Suggest a late arrival strategy for AK?

[BlueFairy]

Can you suggest a basic touring plan? On a non-EMH day. Looking to arrive later in the day (on a whim) if we've had enough of our resort and decide to use an extra day at the parks. So definitely late morning, maybe even lunchtime until close (8pm) in early Aug.

We have MBs, but would not have tickets until the night before (would do an upgrade). Kids don't want to ride Dinosaur or Everest or even ITTBAB. We can't do PE because one is too short. So that leaves lots of animals, shows, and the safari.

Suggestions for how to tackle this?

I don't want to make myself nuts over a what-if. Anything we do that day will be a bonus.

 

[g-dad66]

You probably would want to hit:
1) the Safari
2) the shows: Lion King (almost universally acclaimed by WDW fans), Flights of Wonder (much overlooked but excellent show), Finding Nemo (enjoyed by many, though not our personal favorite)
3) Kali River Rapids (if you don't mind getting wet)

I would first check the showtimes for the week at http://www.wdwent.com.

Then, after you buy tickets the night before, I would try to make a FP+ reservation for the Safari at a time which would fit between the shows you select (hopefully a time before or after the Lion King show, because of proximity), and I would try to make a FP+ reservation for Kali at the end of the day.

 

[ameliahyde]

Here is our rough plan for a similar day. It would take about 5-6 hours to get through all of this, including time for a quick lunch and a snack.

Kilimanjaro Safari with FP
Flights of Wonder
Triceratop Spin
Finding Nemo
Festival of Lion King with FP
Kali River Rapids with FP
Dinoland Dance Party

We have a 2 and 4 year old, so our ride options and preference are similar. We are planning lunch at Yak & Yeti quick service. Hope that helps!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm pretty sure that even when the park is open until 8 there are things that close at 5. The train up to Rafiki's planet watch, the last safari, and the walking paths for the tigers and others. May want to find out for sure. Can someone confirm so OP can plan ?

 

[BlueFairy]

You guys are great. This is super helpful. Thank you.

I'm pretty sure that even when the park is open until 8 there are things that close at 5. The train up to Rafiki's planet watch, the last safari, and the walking paths for the tigers and others. May want to find out for sure. Can someone confirm so OP can plan ?

I assumed that would. We've never been on a day that closes later than 5, so I have no experience to compare. I'm guessing the areas that are most zoo-like would need to be tackled before that magic hour. Thanks.

 

[BlueFairy]

You probably would want to hit:
1) the Safari
2) the shows: Lion King (almost universally acclaimed by WDW fans), Flights of Wonder (much overlooked but excellent show), Finding Nemo (enjoyed by many, though not our personal favorite)
3) Kali River Rapids (if you don't mind getting wet)

I would first check the showtimes for the week at http://www.wdwent.com.

Then, after you buy tickets the night before, I would try to make a FP+ reservation for the Safari at a time which would fit between the shows you select (hopefully a time before or after the Lion King show, because of proximity), and I would try to make a FP+ reservation for Kali at the end of the day.

Looks like most (but not all) characters will meet until about 7:30.

Finding Nemo last show is at 6.

Lion King last show is at 7.

Those are the latest times listed. I'll be looking for a times guide to see what I can dig up on exhibit hours.

 

[BlueFairy]

I found a Times Guide from June 2014 with 8 pm closing -

Rafiki's closes at 6pm (train 5:50)
Boneyard - 8pm
Safari - 7:30
Maharajah, Pangani, Wilderness Explorers - 7:30

most park dining is available until closing

I assume other rides are open until 8pm since they aren't listed.

 

[heathsf]

I think you might find this post helpful:

EasyWDW: Late Arrival at Animal Kingdom

 

[BlueFairy]

I think you might find this post helpful: EasyWDW: Late Arrival at Animal Kingdom

Thanks!

 

[mousekatool]

I think you might find this post helpful:

EasyWDW: Late Arrival at Animal Kingdom

This! We are doing a modified version of this on the day after our MNSSHP date. I figured we might need to sleep in, so I've scheduled a late brunch ADR, and we will arrive at AK later around lunchtime.

 

[heathsf]

Thanks!

You're welcome

This! We are doing a modified version of this on the day after our MNSSHP date. I figured we might need to sleep in, so I've scheduled a late brunch ADR, and we will arrive at AK later around lunchtime.

I'm looking forward to trying it too. I've only done AK for rope drops. I would love to see it in the dark, it looks beautiful, but I'm not sure it will be dark enough by 8 pm in the summer. Regardless, it looks like it really empties out in the last few hours. It seems like a great plan for after a party night.