Animal Kingdom?

[traci]

Should we do Animal Kingdom for our upcoming trip? We are staying at the Grand Floridian, and I'm curious how easy it is to get there from our resort. Plus, our kids are still very young and we can only do a couple hours at the parks at a time (we have to go back for breaks, naps, swim). I keep struggling with this...we didn't go there last year and still had a wonderful time. Should we do it this time, or wait another year until the babes are a little older?

Thank you

 

[LoriMistress]

I'd say go for it. Your kid will have a chance to see characters and see animals. Plus there are a few shows that she might enjoy.

 

[laceemouse]

I too think AK is great for the younger set. There are not many thrill rides, it is more about the animals and the shows. Also, it is probably the best park if you only do half a day or so because you can see most of it in that time. Take the train ride out to the petting zoo, little ones love that! AK is a favorite for us because it is so laid back, a real "stop and smell the roses" kind of place! Also, you can take a bus there from the GF, no big deal. It may take a few more minutes to get there, but not much longer than going to EPCOT/MGM!

 

[traci]

What are must-sees for a nearly 2 and 3 year old? Do we take a bus there from the GF?

 

[crazyhunter98]

you should go to AK lots of characters and the lion king show you and the kids will love it and the bug 3d show is really funny and lots of surprizes in it.
the petting zoo and the safari is great for kids and adults also.

 

[laceemouse]

Yes, just take the bus straight there. They would probably enjoy the safari ride. It is a little bumpy but the animals are cool. They would enjoy the music and acrobats at Festival of the Lion King. There is a Pocahontas show which is really geared toward young kids. There are a couple of trails to walk where you get to see some great animals. Also, the train ride out to the petting zoo (called Affection Section.) There are several areas to meet the characters. We enjoy the Birds of Prey show. There is a new show where Tarzan Rocks used to be, Nemo I think, which would be great but I am not sure if it is open yet. Anyone else???
I have to say it is a great park to just stroll around in. The landscaping is some of the most beautiful at WDW. The parade is alot of fun for all ages too !

 

[maelstrom]

I'd be cautious about the It's Tough to Be a Bug show. My 2 year old cousin cried through it.

 

[Abbracio]

We were there last Monday with our 15 month old and almost 3 year old. They did great. We stayed at the Contemporary and took the bus. I"m sure they have buses from the GF, too.

Because of the distance, this is the ONLY park that we did stay at all day (8:30-4:30). The other parks, we did come back to the hotel to take naps, rest, swim, etc....

We wanted to see the parade which was at 4:00, it's reallly neat and verrry unique, compared to the parade at Magic Kingdom. Both my kids LOVED it, they sat in their stroller and they clapped, waved and the characters and CM came over and shook their hands.

We had a reservation for Breakfastaurus with Donald at 8:30 am . It was GREAT!! We loved all the characters that came by to visit our table.

We did the Kilimanjaro Safari, the train trek to see the petting zoo, we LOVED the Lion King show, we saw the characters at Camp Mickey/Minnie . BOTH kids took naps in the stroller, so we just found a shaded area and let them sleep for a little over an hour. My husband went off and rode some rides.

We visited Dino land and wrote the Triceratop ride, that is verry simliar to the Dumbo and Aladdin ride at Magic Kingdom.

We saw and met characters at Camp Minnie/Mickey (which is right by the Lion King show area), we also saw some other ones as we walked around.

We ate lunch at Pizzafari, which wasn't the greatest, but it was edible. LOL

There are singers/musicians playing that we stopped to listen and the kids danced around.

It was a great day. That was the only day we did AK, but it was well worth going to.

I hope you have a great trip.
Take care
Kathryn

 

[mandy200587]

Avoid Tough to be a Bug. It scared my little nephew so bad and heck it scared me. Do go and see Festival of Lion King.

 

[traci]

I truly appreciate all of you taking the time to respond. I am thinking we may make it over there My son loves animals and I think he would get a kick out of AK!