AK park for Canadians

[mamabear0222]

So totally on the fence about this park....living so close to African lion safari I'm picturing it as such....just on a larger scale. We thought about skipping this one... Thoughts? I'm reading a lot of good things about the patk....

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[archdandy]

If you have time for it, I wouldn't skip it. Its such a unique park and there are tons of other things to besides looking at animals. There are some really awesome shows such at Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo Musical. It depends on how old your kids are but the rides there are pretty awesome too.

 

[lizabu]

I've been to African Lion Safari and its as much like Animal Kingdom as Storybook Gardens is like Magic Kingdom. Basically not alike at all. African lion safari is fun but its not Animal kingdom.

If you are undecided and have hoppers just do half a day there. My family can do everything we really want to do and be out of there by 2pm. Go take a nap and then hop over to Epcot in the evening.

 

[grantclaire]

African Lion Safari is nothing like AK except for the lions. AK is a great park just take your time touring, many people just rush to the rides. Go early or later in the day to avoid the crowds.

 

[MaMudduck]

Don't miss AK- it isn't anything like African Lion Safari, it is NOT anything like Toronto Zoo, it is not anything like Canada's Wonderland.
I think the only thing I've seen that would be somewhat like it, would be Busch Gardens Tampa (and I'm reaching way back 20 yrs ago)
Festival of the Lion King- AMAZING!- Finding Nemo Musical -Fantastic! The Safari- is not "let's just ride around in a jeep & look at animals", no it's only 1 ride of many.
This is true Disney, just themed with Africa, Asia & jungle paradise. It's also a small park so can be done easily in one day.

 

[alc571]

I'm actually going to go against the majority and say skip it unless you're desperate for something to do. It's by far our family's least fav park and we will be skipping it on our next vacation. Especially since they're shutting down the Festival of the Lion King which was the only thing we liked!

 

[dixonismydog]

Ummm agreed! AK is NOTHING like African Lion Safari!! AK is our favourite park......

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I'll second on this and say DAK is nothing like African Lion Safari or the Toronto Zoo.The safari ride is more along the lines of what it would be like if you took one in Africa.

 

[alohamom]

Nope, not even close to African Lion Safari. Expedition Everest alone makes it stand out, that is such a great roller coaster. There is Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl along with all the other attractions everyone else mentioned. There is so much more than just the animals!

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

Animal Kingdom is entirely different from African Lion Safari. It has many different rides and shows. Even the Kilimanjaro Safari ride is different from the car/bus trip through the game reserve.

 

[GGKoul]

The Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition ride at AK is similar to what you see on a African Lion Safari tour bus but that's about the only thing that's similar. AK has lots more activities, rides and good places to eat.

IMO, it all depends on how many days you're at WDW and who you're going with. I have young kids so AK was a nice relaxing day. And its especially nice when its hot outside as AK has got alot of shade and places to sit

If had older kids and were only going for a few days, then I wouldn't place AK high on my list to visit. But if your going for a 5+ days, I would say AK deserves a visit. Especially if you haven't been there before. But as everyone says, its worth a 1/2 visit especially if you have a hopper.

Hope that helps!

 

[bankr63]

AK is our absolute favorite park. Some of the best rides, shows, the best themeing and Disney social engineering at its best. The animals are pretty cool too, but they aren't the only thing to the park by any stretch.

 

[dmbcanada]

African Lion Safari will seem like amateur hour once you experience Animal Kingdom.

 

[KNovacovschi]

apples, oranges...enough said. lol

 

[Bertie9396]

Animal Kingdom is nothing like African Lion Safari. When we were there it was pouring rain all day and we still had such a great time. Best part was there was no lines for anything. We enjoyed it and would definitely go again.

 

[LittleFlounder]

I have been to African Lion Safari many times and I don't think Animal Kingdom is ANYTHING like it! There is no comparison! Animal Kingdom is a beautiful park with some of the best theming and decor of any WDW park. When I go to AK, I feel like I'm in a completely different place... it doesn't even feel like being in Disney! There aren't many rides, but to me, AK is not about the rides. I love walking the animal trails and the trail around the tree, listening to the music and of course, seeing the animals,l and just soaking in the atmosphere which is unlike any other Disney park!

 

[coastgirl]

If I had to skip a park I'd skip the Studios. Just--for me, meh. We really like AK, and we don't do big scary roller coasters...we loved the Lion King show, did someone say it was shut down? Great character interactions there (Rafiki and Pocahontas in particular I recall). Our favourite parade--not a big, fight-for-a-spot-on-the-sidewalk-three-hours-ahead kind of place, but fun, upbeat, almost personal. We loved the lush animal trails and habitats, and the CMs who work with the animals were SO happy to chat with us and our kids about the animals. I think too many people barrel through at top speed, looking for something "interesting". (I am suddenly reminded of Darla from "Nemo" shaking the bag..."Fishy! Fishy! Why aren't you MOVING?") And on a hot day, or even a cool one for intrepid Canadians, Kali River Rapids is a family favourite.

It's not for everyone, but you can probably tell from the things we've chosen to mention about it, whether it's for your family or not. (I went to African Lion Safari once back in the late 70's! So I doubt that's a good comparison point!)

 

[emerick]

AK is actually my least favourite park. I am going back to Disney this year and am skipping this one. They have a few good rides, like the Dinosaur one and the Lion King show was good but I didn't see a ton of animals. As well, the park feels small, we went during an off season last time and for some reason this park was packed, I think it's the way it's set out. There seemed to be a lot of congestion.

 

[Sue M]

We love AK! I think the theming and attention to detail here is amazing. We always see lots of animals, between going on the safari, and 2 trails. And we usually go on the safari twice, at different times of the day. Each ride is different. Then there's the monkey area in Asia near Kali River. Watching their antics can be quite amusing.
Also dispersed around the park are CMs with animals to show you and talk about. And the animal enclosures near the front of the park that we usually look at on our way out.
Also enjoy Flights of Wonder, Everest, Dinisaur, Primevel Whirl, Kali River (in summer lol) both shows, bugs life, and just wandering around. Goof food options here too, Flametree has great ribs and the most beautiful seating areas anywhere. We usually can spend all day or 2 half days here.

 

[magickingdommommy]

This is dd's second favorite park. She loves EE. We all love the safari tour and Kali River Rapids. The Dinosaur ride is fun too.

We enjoy the animals and the shows too, especially the LION KING show. The next time we go we are going to try the bird show.

If we are only at Disney for 1-2 days we might skip this park but if we are there any longer it is a must do.