Questions and answers concerning Jungle Book, Safaris and Everest Fastpass+ with later operating hours

Animal Kingdom is opening several new experiences this weekend and there’s some confusion about operating hours and Fastpass+ availability.  Here’s some details I’ve been able to discover.

What’s going on with Expedition Everest Fastpass+?

Expedition Everest doesn’t appear to offer Fastpass+ beyond the 7:30-8:30pm time slot.  Some have stated that the ride may close for 20 to 30 minutes during each showing of Jungle Book: Alive with Magic only to reopen later.  Jungle Book shows take place at 9:00pm and 10:30pm nightly.

Why can’t I find Fastpass+ for Kilimanjaro Safaris later into the evening?

Kilimanjaro Safaris does offer Fastpass+ as late as 9:30pm for the after dark experience.  It is not listed any differently, just Kilimanjaro Safaris, no mention of after dark or sunset.  It’s up to you to choose a time that is after sunset.  In order to make that easier to determine, I’ve added sunset times to my Crowd Calendars beginning Memorial Weekend.  If you cannot find a late Fastpass+, it’s because they are gone.  You’ll still be able to use the regular queue line and can keep trying to find Fastpass+.

Why can’t I find Fastpass+ for Jungle Book: Alive with Magic?

Answer is pretty simple:  All Fastpass+ for your date are already distributed.  You might consider one of the dining packages to be guaranteed a seat with no waiting.  Stand by guests are supposed to be allowed seating as well, but seating will be limited, so arrive really early.  For Disney World veterans, think of it as Fantasmic! a few years ago when people lined up 1 hour or more early for the first show.

What time does Jungle Book suggest arriving with a Fastpass+?

It’s always 35 minutes before a show begins until 15 minutes before the show, so 8:25-8:45 for 9:00pm show and 9:55-10:15pm for 10:30pm show.  I would suggest arriving earlier if you are really picky about your seat.  Amphitheater does allow for Handicap seating.  You’ll commit a minimum of an hour to view a single show.

How can I combine Fastpass+ for Kilimanjaro Safaris with Jungle Book: Alive with Magic?

I suggest booking a Fastpass+ for the Safaris ride at a time that begins at least 8:30pm to accomodate for local sunset.  You could book 7:30pm to as late as 8:30pm range.  But you will need the 9:55pm timeframe for the late Jungle Book show.  Kilimanjaro Safaris also takes about 30 minutes to experience plus another 5 to 7 minute walk to the amphitheater area near Everest and Finding Nemo.

If you choose to view the Jungle Book first, you’ll need a Safaris Fastpass that begins at 9:20pm.  It’s difficult to find that time as the final Fastpass+ each night for Safaris usually shows 9:30pm.  I’d guess that the later the night goes, the shorter the line will become.

Should I save Kilimanjaro Safaris after sunset experience or the Jungle Book show for a 4th or subsequent Fastpass+?

NO!  Fastpass+ for both Jungle Book shows and Safaris after 8:30pm will be gone long before your group attempts to get one at noon or later on the day of your visit.  If these are important, you should use Fastpass+ later in the day.  I would arrive early, so some touring, take a break and return to use Fastpass+.  I just completed a new touring plan for Character Locator subscribers that will detail this approach.

Operational hours for attractions:

• Flights of Wonder – final show 4:30pm
• Festival of the Lion King – final show 8:00pm
• Finding Nemo – final show 7:00pm