Favorite things about Animal Kingdom?

[matysgrandma]

DO NOT MISS FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING. It is a wonderful show for all ages. This park has grown to become one of my favorites... "it's tough to be a bug" is great! Kilamanjaro Safari is so awesome (but do it very early in the morning when the animals are active). And really take time to walk the paths and enjoy the sites.

 

[liamsaunt]

I love the Maharajah Junkle Trek. The tigers are amazing. If you go at the end of the day they are really active because they are getting ready to be fed.

Kilimanjaro Safari is great too, especially first thing in the morning or at closing. During the day it is too hot and lots of the animals are hiding in the brush and trees.

I am not a big fan of Primeval Whirl (too jerky) or Dinosaur (same reason), but lots of other people like them, so you should give them a try.

 

[Fellowship9798]

My feeling about Animal Kingdom is that you really need to take time to appreciate the environment to really enjoy and experience the park. A lot of people come away disappointed because there are not a large number of rides there that you wait for, ride, then move on to the next thing. There are a lot of WDW guests who operate on a "checklist" kind of system. You know the type, "We have to see X, Y, Z and then we are finished here and can go there to ride A, B, and C, then we're done at this park". This is more suited to higher attraction count parks like the Magic Kingdom.

For me a large part of the Animal Kingdom "experience" is taking your time walking through the Pangani Falls Trail or the Maharaja Jungle Trek. Really take time to look at the Tree of Life. Look for details around Harambe that tell you the history of the village that the Imagineers built. Of course in between these things take ride on Dinosaur , see It's Tough to be a Bug, etc. But you will come away with a better impression if you set aside the checklist mentality and go in knowing that the setting and environment around you is one of the main attractions, much like World Showcase at Epcot.

Darren

 

[tink too]

I agree with Fellowship9798 - many people say AK is their least favourite park because there aren't enough rides! The park is called ANIMAL Kingdom so there is a strong hint in the name as to what you will see while there!

We love the gorillas, tigers and meerkats on the walking trails. Of course we loved It's Tough To Be A Bug and Festival of the Lion King, too - they are both great indoor shows. Don't be afraid to talk to the CM's in the animal exhibits - DD3 had a conversation with a very knowledgeable young CM about the reptiles which she seemed fascinated by on our last visit. She asked me about a snake skin displayed on a wall and the CM overheard her and told her what happens when they shed their skin - she thought they had a dead snake pinned on the wall! It didn't faze him at all telling our little one and he told her in a way that she could understand, keeping it simple but informative and didn't dismiss her questions or comments (that only a 3 year old can think of.)

We're looking forward to Expedition Everest on our next trip, too.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I agree with most everyone else, my favs are kilo sfari, and it's tough to be a bug.

One thing in AK I will never waste time on again: Kali River Rapids. As rapid rides go this was a big letdown for me.

 

[Smydovro]

I was blown away by the festival of the lion king. I actually got teary at one point (i'm like that). My DS 9 loved the primordialwhirl (i know that's not right but I can't remember the name). That thing that is like a mouse but spins too. He went on it 4 times The tree is absolutely amazing.

 

[grahamsgirl]

Ok this is a bit of a cheat - not the best thing to see but the best thing to taste in AK is chocolate and vanilla swirl ice- cream at Anapadur Ice cream is Asia ! Just wanted to share.......... YUM!

 

[aprild]

I was just there the first week of October.

TAKE YOUR TIME. that is the best advice there is (IMO) about AK.

We did not do that cause, well cause to be honest we were with MIL and FIL and it's hard to do what you want when there are others with you.

We DIDN'T see Festival of the Lion King. i know i know. that is dissapointing. and because my DS3 was getting hot, he didn't want to walk through where the gorillas were. Can't think of the name of it.

We saw Devine, but felt rushed, so we didn't take the time to watch.

so that would be my advice. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings.
It is a great park and you shouldn't hurry yourself through!!