tell me about Animal Kingdom

[wingnut3443]

for our trip this year, we are thinking about doing just a "Kingdom Tour". Only going 2 days in parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. While having done MK many times,we know what we want to see and do there. But never been to AK. Whats there to see and do? please give me some tips and suggestons as I am a complete newbie to this park
thanks in advance

 

[Wendy1953]

I would make sure you see the following:
Flights of Wonder - live bird show
Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Dinosaur
After that pick any of the other attractions you think you may like.....look for Devine walking around the parks (a CM dressed in vines and green makeup on stilts that gets camoflaged by the topiary in the park)!

 

[goofy's friends]

AK is a really fun park. Our favorite thing here is the Festival of the Lion King show. Don't miss that! We also love the safari--you'll hear lots of advise on when the animals are most active--I really think it is hit and miss and we try to do it a couple of times in a trip. We also enjoy Kali, even if it is short. Judging from your pic, you aren't taking small children(?) so Dinosaur is one you will probably like. If you like parades, we think this is the best one Disney has to offer--love it!!! If you enjoy looking at animals, then go on the trails. The bird show is very impressive and Bug's Life 3D is good of you aren't easily creeped out! Of course, the piece de resistance right now is Mt. Everest. Hope you enjoy!

 

[wingnut3443]

anyone have anything else to add??

 

[debkorb1]

All those suggested by Wendy1953. Also you MUST do Kilamanjaro Safari - it's breathtaking. Get there as early as possible when the animals are most active. I also think it is well worth doing the Maharaja Jungle Trek - the tigers alone are incredible.

And generally I would remember with AK that it is a different park to say MK. While the AK has expanded recently there is less to 'do' than at MK, Epcot or MGM. However, that gives you time to wander around the park, enjoy the scenery and soak up the atmosphere rather than run manically from attraction to attraction. It really is a different world. And the staff have worked with animals for years - you really can learn so much from them!

Enjoy.

 

[allaboard]

I agree about taking the time to enjoy the park ... I have been to animal kingdom several times, and noticed more things I had never seen on this last trip because our older children rode Everest (for their third time) and our youngest didn't want to go ... so she and I took a long walk, window shopped in Africa, and I thoroughly enjoyed the quieter moments with her in the park.
I LOVE the Flights of Wonder show and The Festival of the Lion King ! Make the time for the trail walks to see animals in Africa and Asia. It's worth it on both accounts.
Enjoy!

 

[Amy&Dan]

If I were only going to do two parks at WDW, MK and AK would be my choices too! We love AK, its so beautiful. We love to just walk around and admire everything. I love the Pangani Exploration Trail. My family also enjoys a Bugs Life 3D inside the Tree of Life. Even though we had been doing that show for years at Disneyland, it is fun to go inside the tree and see it there. I also love the Harambe Market, there is often live African entertainers there. I think the Jammin Jungle parade is one of the best parades Disney does. And Festival of the Lion King is just incredible. Also, make sure you look for DeVine, she is really neat. If you ask them at the turnstiles they can tell you if she is there that day and where and when to find her. She is sort of a walking, vine, very unique and cool. I also think AK has some of the best counter service. We love both Tusker House (you can sit outside and often see some of that outdoor entertainment) and Flame Tree BBQ. We have also enjoyed Pizzafari but prefer TH and FTBBQ. On our first trip to WDW we were thinking we would spend a half day at AK, ride Dinosaur and the Safari and it ended up being our favorite park behind MK. That still stands 5 trips later. I think you will have a great time!

 

[shadownoze]

We just got back from our spring break trip to WDW. My whole family agreed that Animal Kingdom was our favorite of all four parks. The setting, architecture, landscaping...it's all fantastic. The Safari was cool, we enjoyed Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl, Tough to Be a Bug was a lot of fun...and Expedition Everest was our favorite ride of the week...all four times! I will also say that if you asked my my favorite moment from WDW, it would have to be watching Devine. Truly a unique experience!

 

[lostatdisney]

My family did not enjoy AK the first time around, but we had more fun this past week when we were there. The first time we went, we made the mistake of going on an early entry day, and it was PACKED! Last week was much better. We only went back b/c of EE, but we ended up having a nice 9-1 day. EE was a neat roller coaster, Kilamanjaro Safaris was neat, and a nice long ride after a long wait. Dinosaur is cool. Kali River Rapids will get you SOAKED! Have fun!!!

 

[buzz2400]

From what I am hearing Expedition Everest will have very long lines so either get a fast pass for this or get to the park first thing when it opens. the safari ride is never the same. We would ride it twice in the morning and the animals were all in different places (obviously they can't control where/what the animals are going to do). DO NOT MISS the lion king show. Excellent. Kali River you get very wet. The other thing about animal kingdom is you need to slow down and be aware of the surroundings. I have been to AK so many times but in the summer and we are always rushing. We just went in December for the first time and because of the lack of crowds we were able to slow down. I saw so much that I have missed before like at tusker house when ordering look up. when done eating at tusker house go to the back (outside) where the cannon is and look below.

 

[OurMsBrooks]

1. It's a Bug's Life: when they say small children might be scared, they are not kidding. We always do kid-switch on this, and it's funny to sit outside the doors of the theatre (while waiting for other parent and older kids to see show) and watch all the doors burst open at the climactic moment and see all the screaming kids come pouring out because their parents didn't listen. (Yes, I have a bit of a demented sense of humor.) This has happened every time we've seen the show! It's a wonderful, creative, multi-sensory attraction that we just love. Again, not for the little ones.

2. Seating Area behind Flame Tree BBQ: DH and DS adore the food at Flame Tree, but what I really love is the seating area. Follow the paths that start to the left of the service counter. When you come to a seating area, KEEP GOING. As you follow the paths, you come to lovely little pavilions around the water and by fountains, and often you can have a whole pavilion to yourself. There are even ceiling fans in the shelters that provide a little air movement, and a boat with characters comes around the lake for visits. Also a nice view of Everest. I've been here mid-summer and mid-winter, and it was wonderful every time.

3. Boneyard (Big Sand Box): the kids love it. The sand is tiny pebbles, which seem a little easier to clean up than regular sand, and the whole thing is shaded, which is very nice at AK, which seems for some reason to be the absolute hottest park.

4. Just Wandering: go slow! Don't look at it as a list of attractions to check off a list. Enjoy. Meander. Look for little out-of-the way places and hidden paths. Notice the small details. Let the kids stop and look at leaves, caterpillars, rocks in the path. Stop when you see performers. This park can really feel like an adventure when you don't go at it commando style.