Thanks, everyone, for the input. Yesterday was the day and I went to Animal Kingdom. It was hot, but bearable. It felt like the crowds in the park were mid-range but TouringPlans claimed it was a category 1 crowd level! And that felt right based on waiting times.
I watched the bird show and was able to sit in the back section with plenty of empty space around me. Then went for a walk on the Maharaja Jungle Trek hoping to see a tiger. Unfortunately, none were visible. I think I took a wrong turn because I reached a dead end and then was back at the same place I entered. So either that is a very short trail or I missed a lot of it, lol!
I then did Kilimanjaro Safari that had a 5 minute wait time posted, but didn't even feel that long. I've waited much longer in fast pass queues in the past. I had a row to myself and it was the last row, so no one breathing on me from behind (yay!). The driver was excellent and kept a constant monologue going of interesting facts. I wonder if they are allowed to put together their own scripts because I've been many times, and some guides are better than others. This one did not have any corny jokes, just lots of interesting information about the wildlife. Also nice this time was a lot of space between the vehicles, so that I never saw a vehicle behind us and only could see a vehicle up ahead at a few key spots. Lots of animals were out, including the baby hippo with mother and many of the giraffes and zebras very close.
I thought of doing the train after that, but decided to head over to Pandora before seeing if I could get a spot at Nomad Lounge for a break. The wait time for Na'vi River Journey was showing as 35 minutes and I'd never been on it, so decided to go ahead because I could listen to my audiobook while in the queue. The true wait time was only 17 minutes - the attraction was a pleasant and enjoyable respite from the heat but it isn't one I'd wait more than 15-20 minutes max. for in future. For me it's a bit like the Nemo ride at Epcot - very sweet and a nice break if it is close to a walk-on, but not worth a long queue.
FOP was a 45 minute wait at that point and I was tired, so decided to check on waiting times at Nomad Lounge - 5 minutes. As soon as I put in a wait list request, I was notified that my table was ready so I headed over. I had hoped to sit inside for the A/C but it would have to be at the bar, so I accepted the outdoor table because I wanted to relax. Luckily, in the shade and with the overhead fans and an occasional breeze, it was quite lovely. I enjoyed a bread service and a Snow Leopard Salvation which is one of the best cocktails I've had. I was mixed between trying that and a Kungaloosh because I don't like sugary cocktails, but the Snow Leopard sounded like the least sugary and most refreshing of those on the menu, and it was. While I was there, Donald and Daisy Duck came floating by on the river.
When I finished, the stated wait time for FOP was 20 minutes, so I decided to head back over there. It was my first time ever on FOP (yes, I know) because I had never managed to snag a fast pass on any previous visit and we are not willing to do 45+ minutes in any queue for a ride (it was usually much more than that on past visits). I was glad I did it on my own because I don't think my husband would like it - at least I won't be the one to suggest he can handle it! I enjoyed it, but Soarin' is still my favorite ride in all of WDW.
That wrapped up my day - I was exhausted after nearly 12,000 steps in the heat over the ca. 5 hours I was there. But I wouldn't hesitate to go again because there were plenty of little paths and corners I didn't explore. I was still surprised at the crowd level only being considered a 1 because I would not enjoy being there if it was much more crowded than it was.
I have another free Sunday coming up so might do Epcot next, or I might just go to one of the resorts and hang out, take a walk, and go to a lounge (if they'll let me in!).
visit!
