Does Animal Kingdom open at night?

[coasterfan_1990]

I've heard some people say that you're allowed to stay past 5 p.m. at Animal Kingdom. Is this true? And if it is, is it a once in a month event or will they change the closing time to 9 p.m since Expedition Everest is opening. Right now, is it possible to stay past 5 p.m? Thanks for your help because I'm not sure $240 for 4 people in my family is worth it, especially since Magic Kingdom stays past 9 p.m.(sometimes 11 p.m.)

[JuniorMickey]

A lot depends on the time of year your going. There are night EMH hours at AK but I don't think the park is ever going to be open until 11 considering that parts of the park close at dusk

[coasterfan_1990]

But when they add a E-ticket ride like Expedition Everest, guests will be wanting to ride it all day so shouldn't they change the closing time since now the attractions are not just animals/minor rides.

[Johnie]

Everest is just one ride so I can't imagine they'd change the hours so drastically. The parks stay open till 6 during the busiest times of the year. EMH gives you an extra 3 hours on top of that.

[JuniorMickey]

I honestly can't see them keeping the park open late for one ride. I could be wrong, but it will be a FP attraction

[coasterfan_1990]

So the most I can possibly stay till is 9 p.m? When is the EMH in effect? For June-August? Or is it like a few days.

[Johnie]

It's been Tues evenings for most of the year. They did change it last week when we were there but I don't know if it's permanent or not.

[JuniorMickey]

Remember that to take advantage of EMH you must be an onsite guest

[coasterfan_1990]

Remember that to take advantage of EMH you must be an onsite guest

So I have to check in at the Animal Kingdom Lodge to be able to stay till 9?

[Johnie]

Yes, you show your room key and get an bracelet so you can ride the rides.

[JuniorMickey]

doesn't have to be AKL, can be any onsite resort

[coasterfan_1990]

so any of the hotels?

[JuniorMickey]

Any of the onsite resorts

[coasterfan_1990]

And does that include the hotels by Magic Kingdom and Epcot?

[JuniorMickey]

it includes all of the hotels on disney property.

[BevW]

I really like Animal Kingdom, but the only time we've ever stayed till it closed was when we took the 2 DGD's. THEY were the ones that didn't want to leave! :lol: Normally we'll do half day at Animal Kingdom and the other half at Disney's Studios. But that's just us. We'd LIVE at EPCOT if we could.

[coasterfan_1990]

I really like Animal Kingdom, but the only time we've ever stayed till it closed was when we took the 2 DGD's. THEY were the ones that didn't want to leave! :lol: Normally we'll do half day at Animal Kingdom and the other half at Disney's Studios. But that's just us. We'd LIVE at EPCOT if we could.

What do you like about EPCOT?:confused:

[Johnie]

There is tons of awesome things to do at Epcot. I love the World Showcase and all the shows they have there. We usually spend several days there.

Animal Kingdom is a park I enjoy a lot when it's cooler. I can't be there too long when it's hot, it's stifling.

[Shanrich96]

There is tons of awesome things to do at Epcot. I love the World Showcase and all the shows they have there. We usually spend several days there.

Animal Kingdom is a park I enjoy a lot when it's cooler. I can't be there too long when it's hot, it's stifling.

I agree with you. I am also an EPCOT fan and love the world showcase! Animal Kingdom has very little shade and is awful to walk around in the heat! It is a nice park, but we never really spend more than 1/2 a day there.

[Mickeymac]

We'd LVIE at Epcot if we could

Bev, that's what they make the Epcot resorts for! LOL!

[coasterfan_1990]

I agree with you. I am also an EPCOT fan and love the world showcase! Animal Kingdom has very little shade and is awful to walk around in the heat! It is a nice park, but we never really spend more than 1/2 a day there.

But all it has are shows and exhibits. It doesnt even have any good rides except for a few.

[JuniorMickey]

As much as I love coasters and thrill rides, there are times where I want something else. Epcot has rides, and some great ones. I perfer the rides at Epcot over those at AK by far. I cannot do AK in warmer months and I handle the heat better than just about anyone I know (considering I *do* live in South Florida and all)

[coasterfan_1990]

As much as I love coasters and thrill rides, there are times where I want something else. Epcot has rides, and some great ones. I perfer the rides at Epcot over those at AK by far. I cannot do AK in warmer months and I handle the heat better than just about anyone I know (considering I *do* live in South Florida and all)

But with the addition of Expedition Everest, it's sure to be something to visit Animal Kingdom for. Besides, the number of great rides in both parks are about equal so they're both worth going to.

Animal Kingdom: Good theming
1. Expediton Everest (2006)
2. Killimanjaro Safari
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Dinosaur
5. It's Tough to be a Bug

EPCOT: World Showcase is good; you learn a lot.
1. Mission: Space
2. Soarin'
3. Test Track
4. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

[Mickeymac]

Coasterfan, I think it's a matter of Coke and Pepsi. We each have our favorites, but they are both colas, if that makes sense. I can't convince my husband to like Pepsi over Coke, no matter what I believe, because he has his own preference. Yes, they are both worth drinking, but sometimes, you just have to have one over the other.

In re-reading, if that makes snse to you after the day I had, then I've got a Castle to sell you... :D

[BevW]

Bev, that's what they make the Epcot resorts for! LOL!

Yup MM, you got it!!! :lol:

As for what's to do at Epcot...Johnie, JM, and Shanrich are right on. I love looking at the cultural differences of each country, the food, the crazy Street players, the music on Showcase side, and even though there aren't that many rides at Epcot, sometimes we just don't want to do rides and we just want to soak up atmosphere without having to rush here and there to get in a line to ride something. I love talking to the CM's from different countries...THAT's a thrill in itself.

[Johnie]

Yeah and where else could I be walking through a garden and say, "Hey! it's a Beatle! And another one! OMG it's all the Beatles!" This is what I did the other day :blush:

[BevW]

Yeah and where else could I be walking through a garden and say, "Hey! it's a Beatle! And another one! OMG it's all the Beatles!" This is what I did the other day :blush:

Did anyone get that on film? :lmao:

[Johnie]

:lol: thankfully no but my sister is able to mimic me perfectly if you'd like to call her :D

[coasterfan_1990]

Yup MM, you got it!!! :lol:

As for what's to do at Epcot...Johnie, JM, and Shanrich are right on. I love looking at the cultural differences of each country, the food, the crazy Street players, the music on Showcase side, and even though there aren't that many rides at Epcot, sometimes we just don't want to do rides and we just want to soak up atmosphere without having to rush here and there to get in a line to ride something. I love talking to the CM's from different countries...THAT's a thrill in itself.

Animal Kingdom is the perfect park to "soak up atmosphere" because you don't have to rush to rides, you can just look at theming and animals. When my family went there, all we did we walk around and admire the excellent theming especially the Tree of Life and the Oasis waterfalls. However, if you like rides you can enjoy a nice ride on Kali River Rapids or see animals on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. I can't wait till Expedition Everest opens. It looks really exciting!!! I hope this will increase the park's popularity for not having enough rides

[Joy]

I too prefer EPCOT over AK....one major factor being the Illuminations show :D

JuniorMickey - I find it interesting that you cannot stand the heat in AK....as I found this park being much cooler than the other 3....

[BevW]

:lol: thankfully no but my sister is able to mimic me perfectly if you'd like to call her :D

Ok, what's her number! :lmao:

[JuniorMickey]

JuniorMickey - I find it interesting that you cannot stand the heat in AK....as I found this park being much cooler than the other 3....
AK with all the trees holds in the heat and humidity. It feels like there is no where to escape. Living down here, I handle the heat & humidity better than most I know but during a hot and humid time of year, AK is too much for even me

[OKWTink]

Another EPCOT is my favorite park fan (with AK the second favorite). Don't forget there are all sorts of wonderful full service places to dine in EPCOT too! :yes: (It's always food with me, isn't it)? :sigh:

AK STILL has problems with understanding the DDE card! :hissy: And I don't much care for the counter service restaurants there (beyond the chicken at Tusker's).

AK is a wonderful park, no doubt about it, but EPCOT has the complexities that I prefer. (And I'm another Floridian that considers AK to be a wicked hot park! What's up with THAT)?

[Joy]

JuniorMickey- Wow, it's amazing how we feel the complete opposite :D

[coasterfan_1990]

It's not that hot. I usually prefer to sit by the waterfalls. To tell you the truth, I like EPCOT too. Which park do you think has the best ride? EPCOT's Mission:Space or Animal Kingdom's Expedition Everest(prediction).

[OKWTink]

I can't comment on something I've never experienced. For now one of my favorite attractions is Splash Mountain! I like the Safari at AK and Test Track at EPCOT. Actually, the only attractions I don't care for are the spinning teacups, the rockin' rollercoaster, and tower of terror! :eek:

I just find AK to be "airless" in the sense that the breeze never seems to come through there. World Showcase has the lagoon and that seems to help keep the air moving.

I like AK a lot! I particularly love the gorillas, and the extreme attention to detail throughout the park, it's just that I've loved EPCOT longer and a bit more. :)

[Breeze]

Actually, the only attractions I don't care for are the spinning teacups, the rockin' rollercoaster, and tower of terror!

What she said :thumbs: with the addition of MS because there's no way I'm ever doing that ride :eek:

[coasterfan_1990]

I can't comment on something I've never experienced. For now one of my favorite attractions is Splash Mountain! I like the Safari at AK and Test Track at EPCOT. Actually, the only attractions I don't care for are the spinning teacups, the rockin' rollercoaster, and tower of terror! :eek:

I just find AK to be "airless" in the sense that the breeze never seems to come through there. World Showcase has the lagoon and that seems to help keep the air moving.

I like AK a lot! I particularly love the gorillas, and the extreme attention to detail throughout the park, it's just that I've loved EPCOT longer and a bit more. :)

Animal Kingdom has the lagoon in the middle of the park also!!! So they should be about the same temperature. EPCOT is a good park to experience but in terms of theming and beauty, I prefer Animal Kingdom by far.

[OKWTink]

Awwwww, c'mon Breeze! :D MS is wicked fun! You could be the commander and that would keep you busy! :yes: It doesn't turn you upside down, or anything like that!

Really! You'd like it! :hehe:

[Johnie]

Animal Kingdom has the lagoon in the middle of the park also!!! So they should be about the same temperature. EPCOT is a good park to experience but in terms of theming and beauty, I prefer Animal Kingdom by far.


But they are not. I hear countless people talk about how much hotter it is at AK. I've even been told the same thing by the CM's who work there so it isn't my imagination. I was beginning to think it was :blush:

AK is truly a park I enjoy when it is cooler outside.

[OKWTink]

Yes, you are right Johnie. It is very close in there. It's a frequent comment. I really love AK in the fall and spring, though. It's gorgeous then! :yes:

I think the World Showcase is less congested with buildings, and greenery so it seems cooler. :shrug:

[coasterfan_1990]

Is it cooler near the lagoon in AK? Also, which is better? California Adventure in Anaheim, or Animal Kingdom in Orlando?

[Breeze]

Awwwww, c'mon Breeze! :D MS is wicked fun! You could be the commander and that would keep you busy! :yes: It doesn't turn you upside down, or anything like that!

Really! You'd like it! :hehe:

Okay, I'll give it a go, but only if you ride with me my friend :D