An honest review of Animal Kingdom

[AuroraMeansDawn]

Personally I love Festival of the Lion King and Nemo more than anything at DAK. I think they're beautiful and well done. I think it has a nice mix of attractions, shows, meandering areas and trails and I really enjoyed Conservation Station too.

The bigger kids with me liked EE and Dinosaur. We're not crazy about the boardwalky area and I'm going to utter a bit of DIS heresy. I do not like Flame Tree BBQ at all. Not even a little.

There ya go. Opinions. We all have em.

 

[Phatoomch]

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.
My two cents.

Legit question - where do you live? If you live in Africa then fair comment, you could have stayed at home.

I, on the other hand don't so the Animal Kingdom, for me, is a way to get in touch with the totally awesome natural world around us that I don't get to visit. I don't go there for the thrills or the excitement. I go there to remind myself that sometimes, we take life for granted and that truly, the real world is a beautiful place.

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

I will admit that i was not an AK fan after my first visit, But the more we go, the more we enjoy it. Now it is a must do every visit, not all day long, but we definately hit the highlights. Dont be afraid to give it another try.

We love the Lion King and Nemo shows, as well as Tusker House. We usually do this park on the day that we plan on MNSSHP or Hoop Dee Doo at nite.

 

[hakepb]

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.

I agree on Kali being too short, it only feels like half a ride, but that might be that the "tamed down" some rapids after another companies ride tipped over and killed a few guests.

I've been wondering how Avatar could really be thrilling. I think it would have to be more than just an advanced 3-D soarin'. What if that were combined with a TT. Start the ride in a great simulation, then the screen drops and you zoom outside in a "real" Pandora (that's even better at night)

 

[SIMJUN]

We love Animal Kingdom and always visit several times during each trip to WDW.

We usually begin with the safari in the morning when the animals are more active (or so it seems). We then head to Tusker House for what in our opinion is the best character breakfast.

After that we stroll through the rest of the park, spending time photographing the gorillas and the tigers.

We usually do a few of the rides and a show, then head back to bar nearTusker House for a drink and a snack.

I think Animal Kingdm is a beautiful park, I also think a lot of people rush through it and don't take time to really enjoy all it has to offer.

As for Sea World, I love Sea World, San Diego, I am less fond of The Florida Sea World.

 

[chloe4ever]

Nothing beats the Bronx Zoo

 

[disneyfanlincoln]

I love AK, I don't see it as a zoo, I see it as an experience. For me it's one of the more relaxing parks that you stroll around. Lion king and Nemo are truely wonderful shows. Th safari is a pretty good representation of a real Kenya safari, Which is impressive for a theme park, shame the story has been watered down through the years but still enjoyable, my DD loved the conservation station and the trails. I love EE and that whole area, the theming is so accurate. Dinosaur is brill, Bit I agree the fair is a bit lame. But all in all I love AK.

 

[danceintherain]

You're right. When people go to Florida with a finite number of park days I tend to give them allowances to skip the Animal Kingdom. However, I had a friend that just got back from there and they only had two park days, no hoppers. I recommended AK because of the age of her kids. They wouldn't have been able to fully enjoy DHS (because they're too short) and I can picture her 6 year old getting bored at Epcot. It was a tough call, because I can't imagine going down to Disney and only going to the Magic Kingdom and one other park (especially right now while Fantasyland is under construction) but they decided that they wanted time at the beach.

It depends completely on your interests. Personally, I love Animal Kingdom partially because you don't have to spend a full day there. It's nice to be able to have an open evening occasionally during our trips.

My husband's least favorite park is Epcot. He just doesn't get it. He humors me and wanders through the countries, but once he gets his Fish & Chips from the UK, he's pretty much done. Epcot is definitely not a substitution for traveling around the World, while AK actually has a lot of things that make it better than most zoos.

Some people don't get WDW at all. The thrill factor is lower than most other theme parks, because they've made it a place that the whole family can enjoy together. We skipped a subsidized trip down to one of the local theme parks yesterday, because it didn't seem practical for us since DS wouldn't have been able to ride most things. At least at Disney, the rest of the atmosphere makes it enjoyable enough to make up for the moments when we can't ride together.

 

[smallworldnh]

There is a drive thru safari at Great Adventure in New Jersey, but I don't like it too many stories of peoples cars being dented and weather stripping being ripped up by the monkeys.

I've been there, it's not a big deal. We actually opted to take the bus through because of the stories of car damage. It was a big greyhound type bus, they should have used smaller safari vehicles since you couldn't see a thing depending on what side you were on.

I LOVE Animal Kingdom. Like someone said, if you take your time and relax and enjoy the many animal exhibits and shows, it's a great park!

 

[Nancyg56]

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.

I think that if you are looking for a park filled with rides DAK is not going to be for you. My family does not like ti skip DAK, especially in the cooler months. We love the walking trails. One of my fondest memories is strolling through them with my 6 YO DGD while her parents were at EE and that area. It was cool and quiet, no one was rushing around. My DGD just gave into the atmosphere and we had such a nice time chatting about the animals, the vegetation and how much fun she was having.

We have only been to FOLK show but plan on Nemo this year. We always like to get to the Safari and then wander around the paths, hitting the attractions we like on the way. We never miss Flights of Wonder. We love the atmosphere and look at this lovely park as a day off from the hectic nature of the other parks. DGD always looks for characters, the rest of us stop to enjoy the entertainment. WE have lunch at Flame tree, get tea just before the parade and head out after that. I must say that the Jingle Parade is one of our favorite parades. We are back at the resort before 5PM.

I love AK, I don't see it as a zoo, I see it as an experience. For me it's one of the more relaxing parks that you stroll around. Lion king and Nemo are truely wonderful shows. Th safari is a pretty good representation of a real Kenya safari, Which is impressive for a theme park, shame the story has been watered down through the years but still enjoyable, my DD loved the conservation station and the trails. I love EE and that whole area, the theming is so accurate. Dinosaur is brill, Bit I agree the fair is a bit lame. But all in all I love AK.

My family feels like this as well. We are not commando vacationers at all but view DAK as a day away from the parks and more of a relaxing interlude. TO be honest, we do not look for the coaster attractions. My DSIL headed there much earlier than the rest of us one time and was flabbergasted to be standing in line behind one of the original DAK Imagineers. You know the guy with that crazy earring? He said he just about had a stroke, he was that starstruck. The guy was just waiting in line like everyone else. All Jeff could think of to say was "Thank You!". He came back to the resort with a gift of EE fast passes for all of us!

In the end everyone has their own expectations of what a Disney Park should be. Thank goodness there are different experiences for all of us to enjoy!

 

[GadgetRick]

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

Nothing in particular. I don't go to Disney for thrill rides. Other than ToT and RnR, they've never been terribly good at thrill rides. Great at fun rides and themed well but not good at thrill.

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.

I can understand that. I don't need the, "relaxing stroll," as I do that (almost) every day at home on the beach.

The Tree of Life is cool but I've seen it enough times and I don't need to see it yet AGAIN.

I've never cared for parades. Honestly, never understood them. Not just Disney parades, ANY parades.

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.

The entrance? Not sure I understand what you're saying here. And I just don't see all of these animals in the nooks and crannies people have talked about. And I am quite good at spotting things when I take my time to look (as I've done on many occasions). Sure, there are some but it's not like they're EVERYWHERE. If I want to see animals, I find a zoo a much better way to see them than AK.

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

The food in WDW in general all sucks in my opinion.

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.

Again, I know about the rides, I'm talking about other things.

I'm just not seeing it. I guess, if I liked the shows and parades I might enjoy it more. I understand why people like these things, they're just not for me.

 

[GadgetRick]

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.

Fair enough but you could say the same about theming in the other parks. Disney has ALWAYS been great at theming. I don't see the theming being any better (or worse) than any other Disney park. They have always taken great care to get ALL of the details down. So I don't see AK standing out in this regard as a few others have mentioned.

 

[GadgetRick]

Nothing beats the Bronx Zoo

I'm with you there. Excellent zoo.

 

[GadgetRick]

I think that if you are looking for a park filled with rides DAK is not going to be for you.

Not sure why people keep assuming I'm looking for rides. I've said--even in the original post--that's not what I'm looking for.

I don't need a relaxing stroll through AK and certainly not at what it costs to do so. I live 10 minutes from the beach and do relaxing strolls on the beach all of the time (almost every day). We spend (usually) at least one day on the weekend at the beach. I don't need relaxation like many other people do. That's why we moved to where we live.

 

[GadgetRick]

It's always funny when you ask a question like I did. People try and convince you why something really is good (or bad). I totally understand why many people like AK. But I also totally understand why so many don't like AK. Not sure why people can't understand why someone isn't looking to spend a small fortune for a relaxing stroll through a park. Again, I understand why so many do. I moved down here from 10 miles outside of NYC. There was no relaxing there. So a relaxing vacation was more desirable. Now, I get plenty of relaxation at home so I look for other things--not just thrill rides. If I wanted that, I'd go to Universal/Islands of Adventure. Their thrill rides are much better but short on theming.

In short, it looks like I've not missed anything at AK, it's just not what I'm looking for. I don't believe everyone needs to dislike AK like I do or want the same things out of a vacation I do. I was just honestly looking to see if I'd missed something. Seems like I haven't. Unfortunately, AK is still at the bottom of the list for us. I really want to like it, hopefully the Avatar stuff they're planning will help.

 

[Squidgyness]

I really like AK. I loved the animal trails, the safari and the Kali rapids. I haven't really been to a zoo outside AK or SW though, so that might have something to do with it.

If you go to a zoo all the time, make it a half day park and just do a few attractions. Otherwise, I like to roam around. I can spend half an hour at the bats on the MJT, or take in the bird show (which I really liked) no problem.

Having said that, I do think that SW does beat AK, for unusual/cool animals, some darned good rides, not to mention SW is smaller and better laid out for the most part. But, I wouldn't skip AK.

 

[Nancyg56]

Not sure why people keep assuming I'm looking for rides. I've said--even in the original post--that's not what I'm looking for.

I don't need a relaxing stroll through AK and certainly not at what it costs to do so. I live 10 minutes from the beach and do relaxing strolls on the beach all of the time (almost every day). We spend (usually) at least one day on the weekend at the beach. I don't need relaxation like many other people do. That's why we moved to where we live.

I guess I am not at all sure what you are looking for. Animal Kingdom is not MK. It is not Epcot and it is not DHS. It is a theme park that celebrates the wild animal kingdom, especially those animals in Africa and parts of Asia. There are plenty of Disney references throughout the park but the emphasis is on the animal kingdom and how these animals live and thrive in their own habitats.

For a lot of families WDW is very stressful and overstimulating. It is not unusual to see children who are either overtired or overwhelmed and parents who are exhausted. Families who tend to commando through the other parks will use DAK as a relaxing interlude in an otherwise hectic vacation. The park is set up to accommodate large numbers of visitors and yet feel as though you are secluded from the rest of the World.

I do not find the tickets expensive. They are added as part of my package and honestly, after four days I figure each additional day really cheap. You do not need to like DAK and you do not need to justify that. I find it odd that you ask why we like it yet your responses are a bit condescending IMO. I live 20 minutes from Six Flags and find that park the biggest waste of space and time and money imaginable. I am always amazed that people will flock there and will wait in the blazing sun well over an hour to ride a coaster or will pay $30 for a locker and then fight for space in the water park and will gladly pay a fortune for horrible food. And do not get me started on that silly excuse for a parade! I would rather chew glass and die then ever step foot in that nasty place ever again.

I figure that if you need to be convinced to like DAK you probably should visit SW.

 

[Koz]

I do not find the tickets expensive. They are added as part of my package and honestly, after four days I figure each additional day really cheap. You do not need to like DAK and you do not need to justify that. I find it odd that you ask why we like it yet your responses are a bit condescending IMO. I live 20 minutes from Six Flags and find that park the biggest waste of space and time and money imaginable. I am always amazed that people will flock there and will wait in the blazing sun well over an hour to ride a coaster or will pay $30 for a locker and then fight for space in the water park and will gladly pay a fortune for horrible food. And do not get me started on that silly excuse for a parade! I would rather chew glass and die then ever step foot in that nasty place ever again.

I figure that if you need to be convinced to like DAK you probably should visit SW.

Six Flags- Where we bring the ghetto to you!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

My wife and I love the AK. We love Everest and the Safari. One of the things we really love is walking all the trails and seeing the different Animals. Here is a blog by Jack Spence that will give you an idea why we love the AK.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2012/05/discovery_island_trails_at_dis.html

 

[goofy4tink]

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.

Well....I'm kind of like the below poster....

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.

And I'll add in the Finding Nemo show, and maybe FoTLK if I'm in the mood. I just enjoy the atmosphere in AK...it's not as frenetic as it is in the other parks. I love ambling through the various trails..in no hurry.
I enjoy a late breakfast at Tusker House...maybe around 10am, on an EMH morning. I usually leave AK around 3-4pm...go back to my resort, relax for a bit and then head off to dinner somewhere.

AK may not be the most exciting park, but it has lots to offer. I can't always find the various animals hiding out in the areas close to the entrance, but I usually find some. And those I didn't find upon arrival, I usually see when leaving.

I tend to think of AK as my day of relaxation...after the mad dash to EE for FPs, it all slows down.