Pangani & Maharajah worth doing?

[cropper]

Are these worth the time or just time fillers?

 

[uccats97]

Everything at WDW is worth doing at least once. Disney really knows how to do things right and the trails are no exception. If you have kids and they are in to the Wilderness Explorers activities, there are several stops on the trails. The rides and shows should be priorities but I wouldn't write the trails off.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I agree, it's worth doing at least once. If you recently visited a zoo and are short of time, then it wouldn't be a priority. Or, if seeing animals in enclosures bothers you, then you may want to skip it.

We are frequent San Diego Zoo visitors and I've always been impressed with the care of the animals and the quality of the habitats at AK. The animals do appear to be well cared for by the Disney CMs.

 

[Crystal824]

I think both these are worth doing. Yes, they are walk through attractions, but the view and the story behind the walk through are amazing. On the Trek you get a great view of the tigers, as well as other animals. To me, the highlight of the Trail is the gorillas.

 

[karly05]

Agree with all the previous comments. Maharajah Jungle Trek is one of my favorite things at AK because I love to see the tigers and the bats.

 

[Schmeck]

You've got to see the baby gorillas! Look for Lily too - she's the older sister, and full of mischief.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

We love them! Then again DH is a photographer and DD and I love animals.

The underwater hippo (Pangani) is really cool - especially when you can see one of them near the glass. The detail / backstory of Maharajah is amazing.

 

[OB1]

YES - YES - YES

We never miss these trails, and have sometimes spent an hour or more. You just never know what may happen. One time, the meerkats were very active. Another - weird stuff at the gorillas. Always like to see tigers, but they are usually sleeping. Probably more in Pangani that are interesting animals. AND - we don't care for the bird areas, and many people stay there for a long time.

Its AK - make sure to stop for a moment and see if something happens. How about birds standing on top of the hippo in the water. Where else can you see that happen??

 

[stormer]

I think both these are worth doing. Yes, they are walk through attractions, but the view and the story behind the walk through are amazing. On the Trek you get a great view of the tigers, as well as other animals. To me, the highlight of the Trail is the gorillas.

I agree. The tigers and gorillas are amazing. So worth it!

 

[newdeal]

I prefer Pangani, generally we do Pangani and skip the other one. Thats just personal preference though

 

[Oathkeeper13]

I love the trails at Animal Kingdom, I walk them each time I go. It's a beautiful immersive environment that makes you feel like you are making discoveries, not just walking through a zoo.

I've heard a lot of people complaining that AK is only a half day park, I always say that if it only takes them two hours to complete they missed the entire point of the park. AK is not about running from ride to ride. It's about slowing down and exploring the environment, that's why it's one of my favorite parks.

 

[DVCcurious]

I've heard a lot of people complaining that AK is only a half day park, I always say that if it only takes them two hours to complete they missed the entire point of the park. AK is not about running from ride to ride. It's about slowing down and exploring the environment, that's why it's one of my favorite parks.

Bingo.

AK is my favorite park. I live in NYC and spend my life running from thing to thing with thousands of people surrounding me. While I love the other parks they are basically the same as my normal life: concrete everywhere with tons of people rushing from thing to thing.

Animal Kingdom is a completely different experience. It's entire benefit is that you can slow down and find some relatively empty spaces (by the tree of life). You can walk the trails at your own pace. Your surrounded by trees, not concrete. Animal Kingdom is truly a unique experience. If you don't stop and smell the roses you will miss the entire point of the park. I could go to AK and miss Kali and Everest and still have a fantastic time.

 

[starrysky]

We love both trails and enjoy spending time watching the animals. If I could figure out how to attach photos I have a couple of the baby gorilla from October last year as well as the single male group. One of the males put on a big display showing off and beating his chest it was fascinating to watch. One of the guides said they knew about the new female added to the family group and the males in the single group had all been acting up and showing off.
I agree about animals in enclosures and do feel that the ones used at AK are far better than I have seen at any other zoo/safari park.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We went to WDW for the first time last summer so we did both. We loved them! I got so many great pictures! I think I liked those better than the Safari tour ride. I liked seeing things up close and taking my time where I wanted.

 

[cropper]

As I was reading these reviews, 'stop and smell the roses' went through my mind. Then, someone said it!

I do love AK. It is one of my favorite parks because of the relaxed atmosphere. It has been since 2010 since we did these trails. Guess we need to do them again!

Thank you everyone!

 

[BunsenH]

They are worth doing, especially if you take your time and look at them as educational experiences. Be sure to talk to the CMs. They are eager to elaborate on everything from naked mole rats to Bengal tigers.

 

[Retro Magic]

Must do for me every visit! Beautiful.
However, if the atmosphere and animals are not really your thing, then it would definitely be a miss.

 

[ilovebassets]

Yes absolutely! The Maharajah trail where the tigers are and the buddhist style flags are flying overhead is one of my favorite places to be in all of Disneyworld! I don't know why, but I always feel goosebumpy right there.

 

[starrysky]

Yes absolutely! The Maharajah trail where the tigers are and the buddhist style flags are flying overhead is one of my favorite places to be in all of Disneyworld! I don't know why, but I always feel goosebumpy right there.

Me too it's always really peaceful there

 

[Mikie]

We'd been to AK 5 times before we ever walked either of the trails - don't know why. . . I guess we had always just done a 1/2 day or so and other things came first. This October we did both and were so glad! Pangani was partially closed, so couldn't see the hippos and it wasn't our favorite. Maharaja was so wonderful though. We absolutely loved the theming of the trail, the Tiger of course, the relative quiet of the area (quiet is very hard to come by at Disney!). Really a nice way to go at your own pace, be in a really cool environment and not be go-go-go for a few minutes. Won't miss it again on any future trips.