Animal Kingdom

**BamaJenn** · 06-10-2011, 11:53 AM

As you continue in your travels amongst Disney forums and blogs you'll find that of all the parks, Animal Kingdom carries with it the most unusual feelings. Some people dislike it, some love it and would go there over any other, some go for just certain attractions and still others have never been and refuse to go.

It's always been a curiosity of mine so I'm posing the question. Why do you like/love/hate/dislike Animal Kingdom?

**BamaJenn** · 06-10-2011, 11:55 AM

I'll go first...

We aren't huge fans of AK but we do enjoy certain aspects of it. We love the Nemo show, Dinosaur, the Safari and Everest but for us the turn off is the layout. It seems in many cases you have to double back to get to/from certain attractions. Additionally, the layout coupled with the foliage often create spaces where air gets stagnant and doesn't move. On a hot Florida afternoon, it's just miserable.

**firemedic** · 06-10-2011, 11:57 AM

Somewhat confusing layout and there's just not enough attractions to keep our interest. Don't get me wrong, the big attractions are great, but there are some parts that look like the Imagineers were trying to "fill in" quickly.

**N.J.boy@N.C.St.** · 06-10-2011, 02:10 PM

I have to admit, I'm not the absolute biggest fan of Animal Kingdom. It is definitely an interesting place. When I go there it's do the usual, Everest, Safari, Lion King show, and a couple others. But I've never stayed an entire day or have gone multiple times in a visit (except last year, did a day there plus was there on my 4-park day). But there are some definitely neat things that I've seen there. It's not to be overlooked, but on a somewhat lesser crowded day, you can breeze through the park, and still take in everything it has to offer.

**Disney05** · 06-10-2011, 04:21 PM

I don't hate it, but it's not my favorite. When we were there a week or so ago, we left there saying we should have gone to the MK instead. I like the atmosphere and the detail of it all but I just don't love it enough like I do the other 3 parks.

**ImaMouser** · 06-10-2011, 06:13 PM

I am of the opinion that the park needs some major investments. There isn't enough to keep a family entertained for a full day. Dinosaur, Expedition: Everest, Kali River Rapids, The Safari, Festival of The Lion KIng. That's about it. Half day, at best.

As the excitement grows for the new Fantasyland, I believe that the money for the expansion in MK could have been better spent in AK. MK is always gonna draw huge crowds as it has plenty of attractions. AK is just lacking enough Umph to merit more than half a day visit even if you're staying a week.

I won't say I hate it. I just tire of it quickly. Give me multiple days at MK and EPCOT and one day at DHS, half day at AK.

**Prince Charming** · 06-10-2011, 11:11 PM

I remember visiting the park for the first time in 2000 and thought that it was a unique concept, but it does have a design flaw - size. It is laid out similar to the Magic Kingdom, but at about 5 times the land mass. Getting from one "land" to another is an expedition! Obviously some of this is for crowd disbursement and future expansion, but Imagineering might have over-planned here. Perhaps a remedity to this problem would be to introduce a similar boat system like Epcot uses in World Showcase Lagoon. Yes they tried one that failed many years ago, but it was not designed for capacity.

I wonder which park will get the next big investment: AK or DHS.

**WDW1014** · 06-11-2011, 09:37 PM

its deff unique and cool if you love animals ......but I dont lol I really just go there for everest, dinosaur ride and the safari . They need more attractions and then it will be at the top of my list

**missbounce** · 06-12-2011, 07:48 AM

Love it - it's my favourite of all the Disney parks and hubby and I can easily spend three full days here. The animal exhibits are really good and there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. I never understand people who say it's a 'half-day park'... they're clearly missing a huge chunk of the things to see/do there. Slow down and smell the roses as Lou says...

**mouselover4ever** · 06-12-2011, 09:11 PM

I honestly was surprised by how much I enjoyed AK. My last trip was my first since it had opened and while I knew I wanted to spend time there because I had never been, I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did--so much that on our "wild card" day where we had planned to revisit our favorite park our choice was AK. It is now my fave besides MK, which I believe will always be my favorite for nostalgic reasons.

I love the overall feel of AK, the shows and attractions are top notch (especially Lion King and EE), and the animal exhibits are superb. When I return I hope they are still offering the Wild Africa Trek and I am considering a behind the scenes tour of AK. I love it!

**disneymaniac87** · 06-13-2011, 08:12 AM

I enjoy Animal Kingdom. It has gotten better now that they've added Expedition Everest. I did not like the park at all when I first went and I think it's a bear to deal with in the hot summer months. It seems like it's a park that you can NEVER get away from the heat.

I have heard that when it isn't as crowded and hot, AK is very enjoyable. My parents went in December 2 yrs ago and loved AK. They enjoyed being able to walk through the Treks without sweating and worrying about dehydration or heat exhaustion. They enjoyed not being pushed around because of the crowds. I feel like Animal Kingdom is a park you could enjoy when it isn't as crowded like it is in the summer months.

I think the whole HEster and Chester area is stupid and really shouldn't be there. They could utilize that space in such a better way. The whole Carnival/State Fair type them just doesn't fit into the themes of the rest of the park. I dislike it and try to avoid that area.

**SnwhtNdwrfs** · 06-16-2011, 07:31 PM

I like AK but it is not one I go to more than once a trip. I like the SAfari, if I don't have to wait in line. I love Everest and go on the single rider line every time. Finding Nemo is good but if I miss the time, I am not heartbroken. Dinosaur is okay if I am with my sons but DD hates it. Never been to the Camp Minnie/Mickey area. Never ridden the train. Tough to be a Bug is a must do.

But really other than eating at Yak and Yeti or Flame Tree- not a fan of the food choices. I will eat breakfast at Tusker House. But nothing really draws me to this park. Maybe it is because I can't visualize exactly where the layout is. Doesn't seem to flow as well to me. But then again, it is supposed to be a jungle.