Skipping Animal Kingdom?

[debkorb1]

Another vote FOR the Animal Kingdom! On my recent trip I went to all Disney parks, Universal Studios and Sea World - AK was my favourite. The atmosphere is second to none, the shows are very good (esp the Lion King) and there are enough thrills to keep you happy as long as you avoid the queues by arriving early and using FASTPASS.

For me the AK is not a zoo - the word is pejorative. I think a zoo refers to a nasty place where nasty humans lock up innocent animals for other nasty humans to gawk at. The AK is a brilliant and creative attempt at recreating the natural habitat of many of these animals, conserve them, learn from them and teach us nasty humans about how to treat them. I know the Safari is hit and miss, but I was almost within touching distance of a Rhino - it can be pretty special. I don't think you'll get a closer glimpse into the real Animal Kingdom unless you actually visit Asia and Africa.

I say try it, you might like it If not, then on your next trip you can skip it in the safe knowledge that you think it is naff!

 

[disneyholic family]

my daughter adores animal kingdom and would never agree to our skipping it...
an absolute must see is the Festival of the Lion King...
we've probably seen it 100 times and still love it just as much as the first time..
my kids also love Tarzan (also a show with live performers), and Flights of Wonder (an amusing and amazing demonstration of birds of various kinds...
they also enjoy viewing the various animals there on the walking trails...

if it's hot when you go, keep in mind that the animal kingdom can get VERY hot in the afternoon...

 

[jbthi]

Another vote for AK. It is my second favorite park, behind Epcot.
I don't particularly care for zoos but this doesn't seem like a zoo to me. I love the Safari, ITTBAB, Festival of the Lion King and just about everything else.

I can do without the Dinosaur ride.

June

 

[flyinglizard]

Never been to WDW in August but...

I'd be very disappointed if for some reason we could not visit the Animal Kingdom during our trips.

FlameTree Barbeque is probably my favorite lunch spot in the "World".

Lion King is my favorite show and I enjoy the "Lion Sleeps Tonite" sing along.

I always watch the acrobats in Harumbe, great show. Love the drummers too.

I like to watch the construction progress of the new mountain.

AK has a certain ambiance that is unique in WDW.

Just a few of the things I like at AK. Maybe an acquired taste...

 

[catsrule]

I love AK.

 

[antmaril]

We go to WDW at least once a year (sometimes twice a year - like this year) and we still haven't been to the AK. It just doesn't appeal to me.


I know one thing for sure, when and if I ever decide to visit the AK, it will not be in the summer. This is one park I will save for a February trip.

 

[arizonacolbys]

I have to admit - the 1st time we visited AK we weren't overly impressed. We are always on the go & didn't fully appreciate this park.

On our next trip, we gave AK another try - it is now my favorite park behind MK. We never spend one full day at AK - but, then we don't at any park - we prefer to hop around. We love going to the EMH at AK & going on the Safari ride. The animals are always very active early in the morning - before it gets too hot. There isn't a ride around every corner like at the MK, but many other wonderful things to experience.

Check out the AK for just a 1/2 day if you can squeeze it in. Maybe towards the end of your trip when you need a more relaxing day. I just love seeing the animals & watching them interact with each other - your kids might really enjoy this, too.

If they love rides - the Safari, Kali River Rapids, & Dinosaur are great! Tough to Be a Bug is also a great 3-D movie that lots of kids really get a kick out of. Maybe do some research on the AK before making a final decision - I would never recommend that someone cut this park out of there touring plan - it's really great to see.

 

[fizz13]

We absolutely love AK. I think we love the atmosphere; walking through the Oasis you can forget you're in WDW. The crowds are smaller here and eveyrthing seems unhurried. It's a very relaxing day for us.
We do not love or hate animals but enjoy everything that we see. Tarzan Rocks is one of my favourites and my hubby still laughs about the complete soaking he received on Kali. My kids remember finding Stanley and Rafiki and were in awe of both. We also got really close to the parade so the characters came over and interacted with the kids. Turk was a real hoot.
We just have so many happy memories from this one day there alone and I think we are looking forward to this park far more than Epcot or MGM. BTW, I think Dinosaur is terrifying and I'm 25!

Give it a go, you might be suprised,

Claire