Skipping AK

[Canadian Girl 77]

We're off to Disney this Thursday. We were going to visit Animal Kingdom on Saturday but we're thinking we may just skip it. We never seem to have that great a time there. In fact, DH and I only seem to argue in that park!

Plus, we'll be back in Disney for Free Dining in September with my parents. They've never been to Animal Kingdom so I figure we'll be spending at least a day there. It's only been six months since our last visit.

So, why do I feel so guilty about skipping a park?

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

I wouldn't feel guilty about skipping AK at all. That is our least favorite park. It is so big, so hot and not much to do. We have seen the shows and been on the rides. There are only a few we hit and then leave. For us it is a 1/2 day park, so unless you have hoppers, I would skip it.

Sarah

 

[Orangeandwild]

Oh short trips we normally skip AK and we will be again next month on our short weekend trip. We were just there in Feb and spent a whole day there seeing shows and the parade and all. It is an ok park (our least favorite) but not one that needs to be done each trip IMHO.

I know what you mean about feeling guilty about not hitting a park, but not necessary to do everything each time as you will be back again this year, at least that is what I keep telling myself

 

[dawnedwards]

The most important thing is to do what you and your family enjoy and that's different for everyone. I love AK, but that's what works for my family.

 

[MelanieC]

Ahh - I couldn't imagine skipping AK - We love it, it's one of our favorites.

 

[geenerbell]

I wouldn't think twice about skipping AK. We are planning to do the same on our trip in early December. It's a zoo, it' a zoo, it's a zoo, zoo, zoo!

 

[OB1]

We would never skip AK, but I know what you mean. Our last trip, we decided to skip Toy Story because we arrived 20 minutes too late. It was just too much of a wait. We will be on time on our next trip. When you know you are going back, its not so hard to miss something - especially if it is not high on your list (in your case).

 

[d1gitman]

we have skipped AK more than we have gone to AK. we also find it to be hot, more walking, just less fun overall. AK seems to be the park where the kids meltdown and DW & myself aren't up to dealing with it. We keep wanting to like AK as much as the other parks but it just keeps coming up short. With that said, we love EE, KS, KRR, Dinoland, Bug's Life.

 

[dopeynme]

OP, I know just what you mean! I said the same to DH on our Feb trip. We were fighting and we NEVER fight!!!!! I think it is spread out and the things we want to do are very far apart.....the traffic flow doesn't seem well planned......it does seem hotter there in summer.......While I appreciate that it is very well done, it just doesn't have the magic for me. I think it is more than a zoo and there is definitely good storytelling there, but there is just something that makes me irritable!
We often skip it on our shorter trips. On our longer ones, we will go for one partial day. I determined that we need to have a very specific touring plan, do those things and then get out of there!

Have a great trip!

 

[harpinjean]

No guilt - it's Disney. Do what you want to do!

 

[danny1649]

I love all the parks but I have skipped everypark at one time but MK on different trips.You do what you want to do and enjoy. I have found that the parks are still there when I return.

 

[jb01]

Ni reason to feel guilty You will be back in Sept and can see it then.

 

[NC State]

I wouldn't feel guilty about skipping AK at all. That is our least favorite park. It is so big, so hot and not much to do. We have seen the shows and been on the rides. There are only a few we hit and then leave. For us it is a 1/2 day park, so unless you have hoppers, I would skip it.

Sarah

Same with us. I would skip it but husband likes it so we do a 1/2 day.

 

[wdw_adict]

We only ever spend a few hours in AK. Normally we go during extra magic hours in the morning and get EE and the Safari done and we're normally on our way out of the park before the crowds come in.

There just isnt that must at AK that we want to do.

 

[bytheblood]

Ak is not a park to skip! There is so much to see and do.

If you have the Disney Celebrations magazine, read the article in the newest issue about AK.

I would skip DS before any other. JMO.

 

[akl432]

I wouldn't feel guilty about skipping AK at all. That is our least favorite park. It is so big, so hot and not much to do. We have seen the shows and been on the rides. There are only a few we hit and then leave. For us it is a 1/2 day park, so unless you have hoppers, I would skip it.

I completely agree. It always feels hot, and I don't like that you can't see the rest of the park because of all the greenery -- it makes me feel like I'm in a hot, humid, crowded jungle where I can't see the way out, I just have to follow the paths, and it will be a long time before we will be able to make our way into the entrance to leave! It does not have the magic for us that the other parks do (to the point that the question has popped up in my mind many times as to why Disney charges the same to enter AK as it does MK!) Just my humble opinion; I know there are others who love AK.

We'll be at WDW for 6 days, and we're not going to AK.

 

[catne]

choose which parks you enjoy most...if you're not feeling it for AK this time, skip it. Like you say, you'll be taking people who have never been there in September. Chances are you'll enjoy AK more when you have the chance to "see it fresh" with new people...and you'll have had a break from it at that point. It'll make your vacay more laid back & relaxing to have more time spread out at the parks you do want to do this time. Enjoy it - it's your vacation!

 

[princess pooh]

I wish I could skip AK but my DH loves the safari ride. It's always so hot there and I end up with a headache every time.

 

[Aquagirl]

Skip Animal Kingdom, blasphemy... but that is just me . AK is my favorite park. Every family is different and has different interests, so do or do not do what makes you happy. We have no problem skipping DHS and I'm sure that other families would not even dream of doing that. Have a great trip, I am sure that what ever you decide to do you will have a great time!!!

 

[frdeb1999]

It's our least favorite also. We normally go for a couple hours on one of the days in our trip and that is normally just to hit what we really like about it.