TIPS FOR VISITING AK
Sometimes I am ticked that I am not in the middle of the park, but being a Front Entrance CM has it's perks. When working lockers, strollers, or the guest relations cart I have an incredible view of the ibis, scarlet ibis, spponbills, and my favorite the black swans.
Sooooo... my tips for visiting AK, so that you can appreciate it.
Most people go to MK as their first park, it gives the feeling that you have finally arrived at WDW. If you had to use a lot of time and energy to get to WDW then maybe you should start at AK. However, AK is typically everyone's closer park.
Whichever you choose make sure you have about 5-7 hours to spend in AK, take your time and relax. If you are staying at a Disney resort definately go during one of the Extra Magic Hour Days. Our animals are always more active in the morning.
Start off by going on safari of course! But try not to bypass everything in the Oasis or in Discovery Island. If it is too busy, get a Fastpass and go to Pagani Forest Trail, encounter incredible Gorillas, see Rufus' cousins (naked mole rats), and check out the real life Timons (meerkats). Spend as much time as you want, let's say your Fastpass not good for another hour and 15 minutes, great, spend it in this trail.
The thing about the safari is surprises. We do not control the animals behavior, we have ways of encouraging desired behavrios, but we never know when a rhino or giraffe will cross the road in front of the jeep. So, do your best to go on safari not once, but twice during your visit. And unless you are a photographer professionally, don't spend the safari taking a ton of pics. THe only time they will come out good at all is if an Animal is real, real close or if the jeep has stopped. If you spend your safari behind a camera lens, you might be missing the whole experience.
When you return to Harambe you may want to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This is great for kids because there is a petting zoo. It is also fun for adults who like to learn and experience new things. The thing to remember is this area is a place that is enjoyable based on the decisions you make, you are not directed where to go, what to see, so LOOK AROUND and explore.
When you are done in Harambe, go to Asia. Wanna cool down? Go to Kali River Rapids. TWO WARNINGS: you WILL get wet, and this ride has a pretty short duration, and a long wait in the summer. If you enjoy shows catch Flights of Wonder, this is a neat show if you have time. Finally, enter the mystery of Majarajah Jungle Trek and meet some fascinating animals.
Now it's time to go to Discovery Island. If you are hungry go to Flame Tree BBQ. Most guests love the food and I personally feel the seating area is the most beautiful seating area on property, plus I occassionally work there. Check out it's Tough To Be a Bug, a creepy, crawly 3D show inside the Tree of Life. But if anyone in your group does not like bugs or loud noise then you may want to skip it. Discovery Island and the Oasis have some of the most unique animal areas. If you take the time to look for the signs, and the paw prints on your map then you can find red and grey kangaroos, spotted dear, otters, cotton top tamarins, all kinds of great animals. Plus Discovery Island has some of the most detailed buildings and surroundings.
Head off to Dinoland and go back in time to save Aladar the dinosaur. Have some fun in a campy little set up at Chester's and Hester's Dinoland.
End your day by seeing Tarzan ROCKS! or Festival of The Lion King. Both are really great shows, so if you can see both. If not I prefer Lion King, and most people feel it is the best show on property.
Before you leave take some time to roam around the Oasis. Go left and you will see Muntjacks, a Babirusa, and the world's largest rodent (don't worry he's cute). Go right and meet the macaws and the anteater, ou can cross over in the middle. But take some time, relax and enjoy. The Ibis and other great birds, including the Black Swans are at the front of the Oasis, by the park entrance.
Just make sure to take your time and enjoy the park, this is anything but your typical theme park. HAVE A WILD TIME!
I thought.
). This is the place to TAKE YOUR TIME. Take in EVERYTHING, the music, the animal sounds, the food (we do have the best food in terms of counter service), the atmosphere. 
