Author: Nick the Disney Devo (tee)
Okay, you’re up early, and you are going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. What is the first thing you ride?
Many will head over to Asia and Expedition Everest. Many will head to Africa and get a Fastpass for Kilimanjaro Safaris, then race over to Everest. However here’s a tip for you…those folks may be missing the best time of day to catch the animals at their most active. From what I’ve experienced early morning at Animal Kingdom is probably the best time to ride the Safari.
You may see a giraffe eating breakfast.
An elephant drinking.
A cheetah stalking.
A warthogs wishing you good morning. (At least that’s what I assumed it was doing.)
A Rhino, coming right at your vehicle! (It stopped, but it was a thrill!)
And you may even get to see the male lion actually standing! (a rarity since they sleep almost all day. The Disney Diva says she got to hear one roar one time and it was the thrill of her life!)
It’s best to catch them at play just before the heat of the day makes most of the animals seek shade.
Another good time is just after a rain, when everything is cooled off for a little while. So if you’re at Animal Kingdom when a pop-up Orlando shower hits, don’t head back to the resort! Grab a snack and head towards Africa.
So, the Devo (tee)’s recommendation? Hit the safari first thing if its really important to you to see some animals. I actually try to go twice, and then get a Fast-pass for Everest. Or Dinosaur, which is my second favorite ride at Animal Kingdom, after the safari. Why isn’t Everest my favorite? Look for that in a future post!
Nick is co-writer of the Disney Musings Blog with his wife, Barbie.
