Gorilla Falls Trail at AK

[KSR0330]

I just read on TP that this trail is mobbed with people a lot of the time. My plan is go go on the 9:00 am safari, do the trail and then go to the 10 am Lion King show. Should that work? This will be our first visit to AK so I don't have a good sense of how long the trails take.
Thanks for any info you can provide or additional AK tips you can give to this AK newbie!

 

[Peachkins]

We did the trails the last time we were in AK. Granted, this was in the second half of October and not peak season, but we didn't find the trails to be crowded. You could walk each trail easily in a half hour or less, but it's going to depend on how much time you want to spend watching the animals and looking at the different exhibits there. The nice thing is, you'll be able to get on the trails at any time- there's no wait or line.

Despite them not really taking long to do, I don't know that I'd do it between your safari ride and the show. The safari can take a decent amount of time- especially if your vehicle or any ahead of you stop for photo opportunities. You want to get to the show a bit before it starts for decent seats. I'd do the trails after the show- it's not a long walk back and you'll be able to take your time and explore at your leisure.

 

[KSR0330]

Thanks for your reply!

Wow, only 6 days left for you! Have a great time!!!

 

[coolbrook]

I agree, probably not enough time between the two. You want to be in line for Lion King a little early. Enjoy!

 

[monorailmom]

I don't think you'll have enough time between the two, but be reassured that you can still enjoy the trail. The gorilla viewing area (the one by the window) will undoubtedly be crowded if the gorillas are right there, particularly if the little ones are out and about. We've found, however, that just hanging back for a few minutes allows others who are up against the window to move away, then giving us a chance for a closer look. Enjoy your visit!

 

[CAS239]

By the time you get off the safari, I'd start heading towards lion king

 

[Dis703]

A few weeks ago we had a FP for the safari around 11am and the FP line took 20 minutes to get on the ride. The ride itself is 22 minutes I believe so that was 42 minutes alone just for the safari. I've never actually seen the trails mobbed with people but it's the sort of thing I wouldn't want to rush through to get to a show. And given all of that it wouldn't be enough time IMO.

 

[TexasPrincess1]

That's our plan, but to make the 11am show!

We have an 8:05am PPO ADR at Tusker House. First stop is the safari. Second stop is the trails. Our goal is to arrive at Festival of the Lion King around 10:30am or so to get good seats.

 

[KSR0330]

Thanks everyone. It looks like we'll plan on the 11:00 Lion King show!