Reluctantly joining the "I hate Animal Kingdom" club...

[happybratpack]

Hi I have been reading The Imagineering Field Guide To Disney`s Animal Kingdom. I liked AK before reading this book. But this book will open your eyes on this park. It tells what the Imagineers wanted us to really see. Untill I started to read it I did not see half of the stuff.

ITA with this...even though I thought I "knew" all about AK this really was informative and interesting.

I understand where everyone is coming from regarding AK, but it's still one of my favorite parks. When we've tried to commando it then I get stressed but we've learned to take our times, enjoy the quiet areas to soak in the ambience. We do spend less time there during our Summer visits but definitely make up for it during the other parts of the year.

 

[teach22180]

We are going for our first trip next month. Animal kingdom was going to be our first day but I'm starting to wonder if we should skip in and just do Blizzard Beach that day? There are a few things I want to do at AK but it wouldn't bother me to miss them. I've never been to animal kingdom before. Would I really miss it if I didn't go? We have reservations at Rainforest cafe in the afternnon so I would have to go there anyway. Is AK really that "bad"? You all are scaring me. My boys ages are 9,6,2

I have to give you the other side of the story! If your children enjoy animals, they will love this park. The hard part of AK for me, not a real animal lover, but the parent of one, is that you cannot rush. We were on one of the first Safari's on a EMH morning and had to stop for both the giraffe and some kind of water buffaloes to cross the road. They were so close we could almost touch them! Then, we enjoyed both of those exploring paths, especially the gorillas. She also loved Conservation Station, and we spent 3 hours between the two train rides, the petting area, the characters, and watching vet surgery. (It was a/c; I was okay with the break!) We don't ride coasters, and Dinosaur broke down, so we didn't get to see it, so I can't help you on those two. However, AK has some of the best shows! I highly recommend both Nemo and Lion King. They are unusual and fun, and your kids will love them.
While I repect people's opinions, I think we need to be very careful making our decisions based on other's opinions. My teen LOVED Stitch, and I almost didn't let her go because I kept telling her it's stupid! Everyone says so!

 

[laura001]

First of all it's NATAZU!!! AK can be great and relaxing if you plan right and treat it like you would the other parks. Don't try to get it all in in one day! You would never think of doing MK in one day, why cram AK in one day. No, there are not the same number of "attractions" here than in the others, but they are nice and different. The problem with FOTLK is that it lets a mass number of people out through a small walkway. So...either hang and wait until the crowd thins or get out early.
I actually like AK, and find its difference refreshing. That's whats great about Disney - alot to do for different likes/dislikes.
Don't give up just yet, maybe if you go and just do your fav's until lunch - have a nice lunch at Rainforest Cafe - then head back to your hotel you'll not find it so frustrating.

I agree....we love AK. I have never understood how people say that it is a half day park, for us it is at least a full day and then some, with us usually going back for a second day (at least half).

Also agree that it does not handle crowds well, paths are very narrow etc. But, we just take our time and try not to rush, just enjoy the theming etc. We love eating lunch at Flame Tree!

If I could make one main complaint it would be that the walk in and out to the buses is ridiculously long! ARGH!

 

[ems_mom]

Sorry, haven't read through all the posts, but here's my 2 cents:

Go to AK on a bad weather day. Seriously. On our last visit (Dec. '07) it was a rainy cool morning (following a rainy night). We put on our pre-packed ponchos and decided to head out.

Best Decision Ever! The park was nearly empty. We walked straight to Expedition Everest to see if it would still be up and running. (A CM along the way said it would be unless there was a heavy downpour or lightning, etc.) We walked right on (3X's in a row) for an awesome, if slightly rained on ride. We could have walked on again, but decided to check out other things.

The animals seemed barely bothered at all. In fact, they seemed to enjoy the rain! We did the walk through the trail ? and most were out and about like ooh, this feels good...

The only downside (which just shows I am an idiot) is that I ruined a pair of leather flip flops. Walk around in rain and standing water for the better part of a day and they literally started to disintigrate.

One of the best memories is when the sun did come out, Florida being Florida it suddenly became really warm and tropical feeling. We took off our ponchos and slowly and relaxedly (not a word probably) made our way out of the park. We got to see and take pictures of some characters and watch some frenzied families who just arrived try to "do it all ". Not us...

 

[netposer]

We are going for our first trip next month. Animal kingdom was going to be our first day but I'm starting to wonder if we should skip in and just do Blizzard Beach that day? There are a few things I want to do at AK but it wouldn't bother me to miss them. I've never been to animal kingdom before. Would I really miss it if I didn't go? We have reservations at Rainforest cafe in the afternnon so I would have to go there anyway. Is AK really that "bad"? You all are scaring me. My boys ages are 9,6,2

No it's not that bad. I think you are just a complainer if you complain about the heat in central FL. You won't get the wind at AK like the other parks so that's why it seems hotter. But c'mon you're in Florida!

And it's not AK's fault people stop in the middle of the walkway or let their kids use the bathroom in the trees.

Just get there early, hit EE, Dinosaur, It's a Bug's Life, the safaris etc. and you'll be fine.

 

[siouxi31]

OP, I have to agree with you. This is our least favorite park. The first time we did the safari, saw the Lion King show, did Bug's Life, etc. That was the year it first opened.

Now when we visit, it's directly on to Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur, and Everest. Then we leave. If we're lucky, we spend about 1 to 1 1/2 hours there.

ITIZAZOO!

 

[ems_mom]

Is it just me , or do some vacationers seem to be very sensitive to "other vacationer's" vacation than their own ? Just asking...

 

[Goofy4]

No time to read the whole thread, but here's my $.02:

We were there yesterday at opening. Had a plan, followed it, had our best day ever (out of 3 or 4) at AK!

Did everything we wanted to do (which is pretty much *everything* that a family other than those with young children would want to do). Tuskar House was excellent (something we might not have normally done, but it's part of the TP plan). Air was breathable -- low 80's w/breeze (still don't know where they get the extra humidity from). Yeti didn't break down 'till later in the day! And...

Managed *not* to get soaked on Kali .

 

[LuvMickey36]

We love AK!!!! We pretty much have set plan of attack.

We hit AK on an EMH morning. Get there early, at rope drop dh heads to EE & ds & I head to KS. DH rides EE 2-3 times while we get fastpasses for KS. Meet up @ EE head to dinoland to ride triceratop spin as many times as ds wants. Dh rides primeval whirl & dinosaur ride. Then head to KS to ride & get new fastpasses. Go to conservation station & onto the Pangani Forest Trail & Maharajah Jungle Trek. By then it is usually around 10-10:30ish & the crowds are just starting to form. Then to Kali River Rapids & back to KS. Then we stop & see all the characters & to see It's tough to be a bug. Yea! We are done & its time for lunch!

We have not done FOTLK since ds was born. Loud noises bother his ears so we have always skipped it. I think we are going to try it out with earplugs this year.

I guess it just depends on your families personal preference.

 

[drakes]

I don't hate AK, however I found it very difficult to get done what we wanted to on our trip. We arrived at rope drop and left when they closed (5 pm)!!!
We walked on to every ride we were able to get to.

After reading the various travel guides and website feedback I have to admit to our AK day being my most disappointing day. We first went to KS, I was totally looking forward to this, only to be subjected to a back killing, mad tearing run around a muddy grassy field with few animals. We ventured to Conservation Station which took a lot of time out of our day. We did see FOTLK- the highlight of our AK visit, only to be let out right when the Pochahantas show started, so we'd have to wait for the next show time. This was our first encounter with Mickey Minnie Donald and Goofy - so we did those visits which i admit take time but not all day! We ate at the Flame Tree based on the TourGuide book I had and we were disappointed, the environment was nice, the food not so much. We then caught the afternoon parade, this parade is missing the disney magic and needs revamping.
We then headed over to Dinosaur and walked right on only to be jerked around in the dark - another disappointment, After which we head to Nemo only to be told the show is full up and it was the last show of the day!

Ok so we have about 45 more minutes until the park closes and we're kinda lost as to where we are, and we had dinner reservations at Boma for after 5 pm???let's regroup, pick up a souvenir and head for dinner.

We did not do EE, KRR, Either Jungle trail, actually did not even enter Asia, TTBAB, Nemo, Dinoland... so what did we do? I could not imagine what we would not have accomplished on a day with crowds seeing as we walked into everything. There were no lines for rides, but the park did seem busy.

We're apprehensive for our upcoming trip, however are happy in a way that we'll probably spend more time walking looking at the animals than riding the rides that gave us lower back pain and bruised kidneys.

With all this being said I am an animal lover, having acquired the status of zoologist and veterinary technician and having worked at 2 of our countries leading conservationists zoos and aquariums, I was disappointed. This should have been my park!

Reviews and images of AK gave me a grander impression of what this park offered me and my family. We did everything right, rope drop, tour plan, no lines...

If there is a better way to do this - I'm giving this a second run in 9 months

 

[ChrisFL]

No it's not that bad. I think you are just a complainer if you complain about the heat in central FL. You won't get the wind at AK like the other parks so that's why it seems hotter. But c'mon you're in Florida!

Actually there's other reasons why it IS hotter, the trees and humidity surrounding them also make it, I've heard on average 10 degrees F hotter than the other parks.

As far as well-themed animal parks, Busch Gardens Tampa is my favorite, its less intimidating, and less hot.

 

[goofyshell]

emsmom-We did the same thing! Last year on Spring Break we went on a rainy day and it was way less crowded and the temperature was perfect! We all enjoy it and for my ds13 it's his favorite park!

 

[NHBelle]

Well I love AK, BUT I have to admit we have never stayed past 11 either. We have been dozens of times and I have never seen the afternoon parade. There is just something about that place. It seems crazy, but it really is hotter than any other park. We are always melting when we go there. I might try something different this year, maybe do an EMH instead of rope drop. We are going in December and I really want to see the parade.

 

[dimimi]

I agree that when AK is crowded, it feels very crowded. But if you just got back from a trip to WDW, ALL of the parks would've been terribly crowded because it's SPRING BREAK!

While AK is my least favorite park, I think it is very well themed. I love the Lion King and the Nemo shows. I did the Backstage Safari tour in late January, and it was very interesting - as was the Wild By Design tour I've done in the past.

We just returned Friday and Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom and Epcot were fine to get around.

 

[twistedmickey]

I want to be a member. I have visited the World so many times I have lost count. I, and several of my family and friends, agree that AK lacks the magic. I love EE but there is just something missing in that park. I read on here how most people tackle the park then leave at 11. Does that justify a good park? I bet you stay many more hours in the MK or Epcot.

I believe AK has the potential to be a great park but right now its just average. The Studios was on its way to being a great park but after the introduction of the Tower and Coaster its gone down hill. Just my 2 cents.

 

[teach22180]

I don't hate AK, however I found it very difficult to get done what we wanted to on our trip. We arrived at rope drop and left when they closed (5 pm)!!!
We walked on to every ride we were able to get to.

After reading the various travel guides and website feedback I have to admit to our AK day being my most disappointing day. We first went to KS, I was totally looking forward to this, only to be subjected to a back killing, mad tearing run around a muddy grassy field with few animals.

If there is a better way to do this - I'm giving this a second run in 9 months

Just to give you hope, we went on the Safari in 2006 right at opening, and I was a bit disappointed by the animals, too. Last summer, we went right at opening, and the animals were EVERYWHERE and active, and it was much more fun. I guess it just depends on how the animals feel. Do try it again!

 

[Harambe]

**sigh**

In our upcoming plans for August, we will be in AK for one morning (EMH to ride EE), and one afternoon (for parade), then another full day! We never rush thru this park, happy to amble thru the animal trails, see the bird show, have lunch, sit at the Dawa bar watching acrobats, watch the best parade at WDW, IMO.

I totally understand some people not enjoying this park, because everyone has their own opinions. Since I myself don't like big thrill rides (altho fam does), I could totally skip HS. And I know others love that park.

I'm glad Disney has given us this beautiful park, and I hope they don't ruin it by adding heaps of big thrill rides.

 

[brooker]

We are going for our first trip next month. Animal kingdom was going to be our first day but I'm starting to wonder if we should skip in and just do Blizzard Beach that day? There are a few things I want to do at AK but it wouldn't bother me to miss them. I've never been to animal kingdom before. Would I really miss it if I didn't go? We have reservations at Rainforest cafe in the afternnon so I would have to go there anyway. Is AK really that "bad"? You all are scaring me. My boys ages are 9,6,2

AK is a great park. We have been there twice (middle od Dec. and early May) All three of us (son 7 and 9 on the trips) loved it. The key is to get there early.

 

[k5thbeatle]

Is it just me , or do some vacationers seem to be very sensitive to "other vacationer's" vacation than their own ? Just asking...

...so true!

 

[readytogo]

...if there is such a club?
We just returned from our 3rd trip to WDW yesterday. We had a great trip, however I think we all decided that we have no desire to EVER go back to Animal Kingdom. I just don't get that park.

I don't get that you don't get that park.