Is this feasible for our first day?

[JennyAnne]

Despite my urge to go to MK or my favorite, EPCOT, on our first day, I am trying to go with what makes the most sense. Our first day is a Monday; AK is the EMH park. My plan was to get up early and go to AK for EMH. This might be the only day we go to AK, so I would like to stay for the Jammin Jungle parade (or whatever it's called :D ). The only problem is with the parade not starting until 4:00, by the time it's done, we really don't have time to go back to the hotel and relax before hitting another park.

I hate to waste that evening since we will just have 5 day PH's, so I was thinking about jumping over to either MGM or EPCOT for dinner and staying until we're pooped out. Is this plan feasible, or is it ridiculous to try to do this much in one day? I guess we could leave AK earlier, go back to CBR and relax, then hit another park. However, then we would not see the parade. Is the parade not-to-be-missed?

Just looking for opinions on what to do. Although I know we won't be able to see and do everything, this will be my first trip in a long time and probably my last for a while. We are trying to get in as much as we can. In case it makes a difference, it will just be DH and me.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!! 8)

[MissBianca]

The biggest problem with your plan, in my eyes, is that it gets so darn hot at the AK and there just aren't enough air conditioned places or shady benches. If you really take the time to find out about the animals rather than rushing from attraction to attraction, you could easily fill the time. It's a really cute parade! Plan to drink lots of water and take lots of breaks.

[Stinkerbelle]

I wouldn't think this would be a problem at all for 2 healthy adults travelling without children. I am a commando type park person and am out in the parks from open until the last one closes and often until busses stop running to/from Downtown Disney with no breaks inbetween. No problems there.

Everyone is different and every one likes different things and has a different level of stamina.

All that being said I personally would be hard pressed to find enough things to do at this park to last there from EE time to 4:00p.m. There are some pretty big AK fans out there who I guess could fill all that time. I, however can't stand to be there more than 1.5 hours if I go at all. (Hoping to cajole the group into skipping it completely in April since Dinosaur will be down for rehab.)

If weariness is your main concern I'd skip EE, sleep late and maybe swim at the hotel and then head to AK later in the day, catch the parade and then have dinner at Epcot or MGM.

[SusanP]

If you are there for the early opening, you could make a really big dent in the park by lunchtime. Either eat in AK or back at your hotel, have a big nap or a swim/nap then head back to AK refreshed, as the rest of the crowd is leaving, and catch the parade. Then skip on over to wherever you decide to finish up the night. I'm not sure when you are going, so can't comment about crowds, but AK is a smaller, albeit much hotter!!! park and leaving around noon would be a good idea!

[disneylover]

Jenny why don't you see what is at AK. Figure out the things that are open for EEH do those then chose the rest of the things you want too do.When done go back to hotel rest,head back for parade then another park till closing..See what park is open the latest and hit it.

[Smiley]

It sounds like you have a plan of action that may or may not work.

What you could do, is go with your plan, but be prepared for what may happen... If it gets too hot and you need a break, plan to miss the parade and take your break so that you can enjoy another park at night.

In this way, you can make a point to try and go by AK later to see the parade and do anything that you missed, if you have time... If not, at least you had a much needed break without missing out on too much...

It may turn out that you do not need a break at all, but at least you'll have a plan, just in case...

Have fun!

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

You may want to consider going to AK a little bit later in the morning. IMHO must do's are The Festival of the Lion King, (this show is a must see.) The Kilamangaro Safari, Bug's Life, Dinosaur, and Tarzan rocks (another must see show) Tarzan is in a covered theatre where Disney sells frozen lemonade-a great way to cool off!
We love the Kali Water Rapids, but try to do this last in case we get drenched!!!!


LindaC :sun:

[JennyAnne]

Thank you all for your opinions! I think what we will do is stick to our original plan of getting there early, but maybe not sticking around for the parade. It wasn't a must-do for me, but out of all the parades, it was probably one of the ones I would be most likely to see. We'll play it by ear from there. If we feel like going back, we'll go back. But more likely we'll probably head over to EPCOT or MGM. We will still have 4 more days to catch the parade, if not, it's OK.

The reason I still want to get there early is because I have read that the animals are more likely to be out and about early in the morning. Of most interest to us at this park is the safari...Jer is really excited to see some animals. I would rather get there early and see that than get there later and see the parade.

Thanks so much for the tips and opinions!!

[SusanP]

Don't worry about seeing the animals, they change every time! If you have a rainy/drizzly day that's the time to head on the safari-saw the most I've ever seen!

[MissBianca]

Susan, that's absolutely true! I volunteered at a zoo for 7 years and will tell you something--the only species that thinks it's great to be active in the hot sun and stays out of the light rain is homo sapiens!

[LimeGreenCheri]

JennyAnne, the parade that I have enjoyed more than any other at WDW is Mickey's Jungle Jammin Parade. It was very different. It had lots of guest participation (which is a dream of mine). It had really cool, vibrate floats and wasn't too long or too short. See it if you get a chance. You'll love it!

[DonaldDuck]

I really enjoyed the Mickey Jammin Jungle Parade. It is one of my favorite parades. I would go to AK later in the day and stay for the parade. You could go to one of the other parks for a few hours that morning. Then after lunch head over to AK.

[Joe]

May can be hot, and with this being your DHs first trip, you don't want to commando him out. As noted earlier, if you take it easy, rest lots and keep your fluids up, I think you will be ok. Keep the hotel and a nap midday then back to AK for the parade and closing as an option if it's too hot and uncomfortable. As for closing the day, I would recommend MGM and Fantasmic to close out. The first show should be early enough that you are not out until the way late hours after starting with an EMH day.

HTH
Joe