First Trip to Animal Kingdom

[Zandy595]

What are the "must-see/do" things at Animal Kingdom?

 

[beattyfamily]

It's not my favorite park but this is what are must see's for us.

First thing in the morning we head straight for the Safari ride before it gets crowded. The we check for the Lion King Show times as that is a wonderful show.

We also fit in the Dinosaur ride and the Primevil whirl. If you like getting wet then there's the Rapids which you should also do first thing in the AM.

It's tough to be a Bug is a very popular attraction but my DD 8 did NOT like it one bit. Too scary.

The parade is cute but short.

Enjoy!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Animal Kingdom isn't my favorite of the parks but it's beautifully themed and has some great must sees, IMO.

Kilimanjaro Safaris
It's Tough to Be A Bug
Dinosaur
The Festival of the Lion King
Kali River Rapids
Maharajah Jungle Trek

Those are just my personal favorites and we are usually done with AK in half a day. But if this is your first time going you may want to take your time and check everything out. There's probably something I've left off my list that you'll love so give everything a go and see which ones you like the best. Have fun!

 

[Ted and Holly]

Disney's Animal Kingdom IS my favorite park. Of course, I have a passion for animals and the outdoors.

Some things I love to see and do.

The Oasis: Most people run through this area on the way to Africa or Asia. Sometiem during the day, take your time and wander around there. There are some really beautiful birds, like the Hyacinth Maccaws.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: Don't view this as a long walk to the Gorilla Exhibit. Look at it as a walk through the jungles of Africa. There are areas with exotic birds flying and walking right next to you. Stop on the small bridge and check out the many colorful species of african fish swimming and breeding in the pools. Many of these species evolved and are found (in the wild) in only one lake in Afrca. When you Do get to the gorilla exhibit. Stay for a while. If it is in the morning, it is likely the adults will be lounging around and the younger ones may be active. Watch them interact. Truly an amazing experience. There is usually a very informative CM there too. The CMs that work with the gorillas are really into their work.

Maharajah Jungle Trek: Another walking tour. This time, you are exploring ancient ruins in the jungles of India and Asia. More beautiful birds, giant fruit bats, tigers. All in an environment that looks like YOU are the one in the cage and the walls are there to keep you in, not the animals.

Flights of Wonder: A quick, entertaining show with live birds. Some fly right over the audience.

DAK is not a park to visit in Commando mode. If you are looking for a park full of mindless rides, this isn't the place.

I would go against what many will suggest. Take a full day. DAk can be a warm park. If it gets too hot in the middle of the day, take a break and eat inside somewhere. Or, ride Kali River Rapids.

Ted

 

[Kaitysmom]

DD just informed me that after MK, her favorite park is AK. We spend a whole day there, no problem, but then again, we are all animal lovers. We find it to be a really nice, relaxing day. Take your time and explore all the paths - there are little hidden spots everywhere. Walk the Pangani Trail as well as the Maharajah Trail. The landscaping is just beautiful - make take time to look for all the animals on the Tree of Life. As said before, definitely make a beeline for the safari, first thing - supposedly the animals are most active at this time and you will also breeze through the line.

 

[Renysmom]

I cannot wait to experience AK for the first time.. I love animals and the idea of seeing so many wild ones in a natural habitat as well as just touring the park sounds awesome to me.. My poor DH, I told him we may be doing the safari more than once just so I can experience it all.

What are some secrets of AK that most don't know of?

 

[Ted and Holly]

I cannot wait to experience AK for the first time.. I love animals and the idea of seeing so many wild ones in a natural habitat as well as just touring the park sounds awesome to me.. My poor DH, I told him we may be doing the safari more than once just so I can experience it all.

What are some secrets of AK that most don't know of?

Maybe Donna (Pandy Paws) will add her expertise here, but one thing that you might be interested in. Yes, the line for the safari is better first thing in the morning. Sure, it is cooler at that time, so the animals SHOULD be more active. But different animals are active at different times of day. Your poor DH will have to understand that multiple rides on the Safari, throughout the day, may just be needed.

Ted

 

[livcammom]

I to made the mistake of bringing my DD 5 1/2 & DS 2 to see It's Tough To Be A Bug, they both freaked out I thought it was great & funny (bad mommy) We went straight to the safari too, Rapids ride, Dino Whirl, & for some insane reason we put our poor DD on Dinosaur without one of us going on it first She will need therapy I'm sad to say, but Tower of Terror was her favorite ride

 

[lllovell]

AK is my favorite park at WDW.

There are lots of little shows and other adventures that you might not think twice about doing, but I would recommend a whole day there exploring.

If your child likes characters, they are together in several places (Camp Mickey/Minnie and then the Pooh characters are all together usually on the way to Dinoland in a pavillion). If you enjoy shows, masure sure to see the Lion King and Tarzan Rocks and the bird show (can't remember the name right now). If you have small children, don't miss the train ride to Rafiki's conservatory. There are usually characters there and a petting zoo, along with lots of exhibits and other animals on display. The old time carnival feel of Dinoland is great! Make sure to catch Triceratop Spin for your little ones that like Dumbo (identical ride - only with dinosaurs) and Primeval Whirl for older childern. Also in Dinoland is the boneyard - a GREAT place to burn off some of that "in the stroller too long" energy and to give mom and dad a bit of a break (although if you are like me, I am walking around keeping an eye on mine when they are anywhere like this - but still, its not "dont swing on the chains - don't run please - watch out for other people - here have a wet wipe, not your shirt dear" time lol)

AK is the best park for wandering. There are a few timed shows, so check the schedule for them first. We usually go right for the safari first as well, fast pass it and head to Rafiki's for a bit, then the Gorilla trail and back to ride without rushing at all. The earlier in the morning, the more tha animals move around as well - they like the cooler temps.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

We've been to AK now 3 times, and each time it just gets better and better. One thing: It is a very warm park, probably due to the fact that the walkways are narrow and the park is, of course, very tropical. Take a nice relaxing break for lunch and get rejuvenated and drink lots of water.

Our must do's change with every trip, but here they are for our next trip (hopefully October 1005).
Kilamanjaro Safari (first thing AND last thing we do!)
Festival of the Lion King
Dinosaur
Tough to Be a Bug (mainly because we LOVE walking through the trails of the Tree of Life and seeing all of the carvings)
Primeval Whirl
Pangini Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
Flights of Wonder (this would be the last "must do")

I think the hidden secrets of Animal Kingdom are just taking it slow at this park and making it a whole day experience. The animal trails are beautiful, and the Tree of Life carvings are something that we didn't appreciate the first time we went. Keep on eye out for Devine (she is so beautiful and graceful; people gather around her and no one TALKS because they are in awe. really amazing).

Now, AK is my son's second favorite park, when a few years ago, it was his least favorite. Same with me.

 

[Tara8595]

I highly recommend this tour for anyone who would like to learn all the behind the scenes nuances and finer design points of AK. It's a great park. One to tour at leisure, not commando style. And the tour is fantastic!

Contrary to everyone else, I recommend taking your time when you first arrive. You can use fastpass at any time of day and see plenty of animals on the safari. I've seen the lions are up and about around lunchtime several times actually. I like to hit the early Lion King show, Dinosaur, then Tough to be a Bug, then grab Safari fastpass, walk through Pangani, then grab your ride or eat lunch at Tusker House, then ride the Safari. Then hit Conservation Station (definitely do the Sounds of the Rainforest, and search for hidden Mickeys in the entrance mural). Then Asia, watch parade somewhere near Asia entrance, and ride Kali right before closing. It won't be crowded because lots of people leave after the parade. Plus you won't have to walk around wet all day.

 

[newholidayx2]

Animal Kingdom is DS12's favorite park, next being EpCot
we'll be in WDW for 14nights this Aug. As of now I only have 1 morn & 1 night scheduled - may need to do some rearranging

 

[Poohbear123]

A co-worker just came back from AK and its her #1 PARK! Her DS loves it better than MK. All the advice here is great along with trying to see De-vine she "hangs out" in the Asia area, clingling to a tree.

 

[snappy]

I second do the safari late in the afternoon. Also, I would ride the Kali rapids ride just before leaving. There is a good chance you or someone with you will get soaked. Unless you have a complete change of clothes with you, it is very uncomfortable to be that wet, even during the summer. We have not had very good luck staying dry with ponchos. When that wall of water hits after the first hill, you are doomed.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I have a little secret that we discovered on our last trip. DH and I decided to do something new at Ak, and went to see The Lion King show. All was fine while waiting for it to begin. But then DH began to not feel well and left me alone to watch the show. Afterwards, I went outside the doors to see my DH standing with a HUGE smile on his face. He said that during the show, the characters (in Camp Minnie Mickey) were out to do their picture and autograph things...but nobody was around since everyone was in watching the show. He was able to see Chip N Dale chasing each other around, and Goofy play with Pluto (I think). So if you want your children to have some great inter-action with the characters, try going during the afternoon showing of Lion King. We were able to quickly get our pics taken with all the different characters before lines began to form. I just thought it was so cute to see my DH standing there like he had just met Harrison Ford!

 

[Wee Annie]

Definitely see Flights of Wonder! I'm not normally a real "bird show" type of person, but my entire family thought this was really cool!

 

[anne]

If you have children, I have read some posts in the past that there are 5 stations for kids to visit with games and activities. They do activities to get a stamp in their books. For example, one station by conservation station was in a garden where kids have to find certain bugs on cards the cm gives them. Don't know if this is still on...I plan on trying it with my 5 yr old in May.

 

[HollyJoy]

This past December was our first visit to Ak too! It wasn't open on our last trip in 1996! Anyway, the things that topped our TO DO list were the Safari, It's Tough to be a Bug, Tarzan Rocks, and the Lion King show. Dinosaur was a wonderful surprised! Lots of fun!!

 

[sodaseller]

You will not regret time spent in the trails around the Tree of Life studying the Tree

 

[Zandy595]

Thanks for the tips. I won 2 One Day Park Hopper tickets so I want to do and see the best stuff, then head over to MK. If we do everything we want to do there and still have enough time, I'd like to try to squeeze in EPCOT too.