Is six hours enough for first and only time (yet) visit to Animal Kingdom?

[Alesia]

But unless I've misread what the OP said- it is their first time there. As a first timer- it isn't even close to a "half-day" park. Which is what my point was.

But that's the time frame that she has available, so she's looking for suggestions on how best to use that time.

 

[Andysol]

But that's the time frame that she has available, so she's looking for suggestions on how best to use that time.

She had that time frame available because OP decided she would spend an extra day at MK because she had heard from people that it was a "half day" park. I was simply saying it isn't a half-day park if you wanted to see it all- and letting the OP know not have her opinion swayed by the "half-day park" people. Although an extra day at MK is always a good idea

Since that time, we've learned OP isn't going to go any shows, go to Planet watch, or ride Kali rapids- so yes- now it's a half-day park- easily. I wouldn't waste a "full day" there either. Regardless- OP got some great advice

 

[RustManFan]

I can spend all day at AK with KS at my only ride. I generally see that the animal trails are what get short stick when people have late arrivals or plan a half day. If you have the ability (or desire) to visit a standard zoo elsewhere, a six hour day can accomplish much. FOTLK is also my favorite show followed by Flights of Wonder.

 

[kymom99]

I'd surely dump Planet Watch in favor of seeing Festival of the Lion King, easily the most entertaining show at any park.
The show runs 30 minutes, and guests should arrive 20 minutes before show time.

I was going to say the same thing. Planet Watch is a waste of time in my opinion.

 

[ZoZo]

I know I have read that AK is a half day park in many people's opinions but I want to make sure we get to experience a good amount of it. My plan is based solely off a map and no experience in the park so feedback and suggestions to improve are very welcome- Thank you!

When people say that "XXXX is a half-day park," they say that based upon the fact that they've been there before. They have experienced most of the attractions already, and are not interested in repeating most of them. So they're able to do most of the things they want to do in a half-day on subsequent trips.

Also, not everyone is an "animal person" and isn't interested in the animal exhibits and trails. Many of the things that I find very interesting (talking to the animal keepers about the animals, spending several minutes at an exhibit watching an animal) hold no interest for them. So it's easy for those folks to hit the headliner rides, watch a show, and then leave.

You can certainly hit the highlights of AK if you pick your activities wisely. I'd recommend the safari ride, Lion King show, Flights of Wonder (a bird show), Dinosaur, and all of the animal trails. Kali if you don't mind getting wet (save till the end of the day). I also like Conservation Station if you have time (but you may not). I really like Yak and Yeti, so I like your plan of a 6:30 dinner.

FYI, I find that it takes me two full days to do everything that I want at AK! But I'm a huge animal lover (been a volunteer at my local zoo for 16 years), so I find the whole place fascinating. I really enjoy talking to the animal keepers about the animals.

 

[Lovetherodent]

Bring a disposable poncho for Kali. You'll see lots of people putting them on while they're in line. Right now with AK under so much construction, I didn't really enjoy my time there very much. Hard to bask in the beauty of dozens of construction walls. So, it think if they'll still be up, half a day to hit the attractions should be fine.

 

[debmich]

I had a miserable time after riding Kali. I actually went to the restroom and tried to get as much water as possible out of my shorts. Take an extra set of "everything" if you plan to ride Kali and then continue in the park. Splash Mt. is just a splash compared to Kali.

 

[BudgieMama]

We only had a half day at AK on our first visit last year... worst mistake of the trip. We both loved AK (although it was hotter than the sun the day we were there! Phew!)

In defense of Planet Watch, my kids really liked it when they were toddlers (train + petting zoo = happy toddler), but a 10-year-old (and his parents) would probably be bored.

Depends on the people. We could have spent half a day there alone. The vets were fascinating, and there was an incredible CM who answered all our questions. We will definitely be planning a much longer stop there next time, and am so glad we didn't skip it.

 

[kidd_freeper]

You WILL get soaked on Kali.
May not want to eat in a nice restaurant while you are still wet.

Nevertheless, 6 hours is plenty of time for AK.

 

[pigletgirl]

Our family loves AK, so we'll spend a day and a half there. It's just to immersive and we love to take in all the little details. OP, is there any way you could spend a whole day there?

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I have been to AK three times and it is still not to the point of a half-day park for me. There is so much to do. We arrive half an hour before the park opens and stay until close and still don't do everything we want to do. If you only have a half day in the park, then I agree that you should skip Planet Watch. However, I think it is definitely worth doing if you can make the time. We really enjoy the train ride and petting the goats, banal though it may be. It is relaxing and enjoyable. We have also met some cool characters with practically no wait there. We got pics with Jiminy Cricket and Rafiki. I think a 10 year old boy would enjoy It's Tough to Be a Bug and Primeval Whirl, too, and I agree with a previous poster that Dinosaur is a must. Your plans don't include Finding Nemo, which a neat show, and FOTLK, which is an even better show. You can also meet some really fun characters like Russell and Dug and Baloo and King Louis who are not in any other parks. I think you have time to do the things on your list, but that is really missing a lot for a one and only trip to AK.

 

[WDW-WOW]

Yak & Yeti is awesome! It's our only "must-do" WDW meal each trip! I think Kali is super fun, but I'd wear ponchos for sure if you're going to do it right before dinner. Did you say you were going to do Primeval Whirl? My kids (10 and 12) have always loved that coaster. Also, Flights of Wonder is great.

 

[court9008]

Wow, a lot must have changed within Planet Watch since my last visit to AK (2011).

I'm clearly in the minority on Planet Watch. Despite reading mixed reviews, I tried Planet Watch and enjoyed it. I seen a animal keeper doing a discussion on owls (an actual owl was with him). Then, I had a chance to meet Jiminy Cricket and Pocahontas (Rafiki's line was too long). I don't remember the zoo only having goats. When I visited there was a lamb there named Mary. I remember this because she happened to charge towards one of the goats. The nearby CM said that had never happened before. Also, I saw a llama that played "dead" and I saw a donkey too.

When I went to AK, I was there at RD and still did not visit every attraction on my to-do list (Nemo, Flights of Wonder). I had left by 4 pm for ADRs at Boma. In hindsight, I would have made my ADRs at a later time, so I could have experienced everything else that was available. I contribute some of my lost time to being overwhelmed by the park and not being fully familiar with the layout. I say give AK a full day, if possible. Visit the headliner attractions and any other areas that may catch your attention. You may find an unexpected favorite

 

[taffy]

I have to say we easily spend over a day at AK. Its actually one of our favourite days and on our recent trip we did 2 full days just to do a few things twice.