Noon arrival at AK in June?

[disneyfamilyfive]

I am working on our daily park plans and was wondering if anyone has done a noon arrival at AK and still gotten enough in to feel it was worth while. We are not huge AK fans...when we rope drop, we are usually out soon after the parade. We are traveling with 4 kids (11,9,7 and 2). Coming in from a cruise and could be at AK by noon. This would be June 12th if that helps.

Thanks tons for your thoughts and tips.

 

[jenninaustin]

We will be doing the same thing on our arrival day- June 7th.

We have an "extra" ticket b/c of the buy 4 get 1 free deal WDW had and we have an early flight. I think it will work - especially b/c of FP+ - I know I can get us spots for Safari and EE. And Dinosaur too, probably although I hear FP+ isn't as critical there.

I plan (if we aren't too tired) to hit Yak and Yeti for drinks/dessert right before closing and we can meander out of the park when it's dark and lovely. Looking forward to it and curious to get the input of others!

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Funny enough we did just that this past June, the 14th to be exact! We got everything in and were only there for a few hours!!! I think you should be fine!

 

[SKTiger]

We did this yesterday, rode everything but triceritops spin and saw everything but the Nemo show. Park was open until 8 but we left around 6 or so. Crowds were lower than they usually are in the mornings IMO. Waited in no line longer than 20 minutes posted, but all seemed to go faster than that.

 

[Day-Day]

I have done this on several of our arrival days and it has worked out very well. I have an 11:11am flight arrival time coming up in May and plan to do this again. I checked the show times that I am interested in and I have selected my 3 FPs. This is one situation when the new FP+ system may really be beneficial.

A large number of guests leave AK early to mid-afternoon. We have done many attractions (pre-FP+) using standby in the last couple of hours before closing. June 12 looks like it may be a fairly crowded day but I think it is a good plan for you; especially since you "are not huge AK fans".

ETA: When we did this on one of our visits, the place was very crowded (almost crazy nuts crowded) when we arrived at around noon or 12:30pm but dropped off soon after lunch and all went well.

 

[donnajherren]

We always do AK the first (not full) day of our arrival. It seems like the only park where half a day will just about do it.

 

[GillianP1301]

AK is usually a 1/2 day park for us. I think arriving at noon is a situation where FP+ will really work to your advantage. Just check the show schedule, if you plan to do any so that you don't miss out there.

 

[disneyfamilyfive]

Thank you! Thank you so much for your help! This really helps me in my planning of our days so as not to over tire the kids and allowing an extra "rest/resort day" later in our vacation to sleep in and unwind a bit at the pool for the day.

Does anyone know why AK would be listed as a busy day or not recommended park on June 12th? I checked EMH and it doesn't have any. Hummm... we've never done a summer vacation at Disney before, but had no choice with my work schedule (a teacher) and the three older ones being in school now. I am a little worried about the crowds, but I am excited to hear that others have done a half day (afternoon/evening) at AK and found it to be workable!!

 

[Day-Day]

EasyWDW--JUNE-14 has some interesting takes on the June 12 crowds. Seems that it is sandwiched in between some busier days for other parks; many guests pick AK on June 12 since they are going to the other parks on other days. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[disneyfamilyfive]

EasyWDW--JUNE-14 has some interesting takes on the June 12 crowds. Seems that it is sandwiched in between some busier days for other parks; many guests pick AK on June 12 since they are going to the other parks on other days. I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks! That was super interesting!! I've used easyWDW calendar, but never saw all the reasons.

 

[csmith041177]

I think you will be fine. Just have a gameplan when you get there and be flexible!