Animal Kingdom: Not to be overlooked (First Timers - read!)

[sodaseller]

We love AK as much as any other park - it is truly wonderful

 

[dreamalittledream]

The last 2 times we went, we got to the park and ran to the safari. It was great but I feel like we missed out on other things. Next time we will be going in Dec so I don't think the heat will affect the animals in the afternoon so I think a fast pass may be the way to go for the Safari. What else it a good first ride to do? which fills up fastest? Thanks!

 

[K9pal]

We love AK too. Never have what people like so much at MGM, but we love AK! To each his own, right?

aw:

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Sorry, but Animal Kingdom "Izazu" to me.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Even though I LOVE ToT and RnRC, I prefer going to AK before MGM.

I'd have to agree with this. I get so discouraged when I see people say they are going to skip AK. I absolutely LOVE AK, it is probably our favorite. I just love the atmosphere and all the amazing plant and animal life. AK seems more relaxing to me than the other parks. I could just stroll through there all day. Some people say it seems "hotter" but I don't get that. All the shade makes it the most comfortable park IMO.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I agree with the OP and those like minded. We love AK! Definitely not a zoo or a half day park.
It does seem to be "hotter" (mostly because not so many rides inside with a/c) and seems to be more "walking" -although I'm not sure that's really true or it just feels that way because you're hotter while there. LOL But this is the reason we usually just make our main day there (may go there for half days after that if we feel the urge LOL) early on in our trip.. we wouldn't make it like the last day or anywhere near the last day- we'd be too tired to handle it then. LOL

 

[DisneyJen0504]

WE love AK and wouldn't miss it on our trips to WDW!!

 

[jann1033]

Even though I LOVE ToT and RnRC, I prefer going to AK before MGM. The atmosphere is better and I love animals. Dinosaur and Primevil Whirl (maybe?) are very cool rides. (i love the "wild-mouse" type roller coasters) I also love the Kil. Safari ride and also the tree of life. It's my favorite symbol next to Cinderella Castle, of course.

II really can't wait to go on E.E.

ditto for all the above except we go in winter so kali was to cold...maybe next time!

 

[jann1033]

Sorry, but Animal Kingdom "Izazu" to me.

can i ask how long you spend there? it's part of my experiment as i wonder if those who don't care for it just go from ride to ride or if they really spend time looking at the details...just wondering, no flame

 

[Gabriel&Nana]

We really like AK !

And when we go in January, the climate is so nice there.

We first go to Dinossaur, Primeval Whirl, Bugs Life.

Around midday, we go to Kali and after that to the Safari.

But I have never been to Rafikis Planet Watch...

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

Our family loves AK too. I can't believe some people skip it.

 

[hugsquared]

Uuhhhggg....here I find myself in the minority. While we loved "Its tough to be a Bug" and rode Kali Rapids 3 times in a row, we really didn't care for the AK as a whole. We walked numerous trails to see the gorillas and tigers, lots of animals but absolutely hated Dinoland. Primevil Whirl was the jerkiest ride...we all 3 came off complaining about being sore and that entire area had more of a parking lot amusement park than anything remotely Disney. The Dinosaur ride was okay but even our 9yo thought it was a bit jerky there too. We were really looking forward to it because we missed last time but we all 3 agree'd it wasn't a "must do" on future trips. Maybe when Expedition Everest comes...we'll see. But for now, its our least favorite.

 

[goofy4dis]

Well I would reccomend trying it again on a nice day and do the things reccomended on these boards.

 

[monty]

Can someone please tell me more about this Kali Rapid ride that seems to be a big hit with everyone. I have read enough to understand the likelihood of getting wet/soaked.What happens on a cold Dec.day? Do you, fearing you will get wet & cold avoid it all together? Or do the Ponchos keep you dry enough to avoid this?

 

[MissBubbles]

The first trip to WDW I made in 2001, from all the negative publicity, we skipped AK. Went for the first time in 2002 and LOVED it. It's now my 2nd favorite park (behind Epcot). Besides the Lion King show, which is amazing, and the Kilamanjaro Safaris, I really enjoy the more laid back atmosphere and all the detail the Imagineers have made to make this park look like it's been in operation for decades instead of a few years old.

I've also had great luck finding characters here that you miss in other parks - Daisy, Pocahontas, Meeko, Rafiki, etc. with little or no wait for pics & autographs. Don't miss the Jammin Jungle Parade either - probably my favorite parade as of now.

 

[monica31671]

I went with my 7 year old son in June and we both LOVED "It's Tough to be a Bug." We thought it was one of the best things about WDW.
It poured down rain almost the entire time we were there so we rushed through the park and missed a bunch of things. Hopefully we will make up for that in January.
If you check out the food board, people seem to rave about Tusker House as one of WDW's best counter services.

 

[Embel]

If someone asked me what the "not to be missed" attractions for adults were at AK I'd say Festival of the Lion King, Dinosaur, It's Tough To Be A Bug and the Safari. After that I'd say Primeval Whirl, Kali River Rapids Ride (but you will get wet...I did it 6 times in a row today from 3:45 to 5pm) and the bird show.

If you are an animal lover I'd say the walking trails (Pangini and Maharajah) plus the early morning vet projects in Rafiki's Planet Watch (take the Conservation Station train)...AK is a great place!

On Tuesday we rode the Kali River Rapids. We ended up on a raft that had people who were on their 6th ride around. We are from MA., and we are a family of 4 with 2 young girls. Did you ride with us?

 

[Embel]

The height requirement for Kali River Rapids is 38". We were very excited becuase our 3 yr old is 39", and just missed being able to go on a number of the rides.


We LOVE the Animal Kingdom! The safari ride, Festival of the Lion King and Dinosaur ride are must sees.

 

[Gabriel&Nana]

Can someone please tell me more about this Kali Rapid ride that seems to be a big hit with everyone. I have read enough to understand the likelihood of getting wet/soaked.What happens on a cold Dec.day? Do you, fearing you will get wet & cold avoid it all together? Or do the Ponchos keep you dry enough to avoid this?

Hi Monty,

I went to AK 2 times in January.

It was cold, but it was sunny and abround midday we went to Kali. Before that, we changed our pants for shorts, and we took our tennis and put flip-flops ( I saw barefooted guys on our barge ). And we also wore rain ponchos.

The first ride was OK, but we rode 3/4 times, because my kids love it ...

After all, we had our feet flooded and our hair wet too...
But after changing our clothes / shoes again, the sun dried our heads and everything was OK !

Give it a try and have fun ! aw:

 

[goofy4dis]

bump???