Animal Kingdom - A bit naff really

[wilki32]

IMHO I think AK is more aimed at children, lots of educational areas, more child friendly rides etc. I think adults apreciate the theming more but if I'm honest if there is a park we'll miss out then it would be AK over the others. Saying that when we went last time in 2003 we took our time and found so many other things to do. The trail where you pretty much come face to face with tigers
The one thing that does put us off is that every time, without fail, it will rain!

Anthony

 

[magicgirl]

I love AK and happily spend a whole day there. I am not a fan of rollercoasters so the new ride will not attract me. On the animal front I can see no comparison with Busch Gardens where I feel that the animal walfare is sub standard. The picture of the elephants in a small enclosure just standing rocking whilst kids were allowed to throwthings at them will always haunt me.

 

[carolfoy]

The picture of the elephants in a small enclosure just standing rocking whilst kids were allowed to throwthings at them will always haunt me.

That's appalling, will put me off Busch gardens completely, would have tried to fit it in next time, but now I thought Busch was supposed to be superior in its animal content but that sort of thing upsets me totally

 

[KayleeUK]

I like AK I agree it is not a full day park we tend to do it in a couple of half day's. But I would never miss it off my list of things to see.

 

[wicket2005]

I don't mind AK, it isn't my favourite park but I do enjoy seeing the animals and would always visit when in Orlando. I find it a restful park, after you have done the rides it is nice just looking at the animals for a while.

This year we watched the gorilla males playing in the water fighting over an old bin, one kept dragging around. Even heard them beat their chests. The whole family were fascinated by them.

 

[UKPhil]

Might depend when you last went there.

We visited at Easter this year having not been to AK for 4 years and we found it much improved particularly in the number of attractions there now. Last time we went there was no Asia to speak of and very little in Dinoland. We really enjoyed it this time.

On the other hand, I notice you put MGM at the top of your list and it would come close to the bottom of mine (Fantasmic excepted) so it may just be a case of "different strokes for different folks".

 

[Soprano]

Glad to hear some likeminded comments. I thought maybe it was just me. My last visit was 2004 and will visit the park again in February. I have two children who are 3 and 4 so know they will enjoy it. So theres reason enough for me.

I understand Disney are trying to do something different and complete with Sea World/Busch Gardens. I just think the park feels small and use EPCOT as a day when I don't want to hit too many rides and just walk around. I fully agree Disney really put the effort into attention to detail and their parks are cleaner than others.

While Expedition Everest may be great, it would take more than one ride for me to really enjoy AK as much as anywhere else.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I'm not that keen on AK either, but that's probably because I don't like animals at all.

What? Not even a Mouse?

 

[gilld]

What? Not even a Mouse?

Only BIG mice wearing clothes!

 

[LindseyUK]

I LOVE Animal Kingdom for one simple reason- they have a Tapir!

 

[daxus]

This park always seems to divide people, maybe because it is so different to the other parks its made itself an acquired taste.

Animal Kingdom is our favourite park. It probably helps that my wife and 10 year old son love animals, especially the big cats. We easily spend whole days at AK without getting bored in the slightest. Its such a nice park to be in, there are loads of things to see and do, and loads of little nooks and crannies where you can go and hide or sit and watch the world go by. We end up going on the safari several times, wife loves the cheetahs. My son also likes the Dinodigs and Primeval Whirl. Then theres the bird show and Lion King; and the Tree of Life is simply stupendous. The Expedition Everest ride will make it even better.

Magic Kingdom has more of the Disney magic, but can be very crowded and chaotic with people rushing everywhere. MGM just doesn't seem to have much to do, we always end up wandering around wondering whether to go on the Tower of Terror again, or just head off to another park. And Epcot we've still not really got into yet, although we do try. Of course, Mission Space is the best ride ever...

Roll on next year and our next visit...

 

[arieljasmine]

I like AK well enough. I love Dinosaur (have never been to Disneyland so can't comment on it in comparison to Indy Jones) and the Safari and the fact that there are always lots of characters - especially ones you don't tend to see elsewhere. However, I always seem to find that it is so hot in this park (haven't worked out yet whether it is coincidence or illusion) and that makes me tired and grumpy.

We usually visit twice in a two week holiday - once as the main day's activity, and again at the end of the holiday so I can go on Dinosaur again (we usually have a mad day on our last full day where we go and do our favourites at AK, MK and Epcot, and then DQ in the evening - makes sure we are nice and exhausted for the trip home!)

ArielJasmine

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

...have never been to Disneyland so can't comment on it in comparison to Indy Jones...

Both are great attractions, but I had was only allowed one of them in my back garden it was have to be Indy. The whole themeing from start to finish is terrific, including the very entertaining queue with Sala giving you his spiel.

Regards

Rob

 

[Tink78]

I like AK.
We always spend our first day here as we find it quite a relaxing park, and cuz it closes early it's great for getting dinner in a bit earlier and we get an early night, then we are all refreshed for the busier parks.

I love It's a Bugs Life!!

 

[arieljasmine]

Both are great attractions, but I had was only allowed one of them in my back garden it was have to be Indy.]

This made me laugh, Rob, because I am often to be heard wishing that I could have Dinosaur in my back garden!!

AJ

 

[diddldonna]

I love Animal Kingdom because its different, if the park were all the same we would get board. You need to look at the Park from a different point of view, its a zoo/ safari park first before a themepark. I can spend hours here not going on rides but exploring the animals and my children learning so much about the animals of the world and especially those they would not get to see at home in the Uk.

Also i loved the Parade here, they interacted with my children alot more than any other park.

Donna

 

[Miffy2003]

Both are great attractions, but I had was only allowed one of them in my back garden it was have to be Indy. The whole themeing from start to finish is terrific, including the very entertaining queue with Sala giving you his spiel.

You've got a big garden then Rob

AK is my (9 year old) DD's favourite park

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

We all like Animal Kingdom and I couldn't envisage a trip to Orlando and not going to AK, even if not for a full day. It's different in a lot of ways from the rest of the parks - and that's what I like about it - different pace and atmosphere!!

It's still a relatively young park - when you think MK has been there almost 35 years and Epcot 23..........so don't right it off yet!

 

[Laurafoster]

I have to say AK is not my favorite park but i still think it is good! The ways its all been done with the animal enclosures etc - has a few gd rides (Kali river Rapids and Kilmanjaro safaris and dinosaur)

 

[JanElliott]

For me AK is worth it for the hysteria that breaks out in It's Tough to be a Bug.