Never Been to AK - Need Touring Plan Help

[WeLoveThePoly]

Hi all!

In all our trips to WDW we have never gone to AK! I must admit I don't have much of a desire to go on this year's trip either but my DD (7) wants to see it. She's really interested in trying Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur.

We plan on going on a Thursday (Oct 28) and I would appreciate any and all tips, advice, suggestions to help me plan our AK day.

Who knows, maybe after I try AK I'll love it!

TIA!

Debbie

 

[gshoemate]

I have found that alot of people don't like AK but for me it's my favorite park. The first few years that we came down on vacation we rushed through it so fast, I don't remember going. But now that we live here, I have been able to really enjoy the park.

Take advantage of the FastPass, especially for the Safari. If this is something you really want to do, get a FastPass early. Last time we were there, at 3:00 the passes were done for the day and there was an 80 minute wait. The best time for character greetings at Camp Minnie/Mickey is during a Lion King show, alot of the times there is no wait at all. My favorite show of course is the Festival of the Lion King...a must see. If you get there about 30 minutes before the show you will get a pretty good seat. But if you want to try for a front row seat, get there even earlier. My DD is 6 1/2 and still doesn't like to see ITTBAB. It is dark and loud and she gets very scared, but only you know what your DD will like. Tarzan is another one of our favorites, we like to get right up in the front row. If you like animals, I would also suggest going out to Rafiki Planet Watch. It's a nice train ride out to it there are a few characters out there. We love the goats, we even know a few of them by name. I agree with your DD, Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur are also must do's. But if you don't want to walk around the park all day wet, you might want to save Kali for one of the last things that you do. Thats all that I can think of. If anything else comes to mind I'll post back. Have a great time!

 

[tartangirl]

Hi,

We love Animal Kingdom

Advice would be to get to the park for opening (wouldn't that always be the advice).

We send DH off to get Fastpasses for the safari (almost everyone heads to the safari first). We head up to Dinoland while it's quiet. My 7yr old loved Primeval Whirl helped by the fact she was only just tall enough to ride it.

On the way down to the safari pick up fastpasses to the Kali river rapids (or send someone else to do it).

After that take in the shows. Tough to be a bug and Festival of the Lion King are a must.

 

[debkorb1]

It is a fantastic park - my favourite too. Everyone heads to the Safari first, but my best experience was during the Jammin Jungle Parade - no queue and since it was cloudy all the animals were out! Try it first thing in the morning and then again later afternoon.

I also suggest you eat in the Rainforest Cafe for lunch (make a priority seating) - such an amazing atmosphere and a way to get out of the heat.

I agree on the Lion King - it is the best show I have ever seen at any theme park! I am, however, not so sure about Kali River Rapids. Don't get me wrong i loved the ride but for two reasons. One, I didn't have to queue because of FASTPASS and two, I was prepared for a short ride. It is fun, but very very quick - over before you know it!

Also see the Flights of Wonder show - it really surprised me. Not an expensive attraction, but a fascinating one. The Maharajah Jungle Trek is also a lot of fun.

Overall I would say the Animal Kingdom needs to be lingered over - if you rush from attraction to attraction looking for a thrill you'll be disapointed. But if you take in the scenery, talk to the knowledgeable Cast Members about the animals, have a shop and a meal, while enjoying some of the thrills, you'll have an amazing time.