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

[lizanne]

The first time we went to AK was shortly after it opened. It was so hot they actually had cast member along the sides of the walkway spraying hoses. I wish I had pictures.

Since the foliage has grown somewhat and there is more to do now it doesn't seem as bad, but we do go at a cooler time of year now.

I like AK, but my DH doesn't. He thinks it's depressing. I don't get that feeling at all but for some reason he just doesn't enjoy being there.

 

[mstew99]

You are so right on the heat issue... it's unbelievable how hot it feels in that park, especially since we only go during free dining which is pretty much the hottest time of the year anyway! The crowds are horrible too, and I think the flow of getting around the park is horrible too. But I do love animals, and Everest and Dinosaur are two of my favorite rides, so I have to go back at least once a trip.

 

[Goofy4Disney]

Agree. It's so lush that NO BREEZE WHATSOEVER can be had in ANY part of the park! Also, the streets are so narrow and with so many people there it always feels crowded. We get 3 days in the park during this unexpected (short-notice) trip and we chose 1 day in MK, EP and HS. AK wasn't even considered for these very reasons!

 

[nooneshome]

On our last two trips (3 day trips) we skipped AK both times. We put it to a vote on which park we wouldn't visit and they always pick AK. My DW loves the shows but feels it just isn't worth it just for that. Getting into and out of the FotLK is an ordeal. Waiting in line for Nemo was very interesting - a "rough looking" family tried to cut in line and we weren't having any of that action. One perk when we do go is it is usually our one short day and we always go off-site and have a nice relaxing meal. While we have choosen not to go to AK the last two trips we are NOT joining the club. Despite its shortcomings it is still enjoyable.

 

[britfish]

we planned a day at AK w/ our 3 year old. Can we hit the highlights and be out of there in a half day? We have reservations that evening at Boma at 5:40, is it worth it to go back to AK and catch the parade before dinner?

 

[tomerin]

i am always amazed at just how many people really dont care for AK. AK is a must do for at least 2 days for my family. we almost always have traveled in july so it is intensely hot anywhere in the world so honestly we dont notice any change in the heat levels from park to park. its hot everywhere !!!!

since we dont go to shows, 2 teen sons arent realy interested in them, the crowds at Nemo and FOLK arent really an issue but on our last trip myself and DS#2 decided to go and see what CMM looks like and we did experience the crush of people exiting the show. we both jokes that it felt like we were back in penn station at rush hour.

yes it is hot, ye the trails vould be a bit wider, yes it is crowded but it is such a lush and wonderfully themed place that at times i just stand to the side and forget that i am in florida. AK has some of the best rides i have ever been on and the trails are something that should not be missed. on our last trip we experienced watching a group of gorillas interacting with each other and listening to the knowledgeable CM explain to us how even the smallest movement and gestures are significant to the other gorillas. i felt like i was teleported into the gorillas world and was a guest in their house. to me this was what AK really is about. immersing yourself in the parks theming to give yourself an incredible experience.

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

AK is the only park where I feel like I actually learn something. They teach you about the animals as you are looking at them, as well as teaching you about conservation and creating your own habitats in your backyard. But I never feel like its being pressed on me. Its just very subtle, but interesting none the less. I think AK has the second best "weenie", with Cindys castle being #1. It has the second best 3-D show after Philharmagic, a great E-ticket in Everest as well as some of the best shows on property in Nemo and FOTLK. As well as some extra great additions like Dinosaur, safari and Kali river rapids. I just don't know how people can't see the great experience this park is and how well fleshed out it is.

 

[poeticdiabetic]

...and EPCOT is hot???!!!

It is true, AK is a hot park, but EPCOT can be murder, too! I have seen many people at EPCOT getting sick due to the heat. And the same can be said for Animal Kingdom.

See, the problem isn't the heat with AK, it's the PEOPLE!!! And I think it's psychological. People forget that they are in Florida, because the architecture looks weather-beaten. You forget that you are not in Africa! And the thoroughfares are narrower, due to the landscape. And you have to walk everywhere. There's no train to take you from one part of the park to another, like Magic Kingdom. Or a boat like EPCOT. And it's not small like DHS. AK is HUGE!

But like I've said before- if you come to Animal Kingdom with a certain mindset, it will fast become your favorite park.

For instance: In large crowds, be patient and don't lose your cool. People are rude. I anticipate it.

Or, your kids will need frequent hydration. We drink water at AK. Water is the best hydration method. And I know where the bathrooms are.

Or this: I take my time and walk slower at AK than at any other park at WDW. I'm the guy that take the time and look at the little birdies in the cubbyhole. And I'm the guy strolling slowly through the shops. And I'm the guy that relaxes and is really not in that big of a hurry to ride EE. And when I go to AK, there's nothing else on my agenda for that day.

In other words, I stay the entire day at AK. Usually during the Evening EMH day. And eat lunch and dinner there. And I stay away from the parade. It's too hot to be watching a parade. I'm usually the guy that is taking in a show or riding Kali River Rapids during that time.

But I make sure that I do EVERYTHING at AK. So I'm not in a hurry. And getting irritated. And being rude. And arguing with my wife and kids. And trying to beat people in line. And jumping in front of people at the CS.

 

[nkess]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Animal Kingdom!! We go first thing in the morning and are out by noon-having done all our faves at least once. And the night time extra magic hours- its a blast to be there in the dark.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I am not carzy about AK - I think because it is so overgrown with plants, it loses some of the sttraction- it is overgrown & there are always crowds & you can't see very much ahead of yourself. I always compare it to the Bronx Zoo.
Also- the design is awful- you have to pretty much keep coming back to the tree to move on to another section - I end up retracing my steps which is aggravating & not very time efficient.

The "overgrown" quality that you mention has to do with the theme of the park: jungle That is actually part of the attraction. Especially the Oasis section. You are in a jungle and sort of discovering these animals along the way.

The thing about it is that most people just run on through without stopping to feel the theme and atmosphere in order to get to the ride.

This park is about more than just the "rides". But that is what most people are after. Even in the other parks.

Isn't that the complaint about Epcot before M:S, TT, etc. Not enough "rides"?

Some people get theming and some don't. Those that don't won't like AK.

Regarding the layout, the only place that you have to backtrack to Discovery Island (the area around the Tree of Life) is when you go to Camp Minnie-Mickey. All the other sections of the park can be accessed by other walkways (and Discovery Island). So pay attention to the maps and the signs along the walkways. They help.

 

[Piper]

I'm not crazy about AK--it is very difficult to get around in an ECV (and I bring my own that is small and has a small turning radius.) Of course, touring anywhere in an ecv in crowds is a challenge, but it is worse in AK because of the narrow paths. An ecv doesn't stop on a dime, but people do--in front of you!

I also wear a cooling vest--special vest soaked in water--and even with the humidity, it dries out super fast in AK.

Also, the wait for KS is so long with an ecv. I am used to most rides taking longer for me because I go through the regular line, then am usually directed to an area to wait for an accessible vehicle--but the wait at KS is much, much longer than normal (I waited for 40 minutes last time--after finally getting to the front of the line (which took 30 minutes)

With that said, we'll be going this year because I am with 2 people who have never seen this park. I do love the shows. I plan on leaving when I wear out and resting and may come back later in the day if I have the energy to do so.

 

[Mariposa]

AK is my favorite park. IMHO, the theming is beyond amazing and Nemo is one of the best shows I've ever seen, anywhere.

That said, it is hot. We just take it slow, get out of there right after lunch and try to make sure we drink PLENTY of water.

 

[prfctlyximprfct]

I love Animal Kingdom! And I really think Disney is trying to make it a more desirable park for it's visitors. I think the addition of Expedition Everest is a great one! I loved that ride!

 

[SuperTink]

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.

Nope, our touring plan is the same at all the parks. We are at rope drop and are prepared to leave at 11:30 or so. We don't do crowds and we don't do heat. We're usually out of every park by 11:30 or so and then we're back in the late afternoon. Works for us !

 

[wood145]

I also love AK, in fact it is our second favorite park, behind Epcot. That being said, it is crowded, we just take our time, get a cool drink and enjoy it on a bench in the shade. I really don't think it's anyworse then MK, talk about crowds! But maybe the AK crowds don't bother me because it is just so beautiful, depends what you like, I guess!

 

[dalstitch45]

First thing: This is my opinion. I am on the love the AK side. The #1 rule of thumb is planning. However, it's the same with any of the parks (ie, Soarin). I would never miss this park. The heat: It's the reason I go to Florida. All the other parks are just as hot. Each of the WDW parks can be equally congested at times. I don't find one worse than the other. Of all the parks to me, DHS is hardest to maneuver in.

Over the years, the attendance at the parks has risen. More attractions have been added, etc. AK has some of the best not-to-be-missed attractions. Nemo, EE, KS, and FTLK, need I say more.

I go solo a lot of the time. No one else in my family likes to go as much as me. Go figure. I have never had any major problems getting around AK. I actually like all the walking. It's great exercise. I strategically plan my day, and always get to do everything I wanted to. I go several times during the length trip of each trip. Can't say enough about the EMH.

As with anything, some people love it (me), and some people hate it. Again, planning is the name of the game. Of course, if you don't go, there is more park for me. My mother always says, "one person's junk is another person's treasure.

Can't wait!!! Just a little over two weeks to AK!!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I really enjoy AK. I think the park is simply beautiful and I could just wander around forever. That said, I definitely agree that it has some problems with the layout.

-The placement of the Safari is really not smart. There is one path that leads to it and it pretty much dead ends at the ride entrace. So you end up with a horde of people trying to get to the standby entrance, get a fastpass, park a stroller, or exit the ride all in the same little area. It's really annoying.

-The fact that all (but one) of the paths leads you back to the island. You have to do way too much backtracking, especially seeing that each area only has one a few attractions.

-The Oasis is a bottleneck. It makes the park feel crowded from the moment you enter, even if it's not.

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

See now I have the completely opposite opinion than this thread has. Animal Kingdom is a beautiful park filled with wonderful scenery (yes I admit peeing in the bushes is a bit animalistic) and great shows and rides. Animal Kingdom has some of the best rides and hands on activities. They have a petting zoo and the safari ride brings you as close as it actually gets to going on a real safari. I think it is a wonderful park and I don't see how anyone could not ever want to go back. I wouldn't imagine WDW without it or any of the parks.

 

[jinia]

I love the idea of the park and the attractions!!! Now, if only it was designed for people to actually use it....

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

My least favorite park, for so many, many, many reasons...