Animal Kingdom - morning or afternoon?

[charchaos]

If I didn't want to stay at The Animal Kingdom for the whole day (not sure yet..still in early stages of planning) would it be better to get there at opening time and stay until midday or would it be better to get there early afternoon and stay until closing time?

Obviously part of this decision would purely be personal choice but I just wondered if anyone has any opinions/advice on this?

Would half a day be totally out of the question? I've never been to Animal Kingdom before so i'm not sure how big it is and if it's possible to get round the rides I want without staying for the whole day.

 

[abc999]

I think it really depends on when you are going and what you want to do there.

We are doing half day there in the morning because I want to have breakfast at Tusker House and then we will hit the safari and that is about it. If not for hte breakfast, I wouldn't even go.

If you are going during low season, I don't think it really matters what part of the day you are going. If you are going during peak season and there are must does, you need to go in the AM.

 

[Lauri]

Also note that AK is the hottest of the Disney parks. You may be more comfortable being their during the cooler morning hours.

Lauri

 

[princess aurora]

I agree with last poster. It's hot in there. Morning is my pick and if you can, get there prior to opening to see the "Opening Ceremonies".

We have come to really love this park and explore all it has to offer. So under rated by so many people IMO.

Tip: Go directly to Expedition Everest and get a fast past and/or ride once. Then go directly to Kilimanjaro Safaris. It's a bit of an across the park trek but you get the biggest attractions completed before the crowds come. Don't forget the shows are amazing as well.

 

[Maybelle]

We love to go to AK as early in the day as possible. We always get there for rope drop. Keep in mind that the animals are most active first thing in the morning, and especially in the summer months, can be elusive due to their afternoon siestas in the heat. We always plan to do what the animals do...get there early, then go back to the hotel when it gets to hot so we can rest!

JMHO

 

[Belleandtinker]

Besides the heat, what are some other factors of going to AKL in the evening. We normally spend to 2 mornings there, but have thought about going in the evening. How are the crowds? Shows in evening?

 

[CarnotaurDad]

To answer one of your questions, I do not think half a day is enough to do the park justice. It is not a "let's cram in everything we can see in as quickly as possible" park but more of a meandering, relaxing park. We love all the hidden nooks and crannies and the atmosphere of it all.

That said, those types of activities are not everyone's cup of tea. So, if you had to do a half day, would definitely agree that the AM is better than the PM. The only caveat would be if the PM including a late EMH where you could see the park at dark. It is fantastic at night and really shows off a lot of its charm.

JMHO

 

[dmiller882]

If you are thinking of going for a half day I would go in the morning. It will be cooler and the park normally closes around 5 so you can go to another park and stay later.

 

[princess aurora]

Also there really are no "evenings" at AK. Park closes at 5:00pm, no? Except on EMH evenings. It is nice to see the park in the later hours. Crowds will be heavier meaning more line-up times and you'll have to check when last showing for some of the shows are so you don't miss them.

 

[Scraper]

Early for sure.

 

[3R1C]

Another vote for early. My DH usually goes to EE to get Fastpasses & the kids and I head to the safari.

 

[Connerzmom]

I you are only going to do a half a day I would do the morning (as it will be cooler). I really enjoy AK and we ended up spending a 1 1/2 days there when we went in Sept (we are spending 1 day and EMH hours there this time). It is very HOT....in Sept, we about died by midday.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'd do opening till 2pm or so.

 

[B&WMickey]

I’m a get going early kind of person. I always have more energy early in the day as opposed to later. Plus if you get there right when the park opens you have a good chance on getting on at least one major ride without any wait and can still pick up a Fast Pass for another major attraction with an early return time. By the end of the day all of the Fast Passes will likely be scooped up and more rides will have longer waits.

 

[redrosesix]

To answer one of your questions, I do not think half a day is enough to do the park justice. It is not a "let's cram in everything we can see in as quickly as possible" park but more of a meandering, relaxing park. We love all the hidden nooks and crannies and the atmosphere of it all.

That said, those types of activities are not everyone's cup of tea. So, if you had to do a half day, would definitely agree that the AM is better than the PM. The only caveat would be if the PM including a late EMH where you could see the park at dark. It is fantastic at night and really shows off a lot of its charm.

JMHO

ITA!

We usually do several half days, since this is my favourite park. AM is a great time to be there, but there is not a lot of choice for breakfast (in most parks we eat breakfast at the park) We've also done parade time til close -- this worked well for us on days that MK was so crowded we couldn't move and decided to hop somewhere. Most people are leaving the park at this time, or will right after the parade, probably hopping to another park that stays open later -- it's less crowded just before close than at park opening.

BTW, we love the AK parade. It's very different from the ones at the other parks.