Animal Kingdom Question

[KristineDaphne]

We're heading down in week and a half (yeah) and we've been to all the other parks several times. This time we are going to AK, but know next to nothing about it. My oldest dd7 is big into animals and wants to be a vegimaterian (we're pretty sure that means she won't eat meat and will dr. animals). What is the best way to spend our time there, anything we should be sure not to miss?

Thanks!

 

[carolfoy]

If she's really into the conservation side of things then do not miss flights of wonder, rafikis animal watch, the jungle trek and the conservation station, for fun don't miss kali river rapids and the safari and for shows don't miss festival of the lion king or the jammin jungle parade, a lot of people think AK is a bit naff but it is really well thought out but a totally different park experience to MK and MGM etc, its a lot of walking from one point to another so best get a park map and plan in advance.

 

[stinkerbelle]

I HIGHLY suggest that you find out what's going on at Rafiki's planet watch (you get there via the train) early in the day.

They have an "open window" into the "vet's office"...and you might be able to catch them doing a routine physical (drawing blood/giving shots/ect..) to certain small animals. Also there...they will show you what they feed the animals and can ask as many questions as you'd like. I think your DD would enjoy that.

 

[kilee]

I would definelty do a search on AK here and read a few of the threads. It may give you some touring ideas.
Here is also a link to some info here on the DIS about AK. It will give you a view of a map, rides/attractions, dining, and character greeting info. This should help familiarize yourself a little bit more w/ the park.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/animalkingdom/ak-overview.htm


As for personal info: if you will be there at opening try to head towards the safari within the first 1/2 hour. We usually go walk right on ITTBAB (which is in the Tree of Life). Then we head to the safari. The safari is in the very back of the park. At opening it seems like a mob scene rushing there. So, we usually stop off for 1 quick attraction, which lets the initial mob get through and then head there. We usually end up w/ about a 15 minute wait. Not too bad. Also, when you intially enter there are going to be tons of animal exhibts which will be pretty busy w/ others viewing. We save these for later in the day. Rather than fighting to get a peak in the morning. After lunch there is virtually nobody around them.

Other big things- use FP for Dinosaur and Kali. Use it for the Safari too if the wait is much more than 20 minutes. Try to catch the FOTLK. If you get there early and can sit down low it will increase your childs chances of being picked for the show. Seems they pick about 8 kids from each section. I wouldn't mention it so there's no disappointment, but it may be a special moment. We usually arrive at this show a solid 30 minutes early and have always been in the first 3 rows. This is during off to moderate seasons.

 

[jann1033]

conservation station,,( might not be called that now)
i think the vet is only there certain times in the am. i am not sure what all they do for viewing there so you might want to check due to her young age( ie surgeries ect could be scary). we went fairly late ( close to closeing and a cm was fixing the food for the animals and it was really interesting to talk with her about what they eat ect

the animal trails are really good so spend enough time there to get the full benefit.
make sure your daughter talks to the cms by the animals as they have tons of info on the animals she probably would love.

if you sit up front during the safari you can ask additional questions( between the"Plot") am is better than pm but you could ask more questions in pm ( more time cause you see less )so maybe do both

pocahantous( sp) has live animals in it she might enjoy( not that great a show but the animals are cute)

 

[don8life]

Don't miss Lion King festival. In my opinion it is the best show at WDW and I've seen it loads of times.

Don't miss the safari.
Don't miss the gorilla trail.

Have fun!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

As far as favorites go, I vacilate between MK and AK -- I just love AK!! My advice is to arrive early on a non EMH-am. You do not want your first impression of AK to be of crowds, and AK always SEEMS crowded even when it really isn't. Head to Safari first. The animals are so much more active in the morning. Then visit the animal trails before the crowds. When we visited in May, we had the animals and CM's on the trails all to ourselves at the beginning of the day. It was such a different experience from visiting in the afternoons!! Later in the day, you will find the trails way too crowded for photos or any sort of pleasure. I doubt you'll have to worry about lines at Dinosaur. When we were there last week, Dinosaur had a maximum wait of 10 minutes! Quite different from our summertime trips!!

Whatever you do, don't miss the shows. The Lion King is my favorite by far, but the others are quite enjoyable, too.

Take time to check out DiVine and some of the other performers. My 3 children always surprise me with how long they will stand and watch the performers. They really enjoy this aspect of AK.

If you like the characters, visit Camp Minnie Mickey. We waited less than 5 minutes to see Minnie last week. Mickey's line was slightly longer but not bad.

Have a meal at Tusker House. My picky kids love the rotisserie chickens here. The fruit salads at Flame Tree have fresh pineapple (yumm) in them. I had always heard such negative things about Pizzafari that we had avoided it until last week. I was pleasantly surprised by the good quality of the pizzas (but not the breadsticks -- dry and yucky!!). Before taking the closest available table at any of these establishments, scope out all your choices. I love finding a table on the lower level of the terrace outside Tusker House, by the goldfish pond next to Flame Tree, and in the very back room (although all are really interesting!) at Pizzafari.

Have fun!

 

[Azure]

Definatly don't miss the "Kilomanjaro Safari" it is so exotic and amazing.

 

[ainmama2001]

She'll love the Affection Section... where she gets to pet some animals.

 

[bicker]

Don't overlook the Oasis. We can spend 40-45 minutes there, while most guests seem to just try to find the quickest way through this wonderful section of the park.

 

[eclectics]

Don't overlook the Oasis. We can spend 40-45 minutes there, while most guests seem to just try to find the quickest way through this wonderful section of the park.

Us too. We love AK! I don't think anyone else mentioned it but try to catch the bird show in Asia. Show times will be printed on the map booklet at the park entrance kiosk. Very entertaining and educational too. Have fun!

 

[ncbyrne]

Take time to check out DiVine and some of the other performers. My 3 children always surprise me with how long they will stand and watch the performers. They really enjoy this aspect of AK.
QUOTE]

I agree - be sure to check out DiVine. She performs at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 1:00. This performer is not advertised on the Disney schedule and I found out last week, that most of the CMs working in AK have never heard of her! However, she is indeed performing daily on the walkway between Africa and Asia.