An honest review of Animal Kingdom

[Nancyg56]

Six Flags- Where we bring the ghetto to you!

Well I don't know about that but I do know I hate it there. I will never forget the day DH and I brought my DGD and her little friend there. We were so used to Riverside Park that it was hard seeing the change. The girls wanted the water park so off we went. DH could not bring himself to go further into the wave pool than his ankles. He is a really big tall guy so he looked so awkward standing with the towels draped over his arms like the Libra Scales He told me later he kept seeing all those folks in that pool, none leaving and could not get past the thought they were all peeing in there. He absolutely refuses to bring my DGD there ever again.

 

[mjkacmom]

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.

The baboons were put in a caged area many, many years ago. The atmosphere isn't as good as WDW, but there is much more animal interaction, and it's cook to drive your own vehicle. We love it!

 

[Koz]

Well I don't know about that but I do know I hate it there. I will never forget the day DH and I brought my DGD and her little friend there. We were so used to Riverside Park that it was hard seeing the change. The girls wanted the water park so off we went. DH could not bring himself to go further into the wave pool than his ankles. He is a really big tall guy so he looked so awkward standing with the towels draped over his arms like the Libra Scales He told me later he kept seeing all those folks in that pool, none leaving and could not get past the thought they were all peeing in there. He absolutely refuses to bring my DGD there ever again.

The crowd at Six Flags is what kills it for me. It's the anti-Disney. It's loud, obnoxious people en masse, cursing, spitting, jumping-lines. Pretty much a place where no one human being respects any other human being.

 

[Pixiedust34]

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

That's a good blog! I read it a few days ago and enjoyed it.

I understand the safety reason behind the new netting around the Tree of Life, but it does take away photo opportunities I enjoyed.

AK will remain one of my favorite parks for the reasons I stated earlier on this thread. I will say that I am NOT a fan of the new Avatar Land that is coming to AK, though I wonder if that will make the naysayers here change their opinions of the park? I wish they would expand with different regions (Australia, the Arctic, etc.) or would do the original Beastly Kingdom concept.

As I said, different strokes for different folks. I'll be strolling around AK with my camera for more than a half day, and I hope that others will head to any other park so there will be less crowds where I am.

 

[amg35]

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.

Who doesn't understand that you don't like AK?
You asked us why we liked AK, and then you're surprised that people answered you with things they like about it?

 

[WrittenLove]

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

 

[MrsDuck]

To each his own, right?

We like AK but consider it a 1/2-day park. Do what's best for you and your family.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

To each his own, right?

We like AK but consider it a 1/2-day park. Do what's best for you and your family.

Now that's what I don't understand. How can you see and do everything in 1/2 day? Our AK day is so full and busy we leave there at closing totally exhausted, but happy. After Epcot, it's my favorite.

 

[hakepb]

Now that's what I don't understand. How can you see and do everything in 1/2 day? Our AK day is so full and busy we leave there at closing totally exhausted, but happy. After Epcot, it's my favorite.

It dependa on your stage of life / interests. Way back, MGM was at most a half-day park for us. Then we had DS and Playhouse/Jr became something worthwhile, and they added LMH and TSM.. And now were getting more into ToT and RnRC so DHS is now a full day park,

 

[Steve's Girl]

Now that's what I don't understand. How can you see and do everything in 1/2 day? Our AK day is so full and busy we leave there at closing totally exhausted, but happy. After Epcot, it's my favorite.

Our opinion as well. In fact, in recent trips, we have returned to AK for a second half day just to get in everything we missed on the first day. AK is not for thrill seekers, but is better suited for those that want to take their time and explore. We love the trails, Rafiki's Planet, Nemo, Lion King and of course the rides. So much to see and do!

 

[t_catt11]

My honest review: we love Animal Kingdom. It's our second favorite park behind Magic Kingdom. We spend two full days here every trip, and still manage to not do everything.

Of course we take our time. We walk the trails. We do multiple safaris. We gawk at the Tree of Life.

I find Animal Kingdom to have perhaps the most immersive theming in all of WDW.

So yeah, to each their own. OP, your review is based upon OPINION, just like mine is. "Honest review" implies that those who enjoy AK are somehow being less than honest, which is just ridiculous.

 

[luvmy2babies]

My honest review: Like most things, it depends on the makeup of your family. For my crew, it is right up our alley and we can’t even ride anything with a height requirement. We loved it. We were there from near open to almost close in November 2010 and still didn’t do it all. 1 hour was spent doing the character breakfast at Tusker House. We spent a lot of time talking to the workers about the animals and exploring the areas, identifying plants and birds, doing the activities in the safari passport journal. Due to a learning challenge, my dd gets as much if not more out of days like this as at school. She's a hands on learner, so we are at museums, zoos and science centers a lot. We adore AK. She’s like a scientist on a mission with me as the note taker.

Had one of my favorite moments of our entire trip there last time. We were watching Festival of the Lion King. It was our last park day and we were headed back to the resort after that show. At the end of the show, several performers give some children in their area shakers to participate in the show. There was one guy near us and dd got his last shaker. I had just enough space left on the camcorder SD card to record it. Good times.

I have scheduled 2 half-days there on our upcoming trip.

 

[Magpie]

"Honest review" implies that those who enjoy AK are somehow being less than honest, which is just ridiculous.

Some folks use "honest" to mean "unpalateable" or "negative". As in, "Let me tell you honestly what I think." You know whatever they're about to say won't be good, unless they're just teasing you, in which case they'll surprise you with, "I loved it!" But the joke there is that you were expecting something bad, because they said they were going to be "honest".

Also, people who say mean things to other people nearly always defend themselves by saying, "I'm just being honest!" which is probably where "honest" first got its reputation for being so negative. No one ever needs to defend a kind statement by pointing out that it's honest.

 

[alex9179]

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!

The bird show is one of the things I'm most looking forward to in the park. All of us enjoy Nature and Nova on PBS so this park is right up our alley, but my daughter is a bird fanatic. She's going to be over the moon while watching this! Right now, my kids aren't so into the rides that they don't care about taking in the sites and sounds. They like all of that so much that the older two are doing a YES class on our first AK day. We have another half day planned at the end of our vacation to take advantage of the morning hours.

It's funny, I started out being mostly interested in EP and AK with MK for the kids. Now, after reading here for so long, ALL the parks have something I think we'll enjoy...even DHS, which I wasn't too gung-ho about but DH insisted on visiting

 

[t_catt11]

Some folks use "honest" to mean "unpalateable" or "negative". As in, "Let me tell you honestly what I think." You know whatever they're about to say won't be good, unless they're just teasing you, in which case they'll surprise you with, "I loved it!" But the joke there is that you were expecting something bad, because they said they were going to be "honest".

Also, people who say mean things to other people nearly always defend themselves by saying, "I'm just being honest!" which is probably where "honest" first got its reputation for being so negative. No one ever needs to defend a kind statement by pointing out that it's honest.

Which is a silly usage of the word. Honest means truthful. No more, no less. I can honestly dislike something or honestly enjoy something else a lot. Neither review would be any less honest.

 

[Magpie]

Which is a silly usage of the word. Honest means truthful. No more, no less. I can honestly dislike something or honestly enjoy something else a lot. Neither review would be any less honest.

I agree! But it's like people who misuse the word "literally", as in "That show was so funny, I literally laughed my head off." It's wrong, but what are you going to do?

Other than make gentle fun of them, I mean. "Whoa! Where'd your head go? How are you still standing there? Should I call 911 to report a decapitation?"

 

[eliza61]

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 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.


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.


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


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.

That's pretty normal. Disney is quirky like that one thing moves you while another thing leaves you flat. I'm still trying to figure out TSM, don't know why especially since I really like the buzz lightyear game at MK but I swear I go on TSM and go "meh".

Some times I really think our love affair is more emotional than logical.

 

[GadgetRick]

That's pretty normal. Disney is quirky like that one thing moves you while another thing leaves you flat. I'm still trying to figure out TSM, don't know why especially since I really like the buzz lightyear game at MK but I swear I go on TSM and go "meh".

Some times I really think our love affair is more emotional than logical.

Very well-said. Seem you understand what I'm saying about myself.

 

[GadgetRick]

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.

Personally, I just find it doesn't really hit on what it's supposed to be. But, again, that's me. Not saying I don't understand how you (or others) see it as different. Just looking to see if I've missed something. So far, it seems I haven't.

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.

Exactly. Fortunately (or unfortunately), we're not one of those families.

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.

Everybody isn't buying tickets in a package. If you're not, $90ish for a day seems a bit steep for what's there. Then again, I find that a bit steep for ALL Disney parks!

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.

What responses have been condescending? Not sure what you're talking about. I've been up front with what I like/don't like about AK. I've asked a question to find out if I've missed something. Others have chimed in here and been condescending to me, not the other way around. People--especially around here--seem to not be able to understand how others may not enjoy the same kinds of things as they do. I get it. I understand why YOU or someone else likes AK. Not trying to convince anyone it's a bad place.

Where was my condescending attitude???

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

Who said I was looking to be convinced I should like AK? That's kinda my point. I was looking for things I may have missed the NUMEROUS times I've been there, which may make me appreciate it a little more.

 

[GadgetRick]

Who doesn't understand that you don't like AK?
You asked us why we liked AK, and then you're surprised that people answered you with things they like about it?

Nope. Didn't say people don't understand why I don't like AK. I also never asked why anyone likes AK. People keep commenting on I shouldn't be looking for thrill rides. I never said I was looking for thrill rides.

I also never asked people what they like about AK. I've asked what people do (besides the normal top list we've all talked about), in search of something(s) I've not done before which might give me a better appreciation of the park.

I'm surprised people keep doing everything except for answering what I've asked and keep trying to convince me I'm wrong for not liking AK. I don't think anyone is wrong for not liking it or liking it. I understand why some like it I also understand why others don't like it.