suppose it depends on what you want out of a park.

 

[georgina]

This would be a first visit to AK.

I have not kept up with the closures besides Dinosaur. I do not think it is worth a ticket to ride that one. I am a fan of the Avatar FOP ride, the Safari, Expedition Everest, and the Festival of the Lion King show. The 2 walking paths - by the safari and in Asia are great if you like to see animals and birds. The bird show has improved. Haven't ridden the raft ride that gets you soaked in a long time. Haven't done it's tough to be a bug in many years either. I enjoy the atmosphere but it is a personal decision, especially if you don't care about the closures.

 

[J&J]

Right now, I have a day at MK and two at Epcot planned, plus Jollywood Nights. I have a three day ticket and only have about five total days for this trip, due to other plans. Would it be worth my time to add on another day for AK, given the closures coming up next year, or do you think I might be better off just grabbing a day ticket later on when I'm in Florida later? Most of the AK closures don't really concern me, but since I have never been, I would like to get in Dinosaur at least before the conversion starts. Everything I read seems to indicate a late 2025 to early 2026 best guesstimate for that closure, so it seems I may have a little time. What are your thoughts on how best to approach this dilemma?

Disney could change their mind and make the changes early so I would do the dinosaur ride and anything else you would like now. Enjoy

 

[RunDisney Matriarch]

Regardless of the closures, I'd vote for adding the AK day. Since you're going at Christmastime, the Merry Menagerie at AK is some of the best Christmas entertainment at any of the parks. It's a must-do for our family. And the dining options at AK are excellent. Plus, Avatar Flight of Passage is the best ride in all four parks.

 

[kwdw]

AK is a great park! If you aim to try to fit in all three shows and some of the great food or drink the park has, it will keep you busy all day. I’d frankly drop a second day at EP. As a solo adult, you should be able to get in everything you want at EP in one day. Or, add a day!

 

[jimmymc]

I personally wouldn't do it just for the stuff that's closing. If you want to spend your last free day there instead of a resort, then definitely go for it.

 

[brad813]

My plans have shifted to early 2025, so I shouldn’t have an issue adding on an extra day now, since there won’t be any special events going on after hours. Thanks for the help.

 

[ajiuo]

I love Animal Kingdom. It’s my second favorite park after Disneyland. I just like being there, even if the ride selection isn’t huge. Dinosaur will be there all of 2025 so definitely write it while you’re there… you’re not really missing out on anything with the rest of the land being closed..

I would just say prioritize, your favorite parks, whatever they are. I usually visit each park twice while I’m there.. i’m kind of wondering how things might change with epic universe opening. I might end up making one of the Disney parks one day… not sure.