AK- must or bust?

[HookdonWDW]

I think that AK is one of those parks where you either "get it" or you don't. If you are a park commando, I can easily see you getting in and out of the park in less than half a day, and thinking, "That's it?"

IMO, AK is a park that has to be slowly experienced. We love walking around the park, and taking in all of the performers. Watching the street shows. The kids enjoyed playing instruments, and being invited to dance. DS got to be "King of the Village" one time, and was given a new African name . It was like having a soft immersion into the African or Asian culture. And these experience had absolutely nothing to do with all of the animals in the park.

Having a little one may help you to enjoy the park more, because most of us tend to slow down naturally when touring the parks with young children. She will probably really enjoy The Boneyard, Walking around the Tree of Life, The safari, the nature trails, The Flight show in Asia, and the train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Make sure that you take some time to try to find the talking trash can out there, and look for Miss DeVine in the regular part of the park. My ds didn't notice her until he almost (literally) ran into her one visit!

We like to walk the trails, and usually stand to the side for all of the groups who speedwalk through the paths, trying to get somewhere. It's amazing what you will see if you slow down. Yes, other zoos have paths and nature walks that are as good or better, but again, it is the whole experience.

One recommendation - in the summer, we DON'T spend a lot of time at AK. As other posters have said, between all of the vegetation and cement, the park gets really unbearable in the summer. When we go down next week, we'll probably go over one morning for a few hours, and stick to the rest of the parks on this trip. However, on our October trip, we're planning on devoting much more time to absorbing AK.

 

[Jen D]

We have felt in past visits that, at ~$50 per day per family member, we are better off watching giraffes graze, primates move from tree to tree, and tigers prowel around their rock outcropping homes in other natural habitat displays near our homes for a small fraction of the price.

Agreed-- if you are looking for a zoo experience, there are more satisfying places than AK. Don't compare it to the great zoos, because IMO, then you'll feel ripped off by the $50 price! In high season we pay about $14 to get into the Bronx Zoo, and you see tons as many animals, almost all in faux-natural habitats, and generally, it is a better animal gazing experience. However, AK has the attractions, including the Safari, which is a very neat way to see the animals-- but most of the attractions really have very little to do with live animals. You will enjoy shows like Festival of the Lion King, movie- Tough to Be a Bug-- and rides like Dinosaur, Kali River, etc. The real star at AK, I think, is the theming, especially in the Oasis, Discovery Island, and especially Africa, which is really remarkable.

Don't think of it as a "zoo", think of it as another Disney theme park with... zoo-like elements.

I think the OP's concerns must be a marketing problem for Disney because in the latest travel video they cheerfully and loudly remind you in the AK section: "It's not a zoo! No, it is NOT A ZOO!"

 

[Lovetherodent]

I'm with the "bust" crowd. I love zoos. I like the educational programing, the re-creation of habitats, etc. etc. I do not like Animal Kingdom. It seems to have almost none of the things I enjoy about zoos. So, this time I am skipping.

Disney used to have a wonderful bird sanctuary, (called Discovery Island incidentally). That place felt like a zoo and they had wonderful exotic birds and knowledgable CMs who could talk about their habitat, etc. I really wished they hadn't closed that place down.

 

[donna in Oz]

Although the AK is not our favorite park, we would never dream of visiting WDW without at least one day here.

And if you feel you've seen everything you wished to see, and still have time, make a short detour over to the AK Lodge. Perhaps you could have a snack while you're taking in the beauty of it. Definitely worth visiting.

 

[Trip2Dis]

Originally posted by athena's mommy
I am new so forgive me if this has already been asked. We are going in Dec. We have been to WDW many times, but we have always skipped the AK. Now my DH wants to go this year because of our daughter who will be 13 months at the time. I am still on the fence. We have been to some of the best zoos in the world and I think we will be disappointed with AK. He also wants to eat at Flame Tree BBQ. So what is everyone's opinion on the AK. Should we do? Is it a full day thing, half day etc? Is there anything (besides the animals) to entertain my daughter?
Thanks alot!

We just got back from a week at Disney. Our first day we went to AK for EE and i figured to spend maybe 3-4 hours. We left at 12:00 becuase we had PS's at Whispering Canyon Cafe, but we had Friday open for going wherever DD7 wanted to go. we had been to all the parks by now...we were back at AK for EE on Friday... I think a 13 month old would enjoy lots of the park, and in December, who knows?

 

[tink2]

I think you will find many different opinions on this one. Animal Kingdom is my family's least favorite park. As a matter of fact, my mom doesn't even want to go to it this year. But, the kids liked it and there are some really unique attractions there. It is a half-day park for us- but again, everyone has different opinioins. I say give it a try and see what you think. If you don't want to spend the whole day- hop to another park! Let us know what you think when you return!

 

[hdmichael]

Hi,
I agree with everyone who says AK is a matter of personal taste and expectations (and the temperature that day can play a decisive role).

We love it-- we just got back and unfortunately only spent the majority of one day there (we were on a Star Wars quest this trip)-- but in that time we were only able to cover about 1/2 of the park-- we did Asia, Africa, and Dinoland-- so for us it is always a 1 1/2 day- 2 day park because of our pace.

Our son is now 6-- and this was his third trip to AK. Each time he finds something new to do and spend an inordinate amount of time exploring. This time it was the bird aviaries in Asia and Africa along the jungle paths: he and the CMs spent 45 minutes in each place finding all of the birds (plus more) listed on the guide they hand out when you enter the bird areas. Also, he was really into the animal show at the Conservation Center (sort of a hyped up petting zoo area)-- stayed 10 minutes to ask the trainer several questions.

When he was smaller, we spent time on the character trails, the safari, the shows-- he loved Festival of Lion King, and lots of time in the Boneyard playground-- playing in the water.

We are going back in Oct and then in Dec-- it is on the top of my son's list for both trips.

Diane

 

[BrerMom]

I love The Festival of the Lion King. Most kids, even babies, seem to really enjoy it, too. I would be willing to take time to hop to AK even if this was the only thing I got to do.

I think your baby would like the parade. Our experience has been that it's easier to get a front or second row seat here than at any other parade.

If your baby is like ours was, your DD probably won't get anything out of the safari. I spent the whole time saying, "look! look!" but he couldn't focus that far away. Two and up seem to appreciate the safari, but I'd steer little ones to the Jungle Cruise in the MK. There's no doubt in my mind our little one thought the animals were real - and they were close enough that he could see them. He squealed at several different animals on the Jungle Cruise, but I couldn't get him to acknowledge any of the animals on the safari.

AK may have the best counter service food in all of WDW.

1/2 day or whole day? The first time we went, we spent a whole day and would have liked to have gone back and done some of the things again. Now that we've been a few times, a 1/2 day is sufficient for our family. I tend to have long conversations with strangers and there was a grandpa in the boneyard with us that said he lived in Florida and had annual passes. His granddaughter was four, I think, and they ONLY went to AK. She liked MK but loved AK. He said they stopped going to MK when she'd ask every 30 minutes they were there, "Can we go to Animal Kingdom now?"

 

[grinningghost]

We love AK! I do think it lacks the "magic" factor some, but overall, it's a very beautifully themed park. If you go, try to get yourself into a slower mindset than you might at the other parks. Take the time to really look at the details that were so creatively incorporated into every inch of this park. We can tell you all about the attractions, but it's the things you can find all on your own that make the park special.

It is an absolute must do for us - the photo ops are incredible too.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

For my family, this park is number 1! We spent a day and a half there when we went, and hit every attraction except KRR. My daughter really loves animals, and especially enjoyed all the Kid stations.

 

[>>^..^<<]

DAK is our favourite park - we always start in Dinoland because Dinosaur is our ride of choice (several times in a row)

Then we head to the Kali River Falls area then to the Safari.. by then we are sufficiently dried off for lunch and ready for more.

We love DAK - I hope you have a chance to check it out - don't miss the festival of the Lion King.

>>^..^<<

 

[kilee]

Animal Kingdom is definelty my whole families least favorite park. Doesn't mean we don't like it, just not at the top of the list. HOWEVER, I do believe everyone should expierence it at least once. We only go every couple trips rather than each trip. But even coming from someone who is not a huge fan it is a must do.

 

[jaysue]

AK is tied with Epcot for my favourite park. For sure a must!!!

thanks
jaysue

 

[Puffy2]

I thought it was a snooze the first time. But my friend LOVED it - it was her favorite. What did we do that we didn't do the first time? the bird show (a must) and that gorilla trail (really sort of neat and relaxing). THe shows were good too . It's a park you should relax and take the sites in to enjoy.

 

[disneyfan551]

Every year that we go, we say "we can skip this park next time". And, I adore Disney!! But, a day at the AK is "ok", and IMHO just not as fun as the other parks. Kind of a letdown after a great week.

We will be skipping it this year, since we only have 3 park days available (we'll be cruising, too! ). I really don't think we will miss it at all.

 

[ead79]

I really think it's a matter of personal preference and the types of attractions/shows/etc. you enjoy. I enjoy Animal Kingdom much more than Disney-MGM Studios personally. I'm not a thrill ride fan (motion sickness), so that lets out the headliners at MGM. I always thoroughly enjoy myself at AK. Kilimanjaro Safaris is terrific, as is the Festival of the Lion King. Not to be missed! I also enjoy the walking paths in both Africa and Asia. I usually allow a half day for Animal Kingdom. I plan to allow more time on my next trip, since I enjoy it so much.