Animal Kingdom

[alicia080979]

We are another family that loves Animal Kingdom. I rank my parks MK, AK, DH/EP even in that I could take them or leave them.

I feel like AK is a nice change from the other parks with being surrounded by nature, having trails like a zoo and then a few fun rides added in for fun. We love the safari and do it at least once every trip (I have been on a multiple day safari in the Serengeti and still love this at AK). We just love the ambiance there. It is a slower paced day for us and we usually split it up between 2 mornings. For our June trip, we are only doing 4 days in the parks and it makes me so sad that we only have an EMH until noonish for AK. I could easily spend much longer. We love FOTL and Flights of Wonder for shows and try to either do a couple trails or Rafiki's Planet Watch during our time there.

I liked someone's suggestion of doing it earlier in your trip if you can. Try to slow down and enjoy it for what it is, a theme park but more of a nature park with more to "see" and less to "do". I hope you guys have a great trip!

 

[ifjf414]

You said your kids were 3 and 6 when you last went to AK, perhaps you will feel differently when the kids are older. My family LOVES Expedition Everest and Dinosaur.... definitely must-dos for us!

They want to go again, so I'm willing to try. They were both too young for both of those rides last time and they say they want to do both this time. My 5 yr old (she will turn 6 on the trip) is fearless but I'm still a little worried she's not ready.

 

[LibertyTree]

Does anyone have a link or more inforamtion on the Wilderness Explorer program. My kids are 4 and 6 and love explorer and I have never heard of this before.

Its a really good program for kids that age. You can do it at your own pace over multiple days.

This is a good article on it:
http://wdwnt.com/2013/06/review-wilderness-explorers-game-opens-at-animal-kingdom/

 

[KNovacovschi]

We never skip it, but that is usually our shorter day in the parks ( easier to do since we usually go in December when they close at 5). We normally do AK all day then go to downtown Disney for shopping and dinner.

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This is exactly what we do. We will go until around 4 then leave and go to DTD. Not our favorite park but its a relaxing park, well as relaxing as Disney can get.

 

[SGMCO]

I can't understand why people don't care for Beautiful Lush Nature and animals? It's not like any Zoo I've ever seen. AK is absolutely Beautiful and makes you feel like you have traveled to Exotic lands. I've talked to many CMs when I visit and have not run into any who were not friendly, they are from other countries and I like to ask them about where there from, they enjoy talking about their home. The Lion King Show is wonderful, Finding Nemo show is very unique with the hugh puppets. The walk through the Asia Tiger section is such an adventure, like you are exploring an old ruins. We usually get there at opening and stay till closing. We go for more than one day.

 

[damiel]

For my family AK is a half day park. It is a day that we leave and spend the rest of the day at the pool or golfing. We have been going since DS was 4, now 17 and it has always been that way for us. Now my 4 yo niece loves AK and Dino Bone Yard play area.
Be prepared that it is very humid and hoter than the other parks.

 

[stamot]

Animal Kingdom is really a 2-day park for my family. We love the park. For us there is so much to do. My daughter loves the animals. For her is her favorite.

 

[gigicnm]

There is far less to do at Epcot, if you ask me.

Animal Kingdom to me is the absolute most beautiful park of them all. It's a very special park that sets itself apart from the others. One day at AK is not enough for me. Though I know I am in the minority it seems....

I agree. For kids your kid's ages AK has far more to interest them than Epcot. That being said, if you're the kind of family that needs constant stimulation and would find walking down beautiful trails looking at interesting animals boring than this is not the park for you. It's not all about the attractions here, but it is way more than a zoo.

Finding Nemo and Festival of the Lion King are wonderful shows, especially for your kids ages, IMO. The safari is also a "must do" at any age.

For us AK is a must do and a full day park, but I have a family of animal lovers.

I think if you are planning 5+ days at WDW and you're thinking of skipping this park because you are judging it based solely on rides, then you are underestimating it's appeal (especially for young children).

 

[Angelsandrainbows]

Thanks for all of the great info. The problem was I thought there weren't any actual animal just anamatrionics???!!! I did much more research after all of the great info here and my girl will love it there and the wilderness explorers is just our style.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

Animal Kingdom is a must. It's the most beautiful theme park in the world and plenty to do for all ages.