Animal Kingdom a major Flop!

[Glencora]

...I would also say the park needs more rides and to be built up more,there seems to be too many areas where all you see next to the sidewalks is trees...

Ever stop to look into the trees? There are some pretty amazing creatures in there!

 

[Tara922c]

Well, I have to say, I love Animal Kingdom. I think Dinosaur is scary, and I love it. I like the rides in Dinoland USA. I love Kali River Rapids, in fact that is one of my favorite rides. I also love the themeing of AK. It goest to show you there is always going to be people that like something, and others who hate it. No one is right or wrong, it is just an opinion, and we all have them!

 

[Meteora]

I think, to some extent, what you get out of AK is what you're willing to put into it. And I say this as someone who is not always willing to put a lot into it. We all love Nemo and Flights of Wonder, but only my sister will do Everest and we're eh about Dinosaur--well done ride, but none of us really enjoy things jumping out at us in the dark enough to look forward to it. Haven't done the safari since our first time in the park, as we didn't really find it very exciting. DSis tried Kali River Rapids once and didn't care for it. So as attractions go, we don't have a lot to visit in this park.

OTOH, you can definitely have a lot of fun just wandering around, looking at the animals, and when we have taken the time to do this, we have enjoyed ourselves. However, when the parks are crowded, the idea of elbowing past throngs of people to see some monkeys becomes less appealing. In the end, we live about 20 minutes from the Bronx zoo, where it is much less likely that we will get run over by strollers. AK and DHS are both, to us, in need of some work to make them full day parks with numerous rides appealing to the whole family.

 

[dawnmommy]

I am a little baffled that the OP names "attractions" and none of them have the MAIN attractions that are the beauty of the park - the animals themselves!!!!

Did the OP even look around and notice all of the amazing animals? Did you go on the Safari or out to Rafiki's planet watch? I'm assuming the OP doesn't have kids, doesn't like zoos, etc.

I think Disney makes it very clear what AK is.

 

[jenjersnap]

Disney spent more time and money on that park than any other, and if people weren't so focused on rides-rides-rides, if-it's-not-a-ride-it's-not-worth-doing, they'd see that. It's a discovery park--the point is to discover it, not run straight from A to B to C and ignore everything in between.

Did you happen to notice that there are thousands of hand-carved and hand-painted folk-art animals imported from Oaxaca all over Discovery Island? Did you read the jukebox in Restaurantosaurus? Did you try to figure out what the underlying theme is to every building in Discovery Island? Read the informational signs in the queue to Expedition Everest? Do you like bats? Because if you do, it's almost a shame--the alternate pathway through Maharajah Jungle Trek is too brilliant to miss.

If you're determined to hate it already, then I won't tell you the brilliant and hilarious backstory to Dinoland USA, but surely even you noticed that the giant yellow cartoon-like Cementosaurus is meant to be a satire of the detailed, museum-quality brontosaurus skeleton that stands at the other entrance?

Great post! AK is our chance to slow down on our go go go Disney vacation and it's my eldest's favorite park. We always discover something new.

 

[hookedonears]

I don't agree with OP either. My family and I are really looking forward to our AK day, and I can't wait to get into Kali River Rapids and get all soaked up!! that's part of the fun, especially in a hot Florida day. Hubby is even more excited about going to AK than MK

All Soaked Up? Wow, I never thought about it that way. May be the next time we go to WDW, every morning before we go to the parks, I'll just take my shower with my clothes on and just enjoy the feeling of walking around all day all soaked up.

 

[itchin2go]

We ADORED Animal Kingdom Lodge - it's our favorite resort!

However, AK just didn't do it for us. To each their own, but somehow, it felt like less than a zoo and less than a theme park. It honestly felt unfinished to me. Maybe we didn't give it enough of a chance or maybe it's just not our cup of tea.

 

[bicker]

Animal Kingdom needs some major help. There are only 5 attractions that have general appeal to everyone. Expedition Everest, It’s Tough to be a Bug, Kilimanjaro Safari, The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical.

Okay, first your premise is wrong on two accounts. First, there aren't just five attractions that have general appeal, and second, there is no reasonable expectation that anything will have "general appeal to everyone".

Expedition Everest is way too much of a thrill ride for most of the friends and family we've taken to WDW with us. It’s Tough to be a Bug is good the first time, perhaps, but a lot of people don't like some of the 4D elements of the show. And so on.

Animal Kingdom has loads of attractions -- something for everyone, and a lot of things for many people. It is our favorite of the four theme parks, and I take great umbrage with you attacking it as you did.

 

[lorraine31]

Is it just me or is this thread getting a bit personal (tried another word but it was starred out). Why can't people just repect that we all enjoy different things. Personally I think the rapids are a great way to cool down cause I find AK roasting and like to cool off.

 

[Planogirl]

I would love to stroll around AK and soak up the atmosphere just once. However when we go it's hot which doesn't bother us at the other parks but only at AK. Plus it's packed and it's hard to enjoy strolling when you're in the middle of throngs of people.

Maybe someday we can go during an offtime and see how nice the park can be. I detest it in the summer though even though we go half a day to see some favorites.

 

[ADP]

I'd rather they spend the money on Hollywood Studios.

 

[MissRoseRed]

Wow, flop is a bit harsh, isn't it? Considering how many people actually love the park?

True, it's not in your face Disney characters - thank goodness. But it showcases the beauty of Disney in the details. AK is so thoroughly detailed that it takes my breath away. Have you ever noticed the little footprints in the walkways? It is a totally immersive experience without the over the top merchandising.

I do hate how hot it gets (and that there aren't that many places to escape the heat) - but it's part of the atmosphere. The jungle isn't necessarily a pleasant place. Epcot gets pretty miserable in the summer, too. I usually don't spend much more than a few hours at AK, but it is always something I look back upon fondly when I'm home from my trip (and no, I don't live anywhere nearby).

The evenings that I've spent in AK for EMH have been awesome. When the sun is not beating down and you can take the time to appreciate the park.

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it's hardly a flop. And I happen to LOVE Dinosaur

 

[WDSearcher]

All Soaked Up? Wow, I never thought about it that way. May be the next time we go to WDW, every morning before we go to the parks, I'll just take my shower with my clothes on and just enjoy the feeling of walking around all day all soaked up.

Not your cup of tea? Don't do it. But just because other folks like it doesn't make it wrong.

I guess I'm wondering what the point of your original post was, beyond stating your opinion. You don't like Animal Kingdom. Got it. Surely you knew, when you posted, that other people do and would post as such. So ...

• Are you trying to convince those who like it that they shouldn't?
• Are you trying to get an argument going?
• Are you saying that your entire WDW vacation is ruined because you don't like Animal Kingdom?
• Are you hoping all the "Love Animal Kingdom" people will be turned to the dark side?

It kind of feels like you're either hoping for an argument or just needed some sort of "looking down on people who don't like what I like" fix. Clearly, you are ready to post the negative to anyone else's positive. But really ... what's the point?

 

[DisGirl23]

Not your cup of tea? Don't do it. But just because other folks like it doesn't make it wrong.

I guess I'm wondering what the point of your original post was, beyond stating your opinion. You don't like Animal Kingdom. Got it. Surely you knew, when you posted, that other people do and would post as such. So ...

• Are you trying to convince those who like it that they shouldn't?
• Are you trying to get an argument going?
• Are you saying that your entire WDW vacation is ruined because you don't like Animal Kingdom?
• Are you hoping all the "Love Animal Kingdom" people will be turned to the dark side?

It kind of feels like you're either hoping for an argument or just needed some sort of "looking down on people who don't like what I like" fix. Clearly, you are ready to post the negative to anyone else's positive. But really ... what's the point?

Mondays can be bummers sometimes. Maybe it's a slow day at the office...

 

[Pancakes]

I could ride Dinosaur over and over and over and over again and be just as scared as I was the last time. Dinosaur is one of my favorite rides. And I LOVE to get drenched on Kali....it's so hot in June I don't care if I look like a drowned rat for a few minutes. The sun dries me up after a good 10 minutes

But I'm sorry you don't like Animal Kingdom. I like it...I think the atmosphere is great...even though it's the hottest park at wdw.

 

[pooh2007]

I live in Amarillo Texas so I am not a local. My husband, myself and my children all adore Animal Kingdom. This is our favorite park. I am sorry that there are individuals that don't enjoy this park you don't have to go there. Everyone has an opinion. I hope you enjoy everything else Disney has to offer but please don't take away from those of us that do enjoy the special things that Disney offers like the Animal Kingdom. I hope your next trip is special and you find your Disney Magic at the other Parks that Disney Offers.

 

[LaurenT]

All Soaked Up? Wow, I never thought about it that way. May be the next time we go to WDW, every morning before we go to the parks, I'll just take my shower with my clothes on and just enjoy the feeling of walking around all day all soaked up.

Wow..must be tons of fun being in the happiest place on earth with you! So jealous- all I have are my happy go lucky husband and daughter - who could have fun spending the day playing with a paper bag...much more challenging trying to get someone like you to have fun!

 

[bwilcox]

OP, you're entitled to your opinion, but my family LOVES AK.

 

[lorraine31]

Not your cup of tea? Don't do it. But just because other folks like it doesn't make it wrong.

I guess I'm wondering what the point of your original post was, beyond stating your opinion. You don't like Animal Kingdom. Got it. Surely you knew, when you posted, that other people do and would post as such. So ...

• Are you trying to convince those who like it that they shouldn't?
• Are you trying to get an argument going?
• Are you saying that your entire WDW vacation is ruined because you don't like Animal Kingdom?
• Are you hoping all the "Love Animal Kingdom" people will be turned to the dark side?

earsboy:

Couldn't agree more. I get stating your opinion, but why jump down everyone else's throat when they disagree with what you say. This forum is meant to be a happy Disney place, not somewhere to criticise other's views and jump down their throats. Personally I love AK, but I didn't warm to it straight away when comparing it to the others. But stop comparing it and take it as a park in it's own right. Anyway most love it, some don't, whats the issue.
It kind of feels like you're either hoping for an argument or just needed some sort of "looking down on people who don't like what I like" fix. Clearly, you are ready to post the negative to anyone else's positive. But really ... what's the point?

 

[hookedonears]

Wow, flop is a bit harsh, isn't it? Considering how many people actually love the park?

True, it's not in your face Disney characters - thank goodness. But it showcases the beauty of Disney in the details. AK is so thoroughly detailed that it takes my breath away. Have you ever noticed the little footprints in the walkways? It is a totally immersive experience without the over the top merchandising.

I do hate how hot it gets (and that there aren't that many places to escape the heat) - but it's part of the atmosphere. The jungle isn't necessarily a pleasant place. Epcot gets pretty miserable in the summer, too. I usually don't spend much more than a few hours at AK, but it is always something I look back upon fondly when I'm home from my trip (and no, I don't live anywhere nearby).

The evenings that I've spent in AK for EMH have been awesome. When the sun is not beating down and you can take the time to appreciate the park.

I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it's hardly a flop. And I happen to LOVE Dinosaur

Yes, your absolutely right. Flop is a little harsh. It has gotten some attention though. I would more truthfully say that it has fallen way too short of Disney standards.