Disney Closing Animal Kingdom?

[Laurajean1014]

A frequent WDW recently spoke to an employee of corporate Disney and they said that Disney will close AK! Is this true or does it have any merit?

I understand it is not as showie as the other parks, but that would be a first, even for Disney in these tough times.

Do you think they may close it for a month? Forever?

Please let me know what you hear.

L

 

[BrianD]

Well, considering that they just recently announced a new major attraction, Expedition Everest, I doubt it will be closing any time soon. I'm sure that is just an untrue rumor.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I seriously doubt that this has any truth.

Mike

 

[Laurajean1014]

I agree.

First of all, that would be a first at Disney. It would be admitting to a failure, (although I do not see AK as a failure).

I do admit that it's not as ride packed as the other parks! Kali River, Killimonjaro, Dinasaur, Bug's Life and Lion King seem to be the biggest draws.

I would think that Disney (to get the crowds in) would invest more into it to get more out of it. Also, AK has two feeders, Rainforest Cafe and the AKL.

Anymore news or interpretations???

 

[wtg2000]

and they said that Disney will close AK! Is this true or does it have any merit?

True. Disney closes AK every night at 5pm!

Sounds like just another (yawn) far-fetched rumor.

 

[Laurajean1014]

See, that's how rumors get started.

Someone said the park is closing soon, and everyone thinks it gone for good.

Snappy comeback. I like that.

 

[Lewisc]

After 9-11 there was some talk about not opening the park 7 days a week.

 

[OnWithTheShow]

ha

 

[raidermatt]

There were rumors about AK and possibly other WDW parks closing on certain days of the week in slower seasons. Several posters with inside info, including one who is not part of the car 3/4 crowd, have "validated" that this was in fact under serious consideration, but the idea has been beaten back.

 

[Dznefreek]

Since operating hours areonly 9-5 for the most part it may as well close.

Remember the 7am openings when you could go see the safari animals at their most active!

 

[Peter Pirate]

Mr. Matt, with all due respect to Scoop and while I agree that there was discussion of 'dark days' at WDW. My sources tell me it was never very serious. It was thrown out as a possible 'stop-gap' should things have gotten worse...You know more terror, etc...

Also, it'll be very intersting to see attendance reports when they come out as word of mouth (including my own) has had AK quite busy most all of the time...Even when other parks, including USF were not...

wtg2000, great line! This is the only time AK will be closing...

 

[OnWithTheShow]

"Since operating hours areonly 9-5 for the most part it may as well close.

Remember the 7am openings when you could go see the safari animals at their most active!"

So then 9-5 allows you to see the same amount as if the park was closed? I think not. Also as the animals became adjusted to the park they are now the most active in the afternoon. Heck, all the worlds business that only operate 9-5 might as well just close.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by OnWithTheShow
"Since operating hours areonly 9-5 for the most part it may as well close.

Remember the 7am openings when you could go see the safari animals at their most active!"

So then 9-5 allows you to see the same amount as if the park was closed? I think not. Also as the animals became adjusted to the park they are now the most active in the afternoon. Heck, all the worlds business that only operate 9-5 might as well just close.

Not sure what the poster meant but some people might prefer longer hours in exchange for the park being closed 1 or 2 days a week. I have no trouble with 9-5.

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by Peter Pirate
Mr. Matt, with all due respect to Scoop and while I agree that there was discussion of 'dark days' at WDW. My sources tell me it was never very serious. It was thrown out as a possible 'stop-gap' should things have gotten worse...You know more terror, etc...

Wait a minute...I thought that was so the anaimals could "rest". Or at least that was the story at the time.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I like AK! It took sometime for me to get used the differences from AK to the other parks, but now I enjoy it!

It would be cool if they added a Finding Nemo ride to AK and get the waterlife involved, but I do not think Austrailia was in there plans at AK.

 

[blackshirt]

Originally posted by OnWithTheShow
"Since operating hours areonly 9-5 for the most part it may as well close.

Remember the 7am openings when you could go see the safari animals at their most active!"

So then 9-5 allows you to see the same amount as if the park was closed? I think not. Also as the animals became adjusted to the park they are now the most active in the afternoon. Heck, all the worlds business that only operate 9-5 might as well just close.

DATELINE JUNE 2003 ORLANDO FLORIDA!!!!
DISNEY SUCCEEDS IN ALTERING 100,000 YEARS OF EVOLUTION!!!
The Walt Disney Company has announced that they have succeeded in changing the nocturnal sleeping habits of their zoo like animals in Orlando Florida. Although animals, in general, sleep in the hot humid afternoon, Disney's use of positive reinforcement and image enhancement therapy has resulted in animals being so awake and animated in the afternoons that many have collapsed from heat stroke. Nonetheless, a Disney spokesman announced that the animals did not die in vain. The animals died happy in the knowledge that they were providing the ultimate vacation experience for Disney World guests: albeit from 9-5 to suit the needs of the business. Donations in the name of these brave creatures can be sent to the Eisner Corporation(no relation to Michael Eisner, immediate family that is)

 

[Peter Pirate]

Yeah man! I just renewed our annual passes! Not what you had in mind I'll bet?

 

[Planogirl]

Originally posted by blackshirt
DATELINE JUNE 2003 ORLANDO FLORIDA!!!!
DISNEY SUCCEEDS IN ALTERING 100,000 YEARS OF EVOLUTION!!!
The Walt Disney Company has announced that they have succeeded in changing the nocturnal sleeping habits of their zoo like animals in Orlando Florida. Although animals, in general, sleep in the hot humid afternoon, Disney's use of positive reinforcement and image enhancement therapy has resulted in animals being so awake and animated in the afternoons that many have collapsed from heat stroke. Nonetheless, a Disney spokesman announced that the animals did not die in vain. The animals died happy in the knowledge that they were providing the ultimate vacation experience for Disney World guests: albeit from 9-5 to suit the needs of the business. Donations in the name of these brave creatures can be sent to the Eisner Corporation(no relation to Michael Eisner, immediate family that is)

Maybe they're audioanimatronic?

True story. The Houston zoo once subbed a rubber coral snake for the longest time for a real one that had died. It was only discovered because the fake snake never moved and got a bit dusty. OT I know but you reminded me of that for some reason.

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by blackshirt
DATELINE JUNE 2003 ORLANDO FLORIDA!!!!
DISNEY SUCCEEDS IN ALTERING 100,000 YEARS OF EVOLUTION!!!
The Walt Disney Company has announced that they have succeeded in changing the nocturnal sleeping habits of their zoo like animals in Orlando Florida. Although animals, in general, sleep in the hot humid afternoon, Disney's use of positive reinforcement and image enhancement therapy has resulted in animals being so awake and animated in the afternoons that many have collapsed from heat stroke. Nonetheless, a Disney spokesman announced that the animals did not die in vain. The animals died happy in the knowledge that they were providing the ultimate vacation experience for Disney World guests: albeit from 9-5 to suit the needs of the business. Donations in the name of these brave creatures can be sent to the Eisner Corporation(no relation to Michael Eisner, immediate family that is)

LOL!!

 

[airlarry!]

Definition of Synergy*:

Having a movie you produce hit the top of the charts for four solid weeks, threaten to take over top spot of unadjusted for inflation Biggest Animated Movie ever, have said movie set in Australia

AND

Have a giant park dedicated to animals, real and imagined, with lots of people complaining that it is still only a 1/2 or 3/4 day park, and not having an AUSTRALIAN section in the park

AND

not announcing at least plans for expansion of said park in time for the movie's release to tie in the success of the movie with wonderfully creative rides, attractions, shows, walk-throughs, and exhibits based on said movie and its Australian habitat.

* Not in Webster's dictionary. Check Ei$ner's New Abridged Dctnry (sorry but had to cut the vowels out--10% removal of vowels may increase the bottom line 10%).