How do you guys like Animal Kingdom?

[CTDisneyfan816]

some of us are not able, for various reasons, to visit the actual countries that Epcot represents so we get a flavor of different countries when we visit World Showcase.

I'm guessing because of some physical limitation? I can understand that. I am on dialysis and some days my energy isn't as high as others. This will be my third trip in July to Disney/Universal since starting dialysis and I agree the countries is a long walk if you get fatigued easily or of course for some physical reason.

 

[jon18uk]

I'm guessing because of some physical limitation? I can understand that. I am on dialysis and some days my energy isn't as high as others. This will be my third trip in July to Disney/Universal since starting dialysis and I agree the countries is a long walk if you get fatigued easily or of course for some physical reason.

She meant not being able to visit the real actual countries so she takes Epcot as a substitue. I would assume the reason for not visiting the actual countries is financial as a trip to France, China or Italy could get expensive.

 

[Tomh]

AK I have mixed feelings on. We usually manage to stay nearly the full day, arriving at Rope Drop, and leaving usually around an hour before closing. It isn't really a full day park for me, but yet it is much more than just a zoo. We have a world class zoo less than an hour from our home, and it isn't terribly expensive to visit. We go there often enough, but AK is so much more. The theming, and way the animals are presented goes far beyond anything our local zoo accomplishes.

Add in the rides, and it becomes a lot more than just a zoo. However, much of the park doesn't appeal to me. Triceratops Spin, Dinosaur . . no thanks. Bugs Life . . . I did it once, not terribly interested in doing it again.

Our day usually starts with the safari, my include one, or both of the walking trails, Kali, Expedition Everest, Lion King, and Flights of Wonder. This year, we intend to spend a bit of time at Rafikis Planet Watch, which we haven't done since our first visit in 2008. That basically is our entire day, then we leave a bit on the early side to miss the closing crowds, and head over to 'Ohana for supper.

 

[Lisaloo]

Go to AK. Ride Dinosaur and Everest (and even a little primieval whirl) to get your thrill fix then enjoy the rest the park has to offer. The safari really is fun too! In my opinion Universal has definitely taken the lead in the rides department so you will have plenty to do there the next day.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

She meant not being able to visit the real actual countries so she takes Epcot as a substitue. I would assume the reason for not visiting the actual countries is financial as a trip to France, China or Italy could get expensive.

Oh yes I see it n ow.

 

[piccolopat]

I love AK. There is a peace and serenity that I find wandering through the various jungle paths. I love watching the gorillas and tigers. Photography is a hobby and I find plenty of things to shoot there. It's not like going to a zoo but of course it's not the same as seeing these animals in the wild. Most of us never get the change to see them in their natural environments. By the way, same goes for Epcot's WS. I would love to be able to go to every country and experience them first hand. I'll consider myself lucky if I get to see any number of them. If you're more interested in rides, Universal might be a better choice for you.

 

[AaronInWI]

The non-Disney nature of the park is one of the things I like about AK. Harambe and Anandapur could be villages in Africa & Nepal, the theming is absolutely spot-on.

My wife and I are probably in the minority, but AK is a 2-day park for us, or at least 1 full day and another morning. This is one of the biggest reasons we (or maybe just I) love it so much. If you are able to suspend your disbelief for a little while (and lets face it, a major part of the Disney experience is suspending disbelief for a little while), you can almost start believing that you are in a small village in Africa or Asia. We'll often find a place to sit in the middle of these villages and just soak in the atmosphere. But we are very much a "stop and smell the roses" kind of couple. It's not so much what we are doing, rather what we are experiencing that makes our trips fun.

 

[DisneyFive]

Would never skip AK. It ended up being our second favorite park (behind MK) during our first ever visit to WDW. Now, after 4 WDW vacations, it has faded to 4th, (lack of repeat enjoyment I guess) but we still wouldn't skip it altogether.

The theming is fantastic., and some of the attractions are not to be missed. Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Lion King Show, Nemo Show...

Dan

 

[palavra]

Having been to 7 of the 11 countries in real life, yes, the authentic experience is better. However, many people won't ever get to go to most of these nations, so I think it is great that WDW provides a sense of what a visit to these countries would be like.

f I want to see authentic architecture and people from a foreign country, I'd rather go to the foreign country. I have no desire to do the Agent P game. And I dislike IllumiNations. But you do have a point when it comes to the two rides and the various entertainers.

 

[ELSA711]

I love AK and EP WS for that matter. I like being taken to another place, culture and both these places in WDW definitely does it for me.
The brilliance of it all amazes me every time.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

AK is usually our first stop when we visit. My wife and I really enjoy AK now that it is just the two of us and we can slow down and really enjoy a much slower pace. I really think it just depends on what you are trying to get from your vacation. If you want a bunch of rides then AK will not be a good choice. If you take the time to really slow down and take it all in, then AK might be an excellent choice.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We love AK. It wouldn't be a Disney trip without it. I was miffed last summer because the Tigers were purposely eluding me in the rain.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

For me, while it is the shortest time committment for me of the four parks (3 hours normally), I do love what I do see and do. I couldn't see skipping any of the parks. E ach year I go to Universal and Disney. Each year I say maybe this year I will go to parks fewer days but then when I start thinking of what parks to skip or maybe not doing Universal I say no way so I decided to extend my vacation the past few years by 3 days

 

[River Country]

This is really hard to answer. OP has already stated that they "hated" WS and was "bored" after 2 attractions in FW. I cant see how the OP would like AK. AK is probably the most unique park of the 4 IMHO. I have never used the word bored or hated on a WDW trip in my lifetime. There may be things, attractions, or food that I don't care for or don't appeal to me and my family but not bored or hate. AK offers us a look at animals in a more natural habitat along with some thrills, Safari, Everest, Rapids, DINO, etc. Great shows, Bugs life and Nemo. AK is a my family's favorite park after MK, but to tell a person that they should go there after they stated what they stated would be difficult. If you are looking for an atmosphere similar to MK you wont find it at AK. So with out a hopper I would recommend going back to MK

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

This is really hard to answer. OP has already stated that they "hated" WS and was "bored" after 2 attractions in FW. I cant see how the OP would like AK. AK is probably the most unique park of the 4 IMHO. I have never used the word bored or hated on a WDW trip in my lifetime. There may be things, attractions, or food that I don't care for or don't appeal to me and my family but not bored or hate. AK offers us a look at animals in a more natural habitat along with some thrills, Safari, Everest, Rapids, DINO, etc. Great shows, Bugs life and Nemo. AK is a my family's favorite park after MK, but to tell a person that they should go there after they stated what they stated would be difficult. If you are looking for an atmosphere similar to MK you wont find it at AK. So with out a hopper I would recommend going back to MK

Agreed, if you don't like WS at Epcot, then it is hard to really guess.

 

[itchin2go]

f I want to see authentic architecture and people from a foreign country, I'd rather go to the foreign country.

Glad that's an option for you, but it's not for everyone. I find the architecture in World Showcase charming.

I have no desire to do the Agent P game.

Don't knock it till you try it. The adventures are really pretty cool.

 

[serpentar1us]

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm typing this from AK, and I'm glad to say that I was wrong--I really like it here! It truly feels like I'm in an African town, with the great theming and sweltering Florida heat, lol. I don't regret this decision!

 

[BudgieMama]

As you're asking for a first timer, don't miss AK. We heard lots of negativity about AK when we visited for the first time last year, but it is beautiful! We loved it, and are planning at least two full days there for our next visit! It feels nothing like a zoo.

 

[Lisaloo]

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm typing this from AK, and I'm glad to say that I was wrong--I really like it here! It truly feels like I'm in an African town, with the great theming and sweltering Florida heat, lol. I don't regret this decision!

Yay! Glad you are enjoying yourself. Now go get dole whip.

 

[Maleficent Dragon]

Animal Kingdom is better than "any old zoo" in my opinion because it is so beautifully detailed and themed. Some people love it and others consider it a half-day park. If animals do not interest you at all, maybe you should go back to the magic kingdom.

Reasons to go to AK:
- It has two of the best WDW shows, Lion King and Nemo
- The feeling, music, atmosphere is unique. Very different from the other parks. I personally love it.
- Expedition Everest is possibly the best Disney coaster
- The safari is fun and beautiful (assuming you like animals)

Considering your attitude about Epcot, you may just want to stick with what you know you like... especially as it sounds like you are there right now and didn't plan much in advance?

I personally couldn't skip Animal Kingdom, but everyone likes different things.

^^^
THIS