Animal Kingdom

[becky23]

We went to Ak only one time when it first opened-we hated it. However, we realized it was only the first week and probably had some things to work out. By this dis board I see that most people love it.So we have decided to give it another chance. We will be there in 11 days. My question is this- In what order do you do the park? I've read to do the safari first then head over to the lion king show -Does this seem correct? Thanks for any help

 

[Ratpack]

We like to hit the safari first, then walk the Pangani trail since it is at the exit of the safari. After that, head to FotLK and then perhaps ITTBAB and then out of the park.

 

[patsal]

We usually do a little more there than Ratpack, but I must admit that the first time I went I was not that impressed with it. However, I have found a great way to tour that makes it a fun park so long as it isn't a very hot, humid July day! I usually start with an 8:10 breakfast at Restaurauntasaurus on a day that is NOT early entry. From there we head to the safari, hit the trail at the exit, catch a fastpass for ITTBAB, head to Dinosaur and do the rides in Dinorama before heading back to use the fast pass. Next we hit the Lion King and Pocohontas before heading over to give the kids a cool down at Rafaki's planet watch. Next is lunch if the kids are hungry (the meal deal is quite a bargain here). check to see if the kids have anything they want ot re-run. Next we hit the other trail and we stop to watch any street entertainment before catching the Bird show and riding Kali. If time we walk around and look through the shops and take in the atmosphere some more, watching the otters and such. Finally we watch the parade and if we didn't have lunch we head to RFC for dinner. If it is really hot we only do about half of this and then head to a water park to cool down. We return another day in the late afternoon to grab the meal deal and watch the parade while re-riding any of the kids favorites. This is not the kind of park many people can do commando style and many who do that kind of touring don't care for this park. There is a lot to do here you just have to really take it all in. I wasn't that fond of this park at first, but now that we visit WDW more often and I feel I have the time to take it all in I really enjoy spending time here. We usually skip Tarzan rocks--for us it was just too loud and very repetative.

 

[galaxy]

Patsal's plan sounds very good

We tend to fp the safari and do dinosaur and dinoland first then pretty much go with the flow.

My only word of warning would be that if you go on a very hot humid day there is very shelter so you'd probably be best to get in early and leave early , then return to the things you missed. If not just prioritise what you want to do and see only that.

Also if it is raining I wouldnt visit this park....although the animal come out in the rain...you will get soaked. Which is not the way i like to spend my holiday if i can help it.(enough rain at home thank you)

Galaxy

 

[jann1033]

never been to Ak and I'm really looking forward to in, hope I won't be disappointed but......how long are the animals up and around in the morning? I have read by midday the safari attraction is pretty much sleeping animals.is that true and if so how late in the am would be safe to go on it. also which attractions would you do first at ee in the value season( which would be the worst later in the day in other words)

 

[sjc]

We sent on a Saturday in mid June this past year and my advice based on a crowded and very hot and sunny day spent at AKL would be the start in the back of the park with the Safari. The lines were not that bad first thing in the morning and the animals were at least moving for the most part. Then plan on hitting the other "ride type attractions" (that water ride that I keep forgetting the name of, dinosaur etc.) When the park starts to get crowded in the afternoon, switch to the self guided attractions such as the Asian and African wildlife trails. We enjoyed the park. It really does not rate a high grade if you are expecting theme park type rides, but if you like animals and some very intricate themeing, it is well worth a visit.... steve c

 

[cardaway]

Because of both animal activity and lines we always do the Safari first. We then usually end up browsing the walking animal attractions until the next showing of FotLK. We have never un into line problems on any of the other "rides" at AK. Tarzan's theater can fill up so if you want to do that, it is a good diea to get there at least 15 minutes early. We get there as early as possible because we like the seats right behind the sound board close to where Tarzan swings out and the roller bladers go through.

 

[johnsonet]

I LOVE this park. I still am surprised at how many people don't...but these may be the same people who love the Universal parks - thrill seekers, which I am definitely NOT! The theming here is so beautiful and I love to take my time here. I would head straight to the Safari Ride just b/c it's so popula, or have a member of your group go to get FPs for everyone... The animals will be out at all different times...
Don't skip the trails around the Tree of Life and don't skip the silverback gorilla section - wait for him to come out if he's not right there. He (or is it they?) is magnificent! Also don't skip the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I think the entire area is absolutely beautiful!
If you're not into this type of touring, you very well may not like AK, but if you think about what they've created here and take the time (if you have it) to appreciate it, I think you might fall in love with this park as I have...