How is AK after the parade?

[TikiGoddess2006]

Hi all,

For our next trip in July I was trying to figure out what parks to do what days. We will be there from Sun-Weds but are only doing parks on Sun and Tues. Tues is EMH at MK so we'll spend the day there. Sun is going to be split between AK and one of the other parks.

I was thinking we could do a park in the morning, go back to the hotel and nap, and then head for AK in the afternoon. We could see the 4pm parade and stay until closing (8pm).

1. How are the crowds this late in the day?

2. How are the animals -- awake, moving around? We like to do the exploration trails and the safari.

3. Do all the attractions stay open until closing?

Thanks for any help!
TikiG

 

[WDWguru]

Crowds tend to disappear after the parade, so it's a great time to be there. Depending on the time of year, it will be HOT, though.

Again, the animal activity depends a lot on the weather. If you've had one of those lovely summer showers blow through they might be pretty active, but if it's scorching hot they may not be. Honestly, I've been at just about every time you can be there and the animal activity varies. In general it's really good early in the day, but the tigers are much more active in late afternoon (because of when they join the two sides of the enclosure).

The animal attractions will close at dusk (there will be signs telling you what time the last admittance will be at the safari, etc) but everything else runs until close.

 

[TikiGoddess2006]

Shameless bump!
TikiG

 

[sjw4870]

I agree with the previous poster - after the parade there seems to be a mass exodus from AK. I have found shorter wait times both during and after the parade. I haven't noticed any real pattern with respect to activity on the savannah - seems relatively the same to me whether it's early or late and haven't noticed a real difference when its hot versus cold (though i am typically a spring/fall visitor).

 

[Stitchfans]

Been on the safari a couple of times never in the morning. Going to try the morning to see if there is more activity. In the past the animals just layed around and were in the background. Haven't seen the parade yet and I will make sure we are around for that.

 

[bytheblood]

The Safari is best in the morning. The park does begin to clear out after the parade.