If you stay in the AKL, do you pay to go into the park?

[MommyofTwinks]

If you pay to stay in the AKL, do I have to buy a pass for the day to go to the animal kingdom itself?

 

[Michelle and crew]

yep.

 

[livndisney]

If you pay to stay in the AKL, do I have to buy a pass for the day to go to the animal kingdom itself?

Yes. You need a ticket and you will need to take a bus from AKL to the Ak park. Perhaps a Disney guidbook would help with your questions. You can also go to the WDW website and order a free planning video that may help you as well.

 

[MommyofTwinks]

Yes. You need a ticket and you will need to take a bus from AKL to the Ak park. Perhaps a Disney guidbook would help with your questions. You can also go to the WDW website and order a free planning video that may help you as well.

hahahaha
whats the point of a chatroom if you need to go and buy a guidebook? do you wait for people to post questions that are in the guidebook and then tell them to go buy the book? do you get commission for all sales?

hahahaha
i pre-ordered the book - it comes in august 23rd.

 

[livndisney]

hahahaha
whats the point of a chatroom if you need to go and buy a guidebook? do you wait for people to post questions that are in the guidebook and then tell them to go buy the book? do you get commission for all sales?

hahahaha
i pre-ordered the book - it comes in august 23rd.

This is not a chat room-sorry if my answering your question and giving advice on a message board offended you. There was really no need to be snarky.

 

[jjan]

Yes. You need a ticket and you will need to take a bus from AKL to the Ak park. Perhaps a Disney guidebook would help with your questions. You can also go to the WDW website and order a free planning video that may help you as well.

I think that what the OP was trying to say was if you have such a huge basic question, you really are in need a lot of information. You could get the info here if you have tons of time to research and sort through 1000's of posts, but from your question it seems that you may be better served by buying a book to help you get started. Good luck with your planning.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Staying at WDW resorts does not gain you free access to any of the theme parks. You will still need to purchase admission tickets if you plan to go into the MK, Epcot, DHS or DAK (either separately from your room, or as part of a 'package' deal). You can explore Downtown Disney & the Boardwalk area free of charge, however... or visit and dine at another resort.

 

[bumbershoot]

You can also go to the WDW website and order a free planning video that may help you as well.

Ever since the 2005 video (with Luke and Erin and the other two fun people) the videos they send are just crud. Not much help at all. So I can't possibly suggest a planning video if you actually want answers...unless you can get a copy of the '05 one.

I think that what the OP was trying to say was if you have such a huge basic question, you really are in need a lot of information. You could get the info here if you have tons of time to research and sort through 1000's of posts, but from your question it seems that you may be better served by buying a book to help you get started. Good luck with your planning.

But IS that such a basic question? I've been on here for a few years, have answered a couple questions, have read more than a couple questions, and I have NEVER seen that one!


OP, get the books from the library! No need to buy them unless you love highlighting books.

I'm currently reading the Unofficial Guide from the library...so far, there's nothing in there that I haven't read here already!

 

[gigi1313]

OP, my recommendation is to get a good disney specialist travel agent... he or she can answer all your questions, will not refer you to a guidebook (unless you want them to), and will help with itinerary planning as well as dining arrangements... a good TA can make or break a disney vacation (but remember, a disney specialist is the KEY!!)

 

[PollyannaMom]

Ouch - why are people jumping all over the OP for asking? Isn't that what we're here for?

Knowing that you can see animals from some of the AKL windows, it just sounded to me like she was wondering if it was actually IN the edge of that park. - No, it isn't, but that doesn't mean she knows nothing else about Disney.

OP - Have fun on your trip! (And don't be afraid to ask more questions.)

 

[Ariel8676]

Also go to http://www.mousesavers.com/ and sign up for thier newsletter..in there is a ton of info and a link through your newsletter for undercover tourist, click the link and you get special mousesaver prices for WDW tickets.

 

[jagafen]

But IS that such a basic question? I've been on here for a few years, have answered a couple questions, have read more than a couple questions, and I have NEVER seen that one!QUOTE]

Just because a question hasn't been asked does not mean that it's "basic". The reason it hasn't been asked is that 99.9% of Disers are aware that AKL and AK are 2 seperate locations, that admission is required for all park access, and there is no need to ask such a question. I completely understand the OP being a little confused (getting to "know" Disney at a beginner's level is a feat in and of itself), and I think the basic suggestion is that she attempt to familiarize herself with Disney parks and Resorts, and get a general understanding of the layout and functionings by reading a guidebook before she starts asking random questions that may or may not make sense in the grand scheme of things. The Dis (and other message boards) are invaluable, but one must put in a bit of work themselves too....

 

[livndisney]

Ever since the 2005 video (with Luke and Erin and the other two fun people) the videos they send are just crud. Not much help at all. So I can't possibly suggest a planning video if you actually want answers...unless you can get a copy of the '05 one.



But IS that such a basic question? I've been on here for a few years, have answered a couple questions, have read more than a couple questions, and I have NEVER seen that one!


OP, get the books from the library! No need to buy them unless you love highlighting books.

I'm currently reading the Unofficial Guide from the library...so far, there's nothing in there that I haven't read here already!

1)So just because you don't care for the Disney PLANNING DVDS, no one should order them? I'm sorry I find that a bit silly. Personally I have the Dvds from most every year and enjoy watching them. In addition OP's 2 small children may enjoy watching them as EVERY child I have ever shown them to watches them over and over.

And again I do not understand why the op got mad when I suggested getting a book. I saw where the OP had lots of questions and "silly me" suggested she read a book. I know when I first starting going to WDW I read ever book I could get my hands on.

 

[shelby101301]

My .02 for what it's worth... I've read a lot of those guide books, and frankly, these boards are *the place* to get info from the experts.

I found myself reading a new book this summer, and reading off all the things I disagreed with to my husband. He snorted as well and has the same disagreements to this "expert" We felt like it was just terrible and inaccurate. Please realice that while, yes you can get a lot of basic info, sometimes you don't know what you don't know and it can be intimidating just picking up that big thick book.

So OP, ask away. The people that come here know these parks inside and out.

And I am saying this nicely, not meanly, so don't take it that way: if you don't want to answer, then please don't. The OP had laughing and smiley faces... I don't think anyone was trying to be disrespectful.

 

[Michelle and crew]

I'd agree about most of the books. With the exception of the Unofficial Guide. There are some really bad ones out there. I was reading one in the book store that was terrible!

 

[crisi]

I'd agree about most of the books. With the exception of the Unofficial Guide. There are some really bad ones out there. I was reading one in the book store that was terrible!

See, I think the Unofficial Guide is terrible, frankly, far too much information for a first timer. I actually like Birnbaums for a first timer, and Passporter for anyone returning - as well as a backup book for first timers. Also, the UoG is far too full of "absolute advice" - like if you have small children you will NEED to go back for a nap. Anyone who has spent time around here knows that while MANY families find that good advice, other families don't.

OP, spend some time in a library or bookstore that has several guide books. Page through them, read a bit, and get the one YOU like. Almost all guidebooks will have a section on trip planning that will include budget - and things like tickets will fall into the budget section. This is a great place to ask questions, but it will come in such dribbles that you really need a better source. wdwinfo and allearsnet are good internet sources as well.

You can go to AKL and see animals from your room without park admission, but you'll need to get into the park to do any rides or see any shows. AKL is a great resort in terms of having a full day of activities, so if you are looking for a "day before a cruise" you don't need to ever leave the resort.

None of the resorts are INSIDE the parks - AKL is actually a good mile plus outside AK itself. You will always need proper admission media to get into the parks - even Extra Magic Hours - which are when the parks are open extra time for WDW resort guests - require a park ticket to take advantage of them.

 

[mjkacmom]

hahahaha
whats the point of a chatroom if you need to go and buy a guidebook? do you wait for people to post questions that are in the guidebook and then tell them to go buy the book? do you get commission for all sales?

hahahaha
i pre-ordered the book - it comes in august 23rd.

I see you are joking, but your recent posts have been about very basic questions, and I have thought about suggesting a guidebook as well. I really recommend Unofficial Guide and Passporter - I read them both cover to cover, and also learned a lot from these boards as well.

 

[Michelle and crew]

See, I think the Unofficial Guide is terrible, frankly, far too much information for a first timer. I actually like Birnbaums for a first timer, and Passporter for anyone returning - as well as a backup book for first timers. Also, the UoG is far too full of "absolute advice" - like if you have small children you will NEED to go back for a nap. Anyone who has spent time around here knows that while MANY families find that good advice, other families don't.

OP, spend some time in a library or bookstore that has several guide books. Page through them, read a bit, and get the one YOU like. Almost all guidebooks will have a section on trip planning that will include budget - and things like tickets will fall into the budget section. This is a great place to ask questions, but it will come in such dribbles that you really need a better source. wdwinfo and allearsnet are good internet sources as well.

You can go to AKL and see animals from your room without park admission, but you'll need to get into the park to do any rides or see any shows. AKL is a great resort in terms of having a full day of activities, so if you are looking for a "day before a cruise" you don't need to ever leave the resort.

None of the resorts are INSIDE the parks - AKL is actually a good mile plus outside AK itself. You will always need proper admission media to get into the parks - even Extra Magic Hours - which are when the parks are open extra time for WDW resort guests - require a park ticket to take advantage of them.

I always suggest to friends that they use it like an encyclopedia, unless they just enjoy the read. Use the index to find the answer.

But, that is the great thing about books...everyone gets to pick what is best for them.

 

[Mickeypooh99]

See, I think the Unofficial Guide is terrible, frankly, far too much information for a first timer. I actually like Birnbaums for a first timer, and Passporter for anyone returning - as well as a backup book for first timers. Also, the UoG is far too full of "absolute advice" - like if you have small children you will NEED to go back for a nap. Anyone who has spent time around here knows that while MANY families find that good advice, other families don't.

OP, spend some time in a library or bookstore that has several guide books. Page through them, read a bit, and get the one YOU like. Almost all guidebooks will have a section on trip planning that will include budget - and things like tickets will fall into the budget section. This is a great place to ask questions, but it will come in such dribbles that you really need a better source. wdwinfo and allearsnet are good internet sources as well.

You can go to AKL and see animals from your room without park admission, but you'll need to get into the park to do any rides or see any shows. AKL is a great resort in terms of having a full day of activities, so if you are looking for a "day before a cruise" you don't need to ever leave the resort.

None of the resorts are INSIDE the parks - AKL is actually a good mile plus outside AK itself. You will always need proper admission media to get into the parks - even Extra Magic Hours - which are when the parks are open extra time for WDW resort guests - require a park ticket to take advantage of them.

I really like the unofficial guide, but I have to agree about the nap thing. They are wrong to assume everyone HAS to take a nap. When my kids were nappers they would fall asleep in the stroller, and wake up refreshed. We never took naps, and my kids were really well behaved. I also get annoyed at their section on how to discipline children while on vacation. I know how to discipline my own kids. I don't buy a guide book for that!

I always wondered if I was the only one who didn't like the nap advice.

 

[LilGMom]

Back to the questions at hand....

Yes, you would need a park ticket to go into DAK even if staying at AKL. AKL is not attached to DAK so you will also need to either drive there or ride the bus to DAK. Staying at a WDW resort will allow you use of the EMHs (as long as you have a theme park ticket along with your resort key), free parking at the theme parks if driving your own car, and wonderful theming.