Need help with AK plan, please

[MarieS]

We are not doing any thrill rides but I was wondering if anyone can help me with planning the best itinerary. We will be there on an EMH morning at the end of this month. We would like to do the Safari, Pangani trail, Maharajah trek, Oasis/Tree of Life, It's Tough to be a Bug, Camp Minnie Mickey, Festival of the Lion King, and the parade. If we have time we would like to take the train to Rafiki Planet watch.
Any suggestions appreciated--thanks!

 

[hncg57c]

Do the safari as early as you can in the morning. The animals are a lot more active in the morning than in the afternoon. If the lines are too long, you can get a Fast Pass for the safari. I believe the rest of the other things are walk throughs. For the Lion King Show, just go a little before the show starts. There are a lot of seats, so I don't think you have to worry.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Safari, Pangani, and the train to Rafiki's are all in the same general area of the park. What I would do is FP safari, and while you're waiting for your time, you can walk Pangani, and/or take the train to Rafiki's. I'd do FotLK next, then the Camp Minnie/Mickey autograph areas, then FP ITTBAB and wander the Discovery Island Trails while you're waiting. After that, head over to Asia for Maharajah, watch the parade from wherever you want, and then do the Oasis trails as you leave the park.

One parade hint: the parade starts and finishes near the entrance to Safaris ... if you wanted to go back to Africa, it's MUCH less crowded when the parade passes at the end.

 

[spot28]

Not sure the ages in your party, but if it is little ones ... they might not like the bug movie (my youngest scared, was 3 at the time)...and add on the Tricera top spin (like Dumbo).

 

[kizmac]

Well, with what you want to do, here is how I would probably do it.

I would have someone head back and get a couple fast passes for the Safari and meet you back at FOTLK and see the first show. After that, you are right at Camp Minnie/mickey.....see the Characters then do the Oasis/ ITTBAB (remember, you can use the fastpasses for Safari even if it's after the return time so don't rush) After Bug, if it's close to lunch, I recommend Flame Tree which is right near by and very tasty. You could grab a quick bite then head to the Safari. After you come out of the Safari do the trail, the trek and the train.

Just some ideas! Have a great trip!

 

[MarieS]

Thanks for the quick responses! Both of my children use wheelchairs which is why we aren't doing thrill rides.
To the poster who said her ds was scared with ITTBAB--can you tell me what he thought was scary? My kids don't like loud, booming types of noises. (No fireworks!) Is it anything like this? Thanks!

 

[spot28]

3D with realistic effects, some booming and general loudness (voices and sound effects of like grasshoppers flying in and trying to attack, etc..). You feel like bugs are crawling under your seat. A bit intense. My older son has some sensory issues and it was intense for him, my youngest just doesn't like bugs.

 

[MarieS]

spot28--Thanks for your input. My boys have sensory issues as well, so I may have to re-think this show.

 

[AJKMOM]

It is a lot like the other 3-D shows, occasional smells, water and stuff with the chairs, like "Honey, I shrunk the Audience." If you are going early, head right to the safari, there won't be much of a wait that early.

 

[MomofKatie]

ITTBAB--can you tell me what he thought was scary?

The thing that got most of the kids in the audience when we saw it was the HUGE realistic-looking Black Widow spiders that came down from the ceiling. Yikes!! Even some adults were a little freaked out. If anyone is scared of spiders, this show might not be the one for them. Also, it is loud and there are portions of the show that are very dark.

 

[kmkja1]

My kids were 7,8 & 9 and they were all scared.

 

[MarieS]

I appreciate all the details on ITTBAB. My boys like all kinds of animals and reptiles( which is why we want to be sure to spend time meandering down all the trails). I don't *think* they would be scared of the bugs, I am more worried about the loud sound effects. Loud noises often upset them and I don't want the day spoiled. I will be sure I have their headphones( to muffle noise) in the backpack.

By the way is Lion King a really loud show? If so, is it just loud music or other sounds? Thanks!

 

[spot28]

Lion King show is amazing, the dancing the music and the stilt walker people! It doesn't have "gratituitous loudness". What I mean is there is music and microphoned people and all, but not LOUD as in just for the effect of being loud-- loud just so everyone can hear. Hope that makes sense.

 

[MarieS]

Lion King show is amazing, the dancing the music and the stilt walker people! It doesn't have "gratituitous loudness". What I mean is there is music and microphoned people and all, but not LOUD as in just for the effect of being loud-- loud just so everyone can hear. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks! This is what I needed to know. The boys have done fine at live shows like Sesame Street so I am hoping they will enjoy Lion King. It's still one of their favorite movies.

 

[2diamonds&a~gem]

Thanks for the tips, we are going back the last week in Jan. or first week in Feb. for a long weekend & are planning to hit the AK for the first time. This will help me put together a plan for us.