AK worth a visit?

[nalababybear]

We love AK and do it every time on a longer (4+ days) trip. If we are just doing 1-2 park days, it usually gets skipped. The tough part about deciding if you want to do AK is that there are some absolute top notch attractions, but then not much else if you arent interested in walking the trails. FOP, Everest, Safari and the Lion King Show are probably all in my top 8 attractions in DW, but after that there is nothing for me. I also think FlameTree is the best quick service food in all of DW.

Satu'li would like to have a word.

Nemo show is worthwhile too.

The street entertainment is what really makes it nice imho. Whether the drums or Kevin or the character boat rafts going around.

The narrower streets also make very nice people watching spots throughout the park

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Satu'li would like to have a word.

Nemo show is worthwhile too.

The street entertainment is what really makes it nice imho. Whether the drums or Kevin or the character boat rafts going around.

The narrower streets also make very nice people watching spots throughout the park

Yea, we're in the Satu'li camp, too - one of the few park options we do just about every trip! Also really agree with the street entertainment, especially in Harambe. Such a good time. AK is clearly a different kind of park - it's become our favorite over the years with our slower, more relaxed pace! Throw in the news of a new tiger cub there?? When the little one is out for viewing, the Tiger trail is going to be very popular!!

 

[Sheryl2059]

Epcot had a DJ playing dance music when I was there. That was cool and unexpected. There was a group of people there one evening having a grand ol time. Maybe alcohol played a part though.

So there is something to be said about having as much non-Disney character entertainment as is practical in all the parks and AK does it well. Very different environment in MK of course. Plenty of room for a Star Wars themed band to play some jazz in Galaxy's Edge.

 

[Stormypetrel]

We took an impromptu weekend trip last month to WDW for a party and the only other thing my kids wanted to do was FOP (broke down on our last trip), so I got tickets to AK for our arrival day. We got in late morning and had LLMP and the LLSP for FOP scheduled throughout the day, and it was very hot, so we decided to make a slow and leisurely day out of it.
Stopped to look at all the animals — really look at them. Saw the tamarins had babies and they were so tiny and perhaps the cutest things any of us have ever seen in our lives. There was also a giant cat fish of some sort that was so big it shocked and delighted my kids. My kids did that wilderness explorers thing and took their times with each station, really asking questions — the cast members were so engaged. We walked the trails and meandering pathways to nowhere, exploring all the caves and waterfalls. Came across a photopass photographer on the island with no one around and took a bunch of family photos (I am set for my Christmas card this year). Ordered fancy shave ice in Asia and sat and people watched by the water. Window shopped in the gift shops. Played in the boneyard and my kids got roped into some elaborate game of tag with all the kids in the playground. Got on the list at nomad lounge around 3:30 and were called around 5 — ordered just about everything on the menu and had a relaxing dinner of small plates and drinks. When we finished dinner it was about an hour until park close that night, and just about everything had a 5 minute wait. Thought about riding safari again, but my kids were eager to get to the hotel pool.
10/10 day, would highly recommend. Now one of my favorite memories with my family.

 

[kevtlas]

We love Animal Kingdom! We always spend a whole day there and usually go back at least part of another day. We do get pretty much the whole park in that first day but usually go back to hit anything we missed, redo our favorites and eat at Yak & Yeti (one of my favorite places on property to eat!).

 

[pixiedust2u]

If you are slower pace/ ride people I would def choose AK over HS. You can def fill a day with Na’vi, Safari, Lion King Show, Bird Show, Rafiki’s train/animals, Gorilla Falls Trail. Stop
into Nomad lounge for some churros and snacks, enjoy performers, meet a character roaming about! You can def have yourself a day! Really you can rope drop, but don’t have to, and can just have a nice slower paced day.

HS is fun, but such a different vibe.

 

[rdevans_2000]

We LOVE AK, but it is in dire need of more attractions. With EPIC Universe coming online at the same time as the Dino Land conversion to the tropic Americas, AK is likely to be DEAD for a while. I think Disney is going to see a big drop in AK attendance starting in 2025 until the tropic Americas section fully opens. And even then I believe the park will need another E ticket attraction. There needs to be a serious ten-year plan expand that park and its offerings. Certainly cheaper than building a fifth gate.