The Animal Kingdom Debate

[alc571]

Least favourite park for us too. We end up going one half-day, but it's more out of "something different to do" than wanting to go. Our son is pretty timid, but won't go on "baby rides" either, so we really only have the safari, and primeval whirl to go on. He likes festival of the lion king, but that's about it. Also...I don't know why, but every time we go to AK it's the hottest day of the trip. I swear that place is built on the surface of the sun!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I really love AK - definitely my favorite park. I like all the shady, quiet spots, the cultural, themed elements, the shows and the animals. Hey I even like Dinoland go figure - so to each his own. May be check out some videos on you tube to see if it might appeal to you but I really think you have to give it a try to see.

 

[supergoofy]

Loved Animal Kingdom. Only been once as we have only been to WDW once.

We went pre Everest and when there was a parade and liked it because it felt more laid back than the other parks.

Nice mix of rides, shows and things to see and do. I would definitely recommend it but to not do it the first of last day as I feel it would be a little let down over the other parks especially MK.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I guess this thread just goes to show the truth in the statement, "Different strokes for different folks!" Not everyone likes each park equally. That's why I get discouraged reading advice to skip certain parks, or reading "XXX is a half-day park." What the poster is really saying is, "XXX is a half-day park for me!"

This advice is often given by people who have traveled to WDW many times. They know what they like (and don't like!) and often don't feel the need to repeat rides and attractions over and over every trip. That touring style can make a specific park a "half-day" park for that particular family. But I think it's terrible advice for first-time visitors!

I always recommend that new WDW visitors devote at least one full day to each park. It's often very surprising to newbies what things their family ends up enjoying the most! In the case of AK, they might not consider themselves "animal people" but end up loving the park!

PS - Personally, AK is a two-day park for me!

Good advice. However, as this is the hottest and feels the most crowded maybe two half mornings.

We saw Nemo last month and I'd forgotten how wonderful the show was however there was NO SHADE in the que. Even standing there I was reduced to a sweaty mess. 95 degrees and high humidity and I thought I was being clever doing the afternoon show with AC.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Good advice. However, as this is the hottest and feels the most crowded maybe two half mornings.

We saw Nemo last month and I'd forgotten how wonderful the show was however there was NO SHADE in the que. Even standing there I was reduced to a sweaty mess. 95 degrees and high humidity and I thought I was being clever doing the afternoon show with AC.

AK definitely felt more crowded than Epcot to me, but about the same as DHS and less crowded than MK. And AK was the only 1 of the 4 we visited on a weekend. The strollers at MK......oh boy!

 

[richmo]

Animal Kingdom isn't my favorite park, but is steadily improving. Calling it an overpriced zoo isn't fair either to Animal Kingdom or the zoos. On a multi-day trip to Disney, I would hate to miss it.

 

[goofy4tink]

My family likes AK well enough. But they have the things they like to do, and then they leave. Me? I love this park. When I'm by myself, AK is the park I head to. I love just walking the trails, slowly, taking all the time I want. I can grab a quick bite to eat and find someplace to just sit and relax for a bit. I may not even of on an attraction...just walk around. Is it hot in there? Yup. But Disney has placed many fans strategically around the park and that really helps. It's kind of nice to have a park that allows for a slower pace.