Tips on how to handle Animal Kingdom park in August without a midday break?

[maryj11]

We need some tips on how to handle the heat in the middle of August without a midday break? The park is only open until 5:00 the day we will be going so we are going to stay there until closing.
We do have Frogg Toggs , a misting fan, and plan on drinking plenty of water. We also have a dining reservation at 1:00 and plan on watching the Lion King show at 3:00.
I know AK can very hot ! Any tips on how to keep from melting during a day there.

 

[tsme]

When you see a shaded spot - stop, sit, drink, as often as you can. Also ice cream is your friend. I would also suggest wearing a hat & lots of sunscreen.

 

[Monykalyn]

We survived late June at AK last year with almost exactly your plan-shows in hottest part of day, AC restaurant breaks etc. Hit Safari at rope drop-it only gets hotter. We also had a Kali FP around 11:30 to get a cool down second on the ice cream!

 

[Monykalyn]

Should add-we lined up way early for Nemo-the early part of line is in the shade-where we actually had our ice cream break lol!

 

[jon18uk]

A lot of the animal trails (Pangani Forest and Maharaja Trek) are shaded, take some time to watch the animals and birds. Go and see the Lion King & Nemo shows, they are air-conditioned.

 

[anniemae]

just take lots of sit down breaks. There are lots of shady areas at AK and drink water. Not much else you can do. August in FL is what it is.

 

[OhThePain]

Spend time over at Rafiki's Planet Watch late morning before your 1:00 ADR. The Conservation Station has AC and you may even get to watch a procedure from the hospital (there is also the Affection Section which is a little bit of a petting zoo). Usually it's pretty quiet there earlier in the day. When we head back to the main park area (there is a train to take you to and from RPW) there is usually a little bit of a wait to get to RPW.

 

[subtchr]

Be sure to add the Nemo show to your plan. Huge theater, great AC, fun show. Another nice break from the heat.

 

[dprincessmom]

Hit Kali if you are going to with a fast pass after your lunch reservation; try it stand by earlier in the day before it gets too hot. Another vote for Rafiki's Planet Watch. The ride over creates a little breeze and the AC and lack of people make Rafiki's a great place to chill out during the hottest part of the day. There is some interesting stuff going on over there also.

 

[pamkat1820]

We traveled in August on our last trip and I have to say that I had the hardest time at AK with the heat. I did fine at all the other parks but AK killed me. At one point my mother looked at me and said" are you ok? " I gave her that "oh ya I'm fine" look but I was a hot mess. lol I was drinking plenty and we were taking plenty of shady breaks. I think what did me in was the smell of the animals on top of the heat. We ended up leaving earlier than we planned and hit the pool, the kids did not mind at all. My opinion is that AK doesn't have many indoor rides as the other parks. Honestly I do not mind waiting 30 mins for a ride if you are inside where it is cool just for a break in the heat. AK most of the stuff is outside. bring a fan with the spray, lots of water and plan for the coolest day on your trip, maybe overcast so you are not in the sun so much. Good luck.

 

[plutolovr]

If you are staying onsite take advantage of morning Extra Magic Hours. The early morning is usually bearable.

 

[maryj11]

Spend time over at Rafiki's Planet Watch late morning before your 1:00 ADR. The Conservation Station has AC and you may even get to watch a procedure from the hospital (there is also the Affection Section which is a little bit of a petting zoo). Usually it's pretty quiet there earlier in the day. When we head back to the main park area (there is a train to take you to and from RPW) there is usually a little bit of a wait to get to RPW.

Ok we planned on going to Rafiki's Planet Watch because we have never done that yet.

 

[maryj11]

I have read that crowds thin out after the parade. Does it cool down any after that? We have been there several times but always left early and never have been there in August. We went in May last year and it was hot! So I cant imagine what it will be like in August

 

[maryj11]

If you are staying onsite take advantage of morning Extra Magic Hours. The early morning is usually bearable.

Our problem with that is we don;t have hoppers and were trying to go when it wasn't to crowded.

 

[Dis703]

Ride Kali repeatedly. A good soaking and you'll feel better for the next couple hours.

But hitting the shows during the hottest part of the day is otherwise the best option. I plan for indoor dining on hot days as well. Having a plan for where you will be when minimizes too much walking.

 

[Dis703]

I have read that crowds thin out after the parade. Does it cool down any after that? We have been there several times but always left early and never have been there in August. We went in May last year and it was hot! So I cant imagine what it will be like in August

There is no longer a parade at AK.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have read that crowds thin out after the parade. Does it cool down any after that? We have been there several times but always left early and never have been there in August. We went in May last year and it was hot! So I cant imagine what it will be like in August

Unfortunately, there is no longer an afternoon parade at AK.

 

[maryj11]

Unfortunately, there is no longer an afternoon parade at AK.

Oh ok do the crowds thin out after 3:00 anyway?

 

[tink9702]

yes crowds thin out after 3pm.

 

[maryj11]

yes crowds thin out after 3pm.

Ok thanks