Is Animal Kingdom worth it in the heat?

[usablefiber]

We have one day in florida to do a theme park and the family wants to do Animal Kingdom this week, the Temps look to be so high that I’m worried that a park with not a lot of shade and not that many indoor rides isn’t there bet, and also I’ve heard that in the middle of hot days, the animals aren’t really out much.

I suggested maybe universal or MK instead with a lot of indoor rides and perhaps more bang for a single day, but AK seems to be the consensus.

What’s the best strategy for a hot AK day? Or is it better to just do a different park in the heat.

What does everyone think?

 

[chalee94]

Florida in the summer has never been for me.

I was there in mid-May and it was starting to get too hot. One young lady in my ride line at DHS was in a semi-costume as a Sith complete with black cape and black boots...she was starting to get a little warm early in the morning and I was a little concerned for how she would handle peak temps in the afternoon after lunch time...

So I would agree and vote against AK, yes. I agree that the Space Mountain line (mostly indoors) is a better bet than the sections of the Flight of Passage line that are outdoors.

But if you want to hit AK, definitely hit the safari right when the park opens. Stay hydrated. Enjoy the indoor shows. Bless the shade and occasional cloud cover... Plan to take a break in the afternoon after lunch and find some AC. Maybe grab lunch early at Satu'li Canteen if you don't have a table service ADR as indoor dining options at AK are limited.

 

[greeneyedchick]

I live in the Orlando area and it has been oppressively hot here, even for the locals. I'm not sure how anyone is going to any of the theme parks right now. Just a walk through the Target parking lot is brutal. I personally wouldn't recommend any of the theme parks right now. Have you considered Volcano Bay or Discovery Cove?

 

[BarbLynnM]

My opinion? I actually don’t get why some people (was it Craig? I think it was) said AK is the hottest of the parks. Animal Kingdom has much more shade IMO, what with all the trees and shrubbery. I’ve been in the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in August and September, and it was misery personified. Nothing but concrete and few trees.

On any given day, you’re not going to see animals out during the afternoon as much as you would either early or later.

This is obviously a judgement call only you can make, but I hope it goes well for you and yours whatever you decide

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I have always felt AK to be the hottest park. Even before I found the DIS or read anything similar online. I think it’s the blacktop and hilly walking. It just makes it a bit more brutal.

If it’s truly what everyone wants to do I would go for it. Do a lunch ADR and shows midday when it’s the hottest. The park starts to clear out in the evening and makes it more enjoyable.

 

[chalee94]

My opinion? I actually don’t get why some people (was it Craig? I think it was) said AK is the hottest of the parks. Animal Kingdom has much more shade IMO, what with all the trees and shrubbery. I’ve been in the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in August and September, and it was misery personified. Nothing but concrete and few trees.

On any given day, you’re not going to see animals out during the afternoon as much as you would either early or later.

This is obviously a judgement call only you can make, but I hope it goes well for you and yours whatever you decide

Just going from memory, so could be wrong, but doesn't it seem like more of the queues are outdoors at AK?

I get that the front of the park with the animals (Oasis) and the walking trails have shade, but the lines for most of the rides and shows that I can think of tend to have more sections outdoors than other parks. As I said before, most of the quick service dining is outdoors. The main loop from Africa to Asia to Dinoland is also pretty exposed.

But I definitely agree with the poster who said to hit the park that you are most interested in as all of them will be scorching...