Is Animal Kingdom a Failure?

[goofy4tink]

If AK were a stand-alone park it wouldn't be as popular as it is. I don't think it would be a 'destination' park as SeaWorld is. But, having said that, we still go to AK each time we go to WDW. We don't go for a whole day tho. But, I don't usually spend a whole day at any 'zoo'. There aren't enough attractions for a whole day visit. And it is hotter than the hinges of 'you know where' during the spring, summer and early fall. I have photos of my poor dd, with sweat dripping off her in AK, after only 3 hrs. there and that was a visit in late Oct!!! There just aren't enough covered areas. We did make the mistake of doing AK first and then going over to BB on our last trip. BB was a zoo!! Sorry, no pun intended. But it was packed. Maybe this time we'll do BB early in the day and then head over to AK for the afternoon.
But I did like some of the 'reporters' ideas. A sit-down restuarant would be terrific. A thrill ride or two wouldn't be amiss. And don't say,,,but it's a zoo type park. Not when they added the other "attractions' like Dino and Kali.
So, is it our favorite park? No. Do we do it each trip? Yep, but only for about 3-4 hrs.

 

[Tess]

I agree with the author. AK isn't one of my favorites and I wouldn't be heartbroken to miss it. That said, I look forward to the AK mornings and enjoy the slower pace there, too. As the years have worn on, I've become pretty bored with the "same old, same old" at AK. The crowds this year were awful at AK compared to EPCOT and/or MGM (I exclude MK because it's always a zoo in the summer ).

The addition of Everest and--perhaps at some point in the future--the Beastly Kingdom of the original plan will/would be welcome expansions.

BTW, loved the comments about Future World and putting those animals to bed at 6:00 p.m. I absolutely hate that they close the front of EPCOT so early AND open WS so late. I long for the good old days that the ENTIRE park opened and closed at the same time. We used to enjoy those WS mornings, a pastry in France, leisurely strolling the countries before the heat of the day set in. . .

 

[walt's assistant]

First off, let me say that AK is not a bust.

Animal parks like Sea World and Busch Gardens need TIME to mature and become the polished attractions that they are. I remember going to Busch Gardens when it first opened...Sea World, too....let's just say that both parks had a lot of upside at the time. But now they are world class attractions.

AK can be, too, but it does need work. Personally, I do not think that Beastie Land (or whatever they plan to call the thing) is the immediate need. Now, it has been 3 years since I was there last but my sense at the time was that refinement of the existing attractions and restaurants is what's immediately needed.

Animal exhibits need time to continue to mature...they also need MORE of them. Better and MORE dining options are needed as well. And I think Disney ought to consider brightening up Harambe a bit.

As for "nighttime" events, I disagree. This is an animal park. The creatures need rest. Noise and lights, and pyrotechnics (fireworks or a Fantasmic-like show) would be very disturbing to the animals. If guests want nighttime fun, there are a gazillion other options they can choose from. At night, AK needs to be a quiet place.


WA

 

[UncleKyle]

While I don't feel that it is a total bust I do agree with some of the authors points. AK needs some rehab and I think that with time, money, and new management Disney will get it right. Right now it is still a half day park and they need some more sit down restaurants and E ticket rides. The one part everyone agrees with is that it is the hottest park by far. They need more shade and air conditioned attractions.

 

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by UncleKyle
The one part everyone agrees with is that it is the hottest park by far. They need more shade and air conditioned attractions.

Hehehe-I am going to be the one pain on here and say I think Epcot is MUCH hotter than AK. I think it is all that cement. I am always fine at AK.

 

[MEM]

Count me in as one of the lovers of AK! The attention to detail is IMHO outstanding! I have even taken photos of the walkways with their imprints of leaves and roots! I have overheard guests (from Africa and Asia) comment on how realistic it is. I have even heard of Vietnam Vets being impressed by some of the realism of the jungle areas. Admittedly, it is much more enjoyable in January than August. In January we easily spent 8 hours there and because it was a breezy 68 degrees we could appreciate all the effort that went into it. Just hearing the music gives me goosebumps. Sure, it needs more air conditioned attractions, but so does Disney Studios. I do agree that the carnival section is totally inappropriate, but that is not a new observation and not unique to the Disney Whirl Cynic.

I don't see the need to turn every park into a thrill park. I saw Busch Gardens-Tampa on the TC and it was downright bizarre seeing roller coasters looping over the savannah. Talk about an identity crisis! My biggest gripe about critics like that author is that they want everything to meet THEIR needs, wants, desires. The heck with everyone else! For example, sure Pocahontas may be boring for some, but very young children love it! With regard to ITTBAB, I have heard more children shreik during the VOTLM! Disney is trying to offer something for everyone and I feel that they are succeeding.

I really do not see the point of his book and what publisher in his/her right mind would be interested?

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by MEM
With regard to ITTBAB, I have heard more children shreik during the VOTLM! Disney is trying to offer something for everyone and I feel that they are succeeding.

Great post! But as a 2-year veteran of these boards, I am forced to surrender. What the **** is VOTLM? (And some less-seasoned readers might also be wondering about ITTBAB.)

 

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by erikthewise
Great post! But as a 2-year veteran of these boards, I am forced to surrender. What the **** is VOTLM? (And some less-seasoned readers might also be wondering about ITTBAB.)

I was JUST going to ask that myself

 

[donna in Oz]

I'm guessing it's Voyage of the Little Mermaid . . . . . followed by It's Tough To Be A Bug.

 

[barbeml]

The writer makes some interesting suggestions at the end, but the venom spewing is obviously designed to sell books. I'm sure s/he has termed "Finding Nemo" the box office failure of all time.

AK is not my favorite WDW park (Epcot is), but I would never visit The World without visiting Dinosaur (LOVE it), It's Tough To Be A Bug, those incredible Gorillas and the Safari. I look forward to the expansion and refinement of AK, but it is far from a failure.

My DH and I are not big on thrill rides, and we really appreciate a chance to see all those beautiful animals "up close."

I would really love to see a sit-down restaurant soon. Although we are not vegetarians, we enjoy many meatless meals. I think WDW could do an awesome vegetarian restaurant with views of the animals. Just my two cents.

 

[cboudre1]

We still enjoy the AK but I loved when it opened at 7 am. We spend less time in the AK now because it opens at 9 and is so hot by the afternoon. I would like to see it open earlier instead of staying open later.

 

[NotUrsula]

Disney doesn't give out theme park attendance figures, but the
American Zoo and Aquarium Assn. does, and Disney had to give numbers to AZA as part of the accreditation process. Here are last year's numbers, according to an article that just ran in my local paper:

Zoos ranked by attendance

1. Disney Animal Kingdom, (Orlando, Fla.), 8.3 million.
2. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 5 million.
3. San Diego Zoo, 3.2 million.
4. Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago), 3 million.
5. St. Louis Zoo, 2.9 million.
6. National Zoo (Washington), 2.1 million.
7. Bronx Zoo (New York), 2 million.
8. Brookfield Zoo (Chicago), 1.9 million.
9. Houston Zoo, 1.5 million.
10. San Diego Wild Animal Park, 1.5 million.

(Source: American Zoo and Aquarium Association.) from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 7/10/03

In terms of attendance, as a zoo, DAK is one roaring success.
That said, I would prefer more "stuff about the animals" at the park, especially on the Safari Ride. (Perhaps do a limited number of info. versions of the ride in certain cars, alternating with the "poachers" storyline.)

I think that the big question re: DAK is a question of identity combined with price. Is it a wild animal park with rides, or is it a theme park with animals? If it is a theme park with animals, it probably does need more rides for the money.

One day adult admission prices for top 5 zoos (rounded):

DAK: $55

Busch Gardens: $52

San Diego Zoo: $32

Lincoln Park Zoo: $free

St. Louis Zoo: $free (charge for special features, up to $11 ttl.)

Of the top 10 zoos, in terms of non-zoo attractions, BGTB certainly has flashier rides and slightly more of them. BGTB has 8 rides & 5 shows, DAK has 5 rides & 5 shows, so yes, DAK is behind in terms of rides. Of course, I'm sure that Disney probably contends that the character interaction is part of your value for money at their parks. None of the other zoos claim to be theme parks, and their prices are not in that league.

 

[smjj]

The first time we went to DAK it had been open only a short time and it was soooo hot we saw no animals because they were staying out of the heat. This last time we went was in Dec. and it was much cooler and had a lot more fun. They had by this time a couple of years under their belt to make improvements. The animals were out because of the cooler weather and this made a big difference. The one thing I can't understand is the new area with the carnival type rides. It just does not seem to fit. I know it has the look they wanted but to us it just is out of place. Our son it taking his honeymoon at WDW and we told him if he is pressed for time, bypass this park..smjj

 

[Demosthenes]

Originally posted by NotUrsula

Of the top 10 zoos, in terms of non-zoo attractions, BGTB certainly has flashier rides and slightly more of them. BGTB has 8 rides & 5 shows, DAK has 5 rides & 5 shows, so yes, DAK is behind in terms of rides.

8 rides? There may be only 8 featured on the web-site, but there are many more than that at BGTB. For a detailed description, I suggest you try this link.

 

[The_Disney_God]

What an oaf.

So peaceful in a very chaotic place.

 

[pintrader]

Not that I would want to hear anymore thoughts in such a negative delivery, but just what failed??? While AK is not my favorite park, I do go often. While I agree with the suggestions made, I cannot agree with his opinions or how they are stated as fact. and I really can't appreciate his delivery.

I agree that Disney "marketed" the Discovery River Boat ride improperly. There was not an exotic animal at every turn. But it was cool comfortable and relaxing.

iffy storyline for an attraction that could have been a rival to Kilimanjaro Safaris in drawing the morning crowd the other way.

Sorry but this question begs to be asked. Why would Disney care which direction a guest took? Disney already got the money for park entry.

I agree that Dinoland has rides that are out in the sun. Don't other parks?

Other than the name of Kali Rapids was there a point to the "no tigers" observation?

Is the writer disappointed that there was little he could "bash" about Kilimanjaro?

To a lesser extent I do agree with his point about Rafiki's Planet Watch. It seems as if it could have been tied to some other part of the park or at least be able to get to somewhere from there without backtracking.

As far Camp Minnie-Mickey. too late or early for a show
they run raound the clock don't they? You have to wait for every ride at every park in all 50 states, what is wrong with waiting for a theatre show?

But in a park crying for family attractions you will never witness a show where less than a half-dozen kids freak out and have to be ushered out of the theater by a frantic parent. The warnings are made but this is a park with so little to offer in terms of enclosed rides and attractions that young families rough it out anyway and are often sent scrambling out to pay the price.

This is the only "fact that the author provided that I felt I had the ability to check and confirm or disqualify first person. I sat outside the exit of the Tree of Life for 4 hours on a bench, and in that time there was less than half a dozen families that left and that covered 20 shows. That doesn't even equate to 1 every three shows.

So Sir, if you want to bash somthing first of all you could learn to choose your audience a little better, and don't take it to a board where people go to embrace what they love and miss. Next, get your facts straight because once you make an empatic statement that can be proven wrong, by a dis-interested thrid party you have lost credibility in everything else you state whether you make valid points or not, whether I wanted to agree with some of your points or not.

I like the suggestions at the bottom, but I almost didn't get to them as everything before them was SO NEGATIVE that I almost didn't stick around long enough to get to the the positive stuff.

Next time you go to AK look at how laid back the park is. Look at the slow leisurely pace that families keep. No one is frantic to run from ride to ride. That is what a vacation is for. Quality time together. I know people who pay the same amount to get on a golf course just to chase a white ball all over. but to them it is quiet and relaxing and they are glad to get their space and solitude at whatever the cost.

Consider the fact, that you sir, are possibly not one who appreciates quiet beauty and AK is only a failure in your eyes. Too bad for the pople who never give the park a chance because someone so biased swayed them from forming their own opinion.

is the tread starter the author of this book? They are both from Coral Gables are they not?

 

[999thghost]

first off let me say my opinion of ak might be bad because the last time i was there was 98'. so with that in mind i dont totally disagree with the writer too much. i just wouldnt use the word failure.having a place to go to see animals is not a failure. sharing a nice afternoon with family in a place youve never been is not a failure. is ak a mellow theme park??.yes it is. can it get better??..yes it can.will it??...its disney folks, magic flows from brilliant minds. ok dont beat me up too much now......

 

[diznee25]

I voted, "I'm not sure. It's too early to tell."

My reason for this vote is, I haven't been in AK for a whole day and experienced everything yet.

First trip to AK was in Dec. 98'. Looked at some animals and left. Didn't have much time there. (Tagged along with my parents and sister.)
Second trip was July 2002. I experienced the river rapids ride and It's Tough to Be a Bug. Very impressed, I might add!
Next trip my fiance' and I plan to spend a whole day (and more) to experience all of AK! Looking forward to it.

I think the writer was harsh, he basically was giving his opinion and not facts. One thing I did agree with him on, is the lack of restaurants in the park. Although, I'm not sure AK was built with the intention of putting in full service restaurants. Anyone know?

Diznee25

 

[RamVA]

Wow! I'm stunned by the reactions posted on this thread!

First of all, let me preface everything that follows by saying "I absolutely LOVE Animal Kingdom!" I love the atmosphere and theming--imagineers did a brilliant job here! The Lion King is the best show Disney does; I like the bird show (although I liked the first version better--it was based on a "fable/story", rather than being an "educational/enviromental" show--I like Tarzan, and it has nothing to do with the loincloths, I love the safari, and I could watch the gorillas all day. I love the rapids ride (though it could be longer), love Dinosaur (AKA, Countdown to Extinction), Tough to Be a Bug, and so on and so on!!

The question is not whether I (or you) personally think AK is a success or failure, but whether original plan-wise, and business-wise, is it a failure!! Don't take it personal, and cut through his sarcasm and negative rhetoric--it is a failure! If people are leaving the park after 3 or 4 hours and don't feel a need to come back every year, or for that matter at all, then in Disney terms, that's a failure!!!!! If "Management". (stupidly in my opinion) is shortening hours, and adding inappropriate carnival rides and carnival games,(wrecking the theme) more thrill rides, all in an effort to try to "fix" what is "wrong" that should tell you IT IS A FAILURE! Yes, it's a wonderful, "spiritual", quiet, beautiful alternative park, but that doesn't appeal to the "masses", and masses bring in money, and Disney has obviously become a corporation that cares only about money!!

Don't kill the messenger--the core of what he has to say is valid. And his suggestions to fix the problems are wonderful, and hate ti disaggree with one poster, but it is not easy to come up with ideas--I couldn't do it! Idea people are a special breed with creativity and imagination. And the fact that he did come up with some great ideas to make it a better park, tells me he actually likes the concept of the whole park--he probably just really hates the way that Disney screwed it up right from the beginning, and they screwed it up, because a bunch of bean counters, headed by Eisner don't understand words like "magic" and "show" and "pixie dust". They are screwing up everywhere--not just AK (yes, Epcot for one) tearing down all the old, all the original, and adding more thrill rides, and "carny" rides, limiting hours, closing shops, all the things that make Disney a special, magical place that we all want to go to year after year.

Well, I digressed a little, but the way they are sabotaging AK even more is just going to make it more of a failure, and they are doing it everywhere. Sometimes I wonder if any of these "experts" have a brain between them all!

Sorry to rant, but really felt like you all were circling the wagons without really stopping to hear what was being said.

Just my .02!

 

[Kimberle]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE AK!!!