Animal Kingdom question

[living for vacations]

I have read that you should go to Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning. But is that what everyone does? Is it smarter as far as getting the most rides in without too much wait to go to safari first or to ride other things while everyone else in the park is running to it and fast pass it later in the day?

 

[carolfoy]

The only real reason to get there first thing is because as its early the animals are expected to be more active, this is not necessarily true on a colder day. When the sun is hot the animals just lie around, also they are fed first thing so should be at their most active then, if you stay on site and go EMH then you should get a better shot at seeing as many animals as poss.
Nevertheless AK is just as good if you don't get round to doing the safari!

 

[Lulu's Mom]

I have read that you should go to Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning. But is that what everyone does? Is it smarter as far as getting the most rides in without too much wait to go to safari first or to ride other things while everyone else in the park is running to it and fast pass it later in the day?

I would just fast pass it and go on other things... especially if Everest is going to be open when you go.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

We've been on the Safari at all different times. I really don't believe there is a "better" time to go. We've seen some interesting animal activity at all hours of the day. Probably the most interesting was as a wicked looking summer storm approached last August. On Monday of this week, we went on the last safari of the day. Our driver had to stop for a number of animals crossing and traveling along the roadway. Some stubborn giraffes really didn't want to give way!! Once I get completely unpacked (just got home this morning), I'll post some photos.

 

[LightBurnsBlue]

Good Question! I was wondering this myself! I have never been to AK at opening, but I plan to when I go next week.

I read on another thread that most people that get to AK at opening go right to the safari, but even then, the line is only 10 minutes or so.

 

[corinascot]

At opening, we went to Dinoland. We were the the ONLY people on the ride the first ride of the day. This was in June. Almost everyone goes to the safari, but we enjoyed the uncrowded rest of the park. We did the safari later in the day and it wasn't at all crowded. AK really clears out after the parade...around 4. We've been on safari type attractions before at various zoos, so the safari wasn't a big draw for us.

 

[wvjovifan]

We like to fastpass the Safari 1st thing then go do other things and come back for the Safari about 10.....There is a MAD RUSH for the Safari 1st thing in the morning!!!!!

 

[tjmouse]

Went on the Safari before the parade and had a great view of most of the animals. Only a 5 minute wait too! Then you get off and get a spot in Africa for the parade.

Dinoland is empty first thing in the morning. We had the whole place to ourselves for about 30 minutes, even then it was just a few people.

 

[Randy K]

I read the same thing in many travel guides about doing it 1st thing and we did do it 1st thing when we went in July of 01 and we found the few animals that we did see were really lifeless. My friend went in August and they went in the afternoon and saw lots of animals and they were active. So next time we are going in the afternoon. It is also too crowded in the morning.

 

[CastMemberDWA]

I admit I generally ride safari first thing too....however after working there I can tell you the following.....
the animals are most active the half hour right before they are to be put back in their barns for the night. (near sunset time) I see this every time I am at the petting zoo...the goats are extremely entertaining this time of day. (butting heads, baa-ing etc.)

As for Safari - if you ahve time I highly recommend that you ride it twice during your visit. It is never the same way twice and by experiencing during diff. times of day you will likely exp. the animals behaving differently.
And you get a chance to hear the "spiel" from a different driver.

That is my 2 cents worth. I love AK! Be sure to take the train back to Rafikis Planet while you are near the Safari anyhow.....come see the Conservation Station - it is Awesome!