Animal Kingdom Plans

[MDarling]

We will be at Disney at the end of April, and I have a day at Animal Kingdom planned for Wednesday the 20th. We are staying at AKL, and I had planned for that to be a late morning day so we can relax around the hotel for a while, and also hoping that Rivers Of Light will be running by then - that way we'd be there later in the day to watch it. Right now I have FP reservations all for after 1pm, but now that I'm thinking about it I can't decide if it would be better to go do early morning things at AK, and then go back to the resort to relax and probably swim, and then plan on going back to AK if Rivers Of Light is happening. I'm mostly just wanting opinions of what you would do because I keep going back and forth. Early or late wake up isn't a big factor, just that I was wanting this to be the day to split time with resort activities.

 

[mountdew1]

Personally, I'd get to AK for rope drop and then go back mid day. It most likely will still be a bit cold to use the pool or anything outside (and I want to say the pool doesn't open til 10), and some people say that they do the animal check ups and stuff around that time in the morning at AKL, so the animals may be sparse outside. So time at the resort would mostly be spent sitting in the room or looking at the exhibits in the hallways. You can be alot more productive in that early time, and potentially even grab another FP+ before you leave the park or the afternoon/evening if you can get them all booked early enough.

 

[LaurenT]

Actually, I'm pretty sure the pool is open 24 hours, I stay there every year, though I've never been swimming first thing in the morning.
But it will certainly be warm enough by the end of April to swim anytime of day.
I like being in the park when it opens, so I would go for rope drop, head right to the safari, then do whatever else you like ... Lines won't build at the other attractions for a coupe of hours.
Then I'd go back to the resort for a swim/nap and have FPs set up for a late afternoon return.

 

[NavyDad]

I would always opt for RD. You just get more done with your time.

 

[tbia]

Reports coming out that ROL begins April 16

 

[tstidm1]

Either way, I would rope drop Animal kingdom. Then, you will have an advantage over those who are coming later in the day. If ROL Is running on April 20th, then I would take an early afternoon break and then come back about 5 PM.

 

[Hopefully]

Actually, I'm pretty sure the pool is open 24 hours, I stay there every year, though I've never been swimming first thing in the morning.
But it will certainly be warm enough by the end of April to swim anytime of day.
I like being in the park when it opens, so I would go for rope drop, head right to the safari, then do whatever else you like ... Lines won't build at the other attractions for a coupe of hours.
Then I'd go back to the resort for a swim/nap and have FPs set up for a late afternoon return.

Actually I'm pretty sure no pools are now open 24 hours. I believe they all close overnight since the drowning at POP I think. They have phased in fencing pools & I believe all are posted as closed at night

Reports coming out that ROL begins April 16

Source??

 

[mountdew1]

Actually I'm pretty sure no pools are now open 24 hours. I believe they all close overnight since the drowning at POP I think. They have phased in fencing pools & I believe all are posted as closed at night

Yup. Even though the pool at AKL Jambo still doesn't have a fence around it, they have a sign up by the main path saying something like "Pool opens at 10 AM". This was in Jan, so the hours may vary during warmer seasons, but the main pools are definitely not open 24 hours. Basically when the lifeguards go off duty, the pool closes.

 

[LaurenT]

Yup. Even though the pool at AKL Jambo still doesn't have a fence around it, they have a sign up by the main path saying something like "Pool opens at 10 AM". This was in Jan, so the hours may vary during warmer seasons, but the main pools are definitely not open 24 hours. Basically when the lifeguards go off duty, the pool closes.

I hope they don't fence in the Uzima pool - that would be hideous!

 

[mountdew1]

I hope they don't fence in the Uzima pool - that would be hideous!

Yeah, the only saving grace is that the area over there is already pretty self contained. They could put small fences/gates at the building exit by the fitness center, and then fence off at the edge of the walkway, pretty much from the door by Simba's Playhouse, all the way over to the door between Jiko/Bomo. So not a full fence around the pool, just closing that whole area off when the pool closes. You would lose the small savanna viewing area over there, and the playground, but it would be easier and cheaper than a full fence.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Stronger reports are 4/19 for ROL. The Front Gate block reported by Kenny the Pirate is a compelling data point: http://www.kennythepirate.com/2016/...ms-new-rivers-of-light-nighttime-spectacular/

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Stronger reports are 4/19 for ROL. The Front Gate block reported by Kenny the Pirate is a compelling data point: http://www.kennythepirate.com/2016/...ms-new-rivers-of-light-nighttime-spectacular/

What does that mean exactly, "front gate block", and why would that indicate the starting date? We're there that week too (4/15-22/16) so I've been trying to keep a close eye on things but not familiar with that term! thanks! Not sure if I need to start shuffling things around...

 

[icesk8abc]

What does that mean exactly, "front gate block", and why would that indicate the starting date? We're there that week too (4/15-22/16) so I've been trying to keep a close eye on things but not familiar with that term! thanks! Not sure if I need to start shuffling things around...

It means that cast members can't use their passes "called front gate passes" to bring friends and family in that day.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

It means that cast members can't use their passes "called front gate passes" to bring friends and family in that day.

Aha - makes sense now. Thanks for the info - hopefully some shuffling will be in order...

Just reread Kenny the Pirate and I'm not sure how I didn't figure that out! Thanks again!

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

I would say get to AK early and then spend time at the resort. We went this morning, got there 15 mins after it opened and there were no lines for anything. We felt like we had the run of the park for at least an hour, It Was so great!

 

[ArielSRL]

I would do rope drop and take a midday break. I heard April 18 from a CM but the date may be off by a day.