Animal Kingdom Problem: When to see Festival Of Lion King?

[ssidiouss@mac.c]

So im planning my animal kingdom day and I see that the park opens usually at 9:00am.. great

But.. the first show of Festival Of The Lion King is usually not until an hour after that? Is that true?

Hmm.. Looking at my map im trying to figure out how to do this. Theres nothing remotely interesting around the Lion King to do from 9am-10am.. and if I travel far to do Dinosaur or Kilamanjo Safari before 10am.. I dont think I'll get back to lion king in time to get in?

Hmm.. Any ideas here? :brick:

 

[nicholas]

if you're there right at park opening, you could probably get over to Dinosaur and ride it and be back to FOLK in time. Might not be at FOLK right when the doors open, but you could probably get in still. There won't be any lines right at park opening. Or, maybe you can spend that time going to to Africa and grabbing a FP for the safari so when you get out of FOLK, you can hop right on?

 

[marypoppins68]

They still let people into Festival even after it starts. We got there right as the show started and they kept letting people in until our entire section was filled up.

 

[ssidiouss@mac.c]

Is it hard to catch an afternoon show? I'm going on Dec 3-8th.. I would really like to catch the first show tho.. but theres nothing to do from 9am-until the first show at 10am :veryconfu

 

[awallaceunc]

When the park opens, everybody and their brother makes a mass exodus to Africa for Kilomanjaro Safaris. If you want to make your way directly to It's Tough To Be A Bug, you could probably see the first showing of it and get out in time to go get a place in line for Festival of the Lion King. It's Tough To Be A Bug is inside the Tree of Life, and that's not too bad a walk to Festival of the Lion King.

Alternatively, you could take a leisurely stroll around the Oasis (the foresty entrance to the park... there are trails and the like) and Rainforest Cafe (at the entrance), and then look all around the Tree of Life at the shops and that sort of thing. You could spend about 30-45 minutes taking in all the theming, sights, and sounds that most people rush right by and be in line for Festival of the Lion King about 15-25 minutes before it starts.

Another plan would be to join the mass exodus of people on their way back to Africa, but instead of going to the Safaris, veer off to the left to the Tusker Family House restaurant and get a breakfast... it's one of the best counter-service breakfasts at WDW. Then you could probably walk back from that to Festival of the Lion King with about 5 minutes to spare if you pace yourself right.

Disney's stage shows have smallest crowds for their early morning and later performances. The afternoon ones can get pretty crowded. You don't need to get to the morning ones extremely early... 10 minutes might be a good idea, but then you also might be able to walk in just as it's about to start. For the other ones, you should allow at least 30 minutes line time... more if it's a crowded day.

Remember that Animal Kingdom has some cool little opening festivities in the morning!

-Aaron

 

[nicholas]

veer off to the right to the Tusker Family House restaurant and get a breakfast... it's one of the best counter-service breakfasts at WDW.

Mmmm! The biscuits and gravy!!! So good!

 

[righttrack]

IMO, Animal Kingdom is quite enjoyable at a slow pace. There is lots to see and do, and because much of it is animal and street-performer based, its varied. Go to "Its Tough to Be a Bug" and/or "Dinosaur" and then head over. "Festival of the Lion King" is not to be missed. Wonderful show. Such a celebration. Getting misty just thinking about it.

 

[barnum42]

Explore - lots of paths and critters to investigate before they open the theatre. Maybe head to the Pangani tail as the gorillas can be quite active first thing in the morning.

 

[BRER STITCH]

...veer off to the right to the Tusker Family House restaurant and get a breakfast... it's one of the best counter-service breakfasts at WDW. Then you could probably walk back from that to Festival of the Lion King with about 5 minutes to spare if you pace yourself right.

That's my vote!

In fact, we usually go to Tusker House and get one of their fresh hot cinnamon buns and some juice and sit out on the patio and watch all those lunatics racing for the Safari ride. :lol:

Lots of folks miss the fact that they usually have some form of entertainment out there too, like the African drummers or this awesome gymnastic team doing the limbo and other great routines!

By the time you finish your breakfast, you can take a nice stroll "upstream" to Camp Minnie-Mickey for the FOLK show!

Take some time to "smell the roses"....there's lots to see at AK!!!

:wave: