Animal Kingdom slow rides?

[JoColl]

My husband and I will be visiting the Animal Kingdom in Nov. for the first time. We both have very bad backs and are unable to take fast or bumpy or fast drop rides as the water rides have. Can you recommend which rides to avoid? I was told even the Safari ride was bumpy and makes quick and jerky movements. Is it really that bad? We hate to miss the Safari, but if the ride is rough we must. Can someone tell me which rides to avoid and which would be at a slower pace?

Thanks!

 

[Safari Queen]

The safari ride is a little rough, with some bumps, fast starts, and quick turns. I have back problems but haven't been bothered. It's hard to say what will bother your backs, though. The front of the truck is definitely better than the back. Kali River Rapids are not really rough, just very wet for some. The water really cushions the big plunge, but about 1/2 the raft gets soaked. Dinosaur is very bumpy, with lots of plunges and fast starts. Everest is probably a problem, as are the rides in Dinoland. I really can't think of any "rides" that aren't a potential problem for someone with a very touchy back. However, there are two walks through animal/bird areas in Africa and Asia, It's Tough to Be a Bug, the Lion King show at Camp Minnie Mickey, the Flights of Wonder show, street performers and lots of beautiful views as you look at animals on Discovery Island.

 

[GrandFloridian4]

Welcome, JoColl None of the rides at AK are smooth & the Safari can be rough on your back, definitely. They are all pretty rough (but fun! ). We went to AK yesterday & caught some of the shows & looked at the wildlife. I doubt any of the rides will appeal to you, but everything else is really nice to see.

 

[Harambe]

You should go and do the nature trails (gorilla and tiger), walk around and see the beautiful foliage. Do NOT miss Festival of the Lion King! And AK's parade is great - go to Dawa Bar a little ahead of time and grab a beer or soda and settle in for the parade.

Enjoy!

 

[WVParkfan]

Dinosaur, Everest, the Safari and Kali would probably be a challenge for someone with back problems. But, there is SO MUCH more to do at the Animal Kingdom, that I'm sure you'll have a great time. Here are a few suggestions:

- Festival of the Lion King. One of the two best shows in WDW (Beauty and the Beast being the other).
- The Jammin' Jungle Parade.
- Maharajeh Jungle Trek
- Pangani Forest Trail
- Dinner at the Tusker House
- Flights of Wonder
- Tough to be a Bug 3-D
- Take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Smooth ride, and lots to see and do when you get there.
- Dinner at the Rainforest Cafe
- But the best things to do at the AK is to walk around the trails in the Oasis and the trails around the Tree of Life and enjoy the "secret" areas to view the animals. For our family, we could spend hours on the trails.

Have fun.

 

[chr1972]

In my opinion, none of the rides at AK are smooth. We just got back with 2 small children. Even though the kids were not able to ride too many rides, it is definitely worth going there. We spent 2 days there. It was great. The safari ride was definitely a very rough ride, but we were in the very last row.

 

[disnut8]

I concur with not riding the Safari, Kali, and Dinosaur. Also, don't ride Primevil Whirl. Check out the restrictions on Expedition Everest. That's a very smooth ride but if it says people with back problems should not ride, don't ride it.

The two walking tours are very nicely done. Take your time and you'll see lots of animals. Flights of Wonder is our favorite show - very educational and not your typical bird show. Can't beat It's Tough to be a Bug.

Animal Kingdom's pathways are not the most "user friendly". A lot of the paths are uneven so be prepared for that.

I can't ride any of these attractions anymore but I still enjoy Animal Kingdom very much. So much more than the attractions.

 

[BamaFan121s]

Definately stay clear of Dinosaur...it can make you sore even if you don't have back problems. Same for P. Whirl.

 

[Hannathy]

I have a bad back and do all of them but I am willing to put up with the pain! That said the 2 I would skip are Dinosaur and Primevil whirl. I thought Everest was incredibly smooth and didn't hurt my back at all.

 

[splashmtnman]

Dinosaur is very rough as is primevil whirl. kali may be ok there are a couple of spots that may have a quick jerk or stop but mostly smooth and very wet.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

I don't think Dinosaur actually bothered my back, but I made sure to brace myself properly. However, Primevel Whirl just about did my hip in! Now that hurt! It actually made my hip hurt the next day. I definitely would skip that one with back problems.
Have fun on the other rides though!
Kim