Animal Kingdom a major Flop!

[kaytieeldr]

I think Disney would have been better to have built a village with shopping for the entrance of AK.It would have made for a better entrance and add something that AK lacks compared to the other parks,stores.MK has Main Street,DHS has a pretty good selection in Hollywood Blvd,EPCOT doesn't have it at the front of the park but the huge Mousegear store and World Showcase make up for it.

But there IS shopping - a small shop to the left before you enter the park, another one to the left right after you enter, then the entrance paths with all the flora and fauna, then you come out into the main part of Discovery Island where there is more shopping. I wouldn't be surprised in the LEAST to find that this is actually closer to the park entrance than Mousegears is to Epcot's.

But WHY does a park need to START with the ability to shop????? Respectfully, it appears you don't "get" Animal Kingdom.

 

[kaytieeldr]

YOU are so correct. Ak imo is a major flop. Disney gouges us again with this one. I looove going to WDW but DETEST AK. NEMO and CIRCLE OF LIFE is the only thing good there. That park is HOT and closes early and takes too long to even get there.

Fine. Ignore it. Pretend Animal Kingdom doesn't even exist. You'll be happier. It's apparently not worth the price of admission to you to see the one show there you like - given that Circle of Life is a movie in Epcot. Frankly, if all you see is Nemo, well, it's Broadway-quality theater at a MUCH lower price - i.e. still a value.

But you don't like the park. That's your right. Please ignore all the other major and minor features it offers and just don't waste your money on Animal Kingdom. By the way, it DOESN'T "close early". It closes on time. Animal Kingdom's STANDARD HOURS are 9 AM to 5 PM. ANY hours it's open beyond that - in either direction - would be extended hours.

Remember what I said a few pages back about the animals' contracts not allowing them to work after dark? Since it apparently fell flat to or was ignored by a number of posters, the truth is - the animals need to be brought in at night - and this can only SAFELY happen while it's still light out - safely for both the animals and the Cast Members.

 

[kaytieeldr]

First of all, one of my pet peeves about anything (not just Disney) is when people voice their dislike for something, and other people claim they just must not understand it. Some people find it very, very hard to accept that people can simply dislike things,

Simply disliking something is completely understandable. "I don't like Animal Kingdom because I feel there's nothing to do there" - got it. But a blanket statement like "Animal Kingdom is a flop" when the person making the statement apparently visits for five attractions only, without even bothering to actually EXPLORE, or learn anything about, the park is a valid cause for refutation by proponents/fans of the park.

Anyways, IMO Animal Kingdom is the weakest park of the four,

Which is VERY different from "Animal Kingdom is a flop".

May I ask, after reading all the responses here, if YOU would consider delving deeper into the park, looking for at least some of the features many of us fans are touting?

 

[RachelsMommie]

The last 3 trips, we tried AK. All 3 times, I was in a bad mood within an hour. No straws, no balloons, it's hotter than the surface of the sun, and it smells like poop.

This time, we're skipping it. JMHO.

 

[fluffycow333]

The last 3 trips, we tried AK. All 3 times, I was in a bad mood within an hour. No straws, no balloons, it's hotter than the surface of the sun, and it smells like poop.

This time, we're skipping it. JMHO.

There are straws, paper straws. Do you know why they have to have paper straws and no balloons? To protect the animals. I know my trip doesn't revolve around straws and balloons. And I don't know what you mean by it smelling like poop. The animal enclosures are kept immaculately clean.

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

First of all, one of my pet peeves about anything (not just Disney) is when people voice their dislike for something, and other people claim they just must not understand it. Some people find it very, very hard to accept that people can simply dislike things, even when they understand them. In all fairness, this seems to be coming from both sides of the argument in this thread. Threads like this would not become so heated so fast if people would stop trying to prove other people's opinions wrong.

Anyways, IMO Animal Kingdom is the weakest park of the four, BUT it's still a Disney park and is far superior to the regular theme parks of the world. I think part of the problem for me atleast may be because it's the newest. MK, Epcot, and MGM (I refuse to call it DHS ) were all parks that I grew up with. Granted, I was only born in 1989, but the majority of my Disney childhood memories were at those three parks. I think such a huge aspect of the Disney appeal is nostalgia, which is why so many of us oppose change at the parks. For me atleast, Animal Kingdom doesn't have this going for it yet.

Secondly, as many people have mentioned, as much as they tried to force the "nahtazu" idea, it still is very much like a zoo, and people like me (who aren't interested in zoos) obviously aren't going to enjoy it as much as others.

The details at AK are extremely well done, but that's just not enough for me to push this park higher on my list. It doesn't mean I haven't noticed all the extra "non-attractions" around, but they just aren't my thing.

You've just discovered the biggest flaw of the board.

Honestly, this would have been quite a nice thread of discovery about the details there and what would have been at the park on opening day without the budget cuts if a certain little thread terrorist didn't insult everyone who thinks differently than him/her. This person (not naming names) pretty much forces people to pick sides, encourages others to bash those who disagree, and puts the disagreeing people on defense. I left the thread because there's no winning with intolerant people.

And I completely agree with your post and find no flaw in it. It was well written, well thought out, and was an excellent expression of your feelings, and many others, about the park.

 

[RachelsMommie]

There are straws, paper straws. Do you know why they have to have paper straws and no balloons? To protect the animals. I know my trip doesn't revolve around straws and balloons. And I don't know what you mean by it smelling like poop. The animal enclosures are kept immaculately clean.

You're right, there are the paper straws that start to break down within an hour. And no, my trip doesn't revolve around balloons or straws and I understand the reasoning. But for my DD, she likes to drink with a straw and we tie a balloon to her stroller to find it. So it's just a pain to go hand the balloon to guest services and then get it back. So those items aren't a deal-breaker for the park, but they are a pain and are things people should know about who have kids.

Maybe I have a more sensitive nose...my DH and I immediately got a whiff of animal feces when we got off the bus...which is a walk just to the park entrance. My DD immediately said, "What's that smell, Mommy?"

Again, just my opinion. That's one thing that everyone has.

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

Maybe I have a more sensitive nose...my DH and I immediately got a whiff of animal feces when we got off the bus...which is a walk just to the park entrance. My DD immediately said, "What's that smell, Mommy?"

Again, just my opinion. That's one thing that everyone has.

I smell it too. It's just something that comes with animals. I personally wouldn't say it smells like poo, but there is an small that not even Disney can cover up with pixie dust.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You're right, there are the paper straws that start to break down within an hour.

Since you (now) know the paper straws start to break down after an hour, you could request or get more straws as needed.

and we tie a balloon to her stroller to find it

But again, since you (now) know that balloons aren't permitted in the park, is there a reason you can't plan ahead by leaving the balloon in the room and attaching something else distinctive - maybe even one of those electronic key finder things - to the stroller to make it easier to find after/if Cast Members moved it?

I smell it too. It's just something that comes with animals. I personally wouldn't say it smells like poo, but there is an small that not even Disney can cover up with pixie dust.

It might be, or it might not be. Has anyone tried asking Cast Members what Animal Kingdom does with animal 'output'?

 

[morethananyonex]

Simply disliking something is completely understandable. "I don't like Animal Kingdom because I feel there's nothing to do there" - got it. But a blanket statement like "Animal Kingdom is a flop" when the person making the statement apparently visits for five attractions only, without even bothering to actually EXPLORE, or learn anything about, the park is a valid cause for refutation by proponents/fans of the park.
Which is VERY different from "Animal Kingdom is a flop".

May I ask, after reading all the responses here, if YOU would consider delving deeper into the park, looking for at least some of the features many of us fans are touting?

I agree, it is different, that's why I said the hostility towards other people's opinions is coming from both sides in this thread. I don't entirely agree with the way the OP went about what they said, but I do see their point.

As for your question, I feel I have given the park a chance, it's just not my thing. I'm not an animal person, and frankly things like the trails bore me so those are out, even the safari doesn't excite me much. I'm indifferent to all of Dinoland, if I'm there I'll do it but I wouldn't be upset missing it. I'm terrified of birds so Flights of Wonder is NOT an option unless they want a scene LOL. The Lion King and Nemo shows are very good but I don't feel the need to repeat them often. I guess my biggest thing with AK is that I don't hate it, but I just wouldn't be upset missing out on it like I would the other parks. I guess that's my best explanation as to why the parts you guys love don't really matter to me. I understand AK is more of an atmosphere park, but for me atleast the attractions need to be some sort of draw and the only one that really draws me in is Everest. Maybe it's not even that, because I could walk around Epcot all day and not ride anything, I'm just gonna stick with the "I'm not an animal person" and leave it at that lol.

The last 3 trips, we tried AK. All 3 times, I was in a bad mood within an hour. No straws, no balloons, it's hotter than the surface of the sun, and it smells like poop.

This time, we're skipping it. JMHO.

I have to laugh at the poop part, it reminds me of my friend.

Having never been to WDW at all, I was trying to explain Animal Kingdom Lodge to her. The first thought that pops in her head.. "EWWW why would you want your hotel room to smell like poop?!?".

Are the straws at AK the same ones at Boma? Those paper straws are strange.

 

[RachelsMommie]

Since you (now) know the paper straws start to break down after an hour, you could request or get more straws as needed.But again, since you (now) know that balloons aren't permitted in the park, is there a reason you can't plan ahead by leaving the balloon in the room and attaching something else distinctive - maybe even one of those electronic key finder things - to the stroller to make it easier to find after/if Cast Members moved it?

It might be, or it might not be. Has anyone tried asking Cast Members what Animal Kingdom does with animal 'output'?

I honestly didn't know about the balloons OR the paper straws the last time we went. That was our first trip with our DD. On adult trips, I never bought a balloon. And they didn't have any kind of straw until my last trip, so we didn't know what it was made of or how sturdy it was.

As far as the poop smell, it could be poop or animal sweat or any number of things. I grew up on a farm and cleaned horses' stalls every Saturday...it is similar to that manure smell.

The main detractor for me is the temperature. I actually suffered from heat exhaustion the first time I went...that was within a year of the opening of the park. I went through a number of bottles of water, but the heat still did me in. However, that WAS in August...but I didn't have that problem in any of the other parks.

The last time we went, it was in September...and the park was stifling hot. We left after an hour or so and headed to Epcot...which is one of my 3 favorite parks.

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

Since you (now) know the paper straws start to break down after an hour, you could request or get more straws as needed.But again, since you (now) know that balloons aren't permitted in the park, is there a reason you can't plan ahead by leaving the balloon in the room and attaching something else distinctive - maybe even one of those electronic key finder things - to the stroller to make it easier to find after/if Cast Members moved it?

It might be, or it might not be. Has anyone tried asking Cast Members what Animal Kingdom does with animal 'output'?

 

[PAL_1]

Go figure - AK is our favorite park. And no, we're not animal people. A lot of it has to do with Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, two of the most well done attractions anywhere on property. Our kids are into thrills. The Safari is pretty good, although its past time they dumped that worn and overly dramatic story. The shows - very strong.

These are all factors, but really, we marvel at the detail of the environment. Yes, even the kids. The Tree of Life is a work of art; the architecture elsewhere is fantastic. Some of this appreciation stems from that other "new" Disney Park, the lackluster and truly cut-rate California Adventure. Fixing that mistake is costing $1 billion. In contrast, AK is a coherent, complete park, and we enjoy it immensely.

 

[RachelsMommie]

Go figure - AK is our favorite park. And no, we're not animal people. A lot of it has to do with Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, two of the most well done attractions anywhere on property. Our kids are into thrills. The Safari is pretty good, although its past time they dumped that worn and overly dramatic story. The shows - very strong.

These are all factors, but really, we marvel at the detail of the environment. Yes, even the kids. The Tree of Life is a work of art; the architecture elsewhere is fantastic. Some of this appreciation stems from that other "new" Disney Park, the lackluster and truly cut-rate California Adventure. Fixing that mistake is costing $1 billion. In contrast, AK is a coherent, complete park, and we enjoy it immensely.

In terms of theming and quality, I definitely think AK outshines CA. CA is more like a Six Flags than a Disney park, with the exception of Soarin'. I'll be interested to see what CA looks like after the overhaul.

 

[~Kik-Kik~]

Go figure - AK is our favorite park. And no, we're not animal people. A lot of it has to do with Expedition Everest and Dinosaur, two of the most well done attractions anywhere on property. Our kids are into thrills. The Safari is pretty good, although its past time they dumped that worn and overly dramatic story. The shows - very strong.

These are all factors, but really, we marvel at the detail of the environment. Yes, even the kids. The Tree of Life is a work of art; the architecture elsewhere is fantastic. Some of this appreciation stems from that other "new" Disney Park, the lackluster and truly cut-rate California Adventure. Fixing that mistake is costing $1 billion. In contrast, AK is a coherent, complete park, and we enjoy it immensely.

I, who have been to both DCA and DAK countless times, must say that they are incomparable because they both need what the other lacks. Animal Kingdom has details and Etickets galor but nothing to fill in the gaps, nothing to soak up guests. DCA has spurts of wonderful theming, like around Soran' and Grizzly River Run, a Bugsland, and, to a degree, Paradise Pier. DCA also has maaaaany little rides that soak up guests, but not enough big attractions and the overall quality is lacking.

The only difference is that DCA is getting what it needs with another 1 billion (actually, I heard it's more like 800 million-900 million), whereas Animal Kingdom gets little to nothing every year. The only new ride in its 10 year existence is Everest. DCA got a 2 new lands, MSEP, Little Mermaid, World of Color, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror. And on top of all that they are creating more little details for people to enjoy. Basically the quality will be that of all other Disney parks by 2012, where DAK will continue to lag behind.

All I'm saying is that DCA is pretty well off and not a disaster like others make it sound.

Personally,

Disneyland
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
California Adventure
Animal Kingdom
MGM/DHS

 

[Planogirl]

Sometimes you can walk by the flowerbeds and planters and get a horrendous smell that is worse than most animals IMO. Disney does use some stinky stuff in their flowerbeds.

I LOVE zoos! But AK doesn't work for me as a zoo because it's not a good zoo so saying that someone should love it if they like zoos isn't always true. It's a good combination of zoo and themepark though and that's where its strength lies. I believe that with a bit more growth and a few tweaks here and there it will only become nicer.

People will never agree about this. People have their dislikes but it seems like nowhere else is defended like WDW. And for some people that's true no matter what happens.

 

[JennMouse32]

how many times does it have to be said so people will get it? AK IS NOT A ZOO!

 

[Planogirl]

how many times does it have to be said so people will get it? AK IS NOT A ZOO!

I personally agree but if you check the thread a lot of people do compare it to a zoo.

 

[JennMouse32]

I personally agree but if you check the thread a lot of people do compare it to a zoo.

maybe its just me.. but last time i was at a zoo... it didnt have a rollercoaster.. dinosaurs... musical shows.. nothing like that. Nor the great scenery that Ak does... zoos tend to give the scenery for the animal exhibits not the whole zoo..​

 

[AliceinHalloweentown]

I, who have been to both DCA and DAK countless times, must say that they are incomparable because they both need what the other lacks. Animal Kingdom has details and Etickets galor but nothing to fill in the gaps, nothing to soak up guests. DCA has spurts of wonderful theming, like around Soran' and Grizzly River Run, a Bugsland, and, to a degree, Paradise Pier. DCA also has maaaaany little rides that soak up guests, but not enough big attractions and the overall quality is lacking.

The only difference is that DCA is getting what it needs with another 1 billion (actually, I heard it's more like 800 million-900 million), whereas Animal Kingdom gets little to nothing every year. The only new ride in its 10 year existence is Everest. DCA got a 2 new lands, MSEP, Little Mermaid, World of Color, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror. And on top of all that they are creating more little details for people to enjoy. Basically the quality will be that of all other Disney parks by 2012, where DAK will continue to lag behind.

All I'm saying is that DCA is pretty well off and not a disaster like others make it sound.

Personally,

Disneyland
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
California Adventure
Animal Kingdom
MGM/DHS

Eh.
Just like you find so much fault with the AK, I find so much fault with DCA.

I dislike my visits there, but I'm thrilled with the complete overhaul its getting (because if it were up to me, I'd take a bulldozer to the whole thing- a park about modern California in modern California? smoooooth)
The other concepts (WestCOT and a version of DisneySEA) were wonderful, but money talked in that decision.

World of Color and Little Mermaid will drag people over but the point remains that it is a park that was the victim of budget cuts and Paul Pressler.

AK also suffered these budget cuts, but I definitely think it came up on top.
But, I see where you're coming from- I just don't think AK is as much of disaster as you make it out to be.

Like I said before, I'd rather the money at WDW be spent to fix the other three parks before the AK. Fantasyland Forest is one step towards that..

my version:
Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySEA
Tokyo Disneyland
Animal Kingdom
EPCOT
Magic Kingdom
DHS