EPCOT; Mother and Son; Spaceship Earth
  • On Jan 30, 2010
    Kevin from GA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Will be staying at Animal Kingdom in May. Wife will be 7 mos pregnant; kids 4 & 2. We really like the idea of having the animals outside our room; but will we regret being so far from Magic Kingdom? Would we be better off driving to MK or taking the

    Hi Kevin,

    I know the feeling of regretting being so far away from MK most every day of my life - Ha! Don't have any regrets about staying at AKL. It is an amazing resort with so many unique things to see and do.  Its not every day that you can wake up to see zebras and giraffes eating breakfast outside your room.  They also have an outside viewing area of the savannah, Arusha Rock.  Your kids will love the gigantic pool and playground near by. Your wife will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and can relax before your new little one gets here.

    You are correct, it is a hike from Magic Kingdom - about 12 miles.  The only mode of WDW transportation from AKL to the theme parks is by bus.  The buses that service AKL do not service other resorts because it is so far out.  Bus service usually begins an hour prior to theme parks opening and about an hour after closing.

    The upside to taking the bus is that is does pull directly in front of MK and you don't have to travel by monorail or ferry boat to get there once you've reached the MK parking lot.  You also don't have to make the journey to the parking lot at the end of the evening.  I am one of those people that usually likes to have my car and drive my car around the WDW resort.  That way I'm not standing there waiting for a bus.  However, just getting to the parking lot at MK is a journey in and of itself especially at the end of a long day.  You'll have to fold your strollers on the bus but you'd have to do that to board the tram to get to the parking lot.  Then you'll have to unload to get in the car and unload again once you reach AKL. If you take the bus, you only have to load your kids once. 

    If you try it and don't like it, you can always drive the next day.  If you elect to drive, you can show your resort parking permit to the parking attendants and avoid paying the parking fee.

    Cherish all of your moments and don't look back - AKL is one of a kind.  Wishing you magical memories!
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Meet the Panelist: Allison, Georgia

I'm a Disney-fanatic! I made my first trip to Disney World the year it opened and have grown up crazy for all things Disney. As the Mom of a son with Cerebral Palsy, I love providing recommendations for families traveling with a special needs member. Learn More About Allison

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