How do you beat the heat at AK???

[kahluacream]

I'd love to hear some strategies for staying cool at AK. What attractions/restaurants/shows are air conditioned? Are there any water areas for the little ones to splash in?

What's your favorite strategy for escaping hot weather at DAK???

TIA!

 

[TinkGirl]

Go early! Also, ride the Kali River Rapids. You'll be soaked! There's not much inside at AK. Dinosaur and the Donald's Restaurantasaurus. Also, there's a Rainforest Cafe at the entrance. I think Festival of the Lion King may be enclosed now, but I'm not sure. There's some great frozen lemonade at a stand in Asia. It tastes real--not the Minute Maid carton.

 

[Karnak]

When I make my personal plan for any of the parks I get there before opening and do some of the attractions that are NOT air conditioned first. I should also mention that I never get in a hurry during my solo visits to WDW.

In the Animal Kingdom (which always seems to me to be hotter than the other parks, but I don't know why), I walk back to the African section, get a fast pass for the Safari ride, walk the nature trail nearby - taking my good old time, then ride the Safari, stroll down to see the Lion King Show which is air conditioned, walk to the pizza eatery and sit inside in the AC while having my pizza and drinking my beer, finish my beverage while walking and waiting in line to see the 3-D bug show which is air conditioned, stroll over to EE and ride the coaster a couple of times using the single rider line, and, if I'm really hot by then I'll do the river rapids ride and get soaked. Then I usually head for the resort, sometimes taking time to ride the air conditioned dinosaur attraction if I'm in the mood.

The real trick to all this, if there is one, is (1) taking my time, (2) not rushing around, and (3) having a realistic plan that includes air conditioning, with a minimum of backtracking.

As you can see below, my next trip to WDW will be during the non-hot part of the Florida year. But I'll still use a plan that makes it easy on me, and includes the things I like to do and see.

Enjoy.

 

[jann1033]

we go in winter since i can't take heat anyplace!

 

[RIDisneyFan]

My DD6 and I rode Kali River Rapids fairly early, no one else in our group wanted to get wet. An hour later everyone else was hot, my DD and I were still fairly cool - we were teasing the others!

 

[jcriket]

we go in winter since i can't take heat anyplace!

That's my strategy, AK is the hottest park. I think the park is built in a bowl shape, so there's not much of a breeze. Unlike epcot the windiest park.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I saw a good tip on one of the boards.. They said to bring along a face cloth (or one of those little disney face cloths that you can buy all folded up) and a zip lock baggies.. run it under the drinking fountains and wipe yourself down, then put it in the baggie.. thought it was a great idea and plan to use it in Sept.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Ditto carrying a washcloth in a ziploc. Also, mister fans or even those little fans for about $1 (at Walmart) without the water-easier to carry and quite powerful. If you're wearing a hat, get the hat wet too-having your head cool makes a huge difference. There is a small place for water play on the path from Africa to Asia-it's near Kali Rapids. Of course, Kali is a great place to get wet! I also make sure to drink alot of water and you can get cups of ice (for free) from all beverage locations (with fountain service). Another good idea is to freeze a couple bottles of water to take into the parks. The water will be extra cold. (Most restort refrigerators will hold a few smaller bottles of water in the freezer compartment.)

Lion King Festival, Tuskers, Pizzafari, are a few of the air cond. places we've gone into. And yes, AK is hotter than the other parks, it has something to do with all the plants and the humidity. Just take it easy, keep hydrated, and get wet! Have fun!

 

[Poohbear123]

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!! Must stay Hydrated, wear a Hat and Sunscreen and sleeveless shirts and shorts...the less clothing the better! I will be there in 11 days and I can hardly wait, hope its not too hot for May.

 

[mamaof2]

My 1st WDW trip was this past Sept. It was my dh, and dds ages 2 and 4. I was at Animal Kingdom and I thought I was going to die. It was the worst feeling ever. I became sick to my stomache and all. It so happened to be that I became dehydrated with all the walking and no drinking of fluids. I was wearing Jeans and that didn't help either. My husband spotted the rain forest cafe on his way in, and made an emergency stop with me and the girls on our way out. I was so dizzy that I knew I was not going to make it to the bus stop. I did feel much better after siiting down at the RFC and having a quick lunch. So, if you feel like you are about to pass out from the heat. RUN to the RFC. There AC was nice and cold...
Have a great trip.

 

[Evil Queen 12]

I'd love to hear some strategies for staying cool at AK. What attractions/restaurants/shows are air conditioned? Are there any water areas for the little ones to splash in?

What's your favorite strategy for escaping hot weather at DAK???

TIA!

You don't. Just kidding, well sort of. The vegetation in AK is made to make you feel as though you are in a rain forest and boy does it ever. I suggest going early when they open and bring water bottles with you. Drink as much water as you can and fill up everytime you're at a fountain. Keep a wet paper towel with you and pour some of your water on it rubbing it on your face.
As for air conditioned shows? Lion King is the closest you can get. It's about 30-45 minutes long and is a nice, cool, relaxation point I think all should enjoy.
Water area to splash in--After coming off of Kali Rapids (I think) and walking down the path leaving the ride, there is a splash area for the kids. It's not big, but it's water.
One more way to stay cool is by going on Kali River Rapids. You are PROMISED to get SOAKED, not just wet. I guarantee that you will leave that ride feeling great if you're hot. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[WDW LOVR]

Go to Epcot instead.