Well hello, Julia, or maybe more appropriately for your plans to start at
Disney's Animal Kingdom, "Jambo!" Thanks for stopping by our watering hole here at planDisney! I'm so glad you're thinking ahead for how to make magical memories on your vacation - that's a planDrew-approved approach for sure!
I love starting days off at Disney's Animal Kingdom, too! There's something about waking up and watching (and hearing) the park's wildlife come alive that feels extra special. Plus, starting your day with the sunrise allows you to get the first rides on
Avatar Flight of Passage and
Na'vi River Journey! Just be sure you have your
park pass reservation set for the day you plan to visit!
Tickets with the
Park Hopper® Option are a great way to make the absolute most out of every minute at Walt Disney World Resort. From starting days in one park for a can't-miss
Character Dining Breakfast like Tusker House or rope-dropping the latest attractions, to closing out a day at the parks with an incredible fireworks display like
Harmonious at
EPCOT, the flexibility and value you get from the ability to park hop can take your Walt Disney World Resort vacation to another level!
I'm so glad you're aware of the "2 p.m. rule" for park hopping! While it's a newer development, I've found it to be quite intuitive and timed right for how I like to experience the parks! You're also correct that there is a possibility that if a park reaches capacity after 2 p.m., you would not be able to enter until the park opens to additional Guests. Now in practice, I've only seen this park hopping capacity be reached firsthand a few times, and it was always on very busy holiday weekends!
If for some reason your ability to hop is delayed, I always suggest finding the nearest form of
water transportation, and taking a leisurely cruise to pass the time! Whether it's a water taxi from Magic Kingdom Park to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, or a watercraft Oh, did I not mention I'm a
Disney Cruise Line specialist? Haha, forgive me, I must be land-sick! On my last trip, I caught the water taxi from the
Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort to Magic Kingdom Park and it was absolutely delightful - it was no substitute for a
ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, but with a nice breeze and the sound of water, you can forget all about the delay in park hopping!
Well, I hope that helps you and your party plan for any possibility, Julia! Thank you again for your question! If you come across any additional questions as you continue planning your vacation, you know where to find us here at planDisney! Until then, hop to it!
TTFN, Ta Ta For Now!
Andrew