FIrst time at AK. Help! FastPass! Plans!

[staffieri]

We are going last Thursday of August. This will be our first time. It will be my Hubby, me and DD8. She loves animals. We plan to be her at 8:45 Coming from AKL using WD transportation. We would to see Nemo show and the Bird of flights. From my understanding we are heading to the Safari first and we have dinner plans at 4:45 at Yaki. That was the only time I could get.Could you give some suggestions on how to plan this day out? Would love to ride Everest twice. And I think she will like Primveal because she loves Goofy Ride in California that looks very similar. Also worried about the heat. Below are my Fastpass times. I'm sure I can change. Thanks. Its a lot of $ and not sure if we will get back so hoping to do it well.
I'm thinking we will be hungry and need to eat lunch at 11:30.

Primeval Whirl : 10:30-11:30
Everest : 12:55 - 1:55
Rapids 2:15-3:15

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Animal Kingdom is my favorite park!! I'm excited for you and your family to enjoy it.

Have you watched the segments about it on The DIS Unplugged? I really recommend viewing them. They will bring a new understanding to the park as a whole.

http://youtu.be/8MGlBhRFsFg


In terms of planning, I always recommend picking your three "must-dos" and working from there. You mentioned wanting to ride Everest and already have a FP+ reserved, so that is one secured. I'd recommend getting a safari FP+ for the afternoon or evening too. No two rides on it are the same. Go at park opening and wait on line (it'll be short that early) and then use the FP+ for later in the day. You can also get one for Nemo or wait on line for that. The Festival of the Lion King show is also amazing. Your time for Kali River Rapids is perfect as it is during the hottest part of the day. I'd consider taking away the Primeval Whirl FP+ and replacing it with something else; you can wait on line for that, if need be.

Whatever you do, please remember that this is a park to enjoy leisurely. Do not feel as if you have to rush to every attraction because, in all honestly, the main attraction is seeing the animals. Spend time on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Exploration Trail. They're great fun!

 

[katt789]

My general AK plans are this:
Rope drop safari
then EE
head to Dinoland
hit up Dinosaur (would probably skip this with small kids though, it's dark and scary for me lol)
do the rest of dinoland (primeval whirl, triceratops spin, etc)
meet goofy & pluto if wanted
spend some time in the boneyard
nemo

hop onto train and back to planet watch, there's a petting zoo, rafiki & chipmunks usually do greets

festival of the lion king

then fp your rapids, then a few of the walking trails before dinner!

AK is a truly amazing park with TONS to offer if you're willing to explore it! Wit people who love animals, take the time exploring the pathways, they're usually shaded and it's a nice relaxing way to explore. As for the shows, both are incredible and full of amazing talent, I prefer fotlk, but nemo is also great! There aren't as many characters around but still enough to keep occupied

 

[prgal0715]

I'll be at WDW right around the same time as you and your family, also staying at AKL. Since your DD really loves animals, have you looked into booking any of the safaris that are available to guests staying at that resort? If memory serves, there's one safari specifically geared towards families with smaller children.

My touring plan for Sunday, August 24th looks like this:
* Sunrise safari (leaving from AKL)
FP's:
* 10am - EE
* 11am - Primeval Whirl
* 12pm - KRR

Since it gets SO hot at AK, we'll probably leave the park shortly after KRR and head back to the resort for the pool. (Although I might try to get a 4th FP and do Dinosaur!) This really is a half-day park for us, as many of the shows and other attractions aren't that appealing to us. In fact, I'm only doing AK once during a TEN day trip!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

We are going last Thursday of August. This will be our first time. It will be my Hubby, me and DD8. She loves animals. We plan to be her at 8:45 Coming from AKL using WD transportation. We would to see Nemo show and the Bird of flights. From my understanding we are heading to the Safari first and we have dinner plans at 4:45 at Yaki. That was the only time I could get.Could you give some suggestions on how to plan this day out? Would love to ride Everest twice. And I think she will like Primveal because she loves Goofy Ride in California that looks very similar. Also worried about the heat. Below are my Fastpass times. I'm sure I can change. Thanks. Its a lot of $ and not sure if we will get back so hoping to do it well.
I'm thinking we will be hungry and need to eat lunch at 11:30.

Primeval Whirl : 10:30-11:30
Everest : 12:55 - 1:55
Rapids 2:15-3:15

I doubt the line for Primeval Whirl is greater than 5 or 10 minutes at 10:30 am. If this is true, then you may want to ride standby and trade the FP+ for a different attraction later in the afternoon.

AK starts to clear out around 4 pm. You shouldn't have any trouble riding Everest as many times as you want with little to no wait over the last 2 hours of operation.

I get tired of it after about 3 trips, but the kids must have rode the thing 10 times in just over an hour a couple of weeks ago. I found a cold drink and a shady spot and told them to have fun.

 

[ZoZo]

AK is my favorite park! I often spend two full days there during a one-week trip. Some advice:

• Go to easywdw.com and look at Josh's "cheat sheet" for AK. It will give you some great advice for a touring strategy.
• Realize that you might get soaked-to-the-skin wet on Kali, so you might want to bring a change of clothes (or at least flip-flops to wear when on the ride so your shoes won't get soaked). There are lockers where you can stash your stuff right next to Kali, so if you have a backpack you can stash it there for free!
• As others have suggested, take time to explore the animal trails and talk to the cast members (zookeepers) about the animals. They have a wealth of knowledge and it's fascinating to find out more about the different animals.
• Use the single rider line for EE if you can. It's way faster than even the fast pass line!
• Some of my favorite activities are: safari ride, Expedition Everest, animal trails, Conservation Station/Rafiki's Planet Watch, Flights of Wonder (excellent bird show!), It's Tough to Be a Bug, the "tree of life", DeVine (an amazing stilt-walker performer who is "dressed like a plant".
• At Conservation Station, you can often catch a live veterinary procedure first thing in the morning - I'd go there right after the safari ride. They also have a small stage right next to the petting farm that has "animal encounters" (zookeepers come out onto stage with animals and talk about them). I've seen a hedgehog, several birds including owls, a porcupine, and other cool animals.
• Definitely see the Flights of Wonder bird show. Here's a trick - have a dollar bill handy in your pocket, and you might get picked to be part of the show! Get ready to jump up when they ask for volunteers with a dollar bill!

Have a marvelous time!

 

[librarymom2007]

At AKL we FP Safari, EE, and the Lion King Show.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I would change Primeval Whirl FP+ to Kilimanjaro Safaris FP+ if it were my family. We have found many times that we can ride Primeval Whirl without much wait and during first hour the park is open without any wait. As other poster mentioned, I would avoid Dinosaur. (I might avoid Bugs Life too, if bugs creep you out at all.) We've never needed FP+s for the shows - even Nemo and Festival of the Lion King, but we usually get it line 30 minutes before a Nemo show and we go to the first Lion King show.
Is there is an animal surgery or exam that you want to see first thing in the morning at Rafiki's Planet Watch? (Ask a CM with an animal that they are showing off just as you enter the park if there are scheduled exams/surgeries today - they should know or would be able to tell you who would know.) If no need to hit Rafiki... early, then save it for later when it's hot outside. If you are able to get a safari FP+ rather than Primeval Whirl, then you'll want to ride Primeval Whirl and Triceratops first - repeat as desired. Use safari FP+ and make the first Lion King show in whatever order works. Figure out birds and nemo show times around other FP+s and lunch. If you have a safari time after the first lion king time, then check out the Pangani Forest trail after your safari - else leave it for later. Ask a CM when/where/if you can see DiVine - it's not an animal show, but I wouldn't miss her stunning stilt walking vine act.
For less back-tracking, I'd explore the Maharaja Jungle trek after KRR. Fit in Rafiki when you can - the train ride creates a breeze and most of it is in-doors, so it's a good option when it's hot. Most of the PForest trail is shady also and can be OK when it's hot out. Frozen lemonade cups and/or frozen drinks can help you feel cooler as long as you are drinking enough water to combat the high sugar of the frozen treats.
Would DD like to get stickers in a Wilderness Explorer booklet? Earn "badges" which are actually stickers for completing fun activities - usually learning about animals though there is at least one cultural activity. If you get all "badges", then you are a "Senior Wilderness Explorer" and get a bigger sticker. We like it.
I think DD will have a great time at AK because she loves animals. Make sure you do some things with shade or AC when it's hot: shows, forest trail, Rafiki. If you are going to the Nemo show in the heat of the day, you might need to line up a bit earlier because it would be a popular show. The theater is huge, though, and air-conditioned. Note that the Lion King theater is not as large and it's our fave so we almost always see the first show - you may need others' input on when to line up if going to a later show. The birds show is outside but well shaded and there are some, but not many, fans.
I'm not trying to confuse you with this different touring strategy, but just letting you know that it might be an option and it works consistently for us.

 

[staffieri]

AK is my favorite park! I often spend two full days there during a one-week trip. Some advice:

• Go to easywdw.com and look at Josh's "cheat sheet" for AK. It will give you some great advice for a touring strategy.
• At Conservation Station, you can often catch a live veterinary procedure first thing in the morning - I'd go there right after the safari ride. They also have a small stage right next to the petting farm that has "animal encounters" (zookeepers come out onto stage with animals and talk about them). I've seen a hedgehog, several birds including owls, a porcupine, and other cool animals.
• Definitely see the Flights of Wonder bird show. Here's a trick - have a dollar bill handy in your pocket, and you might get picked to be part of the show! Get ready to jump up when they ask for volunteers with a dollar bill!
  
  Thanks. Will go to site, and love the dollar bill!!!
  
  

  I doubt the line for Primeval Whirl is greater than 5 or 10 minutes at 10:30 am..
  
  Think I will change that fastpass. Good advice!!
  
  AK starts to clear out around 4 pm. You shouldn't have any trouble riding Everest as many times as you want with little to no wait over the last 2 hours of operation.
  
  **Good Advice. Hoping to get a later dinner.**
  
  
  
  

  Animal Kingdom is my favorite park!! I'm excited for you and your family to enjoy it.
  
  Have you watched the segments about it on The DIS Unplugged? I really recommend viewing them. They will bring a new understanding to the park as a whole.
  
  http://youtu.be/8MGlBhRFsFg
  
  Going to watch it now!! Thanks!!
  
  
  
  Whatever you do, please remember that this is a park to enjoy leisurely. Do not feel as if you have to rush to every attraction because, in all honestly, the main attraction is seeing the animals. Spend time on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Exploration Trail. They're great fun!

  
  Thanks everyone. Keep the advice coming. We do want to ride the ride, however the animals are a big deal to us. Unlike being told many times this is a half park I'm hoping to get it all in. Were there all day. Also, I am a little worried about the HEAT!! last week in August.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

The park typically opens about 8:45 so if you want to be there for opening you might want to get there a little earlier. You can head to EE first and ride it several times in a row with minimal wait.

Fyi - there is also the Wilderness Explorer program at AK too. 31 stations across the park and you earn badges as you complete.

I agree with PP about Festival of the Lion King. It is great! Nemo and flights of wonder are too but I was blown away by FoLK.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Oh - for heat you might consider checking out cooling towels. I've read some DISers are fond of the Frog Togg brand. I personally have not used them but have read numerous threads with folks talking about how awesome they are.

 

[lroger01]

Those that call AK a "half-day" park are ones that have been there at least once. They go back just to hit the things they like best. For first timers there is plenty to keep you busy for a full day.

I second the advice to use Josh's Cheat Sheets. Also take time to read through his photo walk through of the cheat sheet plan in action. You can easily see why the plan works.

I like AK a lot. That tree in the middle is easily (to me) as amazing as Cinderella's Castle.

 

[MattRyan]

I'll give you my plans, we went in June and did everything we wanted 3 hours before park closed and never really waited in line other than a small bit outside waiting for Nemo.

We got there for rope-drop on a non-EMH day and did as follows:

1. Rope Drop Safari
2. Pangani Forest Trail
3. Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch, Affection Section, and back
4. FP+ for Festival of the Lion King
5. Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ
6. It's Tough to be a Bug
7. FP+ for Kali River Rapids
8. Maharajah Jungle Trek
9. Flights of Wonder
10. FP+ for Expedition Everest
11. Finding Nemo: The Musical
12: Primeval Whirl
13. Dinosaur

and we were done, with over 3 hours until park closed on a crowded day in June! We went back to the hotel for a small rest, got some drinks, and then spent the evening in the Magic Kingdom (it was PM EMH there).

 

[staffieri]

Loving the feedback!!

 

[wahassle]

I'll give you my plans, we went in June and did everything we wanted 3 hours before park closed and never really waited in line other than a small bit outside waiting for Nemo. We got there for rope-drop on a non-EMH day and did as follows: 1. Rope Drop Safari 2. Pangani Forest Trail 3. Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch, Affection Section, and back 4. FP+ for Festival of the Lion King 5. Lunch at Flame Tree BBQ 6. It's Tough to be a Bug 7. FP+ for Kali River Rapids 8. Maharajah Jungle Trek 9. Flights of Wonder 10. FP+ for Expedition Everest 11. Finding Nemo: The Musical 12: Primeval Whirl 13. Dinosaur and we were done, with over 3 hours until park closed on a crowded day in June! We went back to the hotel for a small rest, got some drinks, and then spent the evening in the Magic Kingdom (it was PM EMH there).

Great to know, thanks! I have an almost identical AK plan for our trip in October, so glad to know it works well.

 

[staffieri]

Try to be there at 8:45 am.
Head to safari and then to Everest. Then back to Pangani Trail. Then Wildlife Express train and do that whole area. Hoping to have lunch around 11:45.


Fastpasses
Everest 12:55-1:55 ( do it at 1:55)
Rapids 2:15-3:15 ( do it on the later time)
Whirl 3:30-4:30

Dinner Yak Yeti 5:30

Would like to see Flights of wonder
Play in Boneyard
And maybe one of the big shows Lion or Nemo. But I think the bird show a bigger deal to us. Because were going on the cruise and will have lots of shows. NOt sure how to get it all in. But you guys have really HELPED!!