Worth going to Animal Kingdom with a toddler?

[tracylynnhare]

I think AK is my second favorite park, but it rarely takes us more than half a day to do all the things we love! I never miss DeVine!! That woman is, well devine... hahaha. Maybe go for half a day, then jump over to MK, that is what we always do!!

 

[ssmurphy28]

We took our oldest last year when he was 2.5. He is obsessed with animals, so we ended up going to AK three times during our nine day trip. I think he could have spent the whole 9 days there if we left it up to him. That being said, not every kid is obsessed with animals, but I still think it would be an enjoyable 1/2 day if you can make it!

 

[tracylynnhare]

I meant to add that when my DD18 was younger, if I told her she was NOT going to play in the Boneyard, there would have been a MELTDOWN!! lol...

 

[MrsDuck]

If your kiddo isn't into animals, I'd opt for MK!

 

[Disneymom1126]

I would say it depends on how many days you have on your trip. If you are planning a day at HS I would say there is way more for a 2 year old at AK then there is there. I would skip HS over AK. Both the Nemo show and the Lion King show are amazing...the various animal walking trails, the train out to Rafiki's planet watch (my daughter loved riding trains at that age as much as any other ride). The characters that are there are great to meet as well...Baloo and King Louie and Russel and Dug both were really interactive. I would plan it as a slower day in between days when you have a busier schedule...but like others have said you know your DD better than we do and what types of things she'd enjoy. My DD always surprises me at Disney though - our first trip I thought she'd be scared of the characters and it turned out meeting them was her favorite thing to do.

 

[mkla2015]

Honestly, I'd only do it if you have park hoppers and can hop to another park if your DD doesn't like it. I don't think there is enough there for a 2 yr old to spend the whole day UNLESS she's really into seeing animals. I really do enjoy AK (FOTLK is my fav show at Disney) but in your situation, I'd probably skip it- it always seems like the hottest, most humid, place on the planet when we are there.

 

[lustergirl]

Next year will be my grandson's first trip and he will be two years old at the time. I know he would love seeing the animals, beside this park is my 2nd favorite one besides MK.

 

[kayemgi]

Love hearing the different opinions! Thanks all for the info about the Safaris. I just saw the warning on the Disney site that said "Expectant mothers should not ride". It's been years since the last time I rode it and I forgot what it was like. Good to know that it is really not so bad.

Sounds weird but I'm not really sure if my toddler is into animals much these days. We prefer not to visit the zoo near us (it is sort of sad). She definitely loves princesses and Minnie so a third day at MK is a "safe" choice. We may just play it by ear. Thanks for your responses!

As someone who has been pregnant somewhat recently and also ridden Safari before, I'll add a dissenting opinion -- I probably would not ride Safari while pregnant unless I was very far along. It might not always be super bouncy, but it can be, and it would make me very nervous if I were earlier in my pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor and decide. The warnings Disney gives for certain rides for pregnant mothers may not make sense to laypeople, but they are certainly there for a reason.