How long do DHS and AK take nowadays?

[TestTrack]

Approximately how long does it take you to do most things at DHS and AK? I will be going from Dec 7th-13th. Not sure what touring plans says about the crowds at that time but they should be fairly decent. I haven't been there since they added EE and TSMM(My last trip took place in 2003). I know last time I went AK took less than a half day for us, even with going through the "zoo" part of it. Last time I went to MGM(at the time) it also ran low on attractions fairly quickly.

I am trying to figure out a rough plan for my trip and was trying to figure out how much time to give to each. Ideally I would like to come from epcot(boat) to DHS. I always find epcot takes more than a day to fully explore.

AK can be a quick day where we can relax back at the resort or go to DTD. Right now I plan on going there midway through the trip so it would be a good time to take a load off.

Thanks for any advice/opinions/experience you guys have had recently.

 

[EPCOT.nut]

I've been to AK and made 1/2 day out of it, but missed a lot. I really enjoy a full day at AK - especially to have time for sit-down meals instead of counter service. Also I'm fond of getting a hot tea and walking around aimlessly enjoying it. AK is not a park that I rush - there's a lot to see and a lot you can miss just running from ride to ride.

DHS - mmmmm I can do that in 1/2 day easy, and scoot to EPCOT for the evening.

 

[TestTrack]

I've been to AK and made 1/2 day out of it, but missed a lot. I really enjoy a full day at AK - especially to have time for sit-down meals instead of counter service. Also I'm fond of getting a hot tea and walking around aimlessly enjoying it. AK is not a park that I rush - there's a lot to see and a lot you can miss just running from ride to ride.

DHS - mmmmm I can do that in 1/2 day easy, and scoot to EPCOT for the evening.

I would rather do it in that order(DHS->epcot) However, I gotta stick around for Fantasmic some night.

We won't be doing full-service meels at AK, we have 3 ADR's and I feel that's enough. I think any more and I would feel like I have to plan each day around the meal.

I do agree that its fun to wander around the parks. I can't remember if there is anything else new besides EE and TSMM at these parks since 2003. Perhaps the spiel on the safari changed? I seem to remember some talk about that.

 

[Lucky]

Safari hasn't changed much - some CMs do a half-hearted job at the old poaching story. Nemo Musical has been added. New full-service restaurant (Yak and Yeti). Lights, Motors, Action or whatever it's called was added at DHS.

 

[shmmrname]

DHS is difficult because it has two mainstays and a new attraction that almost require early morning entry if you don't want to spend most of your day waiting in lines. But, I think Fantasmic! warrants a viewing once-per-trip, so it's almost impossible for us to make DHS a short-day.

 

[cndrellagrl]

AK we usually do one full day and DHS atleast one full day - we do two days. We like to see all the shows and have a relaxing time, stop for a drink, take in the scenery, etc.

 

[krankenstein]

I usually can spend a full day at DAK. I enjoy walking around and soaking up the ambiance of the park. It truly is unique, nothing really compares to DAK.

I can spend a full day at DHS, but I tend to only stay for 1/2 the day. After I get in what I want at DHS I head to MK or Epcot to end the day.

 

[Laura]

Studios day is a good day to relax and have some sort of a nice dinner at a resort or something. It would be hard to fill an entire day there unless you really enjoy things like Sounds Dangerous, the Backlot Tour, Beauty & the Beast, etc.

Last week we arrived at 10:30 a.m. and left at 4:30 p.m. In that time we did Muppets, Star Tours, Playhouse Disney Live, Great Movie Ride, Midway Mania, and Indiana Jones.

For Animal Kingdom, one day a few months ago we went and did every single show and every single attraction, and walked on all the animal trails and it took 12 hours (including 2 meal stops).

 

[harryk]

Last year we went a week later than you are this year and it took a full day to do each park - plus a few extra hours since we wanted to take in Fantasmic and the Osmond Lights. The parks were crowded. This year we shall be there the same time as you are and had trouble making ADRs when we wanted them. Expect crowds, since more and more people are discovering the beauty of Disney during the Chrismas season. Fantasmic has had standing room only each time we have gone - and it is usually the same week each year -- the beginning of December. Last year was the latest we have ever gone. Just plan out your day, expect to change your plans, be flexible and you will have the usual great Disney time!! :xmas::xmas:
See you there!!:sohappy::sohappy:

 

[redkoala245]

AK- 1/2 a day then the rest is MK
DHS- The whole day. I use EMH.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Both are full day parks now given the number of attractions. DAK with its numerous walking paths and planet watch is a full day. If you are looking for a full day of gut wrenching roller coasters, you wont find it within the confines of WDW, thank the good Lord.

 

[DisneyGigi]

On a 10 day trip we spend at least a full day at AK open to close and then hop to another park to finish the day out. We may spend another morning there if the kids did not get their fill of Everest.
DHS we always spend 2 full days. It is usually the second park we go to and we will hit it again before our trip is up.
We always do the rides/shows we like several times and don't want to feel rushed to not be able to do that and fit in everything else.

 

[dave2822]

Presuming you will be getting there early and/or utilizing EMH:

Attractions that will make it guaranteed Half-Day (i.e. out by lunch):

DHS:
Tower of Terror
Rock N' Roller Coaster
Toy Story Mania
Great Movie Ride

AK:
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kali River Rapids

Extra attractions added that will make it a "long" Half-Day (i.e. out by mid-afternoon):

DHS:
Muppet Vision 3D
Star Tours
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
The Magic of Disney Animation
Sounds Dangerous

AK:
Primevil Whirl
Tough to be a Bug


Now add more than one of these and it is a guaranteed full day:

DHS:
Indiana Jones
LMA
Beauty and the Beast
Playhouse Disney
Backlot Tour

AK:
Finding Nemo
Festival of the Lion King
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Any exploration trail