Is Animal Kingdom worth it?

[DisneythePooh]

We went yesterday and we loved it as always.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I don't like to overdo more than I feel I can or should do as far as expenses, etc. Our trips have always ended up much more enjoyable and happier when I get home also lol, when I keep on budget, don't overdo it, have downtime and just enjoy my resort, etc. That being said, I personally really like AK as coming from the Northeast and being HUGE nature and animal lovers, just the beauty of the landscaping and flowers, hearing the birds, seeing the animals is a real treat for us. The shows and parade there also are really enjoyable, a very African vibe and very cool. The zoo experience and animal viewing decent, depends on the time of day you go, but sometimes haven't seen as many animals as I would have liked, so think about that. We really also enjoy Busch Gardens for the animal nature experience in the area, maybe even more so in some ways, worth the trip IMO.

 

[luvdisdogs]

Just saw how old this post is! Animal Kingdom is still my favorite park!!

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Just saw how old this post is! Animal Kingdom is still my favorite park!!

Oh geez didn't realize it was so old either, lol.

 

[BootsieCollins]

We go to Animal Kingdom every 3 Disney trips. It's definitely worth going to at least once. For us, we love to see the shows. 'Festival of the Lion King Show' is located in the Camp Minnie/Mickey area--my Dad said that one show was worth the ticket price. It has singing, acrobatics, fire dancing, etc. I also like the 'Finding Nemo' show--it's a musical version of the movie.

I agree with your dad. I went to Disney 10 years ago and my highlight was "Festival of the Lion King Show." Honestly, it was even better than the Lion King broadway show, which was super awesome.

I am taking my family (DH, 9 y/o DD, & 5 y/o DS) at the end of August for their first trip. We will definitely do Animal Kingdom and I plan on spending all day there.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We love AK. Always go on an early entry day. Immediately do th Safari ride before it gets too hot. Each ride is different. We have seen baby hippos and rhinos. A lion jumping into a tree and spreading out on a branch. Elephants running. On one of our rides, the driver said it was the best ride every had. Also love Everestt and the dinosaur ride. The walkway...forget the name...which is their equivalent of a zoo is finer the most zoos. The meerkat park is wonderful. And the gorillas and babies are incredible. Our last visit, we saw two silverbacks and three moms with babies hanging on their legs, right up against the glass. Just energized my dream to do a gorilla trek in Uganda. We also love the bird show. We are usually done by noon.

 

[myers2170]

I think the AK is a must do every trip!! I'm shocked so many of you skip it on a regular basis!! FoLK, ITTBAB, Kali rapids, EE, the safari, etc. are all too good to pass up!! Come on guys...give AK some props...IT IS AWESOME!!!

 

[peg110]

I think the AK is a must do every trip!! I'm shocked so many of you skip it on a regular basis!! FoLK, ITTBAB, Kali rapids, EE, the safari, etc. are all too good to pass up!! Come on guys...give AK some props...IT IS AWESOME!!!

I agree. My problem is, is that others don't enjoy the parks like I do. The DW Loves MK and while I like it too, I also like the other parks for different reasons. DW hates HS but my DD18 loves it. For my DD11 it's more of a "Meh.." park because she doesn't want the rides like RnR or TOT but she likes (or liked) TSM. and other less "Thrill" rides/attractions.

I almost wish I could go through the parks alone so I could spend the time I want in the parks, but doing it alone is no fun either (It's not good for the relationship either. )

 

[North of Mouse]

Yes, this is an old thread, but still a question asked very frequently. IMO, AK is only a half day park, but then I've never been a 'zoo' person!
I also don't do 'thrill' coasters anymore and find the Safari ride too jerky, and our experiences (different times of day) have been very few animal sightings. Yes, I know, experiences of others can vary significantly.

On the other hand, Dh can spend hours just on the many trails! We often split for awhile at this point! I go shopping at DTD for a few hours alone - this is a 'least favorite' of his!!
Maybe, after Rivers of Light opens------------

 

[peg110]

On the other hand, Dh can spend hours just on the many trails! We often split for awhile at this point! I go shopping at DTD for a few hours alone - this is a 'least favorite' of his!!

Sounds a lot like me. I love "Nature" but I like it at a slower pace (I like the Safari ride, but often times, it goes to fast for me as well.)

DTD (aka Disney Springs) is also my LEAST favorite. When I shop, I go for specific things. I am not a "Browser" when it comes to shopping. Well, I do like to browse the HIGH end electronics. (I guess I am geeky that way) but sadly I can't afford it so it just depresses me.

Sounds like you and my DW are similar and your DH and I are similar. Maybe someday we'll meet at the Fort.

 

[rideswithchrist]

It is amazing how many times I have heard this one asked. AK is one of our favorite parks and my kids asked to go there first this next trip because we missed alot due to the rain and leaving early that day.
For us, it is not a half day park since it closes at 5 anyway sometimes. It is a great kids park because they can do the explorer badge and take Rafiki's train to see the animals and the shows there are so neat.
And of course EE!

 

[Chickp]

We went yesterday and had a fantastic time. We were there from open til close and had plenty of stuff to do! I can't imagine rushing through as you can do so much...the trails are so cool and we didn't even get to do all of them. We saw a baby gorilla, a baby rhino, and a baby meerkat! Super great day.