Didn't expect it... but LOVED the AK!

[Violetx3]

Got back a few days ago and was surprised that our family agreed that AK was our favorite! I scheduled it for our last day b/c I was not excited about it. I don't particularly like zoos (even some of the best zoos) but it was so much better!

Did you know that they water the park all night long to keep it lush and green? The water is recycled.

The MK is just a little too crowded at times (even with low wait times) and I know this is blasphemy, but I would like a little more updating...

My last thought... why does everyone say the AK is a half-day park. We stayed 7 hours and hadn't seen everything.

 

[puggymom]

I also love AK, it is very easy to spend a full day there. Glad you had a great time. Remember it's Natazu (I think that's how they spell it)

 

[WaltD4Me]

You can easily spend a whole day at AK, but it does have less attractions/rides than MK, so it can be done in a 1/2 day with a little planning if needed...I think that's why people say that. Not as much "line time" at AK.

I was iffy about AK the first time I went too, but I really enjoyed it alot more than I thought I would and Jammin' Jungle is one of my favorite parades now. Also, I would go to AK just to see Festival of the Lion King, it is my second favorite thing at WDW after Wishes.

Did you get to see Lucky when you were there? I thought he was AWESOME!

 

[NCombs]

AK is also the favorite park of my family. I have been told we need to schedule more than just one day there on our next trip.

 

[lsteadman]

If you are only going for the rides it can be done in a half-day.

BUT>....AK is not just about rides. Animal Kingdom is about "animals." I loved the Park and loved the Tree of Life. We took in all the Park had to offer and still didn't see everything and we spend 2 full days in the park.

I loved the park but my daughter wants to spend our first two days at Christmas at AK so we can get the smell out of the way. I with the OP I loved the park its one of my favorites.

 

[sunshine girl]

I loved AK from the minute I saw it, as I walked in from the bus stop. I went in and was instantly in heaven! I stay for a full day when I visit (I've only been there twice... need another trip!) and could easily go back for more. I just enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[HollyJoy]

We, too, enjoyed AK, even though MK is still our favorite! The only complaint was the smell!

 

[PKS44]

Sorry to spoil the AK love fest but this park just fails to excite me....Safari--I have now done it 4 times and it seems the same every time...FOLK good the first time--dull the next...ITTBAB--nice little 3D movie but in a WDW with 4 movies with the same 3D gags--it gets old...KALI--too short...Dino--too dark...don't even mention the rest of the Dinoland monstrosity they threw in there...the whole park---too little to do besides walk the aniimal trails which are not engaging enough to warrant admission prices like this when I can go to our local zoo with just as immersive trails and not pay a penny to get in (st Louis Zoo is free admission and rated #1 Zoo by Zagat)
AK desperately needs Everest and more to make it back onto my itinerary.

YMMV--mine obviously did--and there is a reason the park is nearly empty towards the end of it's very short day---it IS a half-day park to most patrons...I guess the market has spoken.

 

[GarrettJD]

Well, for us, AK is 4th place out of 4 parks... but having said that, we still really enjoy it anyway. We just don't spend as much time there as we do at our favorite, Epcot, but we will always do it at least 1 1/2 to 2 days per trip.

I'm REALLY looking forward to Expedition: Everest, though!

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

We love Animal Kingdom! I think I like it for the theming more than anything else. It's like a huge, interactive world showcase to me.

I even love Dinoland. It's cheesy and fun. Dinosaur is not on my list of favorite rides, though.

 

[Stiff]

I love AK...probably my second favorite park

its by far the most beautiful park to walk around

 

[mattr555]

Bugs Life and the Tree of Life were excellent but the rest of the park is terrible. The safari is a nice idea but more animals can be seen a lot closer up at Busch Gardens and SeaWorld. The whole of Dino USA is a disgrace; dump a few midway rides down and semi theme it jurrasic style; mmm no. Dinosaur, considering it is a newer ride was auful. The whole thing was in the dark and you could hardly see a thing (yes my sunglasses were off) and it as so bumpy. It was like Back to the Future with the movie turned off. I knew before going that it was short of "rides" and the apeal of the park was a slower more explorational thing but it just felt like a hugely inferior Busch Gardens ripoff. Take the Disney characters out and no one would go.

 

[Leota]

I also love AK. Not mainly for the attractions, but for the themeing. I love to go & just wander around. I feel like we have barely scratched the surface there. We don't do full days there, tho - In the warmer months it's just too darn hot.

I have to agree with Dinosaur - It's such a disappointment. They used the same technology as DL's Indiana Jones ride, which is spectacular. But it's so dark that there's no visual story. I was prepared to hate Dinorama, but I actually thought it was hilarious. Very over-the-top in a Niagra Falls Cheeseball sort of way. Primevil Whirl is a great wild mouse. Very fun.

 

[dgaston]

While I can appreciate AK, and do enjoy both Tarzan Rocks and FOTLK, we usually visit AK once in every 3 trips. We'll go in July sparked by wanting to eat at Donald's Breakfastosaurus. That's one of our favorite character brunches.

 

[newholidayx2]

AK is one of our favorite parks
This Aug DS13 & I are planning once at park opening and 2 late night hrs
Will fit in more AK time if necessary

 

[RC Fan]

I have always enjoyed AK. I do like Dinosaur. I tried Primeval Whirl for the first time and found it hilarious! No, it is not scary or high tech, but it is entertaining.

Hi WaltD4Me! I saw Lucky and thought he was really cool! Too bad he is not hanging around.

 

[DisMN]

Another AK lover here too. The theming, the background "music", the overall sensation that you are NOT at Disneyworld is what makes AK a draw for me.

Lucky the dinosaur looks really cool...you mean he's only there for a short time? HUGE bummer! Do you know if he'll still be around next January?

 

[hezreck]

We spent the afternoon there (12:00- 5:00) and then decided we needed more time, so came back the next day from opening to 12:30. We still could have spent more time there. We didn't even look at the animals except for Safari ride. Next time we go will definitely schedule at least 1 1/2 days. We didn't have a chance to see Flights of Wonder and My DD wants to spend more time in the Boneyard.

 

[DanaHesson]

We went the first time on our honeymoon in 2001, and then we went back in Nov of 2004. We skipped it on a trip inbetween in March of 2004. I probably would have skipped it in November had my parents not been along. I just didn't remember it as being anything special....

BUT! I actually REALLY enjoyed it! I am really looking forward to finally getting to see The Festival of the Lion King show, the Parade, and Camp Minnie-Mickey, and Kali River Rapids, all of which we missed so far. The park is beautiful, the animals are cool, the meal deal is unbeatable (though we will be on dining plan this time), and I just cant WAIT!!

 

[tomerin]

AK is deifintly my favorite park. it was the only park that we enjoyed the whole day together as a family. my DW favorite ride is Dinosaur. she doesnt really do too many rides but Dinosaur is a multiple time must do

we love AK!!!