In defense of Disney's Animal Kingdom

[topolino]

Thanks for your response, Demosthenes, and you won't get flamed by me. Everyone's opinion is welcome here.

Regarding your comment about too few sit down restaurants, and the mass exodus in the late afternoon, I think that is all by design. For the most part, DAK closes at 5, and so a good sit down restaurant wouldn't do nearly the business that one in another park would, since it'd be serving up until late evening. They probably have decided not to invest a lot into restaurants that would only be open a portion of the time that a normal sit down place would operate.

I agree about the navigation problems, though I don't think they are bad as some make them out to be. CMM is kind of isolated, and there is no real good way to get from Africa to Dinoland USA. Cutting through Asia puts you in the midst of the EE traffic, and heads you straight into those fleeing Asia for Africa. I'm not sure if a better design would solve the problem, or if a park of this size is inherently going to have these problems.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I think Demosthenes makes some good points, especially about the heat and places to cool off. FOTLK is great for that, but you do get worn out faster at AK, or at least I do. Between the walking and the heat, I'm always exhausted after AK. I think it's a shame they have greatly reduced the evening extra magic hours at AK too. I think the park is beautiful at night. I also liked going on an Evening EMH day and not feeling like I had to get there first thing in the morning to get my money's worth. One trip we didn't get to AK until almost 2pm, but it was an Evening EMH day and it was great, we had a late lunch, caught the parade and then just enjoyed the park until close, it was cooler and lot less crowded, I loved it.

 

[topolino]

I think Demosthenes makes some good points, especially about the heat and places to cool off. FOTLK is great for that, but you do get worn out faster at AK, or at least I do. Between the walking and the heat, I'm always exhausted after AK. I think it's a shame they have greatly reduced the evening extra magic hours at AK too. I think the park is beautiful at night. I also liked going on an Evening EMH day and not feeling like I had to get there first thing in the morning to get my money's worth. One trip we didn't get to AK until almost 2pm, but it was an Evening EMH day and it was great, we had a late lunch, caught the parade and then just enjoyed the park until close, it was cooler and lot less crowded, I loved it.

I agree about DAK at night. It's an amazing sensation. I wonder if it's even more special because you don't get too experience it all that often.

 

[Demosthenes]

Regarding your comment about too few sit down restaurants, and the mass exodus in the late afternoon, I think that is all by design. For the most part, DAK closes at 5, and so a good sit down restaurant wouldn't do nearly the business that one in another park would, since it'd be serving up until late evening. They probably have decided not to invest a lot into restaurants that would only be open a portion of the time that a normal sit down place would operate.

I think AK could be, and should be, a nighttime destination as much as all the other parks, but it needs more than just sit down restaurants to do that. It needs more D and E ticket attractions that could operate without the animals. Right now, the primary attractions at the park are the animals (not that this is a bad thing). In order to make it an all day and into the night park, it needs attractions outside of the animals, and restaurants that are destinations rather than just places to eat. If you did that, and then added a nighttime show like World of Color (high on theater, devoid of pyrotechnics for the animals' sake), you could bring a new element to the park. I believe that Disney doesn't want the park to close at 5; it just does so now because it doesn't make financial sense to keep it open later. That can be, and should be (IMHO) changed.

 

[BriarRosie]

I never felt a need to defend the place. I've always liked it, but it's so much more enjoyable in December than in July.

The people who treat it like a theme park and tour it like a theme park are the people who stand to be the most disappointed with it. Because it's best enjoyed if you don't treat it like a theme park, but as a slower paced park to enjoy. Sure, it helps to get those early FastPasses for Everest and the Safari, but I enjoy all the shows and will spend time exploring the walking trails.

 

[jpeka65844]

I think Demosthenes makes some good points, especially about the heat and places to cool off. FOTLK is great for that, but you do get worn out faster at AK, or at least I do. Between the walking and the heat, I'm always exhausted after AK. I think it's a shame they have greatly reduced the evening extra magic hours at AK too.

Could it also be that most people probably don't go to AK until the middle of their trip? By then, they're getting tired and the Disney "magic" has worn off a little?

I will second the idea of AK being HOT; we've done the park in blistering mid-June temps. BUT, perhaps it seems hotter b/c for us at least, in my family's touring schedule, because it's usually the third day we've spent in a park in blistering mid-June temps. Any park at that point would feel Africa hot.

That being said, we did AK during Marathon Weekend in 2010 during record LOWS on a day where it didn't get above 35. We didn't last too long b/c my son said "Mommy, I'm cold!"

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I don't love it. As a matter of fact, it has always been my least favorite park. I suppose I am not as into nature as some so that might be the reason. However, I do always go there for a day because there are attractions that I love like FotLK, EE, and Dinoasaur, but I could really give or take the animal aspect. But I'm not a fan of zoos (yes, I know it's not a zoo)! With that said, I'm glad AK is there. It serves a purpose, it adds diversity to the theme park quartet and there are plenty of people who love it! There are some who might like to sit and watch the monkeys all day whereas I love to sit and watch the pianomen at Jellyrolls all night. I'm all about WDW having multiple options so there is something for everyone

 

[DisneyStoryMania]

AK is a great park, we have to think each park to me offers something different for everyone, Disney Gives us everything but just does it bigger than anyone else....

AK to me once again opinion is a great place to go look at animals and it has the upper class zoo feel, great place for my family to go and chill for a day I love the place of course I love every park, oh yea and every resort, oh and every Disney store.....
But for real when you think about AK think about it like this what place have you ever been where you can look at animals ,watch parades,go on a safari,get wet, ride some rides and feel the Disney Magic.......

WE LOVE ALL THE DISNEY PARKS.....

 

[FireDancer]

I don't love Dinoland USA either, but one has to keep in mind that the carnival like feel, and seeming lack of themeing IS the themeing. Disney didn't just drop the ball and forget how to theme a land within one of its theme parks on that one occasion. It may not be Imagineerings shining moment, by any means, but the back story truly explains why it is how it is. Like it or not, it does remain true to the origninal vision, and it tells its back story well.

I think, personally, that the back story was created to try and explain the decision after the fact as opposed to anything else.

 

[Demosthenes]

I think, personally, that the back story was created to try and explain the decision after the fact as opposed to anything else.

I don't mind the back story too much, I just wish it was executed so that someone doesn't have to tell you there is a back story. If it is so subtle it seems like the place is just tacky and cheap, it is too subtle. This is one place where an overt story would help sell this to more people.

As an aside, I've always had the impression that we are supposed to sympathize with Chester and Hester instead of the Institute, but I don't find hucksters to be too sympathetic. I personally think it would be better if Chester and Hester offered their roadside attractions with a combination of family fun and learning. Maybe they should have a roadside home with a farm/petting zoo behind it. Something the institute would look down on, but would be wholesome good fun for kids. It would also be a good spot for a family style restaurant that features characters from Tarzan and the Jungle Book or other animal centered Disney animated classics.

 

[figment3258]

It has a special place In my heart. My family and I were there the day before it opened to the pubic. That was cool to be one of the first in it. But it is a really hot park with little shade and very hard to get around but their work there is amazing and it's unlike any other park

 

[ToddyLu]

DAK has really grown on me through the years while DHS has not. So DHS is my least favorite park. After we have riden on RnR and Tot then eaten at 50s and Brown Derby we are done...is there really any reason to walk past Star Tours in that park anymore? Nut this is a thread about AK, right?

I love the breeze that always seems to envelope the park at the gate..kinda pushing or calling you in...then it stops and the African Heat takes over which of course Disney pipes in from Africa. The landscaping is terrific and the attention to details is incredible. Rain Forrest is one of our favorites especially for breakfast and evening EMH is as important to us as Wishes. DAK takes my DH away for a day to satisfy his love of photography while I can do what I want solo ( hopefully the Kidani pool next weekend ). I love the "animal" park, too.

 

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

I love DAK. I have a wonderful time while I am there. I enjoy feeling like I am in another country. The details are great. That is my favorite part.

 

[Oglet]

DAK has really grown on me through the years while DHS has not. So DHS is my least favorite park. After we have riden on RnR and Tot then eaten at 50s and Brown Derby we are done...is there really any reason to walk past Star Tours in that park anymore? Nut this is a thread about AK, right?

I love the breeze that always seems to envelope the park at the gate..kinda pushing or calling you in...then it stops and the African Heat takes over which of course Disney pipes in from Africa. The landscaping is terrific and the attention to details is incredible. Rain Forrest is one of our favorites especially for breakfast and evening EMH is as important to us as Wishes. DAK takes my DH away for a day to satisfy his love of photography while I can do what I want solo ( hopefully the Kidani pool next weekend ). I love the "animal" park, too.

PM EMH is no longer anymore... It's gone bye bye in exchange for later park hours

 

[WaltD4Me]

PM EMH is no longer anymore... It's gone bye bye in exchange for later park hours

According to the park hours listed here on WDW info, it says there are 3 Evening EMH days for AK in May and June. It's only 3 for the whole month though.

 

[chirurgeon]

I keep telling myself I don't have a favorite park. They each have a special place in my heart. Which park do I spend the most time in? Epcot. Which park do I have to visit first? Magic Kingdom. For me the Studios is really a half day park. Since I usually get an AP, if the timing on Fantasmic works, I will head back for that. But it really doesn't take an entire day for me there. So, back to Animal Kingdom. I ADORE THIS PARK. Where else could I run into a friend I had no idea was at WDW. I was on the trail from Africa to Asia. And I turn around and see a good friend there. I was a great happenstance. Anyway, I love the rides, I even like Primeval Whirl. While I don't agree with the theme of DinoLand, the details are great. The entire park has one fantastic detail after another. And I love tigers. I have so many tiger pictures. And I have to take more everytime I go. And the thrill of getting pictures on the "Kilimanjaro 500" I just wish I could get in there truly at sunrise. The pictures of the Tree of Life would be great.

Kim

 

[disneyholic family]

We love AK!!
it's by far the most beautiful of the 4 parks....the landscaping is absolutely stunning!!!

 

[steamboat will]

Ah the age old debate....

Ever since the park first opened it's doors it seems folks have been lining up to knock it down, which is a real shame.

I love Animal Kingdom, in fact I loved it the very first day I set foot In the place, and having been fortunate to visit ever Disney theme park in the world I can say it's one of the best! IMHO certainly the best Theme Park in Walt Disney World Resort.

Unfortunately to truly appreciate the park I feel you need to approach it in a completely different mindset than all of the others.

Many Disney fans, myself included, attack the parks commando style heading for the most popular attractions before rushing onto the next thing to see. Unfortunately this style of approach doesn't really suit Animal Kingdom, which benefits from lingering on pathways and noticing the small details.

The strangest thing is, whenever I take friends to visit Walt Disney World and they experience Animal Kingdom the way I see the park they all come out loving the park.

I guess at the end of the day or Disney World Resort is so huge and diverse it really offers something for everyone, and the fact that we all enjoy different elements of it just helps to make "the world" a more interesting place.

SW

 

[chirurgeon]

I do do AK commando style first thing in the AM. I will head straight to KS for a quick ride and a Fastpass to do it right after I get finished with the Pangani Trail. Then I head for EE, get another FP then head for the single rider line if the main line is too long by then (which it generally is.) I wish there was a single rider line for KS, then I could head for EE first. I haven't see the queue at EE for quite a while. Maybe I will use it this next trip. I do have my Kindle app on my phone for the slow parts of the queue. Being a single, it does let me do the parks at my own pace.

Kim

 

[mainegal]

Long story...

A friend was in Orlando last month visiting family with their almost four year old. They had one day park passes from a cast member. Trouble is, it was during a school break week and the parks would be crazy mobbed.

They knew they would be going back in a few years for a more intense WDW visit, this was just a one day thing.

I suggested staying away from attractions that would have forever lines and just take it easy. Do high capacity shows and attractions. Maybe just do one park.

The final suggestion - Animal Kingdom.
Fast pass safari first thing in the morning. Do the two live shows. Tough to be a Bug. Maybe the bird show. And just take their time and wander the two wildlife trails. it was agreed this would be a great day!

What really happened. It was the family of three from Maine (mom, dad and the almost four year old), two older cousins and their mom and two grandparents. Older kids wanted thrill rides and who knows what else. Group stayed together. They had to pick up tickets at MK, then they went to HS, then to Epcot, then to AK, then back to MK. Lots of time in transportation, very few attractions experienced.

Of the week in Florida, Disney was the worst day. The best day was when they went to an grove and picked oranges.

Next time, she told me they would follow my advice!

Just an interesting recollection that I was advising to use their WDW ticket to go to only one park - the Animal Kingdom.

Yes! It really is a great park. It is just not a traditional theme park.