An honest review of Animal Kingdom

[Magpie]

So if I say I love Animal Kingdom (and I do), does that make mine a dishonest review?

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I know other people who don't care for AK like the OP but I always figure that just leaves more room for me.

I like AK better than DHS. Sometimes I go into DHS just to do the Animation Academy and then leave that park. LOL

 

[DizzDoll]

I didn't read all the posts, either, but I did see Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ mentioned. I live relatively close to that park and I abhor it. The drive thru safari is pretty dismal at best - although one of the times we went thru a giraffe peeked in at me through the passenger window. Awesomely cool. In my opinion AK is stellar if you take your time to really see what you're looking at. The theming is beyond compare, while there is none at Great Adventure. We enjoy the safari, riding it at least twice per visit because we see different animals at different times of the day. We love the Maharaja Jungle Trek and the Pagani Trails, also Rafiki's Planet Watch. If you put on some "eye" time you'll see some cool things. We think it's a park to take your time visiting, and not blow through. We love AK and spend quite a bit of time there. But as other posters have said, different strokes for different folks, we can't all like the same thing.

 

[GadgetRick]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

 

[bobbiwoz]

3-5 years ago, my DGS loved the part of Dinoland where you dig for dinosaur parts. The DGD loved climbing the ropes. Some may not want to spend time when the kids do these things, but it was fine with me.

I love TFOTLK and Finding Nemo and the bird show. I rarely make it to Rafiki's area, but when I do, I alway think I have to do it more often. Is DeVine still around?

 

[si-am]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

My day at AK usually involves:

-- Expedition Everest
-- Dinosaur
-- Safari
-- Primeval Whirl
-- Animal trails (Africa and Asia)
-- Shopping (Especially in Africa, really good shop)
-- Oasis trails
-- Birds of Prey (maybe)
-- Lunch at Flame Tree
-- Sitting somewhere and enjoying a drink (either Yak and Yeti outside bar or Dawa bar)

All of this will keep me busy til early afternoon. If I want to stay longer, I repeat some of the above. I rarely see any of the shows.

 

[BlovesC]

I didn't read all the posts, either, but I did see Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ mentioned. I live relatively close to that park and I abhor it. The drive thru safari is pretty dismal at best - although one of the times we went thru a giraffe peeked in at me through the passenger window. Awesomely cool. In my opinion AK is stellar if you take your time to really see what you're looking at. The theming is beyond compare, while there is none at Great Adventure. We enjoy the safari, riding it at least twice per visit because we see different animals at different times of the day. We love the Maharaja Jungle Trek and the Pagani Trails, also Rafiki's Planet Watch. If you put on some "eye" time you'll see some cool things. We think it's a park to take your time visiting, and not blow through. We love AK and spend quite a bit of time there. But as other posters have said, different strokes for different folks, we can't all like the same thing.

I'd like to give you a high-5 on this comment. I grew up in NJ as a frequent visitor to GA, my parents even worked there for awhile. I think comparing anything Disney with Great Adventure is laughable, but comparing the GA safari to AK is downright hilarious!

AK is my favorite park, and my DH's favorite. But we are blessed to be able to spend time exploring it without any pressure. I understand that for families who are in Disney for a week with limited time and money, they often feel a need to GO-GO-GO from one E-attraction to the next. They want video screens in the queues and pixie dust covering the streets, they don't want someone telling them to spend an hour wandering a wilderness trail and to take their photo with a woman made of vines instead of Woody and Buzz. But there's an incredible ambiance at AK and such an amount of love in all the intense detailing, it's hard for us to not see the magic in that.

But, at the end of the day, there are four parks, and we don't have to love them all. As much as I love AK, I can't really take issue with those who don't, since DH and I can't stand DHS and there are plenty of posters who name that as their favorite park!

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

I can't really eliminate shows as a reason for enjoying it because that's one of the reasons I enjoy it.

We like Dinosaur, we like the Boneyard, we like looking for animals at The Tree of Life, we never get enough Flik at It's Tough to Be a Bug, and I could ride KS over and over and never get tired of it. We were there the week it opened and on our last day I asked my kids which of the four parks they wanted to spend the last afternoon in and they picked Animal Kingdom. When we went late afternoon, there was no one at Camp Minnie Mickey and we had Mickey, Goofy, and Tigger (I think...I would have to drag out the scrapbook to be sure) all to ourselves.

This will be the first time my husband has been to WDW and, after EPCOT (specifically World Showcase), he is most looking forward to Animal Kingdom. We also like talking with people from other countries and learning about other cultures and World Showcase along with the Animal Kingdom give us that opportunity.

 

[eliza61]

I didn't read all the posts, either, but I did see Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ mentioned. I live relatively close to that park and I abhor it. The drive thru safari is pretty dismal at best - , different strokes for different folks, we can't all like the same thing.

You said a mouthful there. I think the animals want to break out of there!!

Truthfully I find some thing to like in all disney's parks. I really do think the thing is to go appreciating the park for what it is.

 

[eliza61]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

LOL, that's like asking what is there to do in MK? outside of 4 rides, I really don't get MK either.

Let me ask, what where you expecting? did you expect more coasters/thrill rides?

I love Ak for the fact that it's the one place I don't have to run from ride to ride. I adore the tree of life and a bugs life, I adore the parade.

More what? I adore the entrance and see what animals are in the nooks and crannies. I love the themeing how it changes from India to Africa.

And last but not least, the food is much better at ak than MK, which has the absolute crappiest food around.

Kali river rapids is one of my favorite rides and we have way more fun on that then TSM. We adore the que to KRR and the preshow on Dinosaurs.

 

[amg35]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

I like it because it is nothing like the other Disney parks. It feels like I'm on a different vacation when I'm there!

If strolling around looking at it isn't for you, then I doubt what I say will convince you, but...it's absolutely beautiful. The care that went into the theme for each continent is amazing. So many details. Even the bathrooms are themed!
I actually think it's one of the Disney company's greatest accomplishments.

And I was surprised by EE!! I did not expect the part when it's dark and goes backwards! We were screaming and laughing and rode it 3 times last visit!

I don't feel the little kid, giddy feeling like I get at Magic Kingdom, more of a peaceful, relaxed, content feeling. The sounds, the foliage, yes...even the smells! I save it for my second or third day of my trip, builds up my excitement!

I just love it there.

 

[divawife]

The Lion King is an amazing show! I love that at AK. The safari itself is wonderful.

 

[WaltsMartini]

Just curious--for all of you AK lovers out there--other than the shows (which just aren't my cup of tea), what else is there to do at AK? Ok, a few rides, we've discussed them. But, other than these things, what else is there...I'm honestly asking.

I've been there MANY times and, sure, you can stroll around and look at the pretty leaves and stuff. And, yes, there are a few spots where there are animals for viewing. But, not much more. Dinoland is good for about 10-15 minutes unless you either want to spend a fortune on the games.

We've done the train ride over to the petting zoo (been a while since we've done it so pardon me if I have the details wrong) and Camp Minnie Mickey and that was not even all that interesting for my young kids at the time.

I'm not trying to convince anyone that AK is bad OR good, just really wondering what there is to do. I mean, it certainly seems like there are quite a large percentage of people who feel the same way so we can't ALL be wrong any more than all of you who like AK can all be wrong.

It's just a park I really don't get. I was disappointed when it opened because I expected so much more. Not talking about rides or anything, just looking for MORE.

I'll echo what others have said here - we always have plenty to do, especially because AK is only open until 5 p.m. In fact, I don't think there's a way to experience every attraction AND show at AK in one day - we always spend a whole day! We always hit up:

• Festival of the Lion King
• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Pangani Trails/Jungle Trek (usually spend almost an hour doing all the animal stuff)
• Expedition Everest
• Dinosaur
• Primeval Whirl
• Bug's Life
• Finding Nemo

We also really like Flame Tree BBQ, it's a great value (as far as Disney food is concerned), and I also really like the shops - lots of unique stuff.

We usually hit AK our first day - it's starting to give me the same feeling that I used to get when I saw the castle at MK!

And -for what it's worth - I don't like DHS that much - I think we all have a "least favorite" park that others just don't agree with.

 

[bytheblood]

We found Animal Kingdom crowded, spread out, and not laid out very well. (lots of walking to get from one side to the other), and quite frankly, boring.

This is how our family feels about Disney Studios.

 

[jcvalenti]

I could honestly care less about any of the rides at AK. Kali is fun but too short, the rest are usually not worth the wit. It is ungodly crowded and hot most summer days.

What I DO like about AK is the atmosphere. There are grwat little stands and shops, the Dawa bar is one of my favorite and the Royal Anandapur (sp?) Tea Company's iced ginger green tea is one of my favorite treats in Disney.

I love it as a half day jaunt. Looking forward to Avatar land to up the ante attraction-wise.

 

[reginaastralis]

It's nahtazu ... it's not supposed to be set up like a zoo. You should go there, and not only experience the love of conservation that Disney had, but appreciate the art in animals.

We live down close to Tampa, so we visit Lowry Park Zoo *supposedly a pretty good zoo* and Busch Gardens a lot. But, to be honest, I'm not a huge Lowry Park fan, and I certainly don't walk away from Busch Gardens with a new appreciation for animals. I feel like BG is working on it, but conservation isn't what I expected. AK isn't just "seeing animals" it's about being in Africa and Asia, and really feeling like it. Yes, I would have loved them to develop the dragon side of it, but I think with what they've done, they've done a pretty good job.

If you go in thinking about all the animals you'll see, you're missing a lot.

 

[Bellamouse]

I really do think it boils down to people who truly enjoy all the detail and nuance of nature (kind of like art lovers) vs. people who want to be thrilled and entertained and "stimulated".

Someone else already said, you feel peaceful, relaxed and content there. Not thrilled and stimulated. That bird show always has me totally enraptured! I oooooh and aaaaah over the most beautiful birds swooping over my head, and when they bring out the huge Eagle - it's my favorite part! I can't get enough of that show. Those are real birds! Not animatronics. The different sizes and species and colors and characteristics all blows my mind. Without getting on to a new subject, my mind always goes to the magnificence of the creation and the amazing magnitude and creativity of the Creator .

I personally work a stressful job and live in a stressful world, I don't want any more stimulation. I prefer the calming, relaxing, unwinding feeling of strolling through lush landscaping and birds and animals.

We used to go to Disney with some younger friends who love DHS, Universal, (all roller coasters basically) Vegas and rock concerts (not that there's anything wrong with any of those things). They pretty much HATED AK. While I would HATE DHS, Universal (except for Harry Potter ), Vegas and rock concerts.

They needed "stimulation" and there was nothing thrilling enough for them at AK. They, like the OP think the safari was bo-ring. While I could ride it over and over and over all day.

This year in fact, we are doing the Wild Africa Trek for the first time - CAN'T WAIT!!! Three hours out on the Savannah!!!!!!! I'm beyond excited!

Glad there is something for everyone at Disney!

 

[Bunch24]

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I don't really care for Studios, but I know people who love it. Animal Kingdom isn't my favorite park, but it's always the first park we visit.

I love the theming, I love the slow pace and I love the immersion. It has the best show on property (FOTLK) and a nice water ride (albeit too short). It's Tough to be a Bug is a fun show, as is Flights of Wonder. I can't speak for EE because I haven't been able to ride it yet, but I will this next trip.

I think the problem with AK is people go into that park with preconceived notions of how their experience should be, based on their experience at their local zoo. But like they say, it's Nahtazu!

I think it's a great park, and a great park to start your trip before you get fully immersed into Disney.

 

[Art 1]

The family and I spent a day at Animal Kingdom in April. Just had to give some advice to other families deciding on which parks to visit.

We found Animal Kingdom crowded, spread out, and not laid out very well. (lots of walking to get from one side to the other), and quite frankly, boring. The safari is a cool concept, but let's be honest....I can do the drive thru safari near my home, see the same animals, not wait 45 mins, and have basically the same experience. Secondly, Expedition Everest. Plain and simple, it's a below average coaster with a huge Yeti that you don't even get a good look at if at all. Say what you want about theming...it IS very cool, but excitement? um....no. Dinoland? Feels like it was kind of just stuck in the park for ride count. Felt more like a county fair than Disney.

I'd recommend spending your $90 on Seaworld, seeing a few animals you can't see near home, and riding a couple of world class coasters.

My two cents.

I agree for the most part. I would rather go to AK than SW however.

 

[DizDaD7]

The family and I spent a day at Animal Kingdom in April. Just had to give some advice to other families deciding on which parks to visit.

We found Animal Kingdom crowded, spread out, and not laid out very well. (lots of walking to get from one side to the other), and quite frankly, boring. The safari is a cool concept, but let's be honest....I can do the drive thru safari near my home, see the same animals, not wait 45 mins, and have basically the same experience. Secondly, Expedition Everest. Plain and simple, it's a below average coaster with a huge Yeti that you don't even get a good look at if at all. Say what you want about theming...it IS very cool, but excitement? um....no. Dinoland? Feels like it was kind of just stuck in the park for ride count. Felt more like a county fair than Disney.

I'd recommend spending your $90 on Seaworld, seeing a few animals you can't see near home, and riding a couple of world class coasters.

My two cents.

$90 bucks. Huh...im sure its a lot less than that when adding on an extra 5th 6th or 7th day. Also. Did you not even visit any of the shows at Ak. Some of the best around .DISNEY isnt just about being on thrill rides. Honestly if you don't get that feeling of just being in Disney....then you'll never understand what I'm talking about. While yes AK is different than the others but that's what makes each park unique. *****BTW about that feeling some people on here will know what im talking about. Its stepping off the airplane and being in MCO. Its just getting into the parks and seeing kids faces. Its the certain smells u breathe in when going to the parks. If you get that then Ak wouldnt be such a bummer for ya.