What's a good game plan for AK?

[pbharris4]

Anyone have good ideas on how to tackle this park so I am not running all over and we get to do more than 2 rides/attractions? I am a real analytical person and a huge planner, but when it comes to the parks..I just can't seem to work out a game plan. Maybe because I haven't spent a lot of time in the parks. If anyone can share their expertise..it would be MORE than welcome! Here's some info on us (if it will help):

Me (33)
DH (35)
DD (9)
DD (2)

It' s the only park we are doing this year. If I could get in the hang of it, I may be able to plan better for next year. Older DD is flexible. DD (2) is not. She's not afraid of the dark or loud noises. We'll do parent swap and plan on taking both kids on the Safari ride. We will get there when park opens and stay most of the day. I hope the little one takes a nap in the stroller. We will not stay until close. If it gets too hot or rough for the younger DD. One of us may take her back to the hotel and the other stay with the older DD. We are driving to the park as well. We are pretty schedule oriented (because of the 2 yo) and lunch is usually around 11 to 11:30-when she eats. I want to avoid very long lines as much as possible. Thanks! Hope someone can help!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

the whole park is basically a circle. You might do ITTBAB, then Dinosaur/Primieval Hurl/Tarzon Rocks, then Kali Rapids/Maharaja Jungle Trek, then KSR/Pangani Forest Trail, then FOTLK/(Pocohantas?)

Or reverse the order. (If you're going to add in the Conservation Station, do that during the time frame of the KSR/Pangani area, because the train station entrance is right near the exit of both KSR/Pangani)

 

[sandieb]

Animal Kingdom Park is my favorite park. The BEST way to tackle it is slowly. Take some time to savor the animals, landscaping and shows.

Of course ride the Safari ride. We usually get a fastpass for it, and then take a walk along the Pangani Forest Trail.

Visit It's Tough to be a Bug.

Get a fastpass for Dinosaur and wander over to The Boneyard. The big guy can ride Primeval Whirl and the little guy can ride Triceratop Spin.

Do Dinosaur.

Visit Tarzan Rocks.

Rest, eat. An adult may want to get fast passes for Kali River Rapids.

Head to the Lion King.

Head over to Kali River Rapids and then wander through the Jungle Trek.

There is still so much to do and enjoy. The parade is one of my favorites.

My only concern is how HOT this park is...the lush landscaping seems to block the breeze. Pace yourself. Bug and Lion King are airconditioned and sit down space that help a lot!

We usually get soaked on the Kali ride...we save it for last. The line is deceptive, and I would not do it on a busy day without a fastpass.

Good Luck and enjoy your visit. Sandie

 

[sswagner]

Many people attempt Kilimanjaro safaris first because animals tend to be more active towards the earlier hours. They remain mostly inactive/hidden in the hot afternoon. We went there right away and noticed that most people had the same idea. So, if you do adopt this strategy, do not delay getting in the line first thing in the morning.

 

[MommytoMJM]

Tarzan Rocks is closing, (unless we can save it....we're trying) so make sure to see this one....

 

[golfgal]

I would do Lion King or Tough to be a bug after lunch. They are air conditioned and you sit for a while, might be a good time for the little one to rest in her stroller. Lion King is so entertaining that she might want to watch though! We went to the Safari and got a fast pass right away. The wait time was only 20 minutes, but we wanted to do some looking around. We saw a lot of animals on the safari, we went at about 11:30 am and it was a HOT and humid day. I would skip the conservation station. You have to leave your stroller at the gate, take the train up and your 2 year old would have to walk or be carried through the exibits. Other then watching the vet castrate a duck, there wasn't that much to see there.

 

[Amirah95]

We are park commandos by nature and this is our AK touring plan for this year...

Rides:
AFRICA--
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris 20mins (FP)
ASIA--
1. Kali River Rapids 5min (FP)
DINOLAND USA--
1. Dinosaur 3 1/2mins (FP)
2. The Bone Yard Playground 30min
3. Tarzan Rocks! 28min/starts every 75min
4. Primeval Whirl 2 1/2min (FP)

BREAK!

DISCOVERY ISLAND--
1. It's Tough to be a Bug 8min (FP)
2. Tree of Life
CAMP MINNIE-MICKEY--
1. Lion King 30min 30min/Times Guide
2. Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails

We dropped Rafiki's Planet Watch this year because we find that we spend too much time back there and then we can get the same info and animals at the Bronx Zoo. I didn't put in the details like which FP's where going to snatch and things like this but it gives you an idea. Good luck with whatever you choose.