How much time for AK?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Trying to plan out our day for AK and the PS time I need to get. Last time we went, we did the Lion King, Tarzan and ITTBAB shows, and the safari. We didn't look at any animal areas at all. This year we are interested in seeing the parade..(what time should we line up for a good spot?) , the animal walks, and river rapid ride, the dinosaur area, and maybe some of the shows again. How much time should we plan on spending there, and what time to make Donald's PS?

thanks!

 

[mickeysaver]

I was really disappointed that I did not allow enough park time for AK last year. We did ITTBAB, KS, and took a trip out to Conservation Station. We walked the Pangani Trails and had a great time, but we didn't get to see as much as we would have liked. I have 2 whole days planned to spend there during our December trip. I can't wait to explore the park further. The place is just so amazingly beautiful. I am looking forward to the parade and seeing the shows this year. And KS will be a special treat this year with the new baby elephant out there. I say, plan to spend whatever amount of time that you think you might need for the shows and such, but then add a 1/2 day of time just in case. Mickey

 

[Muffy]

We do AK in half a day. Since the parade is around 3:00, I would arrive around 10:00. First have breakfest at Donalds and then take in the shows and rides. Stake a seat around 2:00 for the parade. Happy planning!

 

[daannzzz]

You should prabably plan the whole day there or two half days. As you know there are many many trails to wander down and there is entertainment that pops up here and there. It is really nice to plan on seeing a lot but not hurrying around.
The parade seems to be one hour before the park closes. I had not intended to see the parad and came off KS as the parade started and walked up and had a fine spot. If you want kids to be in the front I would find someplace 20- minutes or so ahead. Just keep an eye out. I thought the parade was better than I was expecting.

 

[disneysteve]

I agree 100% with mickeysaver. AK is an incredibly beautiful park with endless things to see. There is wonderful artwork, carvings, etc. all throughout the park which most people breeze right past. I absolutely can not understand the people who say this is a half-day park. Since you've already done several of the main shows (unless you want to do them again), I think one full day would probably be sufficient. If you are a serious photographer and expect to spend much time taking pictures, you may want more time than that.

Steve

 

[CindyAnn]

We all love AK and it's DS's favourite Disney park. Like DisneySteve, I always wonder how people can call it a half day park. (No offense intended Muffy, because I have seen many, many posters who think as you do. We're just animal lovers who think AK is a great combination of animals, shows, and rides.)

On our trip last year we spent a full day at AK and still didn't hit Rafiki's Planet Watch (probably two hours required for this attraction alone) or the Tarzan Show. Admittedly, we usually spend the last half hour at the park riding Kali several times in succession, and we also went on Primeval Whirl twice, but if your group is into animals there's lots and lots to do.

We ride Kali at the very end of the day when the CM's just wave us through if we want to re-ride, because after the first trip we're so soaked (even wearing ponchos) that more water just doesn't matter. However, we also put on a fresh shirt afterwards, and a complete change of clothes if we're heading anywhere other than our own hotel.

If you can get a PS at Breakfastasaurus before the park opens, I'd go with that choice. Otherwise, I'd get there at opening, do some of the big attractions, load up with a fastpass, and then go to breakfast at the last PS time (I think the breakfast is until 10:00, but I believe that's when they seat the last people, as opposed to when they clear up the buffet).

Have a great trip!

 

[magicplace4me]

We spent an entire day (open to close) and still didn't make it to Dino land! This is a great park with so much to see. For shows we saw FoLK and Tarzan. We ate breakfast before headinng to the park, counterservice for lunch and dinner after the park closed. Oh yeah we missed the parade too!

I would do Donalds before the park opens (I have a PS here for 8:00 for our trip) and plan to spend at least the whole day.

Enjoy!

 

[PatriciaH]

We are doing one full day (with the parade and dinner at Boma) and one 1/2 day (with lunch at Rainforest Cafe) at the end of August. DH and I really like AK and love to take our time there. We love animals though and can spend 1/2 an hour just watching the tigers or 1/2 hour at the gorilla area.