Animal Kingdom strategy, critique please

[ELSA711]

We usually go in October and AK is hot! We live in the Northeast but my kids have a hard time with the 'heat' of AK and Epcot.
Especially AK for some reason. We usually get there at opening and do all of Africa first including the train to/from Rafikis Planet watch, by noon we are ready for Lion King and Air conditioning.

The only thing we do different is we do Tusker House pre park open breakfast. We use the two shows mid day for air conditioning, toss in Bugs Life and you are cool mid day for at least 2-3hrs.

We also started the tradition to go to AKLodge for dinner and now with the new shows we will go back for ROL after dinner.

 

[bbjunkie]

Mshanson, I reconfigured 11:00 Lion King, straight to 11:50 Lunch at Tusker House, and Nemo at 2. Is this not suitable enough of a "break"? That's in air conditioning for most of the 11:00-2:45 time period. Then catching Flights of Wonder at 3:30.

Elsa711, you mean you think I should push Yak and Yeti back a little?

I think this series of air conditioned, relatively long events will be a great break for the day. It is quite a walk from Tusker to the Nemo theatre, but it is nice a cool inside!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

6:30 Dad fast passing Everest, Mom and daughter fast passing Mickey Outpost.

Why is Dad wasting a FP on EE?
If Dad is the only one riding EE, then he might prefer to use the single rider line for EE.

He'll miss (most of) the preshow, and can't request the front row, but will wait less and keep his FP. If seeing the full queue is important, then keep the FP, but I'd also allow dad the opportunity to re-ride EE via the Single rider queue. I can't say for sure what the wait will be when you go, but early and late it is often minimal. The SR queue is tucked away- ask a CM how to enter it.

Also keep in mind- the biggest herd/throng rides the safari early in the day. In all of the parks, your waits will be significantly reduced if you DO NOT follow the herd. ZIG when the crowd ZAGS. Using the safari FP is fine- but you'll do well to leave AFRICA after your safari ride. One walk across the park = lower waits all day.

Second, August means afternoon temps in the 90's, high humidity, plus a strong likelihood of afternoon storms. During lightning: all metal coasters, all water rides, and all animal attractions close = much of AK. This also = many folks leave. If the storm passes you'll be rewarded with an empty park.

Seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun. We like the shows, but August afternoon heat+humidity absolutely ZAPs stamina! For us, summer survival = sacrificing the two big shows. Your choice, but odds are good, afternoon Nemo will = tired and cranky post-show.

Rain is often VERY heavy, but short. tropical. We find weather aps to be VERY helpful!

The good news though is that our strategy comes with a BIG reward! After dark, the temps drop, and the storms pass. The parks are comfortable and EMPTY!

 

[dkrauss]

I'd personally do something more like this:

9:00 Rope drop to Pocahontas
Maharajah Jungle Trek (nice to do this one earlier on)
10:30 Flights of Wonder
11:00 Kali FP+
11:50 Tusker House Lunch with Mickey (Jungle Book reservation)

Afernoon break


5:15 Yak & Yeti Dinner reservation
6:30 Dad fast passing Everest, Mom and daughter fast passing Mickey Outpost
7:00 FP+ Evening Safari
Pangani Trail
9:00 Jungle Book Show

I like the morning portion of mshanson3121's plan alot...........space and time to walk thru the trails. I also think the Afternoon break is a must.....given the time of year........you'll need it. However, depending on where your staying that afternoon break may be short Transport back and forth is an issue..........your looking at 1:00pm exit for the break.

While I do like the idea of the Evening Safari........maybe that could be pushed back a bit........I'm less on the Dinner at 5:15 after a Tusker House meal at Noon.........seems close to lunch for me.......but that's me.

OP, in the end its your trip. I do think 13 hours in AK with a 5 year old is alot........but you know your family the best. No matter what you decide have a wonderful vacation!

Doug

 

[mshanson3121]

I like the morning portion of mshanson3121's plan alot...........space and time to walk thru the trails. I also think the Afternoon break is a must.....given the time of year........you'll need it. However, depending on where your staying that afternoon break may be short Transport back and forth is an issue..........your looking at 1:00pm exit for the break.

While I do like the idea of the Evening Safari........maybe that could be pushed back a bit........I'm less on the Dinner at 5:15 after a Tusker House meal at Noon.........seems close to lunch for me.......but that's me.

OP, in the end its your trip. I do think 13 hours in AK with a 5 year old is alot........but you know your family the best. No matter what you decide have a wonderful vacation!

Doug

Definitely. You could play around with the evening. I was mostly trying to keep them with the least amount of backtracking possible.

 

[Shellyb84]

My DD(6) would never be able to make it that long in any park without a break. She's not a napper, but we have to have a pool break in the afternoons for everyone's comfort and happiness My DD would also not want to sit through both Nemo and LK in one day.

I have no idea what lines get like for Pocahontas, but we always RD the safari, and can usually get on Everest right after with little or no wait. We would eat an early lunch and head to the pool around 1 or 2 for a few hours, return for dinner and FP+ and the JB show.

Have you thought about a PPO TH breakfast? I'm pretty sure you can do the JB dining package for breakfast also.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Of all the parks, we find that it pays the flexible at AK. Sadly, new FP+ makes that almost impossible. If storms were predicted on our AK day, we just swapped our AK and HS days.

Even though you can't easily swap days or FP, guests still retain SOME flexibility. I like to use that flexibility to my advantage. A 3pm thunderstorm means you can't ride EE at 3pm. If I expect 3pm storms, then we ride EE before the storm.

Second, for us, two TS meals in one day is WAY too much. Not only is it too much food, it is too much wasted time. They also eliminate your ability to be flexible.

 

[DWeav]

Why is Dad wasting a FP on EE?
If Dad is the only one riding EE, then he might prefer to use the single rider line for EE.

He'll miss (most of) the preshow, and can't request the front row, but will wait less and keep his FP. If seeing the full queue is important, then keep the FP, but I'd also allow dad the opportunity to re-ride EE via the Single rider queue. I can't say for sure what the wait will be when you go, but early and late it is often minimal. The SR queue is tucked away- ask a CM how to enter it.

Also keep in mind- the biggest herd/throng rides the safari early in the day. In all of the parks, your waits will be significantly reduced if you DO NOT follow the herd. ZIG when the crowd ZAGS. Using the safari FP is fine- but you'll do well to leave AFRICA after your safari ride. One walk across the park = lower waits all day.

Second, August means afternoon temps in the 90's, high humidity, plus a strong likelihood of afternoon storms. During lightning: all metal coasters, all water rides, and all animal attractions close = much of AK. This also = many folks leave. If the storm passes you'll be rewarded with an empty park.

Seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun. We like the shows, but August afternoon heat+humidity absolutely ZAPs stamina! For us, summer survival = sacrificing the two big shows. Your choice, but odds are good, afternoon Nemo will = tired and cranky post-show.

Rain is often VERY heavy, but short. tropical. We find weather aps to be VERY helpful!

The good news though is that our strategy comes with a BIG reward! After dark, the temps drop, and the storms pass. The parks are comfortable and EMPTY!

Are single ride lines generally faster than fastpassing a ride (as a single)? My wife probably won't do EE on her own, so i just figured they would go to Mickey Outpost while I rode. But if it's not faster to fastpass, then obviously I would just do single ride line. If true, is that the same then for Space Mountain & Rock N Roller? Seeing the queues are not important, i've seen them all.

When you say about seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun...what do you mean? Long wait to get in? We would arrive early to get decent seats, but i'm assuming you mean it takes awhile to get in then?

Thanks everyone, this place is so awesome! (the boards...)

 

[DWeav]

Of all the parks, we find that it pays the flexible at AK. Sadly, new FP+ makes that almost impossible. If storms were predicted on our AK day, we just swapped our AK and HS days.

Even though you can't easily swap days or FP, guests still retain SOME flexibility. I like to use that flexibility to my advantage. A 3pm thunderstorm means you can't ride EE at 3pm. If I expect 3pm storms, then we ride EE before the storm.

Second, for us, two TS meals in one day is WAY too much. Not only is it too much food, it is too much wasted time. They also eliminate your ability to be flexible.

Good point on the flexibility part with meals. We just figured that since we're making it a long day, that two hour breaks for food would be a good thing. But i understand your point completely.

 

[Shellyb84]

Are single ride lines generally faster than fastpassing a ride (as a single)? My wife probably won't do EE on her own, so i just figured they would go to Mickey Outpost while I rode. But if it's not faster to fastpass, then obviously I would just do single ride line. If true, is that the same then for Space Mountain & Rock N Roller? Seeing the queues are not important, i've seen them all.

When you say about seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun...what do you mean? Long wait to get in? We would arrive early to get decent seats, but i'm assuming you mean it takes awhile to get in then?

Thanks everyone, this place is so awesome! (the boards...)

The single rider line isn't always open, so I think you should keep the FP+.

 

[mindeola]

I think your meals are too close together- at least for us. We would not be hungry again that soon.

 

[Quellman]

Please critique away our Animal Kingdom plan for a Sunday in late august. It is me, my wife and 5 year old girl.

9:00 Rope drop to Pocahontas
9:30 Safari 1st Fastpass
10:30 Flights of Wonder
11:00-11:45 Bugs Life, take a few pictures free time
11:50 Tusker House Lunch with Mickey (Jungle Book reservation)
2:00 Festival of Lion King
2:45 Rapids 2nd Fastpass
4:00 Nemo Musical
5:15 Yak & Yeti Dinner reservation
6:30 Dad fast passing Everest, Mom and daughter fast passing Mickey Outpost
7:00-8:30 Dinosaur Dig Area, pictures, Triceratops ride
9:00 Jungle Book Show

Any spots where I put too much time in an area or not enough? Tried to plan afternoon shows (air conditioning). Also will have a camelback hydrobackpack filled with ice water in the morning. Also planned on getting the frog togg towels. Tried to also plan early arrival for shows for good seats at show.

I know since this post, you tweaked your schedule, so you should update it to reflect the changes. I would venture that getting from the Safari to Flights of wonder show might be pushing it a bit. the Safari lets you off pretty deep into the park, so it isn't ideal for you to get to flights of wonder with any sort of wandering path.

I also second @mindeola with regards to meals, but you know your family best so I would schedule those and build the rest of my day around those! looks like you'll have a great day.

 

[mshanson3121]

Are single ride lines generally faster than fastpassing a ride (as a single)? My wife probably won't do EE on her own, so i just figured they would go to Mickey Outpost while I rode. But if it's not faster to fastpass, then obviously I would just do single ride line. If true, is that the same then for Space Mountain & Rock N Roller? Seeing the queues are not important, i've seen them all.

When you say about seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun...what do you mean? Long wait to get in? We would arrive early to get decent seats, but i'm assuming you mean it takes awhile to get in then?

Thanks everyone, this place is so awesome! (the boards...)

I can only speak for Nemo, but yes, the line can be long to get in, and it's an outside line - in the hot, hot (did I mention hot?) blazing sun. And one thing I learned about the heat in Orlando in the summer: When you're moving/walking, honestly? It's not so bad. But the second you stop and stand still (like in line), it is much more miserable, especially if you're not in the shade.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I'd personally do something more like this:

9:00 Rope drop to Pocahontas
Maharajah Jungle Trek (nice to do this one earlier on)
10:30 Flights of Wonder
11:00 Kali FP+
11:50 Tusker House Lunch with Mickey (Jungle Book reservation)

Afernoon break


5:15 Yak & Yeti Dinner reservation
6:30 Dad fast passing Everest, Mom and daughter fast passing Mickey Outpost
7:00 FP+ Evening Safari
Pangani Trail
9:00 Jungle Book Show

This is not our strategy at all. The animal walk through attractions never get a wait, but other rides get LONG waits. If you follow this plan, you'll be doing a never-wait attraction at a time when the e-ride waits are low.

Also, there's a high chance someone will get drenched on Kali! Character meals = photos. I wouldn't want to go to a character meal looking like a drowned rat!

As I said earlier though- odds of afternoon storms are high in August. Use (8am/9am-noon to cover your top priorities, especially the e-rides.

Minimizing waits is my top priority. Minimizing walks is secondary. If someone in my group has limited mobility, we shift priorities a little- but only a little. Walking a little more is almost ALWAYS preferable to a longer waits.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Be careful with the Kali river rapids. If you get soaked you don't want to go and immediately sit in a freezing air conditioned theater like nemo.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Are single ride lines generally faster than fastpassing a ride (as a single)? My wife probably won't do EE on her own, so i just figured they would go to Mickey Outpost while I rode. But if it's not faster to fastpass, then obviously I would just do single ride line. If true, is that the same then for Space Mountain & Rock N Roller? Seeing the queues are not important, i've seen them all.

When you say about seeing the two big AK shows = melting in the sun...what do you mean? Long wait to get in? We would arrive early to get decent seats, but i'm assuming you mean it takes awhile to get in then?

Thanks everyone, this place is so awesome! (the boards...)

For EE, yes.

The only time they don't open SR -more or less - is early in the morning when the standby line is short and/or the full staff has not arrived.

There is no SR for Space Mt, unless they just added one.

TT and RnRC are different beasts. HS and Epcot have tiered FP, so the single rider option is now more popular than in the past. Early and late, the SR queues are generally short. Like everything else, mid-day waits are often long. The posted wait times though are often incorrect. The wait is often less than what is posted. Both attractions also appeal to - I dare say- the guests who have the most stamina.

In cool months, both stay busy pretty late. August? Well, like I said earlier, extreme heat zaps stamina. Thunderstorms also zap crowds. The more extreme, the greater the drop off.

We usually wait under 15 for EE in the SR queue. RNRC SR is sometimes as long as the standby. Usually far less, but not always. TT is almost always less than the standby, but I imagine both your daughter and wife will want to ride TT. It goes fast, but is pretty mild otherwise.
************

For the big shows, yes. You have to arrive before the shows start out in the heat. When last I went, we arrived 45minutes before the show. We managed to JUST make the cutoff; the folks who waited almost as long as us were told they'd have to wait for the next show. The Nemo waiting area is on blacktop. I remember it being only partly shaded. The LK waiting area is better, but I still wouldn't wait in the afternoon heat for it myself. The last time I saw either was before the FP was added. (Our most recent winter trips have been short, so we skipped AK. )

Honestly I'm not 100% on latest FP options, so verify this if you FP it, but a FP (for a show) only means you are first to enter the theater, and only if you arrive at the time printed on your FP. (for shows it is a short time window) If the show is a top priority, then a FP may save you from having to stand in the blazing sun for 45mintues.

Flights of Wonder is great, and we love it. We see it almost every trip - even August, but we've never had to wait in the sun to see it. We usually happen to walk past it just before it starts or just after (and are still allowed to enter). There's no AC, but the seats are shaded with fans.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

Not sure of your tweaks, but my initial impression is too much back tracking. I HATE going back and forth across the parks, so that might be why it jumped out to me.

Also dinner is way too early after a buffet lunch. I would plan a quick service lunch. Plus we HATED yak and yeti anyway and had such an awful (albeit supposedly quite rare) experience that we will never return.

As for breaks with kids, I say to NEVER listen to advice on Disboards, follow your own kids natural schedule.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Be careful with the Kali river rapids. If you get soaked you don't want to go and immediately sit in a freezing air conditioned theater like Nemo.

A bus ride can also be miserable, at least in the winter months.

Kali during a downpour is actually lots of fun!

I also don't advise wearing denim or sneakers on Kali. Sheer white clothing is also a bad idea.

For August trips, I strongly advise bringing water tolerant quality walking footwear. Hiking sandals with adjustable straps in the Keen/Teva style are good. Walking in heat = swelling, so adjustable straps are super. I also like Ecco sandals, but mine have leather straps. they are fine for mild rain, but not the kind of downpours WDW gets in August. Crocs are also an option.

Sore feet= end of walking for the day. Unless you are crazy like us. For us, someone limping is (jokingly) a badge of honor, and a sure sign we got the most out of our vacation.

In a downpour, expect flash flooded walkways.

Sneaker are fine if no rain, but post- wet sneakers often smell horrible!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Also dinner is way too early after a buffet lunch. I would plan a quick service lunch. Plus we HATED yak and yeti anyway and had such an awful (albeit supposedly quite rare) experience that we will never return.

As for breaks with kids, I say to NEVER listen to advice on Disboards, follow your own kids natural schedule.

I took it that the buffet was priority for the OP, because it is a special opportunity.

The Y&Y is is one of few TS I have not tried in all of WDW! We like the Yak and Yeti quick serve for lunch, but our dining in AK is often a matter of simple convenience for us as well.

We often have just an ice cream in AK.

OP, might want to keep the no show fee in mind as well! If you don't show for a WDW table service meal- you get charged $10 per person! If you aren't planning to go, you have to cancel it the day before to avoid the fee.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Good point on the flexibility part with meals. We just figured that since we're making it a long day, that two hour breaks for food would be a good thing. But i understand your point completely.

Some sort of break is often a GOOD idea, especially in August. but we play it by ear, or more often- by the weather. Did I mention Minute-cast? Minute -cast isn't perfect, but it often gives us a good idea of how much rain to expect.

Our summer rule, is to be out of the parks by around 2pm, unless the weather is fabulous.

But most of my rules are more like guidelines.

AK is now different with the new night hours. Previously, AK's hours weren't long enough to allow a late return. (after a break at the hotel) In summer, we tended to go to AK about 8AM to 2:30pm (on EMH days). After that, we usually went to AKL.

We'd have a relaxing dinner at Boma or Sanaa, rest in the comfy lobby chairs, and explore the resort. Lots of hidden Mickey's in the lobby! Storms aren't a problem. Later, we might go to MK or swim before bed. The only problem is direct post-dinner transportation back to other WDW resorts. There isn't any!


Swimming is another option if there's no storm. Last year, the pool was closed at some point every afternoon of our visit!

We tried the Nemo show on our first summer trip, as you have planned. We considered it a mistake.
That doesn't mean it will be a mistake for you.

There's no wrong way to vacation, and no universal truths when it comes to touring WDW. There's only what works for you. As someone else said, please feel free to ignore all of us. I'm really only helping you to make informed chocies.