Animal Kingdom - more than just a zoo?

[T_O]

Hi Everyone,

My family and I are planning our first trip to DW. We are setting aside 1 day for Epcot, 2.5 days for MK, and possibly 1 day for AK. I am a little hesitant about AK, because everything I have read about it so far makes it seem like an interactive zoo. I can drive a couple of hours from where I live and visit a pretty nice zoo, so I'm not really interested in the zoo experience. Also, my kids are 5 and 3, and I am worried they might get bored with the animal exhibits quickly.
I know the big tree (Living Tree?) is a draw, but we won't be there at night to see any light shows. I also know about Dinoland, but am not thrilled about paying above my already pricey park admission to play carnival games. I can do that at my state fair every year. I know about the mini-shows (Lion King, Nemo, etc), and those might be fun.
I guess what I'm really asking is, given the limited number of days we have at DW, is a stop at Animal Kingdom really worth it, or should we spend that extra day at MK or Epcot?
Thanks for your help!

 

[disBEAST]

It's way better than a zoo.

 

[DisCatGirl]

We really enjoy AK. There is actually very little zoo experience - you can see animals if you walk the trails or if you go on the Kilimanjaro safari ride. Otherwise - there are fun rides (Everest, Kali River Ride, Dinosaur). There are some fun shows - Bug's Life, Festival of the Lion King, and Nemo. Yak and Yeti is a great place to eat. To be honest, we like AK more than HS. Yes, it's a bit more low key than MK, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth a day.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Festival of the Lion King is worth a trip in itself, and Nemo is pretty good as well. Plus, you aren't going to get an experience like Kilimanjaro Safaris at a local zoo. It's more than a zoo.

 

[KT0191]

I LOVE Animal Kingdom. It is my second favorite park (behind MK). It is definitely more than just a zoo. How many days do you have planned at MK?

 

[2009CAN]

It is more than a zoo, but not enough so that we've been back on our last two trips. If you have kids and they are young, I'd probably skip it and spend more time at MK

 

[revdon64]

Not only is it way better than a zoo, it's not really a zoo at all. Animal wise, there's the safari, which is immersed in a storyline so it's made to feel more like a genuine African Safari. There are the two walking trails with animal exhibits, but a lot of people barely even pay attention to those with all the other things to do. A yeti themed rollercoaster, raft water ride, live bird show, two great stage shows, dinoland has rides for the kiddos and Dinosaur! which is a time travel ride. some good restaurants, especially for the kids - plenty to do and not a zoo, more an animal theme park. Definitely spend at least half a day there. Worth it.

 

[Disneylover99]

I really hate going to the zoo. I'm not an animal lover. But I love AK! It has really grown on me over the years.

 

[samsteele]

Much more than a zoo. The Kilimanjaro Safari alone is one of the most unique & incredible attractions at WDW. Be sure to get a FP and/or get there at rope drop so you have the chance to do it twice if your family loves it. The mini broadway shows (Nemo & Lion King) are outstanding and well worth the park's admission on their own. The theming on the "zoo" walks, esp Maharajah Jungle Trek, is top notch & you have to see it to believe it. Its tough to be a bug is a fun, interactive show. Dinosaur can be scary for very young children but worthwhile. With the new Rivers of Light Show debuting next month, AK will offer incredible night time entertainment. The food at AK is some of the best in WDW (FlameTree BBQ, Yak & Yeti, etc). AK is one of my favourite WDW parks. If possible, I try to make it my first park of my vacation so I can ease into a busy week with fewer crowds and a better chance to recoup from a busy travel day the day before. If you are truly done with the park by late afternoon, hop on the bus to nearby Kidani Village or Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the animals at the back of the resorts. AK is a great, world class park on its own merits. Enjoy!

 

[SaintsManiac]

It isn't a zoo at all.

 

[Shir Kahn]

Festival of the Lion King is worth a trip in itself, and Nemo is pretty good as well. Plus, you aren't going to get an experience like Kilimanjaro Safaris at a local zoo. It's more than a zoo.

I agree with this completely!

 

[lovethattink]

Nahtazu

 

[hakepb]

AK can challenge EPCOT in terms of QS dining quality and variety
http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/pi...-ups-the-ante-menu-updates-and-odds-and-ends/

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Nahtazu

This is amazing and I have no idea where it has been all my life.

 

[Astryd]

Nahtazu

It is so Nahtazu. I love this park, its well worth the day. I am looking forwards to the new nighttime happenings.

 

[Tara1988]

I couldn't imagine going to WDW without going to Animal Kingdom. The Festival of the Lion King is my absolute favorite thing at WDW. But with your kids' ages, why don't you want to take them to Hollywood studios? At least for a half day. They have the only Disney Junior stuff, maybe do a half day at each park if you have hoppers?

 

[mshanson3121]

Hi Everyone,

My family and I are planning our first trip to DW. We are setting aside 1 day for Epcot, 2.5 days for MK, and possibly 1 day for AK. I am a little hesitant about AK, because everything I have read about it so far makes it seem like an interactive zoo. I can drive a couple of hours from where I live and visit a pretty nice zoo, so I'm not really interested in the zoo experience. Also, my kids are 5 and 3, and I am worried they might get bored with the animal exhibits quickly.
I know the big tree (Living Tree?) is a draw, but we won't be there at night to see any light shows. I also know about Dinoland, but am not thrilled about paying above my already pricey park admission to play carnival games. I can do that at my state fair every year. I know about the mini-shows (Lion King, Nemo, etc), and those might be fun.
I guess what I'm really asking is, given the limited number of days we have at DW, is a stop at Animal Kingdom really worth it, or should we spend that extra day at MK or Epcot?
Thanks for your help!

For many kids, AK is actually a favorite park because of the animals. No way would I miss AK. Between the animals, the Wilderness Explorers program (which your kids will likely LOVE), the safari, the Lion King, Nemo, Flights of Wonder, Kali River Rapids, DinoLand, meeting characters, Conservation Station... yeah, there's lots to do!

 

[lovethattink]

This is amazing and I have no idea where it has been all my life.

The commercial played on tv all the time when the park first opened. I think in the resort room was where I first saw it years and years ago.

 

[Spork24]

It's pretty much just a zoo.

 

[tjmw2727]

Even though we have access to great zoos and do love them our family thinks AK is great and definitely not a zoo!
Dino land is just one part - and we have never played the carni games but honestly the theming is really cool! As far as rides / attractions the safari is amazing and both the festival of the lion king and the nemo show are not to be missed just shy of Broadway quality. Anyone who is tall enough will love the Everest coaster and the dinosaur ride, fun and great theming. Just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, the street performers and live music is immersive. Even if you don't walk any of the animal trails (but you should !) you can have an amazing day at AK.