We've Never Been To Ak....

[nickelsfamily]

And Are Wondering If There Is A "best" Way To Work The Park? We Have Two Boys 5 & 1, What Is Best For Them? Dh & I Would Love To Do Ee, But Will Wait Until A Trip When We Can Ride Together, So We Don't Need To Rush To That Ride.
We Only Plan On Spending Half Of A Day At Ak, So I Want To Get In Some Of The Not To Be Missed Things For Kids And It Seems Like They Have Some Good Shows, But Other Than That, I Am At A Loss!

Any Tips You Have Will Be Appreciated!
Also, What Cs Is Good?
Thanks So Much!!

 

[jann1033]

don't know how old your kids are but in general i'd say the can't miss are the safari, tough to be a bug, lion king. dinosaur if the kids are older( maybe mid elementary +) or maybe the rapids if they aren't. we love the animal trails, gorilla trail especially ( never remember which is which) and we enjoyed rafki area but probably would skip it with only 1/2 a day. doubt you could do more than the above in 1/2 a day unless it is dead which i don't think it is this time of yr.

tusker house is good and never ate at flame tree but others love it.


sorry op just saw you had your kids ages right in your post

 

[Tidus]

Go to Minnie's Campground. My kids were 5 and 8 at the time and they loved it. You will see lots of characters, so if your kids like that, they will have fun. There was hardly anyone else there so my kids had Chip and Dale, Minnie, Mickey and others practically to themselves! We always do the safari first thing in the morning!

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Have to see Festival of the Lion King, it is amazing. Your 5 year old will be entertained with the characters and lots of gymnastic type actions going on as well as the incredible music. I have to say not to be missed. My 2 DD's LOVED it last year (they were 3 & 6) and still talk about it.

 

[sters]

I would not recommend Tough to Be a Bug for a 1 and 5 year old. It's kind of a horror show from a kid's perspective. I'd probably do the safari first thing check out the animals in that area and any intersting street performances, then head to Camp Mickey and do the first show of the Lion King. From there head to the Dinosaur area of the park. There's a nice playground that the kids love and a ride they can do. Take some of the animal trails and that should maybe take you up to lunch time.

 

[KarenCPA]

I agree "Bug" is not for little kids. My six year old son, usually brave, cried and we had to leave. There is a point where the bugs "sting" you (there is a device in the seat back that pokes you). beware.

the dinosaur playground where you can "dig" for "dinosaurs" is great for the five year old set.

karen

 

[torinsmom]

Get to AK before opening and head straight for the safari in Africa. Ride it and if you like it, get a fast pass to go back later in the day. The Lion King show is great and the Boneyard in Dinoland is a great place for the kids to let loose. My son was very scared of Its a Bugs Life when he was 5, so I wouldn't chance that one with the little ones. I am sure they would enjoy the parade at 4 though.

Marsha

 

[Yacht Club Family]

would have to be the Baby Care Center! With so much of the park outside and in the heat, it is just awesome to be able to have some "down" time to feed little ones (quiet rooms with rocking chairs), you can nurse in private (if applicable), heat up food in microwave, diapering stations, get any baby supplies you forget or run out of, they have high chairs, etc., there's a large play area that the older one can play in with Dad while mom tends to baby and watch a movie. It's just a quiet little corner that is so wonderful in the midst of the heat, crowds, noise, etc. Our little ones can only take so much before they are overwhelmed and these centers in each of the parks have always helped to keep that to a minimum.

Oh, and the Festival of the Lion King is awesome! Little kids love it and if you are in the right place, you can even take them down to dance with some of the performers near the end of the show. My dd (at 1 1/2) loved it last year!

Tusker House has fantastic fresh foods (roast chicken, corn on the cob, salads, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes) and the meals are large enough that if you get one each for you and DH, you can most likely feed both kids from that. And, after being at Disney for a few days, it's so nice to feed your kids roasted chicken and veggies (or even mashed potato) instead of pizza, hot dogs or fries. I'd love to have the Tusker House menu at all the parks!

Just be sure to keep water bottles handy. AK is very spread out and the heat can be a bit intense. Keeping hydrated helps tons!

 

[Squidrific]

I think the first thing you should do is get a fast pass for safari and then do the trails for the animals - then when you come out your fast pass will be ready and you don't have to stand in a line. Safari line goes fast, but sometimes because of the animals when it says 20 minute wait I have personally waited for 40 to 50 minutes.

I love Tusker House and Tough to Be a Bug depends on your kids - my nephew was 18 months when we took him and he loved it. Just remember that if you go when you see the bee on screen sit up a little in your seat and have your sons do the same. I may be a wimp but I think the "sting" hurts. If your children aren't bothered by dark rooms and loud noises they will like it.

If you don't have to do AK as a 1/2 day, you might want to consider a full day because it is a very beautiful park and there is a lot to see. Don't miss FOTLK and we love the Jammin' Jungle Parade. The cast members that play the drums and do the limbo in Africa are extremely entertaining. I also think your kids would like Hester and Chester area of Dinoland and the Dig area is great for both ages.