[Question] Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

[BrerDan]

Hi folks!

I'm heading to WDW in early November for the first time in many years. I've been to the World before, but it's been a good while and I've only been able to spend half a day in Animal Kingdom due to my traveling companions at the time. I'm looking forward to good full day at AK this trip.

I'm one that likes to maximize my time--as a Disneyland regular (I buy an Annual Pass every other year), I've learned to arrive before opening and hit the big attractions while the lines are low, and then I spend the rest of the day soaking in the atmosphere while riding the smaller, less-busy attractions. I have a clear picture in my mind for how to tackle MK, Epcot, and DHS--but am still not sure about AK.

I know the biggest three attractions to hit would be Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and Kilimanjaro Safari. The question I have is, what order should I hit these in? I know that the Safari is best in the early morning (more animals out, lower lines)--but how long does that optimum time last? Due to the long length of the Safari, I wonder if I hit the Safari first that the lines for both of the other attractions will swell. If I do the other two first, I wonder whether I'll miss many of the animals in the Safari.

I'm thinking I should hit Everest first and then go to either Safari or Dinosaur (still not sure). Any tips?

Thanks

Brer Dan

[GraceysGirl]

Re: Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

What I usually do for mornings at AK is head first to Everest ride one or 2 times possibly pick up a fastpass than head over to Safari. You can usually get Everest done and be at Safari 25mins after opening. The animals are still great and the line isn't usually too long. I also try to time it to get on one of the very last Safaris of the day, different animals moving around later in the day. Dinosaur I usually get a fastpass for after that unless the line is really short. Dinosaur is good at any time during the day so I don't worry about it as much I just get a Fastpass and go on to the next thing.

[WDW1971]

Re: Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

I would go straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris first, then after riding that go get a Fastpass for Everest. After getting the Fastpass you can probably walk on Dinosaur with little to no line. Then ride Everest and you're done. Be sure to try Festival of the Lion King. It is very underrated and we almost skipped it last time but it is a great show, probably one of Disney's best.

[mess98]

Re: Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

If you want to take time to check out the ambiance of the park... just Fast Pass everything when possible.

Gives you plenty of time to plan a route around the park.

[Neon Cactus]

Re: Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

We usually get there at park opening, and my family heads over to the Safaris, while I run over to Everest and get a Fastpass and then meet them at the safaris. If you hit the Safaris early, then you can get to Dinosaur next with a short line, or just Fastpass it.

[BrerDan]

Re: Animal Kingdom Q: When to ride Kilimanjaro Safari?

We'll definitely be going at opening and I hope to get to all the shows through the course of the day (I haven't seen Nemo or Lion King)--I definitely like to ride big attractions multiple times if I can, so it seems like based on the advice I should do Everest first (maybe go twice), then on to the Safari and from there Dinosaur (and cycle back to Dinosaur and Everest for fastpasses later if we have time).

Thanks for the tip on the evening Safari!