Thinking of skipping AK

[ksteglitz]

OK -- I do not know if this will get me kicked off the boards but I am thinking about skipping Animal Kingdom when we go in April.

We are going the last week in April from the 22nd to the 28th. We will have 5 full days in the parks. I have two little guys -- DD age 4.5 and DS, who will have just turned 3 on 4.14.06. They are great kids but when they are tired that is it. Any advice or input on this idea?

We will hit MK, MGM & Epcot and do plan on napping them in the afternoon. We are staying at POR and plan on swimming, etc and nappig in the afternoon. Wondering what y'all think...

Kim

PS: Any thoughts on my own stroller verses renting one...

PPS: I am also using TGMike in order to make the best use of my time and the kid's good moods...

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think you are right, there is no sense in trying to cram too much in, especially with young children.

You have 5 great days ahead, you are much better off doing things at a leisurely pace rather than rushing around too much - that would just spoil the whole experience.

Take plenty of rest and just do your own thing.

 

[DisneyGerry]

Get there early and hit Harembe Safari ride--best ride in park. Start walking back to front hitting the other lands. Park Hop to another park such as MGM or Epcot the other part of the day.

 

[ryley26]

If your kids aren't into a zoo experience skip it the major attaction they would be to small for. Safari and loin king show are to of the best attractions there and they could ride them. If your planning on going back another time no big deal skipping it. When are kids were that small they liked AK better then epcot though.

 

[pyrxtc]

My boys (4.5 and 2 at the time) loved AK way more then MGM. Perhaps you could ship that park. There was more for them to doa nd more inteaction with everything. A lot of the rides at MGM they were not bigg enough for or to scared to go on. They also loved all the animals!

 

[WaltD4Me]

If you have five full days in the parks, do you plan on doing MK and then either Epcot or MGM for two days?

While you can easily spend 2 days at MK, I think with kid's those ages you could easily just do one day at Epcot or just one day at MGM and fit in Animal Kingdom.

AK isn't my favorite park, but I do enjoy it and I LOVE Festival of the Lion King. It's one of my very favorite things at WDW, I think I would go to AK just for that alone. Then there's Flights of Wonder (bird show) Bug's Life, Kilmanjaro Safari, The Bone Yard (play area) and tons of animals the kid's love. I have a hard time telling someone to skip it, it's my nephew's favorite park! There is alot more to AK than animals. It isn't the "zoo" alot of people think it is.

 

[krismom]

We are in the same boat- We will be there for 7 days in March and are doing 5 park days. My twin sons (6) really wanted to see spidey, so one of our days will be at Universal. I am skipping MGM this trip- to be honest, there is just not that much AT this park for my crew. They are too old for the playhouse disney show, they hated the Great Movie Ride ("Mommy, they shot real guns in my ear!"), and to be honest, all I'll really miss is Fantasmic. We joined TGM also- I'm hoping that helps alot!

 

[aaroncg]

My kids loved AK way more that MGM. I would look at all the things to do at each park then decide. You might find that there is more things for younger kids at one park compared to another and more relaxing.

 

[kydisneyfans]

MGM is a half day park max for kids that age-really the muppets, Mermaid, Playhouse-B&B show and the playground-then Fantasmic would be age appropriate.

Our DS 6 likes the MK best, followed by AK, Epcot and MGM. With a 5 day visit-a half day at AK should be on the list.

 

[golden1]

We will be going with two kids close to that age and I would say 5 days should be enough time to hit AK. We will only be there for 4 full days and will probably hit MK two full days, AK one day and MGM one day. If we have enough time and energy, we might try 1/2 day at Epcot. If you have to skip a park, skip MGM or Epcot first. I think AK will surprise you and the kids will love the animals and attractions.

 

[popy]

Skip Epcot or MGM.
I think the kids will like AK better.
Besides think about the new ride at AK.

 

[Tigger2252]

IMHO there is a lot more for children that age to do and see at AK. I agree with one of the previous posters that said you could do MGM in half a day with children that young. Animal Kingdom could easily be done in half a day as well because you could skip the shows that they would probably not find as interesting, as well as the rides that would probably be too intense for them.

 

[ksteglitz]

Well, I must say I really appreciate all of the input!!!

I am tempted to now squeeze in a half day at AK. My DD does love animals and it sounds like from all of the replies that she will definitely see some, so.... count me in!

Thanks everyone!!!

Kim --

definitely earning my ears and then some...