Visiting the Animal Kingdom

[Goofy Forever]

We just got back from WDW and, in August, I would suggest NOT going in the afternoon. It is the hottest park because the overall set up of the park is so flawed. The walkways are very narrow so there is no breeze to cool things off.
Also, if you like to see the animals, go in the morning as they like to hide in the shade on hot days.
Continue going in the mornings.

[lighteningqueen]

It is our favorite park.People do not give it enough time to explore it. It is more than those rides.I would go in the morning first thing in the summer. We go in Dec and this year in Jan. We stay all day and usually go back again to eat and ride the rides one more time.Love that park!!!!

[akaDisneyDreamer]

We love Animal Kingdom park! We like to be there early to see the opening show then go on Kilamanjaro Safari first thing. There's Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur which are also favorite rides. We can't miss Festival of the Lion King show and we saw for the first time last year, Finding Nemo, the Musical, which was actually pretty good. One of our favorite places to eat at WDW is Yak & Yeti (table service), which is also in this wonderful park. Then there are the little things you stumble upon, like seeing DeVine walking along the path. Last but not least, we think the Jamin' Jungle Parade is the best parade around! Agreed, it is hot and muggy with all the foilage, but it is also very pretty.

[lighteningqueen]

Thats what I was saying. Yak and Yeti is yummy for steak and shrimp, Tusker is the best breakfast you will eat your whole trip and going into that peaceful park first thing in the morning. Divine, push in Rafikis planet, The water falls, Tree of life walk, is the most interesting thing looking for all the animals that took many men many hours to carve, Bugs life show is great, but Lion King is worth the most in that park.Lastly the gift shops have the most creative displays, plus their merchandise, for the most part is different than any other park.. Just plain a great great park!!! Thank You Disney!!!!

[Tink#64]

Ok, it sounds like we're actually with the majority here, AK is our least favorite park! Mind you we have several things on our must do list there, but we arrive at park opening & do EE first, followed by Dinoland next (the blacktop becomes brutal with the heat!) & then manage our fav's & head out! I can't imagine waiting until the hottest part of the day to arrive in AK! Now if touring in cooler weather, this could be ideal! But we've only visited April - June. We try to be out of there by 2 -3 & we're just drained by then. I'd think it would be like any where else with the heat continuing to climb until 4 -5 o'clock & AK usually closes so much earlier than the other parks, I never even considered arriving later. My experience is too, that parks are usually so crowded by lunch time, that after that even the best laid plans can fly out the window!

[BigRedDad]

I love AK, except the Dinoland carnival.

There is so much more theming at this park than others. The foliage, buildings, CMs, are just everywhere. I think a lot of this goes back to the Nahtazu campaign. AK is not a zoo, but it does have several things that are like a zoo. AK houses 2 of the best free shows in all of WDW. It has some of the more unique characters for M&Gs. The rides are entertaining but lacking in number. The street performers are a blast to listen to. The parade is one of the most addicting and fun parades out there (except Tapestry of Nations).

I think people do not give it credit or just have an idea that it is a zoo. Too each their own.

Kilimanjaro Safari: Yes, this is a zoo type trek. Still a great attraction.
Kal River Rapids: I enjoy this ride simply through the enjoyment of my DD. I don't care about walking around wet. To watch her jump and cheer on that ride about 10x in a row is something I never forget and will do every time we go.
Expedition Everest: This is a very fun coaster.
Maharaja Jungle Trek: Nice too see animals. This is like a zoo, but still fun.
Gorilla Trail: Same as above.
Finding Nemo: A very well done show and one of the most elaborate in the parks. It is a can't miss
Dinoland: It is a carnival area. I do not like it, but tolerate it.
Tree of Life/ITTBAB: Very fun to look at all the intricacies of the tree. Fun to see all the "bug" movie posters. The show is great as well.
FotLK: Another can't miss show. Another one of the best free shows.
MJJP: The Jammin' Jungle parade is just so much fun. The music has a fun beat, the characters greet bystanders all over.
Characters: You get to meet many characters that can only be seen here: Flik, Princess Atta, Rafiki, Terk, and others. You also get Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy, Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Baloo, King Louis, Stitch, Giminy Cricket, and others.

[Posterchild]

It is odd how AK is so Hot! I am not sure why with all the foliage.

I have visited in the afternoon (after it starts to cool off) on an evening EMH night. It actually is quite nice in the evenings, and we will likely add that to our routine.

Previously I was a morning person, and echoed everyone elses sentiments, but now I like AK later in the day.

[MrPeetrie]

It is our favorite park.People do not give it enough time to explore it.

I agree. This is one of our favorite parks. And we love to get there early in the morning. Our favorite thing is to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris bright and early.

It's Tough To Be A Bug is our favorite 3D show. We love the Nemo Show, FOTLK, Dinosaur, and E:E. Plus, the park is beautiful.

My wife loves to walk around with her field guide and explore the flora and fauna. I think this is a park that has to be seen slowly to fully enjoy.

On our first trip there, I was let down. The park felt "rushed." Since then, I've found it more and more beautiful and enjoyable. I'd go early. That would be my opinion.

[clausjo]

My family loves Animal Kingdom! We really enjoy our time there. I agree that this park is best explored at a slower pace. We went on the safari once right at the end of the day and it was incredible! More animals than we've ever seen, even doing it first thing.

But, to each his own . . .

[disneydeb]

One of my favorites! I am with your boys on KRR though, I hate getting wet!

YOu know your boys best, but I like to go early in the morning ride EE, get fp for EE, do safari, do nemo, ride EE again, see Lion King show, then go to a cooler park.

Have FUN!

[DisneyFr33k]

Our vote is going in the morning and leave by early afternoon. We've always flown into Orlando and check into our resort by 11am. We always go to AK, get fast passes for EE and KS and eat at Flame Tree. It does get hot and the FP's run out for EE and KS, especially in the peak times. We always leave by 5pm. We feel we get all there is for us in half a day.

[lighteningqueen]

AK is only open from 9-5 period Once or twice a week it opens at 8am so short days anyway.. Too bad some of you are really missing a good park,just to ride 2 rides...

[mydisneygirls]

Believe it or not, the reason AK is hotter than the other parks is because Disney makes it that way because of the animals and to make you feel as though you are in Africa. Found this out years ago from someone who worked there.

[luvdiznee]

We enjoy AK Park. For this upcoming trip we plan to get a FP for Kilimanjaro then onto Kali River and Everest. We plan to have a late lunch at Y&Y.

It is going to be a long day for us, because this is the same day we will be going to MNSSHP. Trying to decide if we should stay for Jammin Jungle.

Hoping we make it!