Animal Kingdom After Dark

[Gartdog]

With all the talk of Avatar at AK, and the likely-hood of extended hours, I was wondering if many people have gotten the chance to experience AK after dark?

It is really astounding!

If anyone ever gets the chance, here is a great way to experience it:

We visited over Christmas and New Year's a few years back. My daughter was 1 1/2 years old and we decided, since she was not going to make it to midnight for New Year's fireworks, that we would skip MK, EP and DHS. So we spent the afternoon and evening in AK. It was the first time I had been there when they were open past sunset, and it was possibly more enchanting after dark than even MK. And since everyone else had left for the other three parks and the New Year's fireworks, it was totally deserted. We walked the back path from Asia to Africa and did not see another person for about ten minutes. It was so peaceful and lovely that if you ever get a chance to visit at this time, it is well worth it!

 

[a2grafix]

Have to agree. Walking through thick, lush foliage and trees at night adds so much more to walking around Animal Kingdom. Riding Everest at night is an experience in itself. Darkness adds a whole another level to the lore of the ride.

 

[Scuttle]

Have to agree. Walking through thick, lush foliage and trees at night adds so much more to walking around Animal Kingdom. Riding Everest at night is an experience in itself. Darkness adds a whole another level to the lore of the ride.

It really does. I have only been able to do it once, but I'll never forget it. Also Dinoland is pretty cool at night as well.

 

[coachwnh]

agree! love this park at night. the misting around everest is awesome. did this over thanksgiving as well just great to experience

 

[Zummi Gummi]

The park is beautiful night. I love the feel you get from the darkness (it's not well lit at all, but that adds to the atmosphere). It's a shame it's rarely, if ever open past sundown now.

I used to love EMH evenings there because it was never crowded.

 

[Jakester]

I only saw it in the dark once, back in feburary 08.

With avatar, they will likely start staying open late like the other 3

 

[jjharvpro]

I have never experienced this park at night, and it's a shame. I've always heard it's amazing after dark.

With Avatar, its hours will surely be extended! Can't wait to see that, the Tree of Life, and ride Everest at night!

 

[majorrfb]

My wife, 2 young sons (at the time) and myself visited AK in the dark. BUT this was official opening day of AK. We were in our car at the toll gate at 4:30a. and due to the growing crowd allowed into the park at 6a. We walked following the path (no idea where we were) and arrived at our first attraction, "It's Tough to be a Bug". We totally enjoyed the show, and still do, but when we came out of the attraction it was now daylight. We had no idea how we got to the attraction and where we were. But much of the fun is exploring a new park and discovering the many new sights. I sincerely hope AK will have extended hours due to Avatar, it will be a new experience for many. :sohappy:

 

[dreamfinder]

Did evening EMH at AK once, pretty cool, was a shame the whole park wasn't open. Another night we had reservations at Yak & Yeti like 5 mins before the park closed, so walking out after dinner was the same, everything dark with no one around except for CMs every little bit making sure you didn't run off into the bushes.

 

[sksowell]

All the parks are magical after dark and I agree that AK is amazing. It is also great to be able to hear all the background music and rides as the park clears out.

 

[a2grafix]

Although nighttime EHMs are off for now, if you stay late in the fall, winter or early spring at closing at Animal Kingdom, you can sort of feel a difference when the sun is about to set. Some of the lights turn on and the shadows start to grow.

It's interesting getting lost in a jungle. First time at evening EMH at Animal Kingdom last ride was Everest. I sort of got lost trying to find my way back to the main gate. The lushness and the dim lighting felt like walking around the Jungle Cruise dock - dark, dank, musty, misty and humid.

Here is to hoping Disney extends certain nights until 9pm at Animal Kingdom in the future.

 

[ScoutN]

EMH December 29th 2007. Best time I have ever had at AK. It was the day after the big cold fornt hit. My younger brother and I did EE 27 times that night. I had more fun doing that than I can remember in recent history.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

It's so upsetting to me that they aren't doing EMH at night there anymore. That park is incredible at night, especially if you know your way around the paths near the Tree of Life. Everest is also a different ride at night, and in my opinion much more fun.

 

[Mrs. Jobson]

I have to agree. DAK was so beautiful and peaceful at night. I spent at least two nights a week afterhours doing Grand Gatherings when I was a Cast Member. We would have to escort our families to the front of the park from Africa since the park was closed. I always had a good time with the families and seeing them enjoying their walk. The lighting was beautiful on the Tree of Life. I always had to stop and take photos of the families right out front of the tree. Once I walked them out, I had the chance to walk back to Africa alone in the park. I could hear the different animals. I loved it! I miss those days.

 

[SMZ MD]

I think all the Parks and resorts are beautiful after dark, but have never been at WDW when AK was open at dark. My family has always wanted to see it at night. Hopefully they will extend hours with addn of Avatar. Also will need to keep the other attractions open later if possible.

 

[Communicore]

We walked the back path from Asia to Africa and did not see another person for about ten minutes. It was so peaceful and lovely that if you ever get a chance to visit at this time, it is well worth it!

I bet that back path was extremely spooky if it was by yourself! I walked early morning when the park just opened, and I experienced a strange spooky sensation as I did not see another person for 10 min as well and this was daytime! That being said I haven't been here at dark and I'm sure it is a real treat!

 

[worldfanatic]

I've never had the opportunity to do it.
Looking forward to it. Probably not until 2016 though.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Expedition Everest After Dark = AAAAAAWWWWWWWSSSSSSOOOOOOMMMEEEE!!!!!! :sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[Texas84]

It is absolutely amazing. The area around Dinosaur is creepy with the dino sounds in the dark. Scares the little ones.

 

[R W B]

I would love to be able to go to AK after dark, espeacilly if it was cold. Just walking around would be nice. What time does it close during the winter when it gets dark early?

EMH December 29th 2007. Best time I have ever had at AK. It was the day after the big cold fornt hit. My younger brother and I did EE 27 times that night. I had more fun doing that than I can remember in recent history.

How did you manage to ride it 27 times? I got a huge headache after 4 back-to-back ride my last trip.