Animal Kingdom Strategy

[motogp]

We are going to AK for the first time in September with 2 children (ages 4 and almost 3). We are not really into EE. Any itinerary suggestions if we are there at Rope Drop and plan to stay for the afternoon parade? (youngest will have no problem taking a nap in the stroller) And, do you think the kids will like Rafiki's Planet Watch? Thanx so much!

 

[bcinohio]

I would go right to the safari ride first thing. The animals are more active in the morning before it gets really hot. Yes, I think they would like Rafiki planet watch, mine did at that age. Also don't forget to take them to Dinoland to dig for dino bones.

Have a great trip.

 

[+Rosetta+]

Nemo is a must see of course, but definitely take the time to slow down and walk around the treks. There is one near the safari and one near the river rapids. They're really relaxing and you get to see lots of animals that I'm sure they'll probably enjoy

Also there is a walking trail to go around the Tree of Life that's fun to see all the root animals and a hidden ant hole exhibit that has low holes for the little ones too.

Look for this:

Find an "Ant hole" and check out this view:

Not a lot of people notice this and it's really neat for the kids ^_^

 

[jillyb]

Nemo is a must see of course, but definitely take the time to slow down and walk around the treks. There is one near the safari and one near the river rapids. They're really relaxing and you get to see lots of animals that I'm sure they'll probably enjoy

Also there is a walking trail to go around the Tree of Life that's fun to see all the root animals and a hidden ant hole exhibit that has low holes for the little ones too.

Look for this:

Find an "Ant hole" and check out this view:

Not a lot of people notice this and it's really neat for the kids ^_^

The hidden ant hole is cool!!!

 

[DisneyFamily123]

We went to AK when DS had just turned age 3 in 2008 and age 4 in 2009. Here's some of his favorites....

• Tusker House Breakfast with Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Mickey - did this at 8am before the park opened at 9am
• Kilmanjaro Safari - did this twice on both trips, once in the morning, once in the afternoon.
• Kali River Rapids. We saved up fast passes to ride this 3 times in a row. He loved it. And we got pretty wet. Bring flip flops/bathing suit, and something to change into. There's a bathroom not far from it across from Yak and Yeti Restaurant (which we loved by the way, Yak and Yeti that is...)
• Nemo - he liked it, I thought it was a little boring but it is more stage puppetry.
• Lion King Show - much like a circus without real animals. This was fantastic, loud, lots of fun.
• Characters - found characters at the entrance, on the walk between Africa and Asia and on the Mickey and Minnie Greeting Trail
• Flights of Wonder Bird Show
• All the animal exhibits, especially the gorillas.

He also liked all the little things along the way... like the drums in Africa that kids can play, the little statues of characters fishing, the carvings on the way into It's Tough to Be a Bug.

Dinosaur -- did this both trips. At age 3, he didn't cry or anything but he was kind of still and maybe a little scared. At age 4, he loved it. This could be a scary ride for some kids.

It's Tough to Be a Bug -- He loved this both trips but I can see how it could be scary for some young children. But we love all these 3-D/4-D movies at Disney World. The one that is really scary is Honey I shrunk the audience -- when the snake comes out.