I think the key, as was mentioned earlier, is that everyone is different, and we all go to WDW with different expectations, schedules, and ideas about what we want out of our vacation.
The problem AK has is similar to the problem WDW has for the uninitiated. How many times have you heard someone dismiss the entirety of WDW because it's "too expensive" or say that they went and couldn't find enough to do? Often it turns out that: a) they overlooked major sections of the parks (such as thinking WDW=MK) and/or b) they went with distorted expectations.
I find that people my age (20-somethings) sometimes go expecting a bunch of thrill rides such as you might find at another theme park, so they completely ignore the shows, dark rides, and other attractions in their race for the thrill rides. For the most part, Disney's thrill rides don't match the intensity of major roller coasters at other parks, but that's never been the point with Disney, has it?
Disney is all about the theming and the idea of taking you into a new world with every attraction. That's what they're best at, and that's something they do well with AK. But still, not everyone enjoys wandering around gawking at architectural choices or listening to background music. That's why some people hit WS only for a couple of rides (if at all), while others could completely do without MGM's thrill rides but consider a leisurely stroll through WS to be the highlight of their trip. Point is, if you go to WS expecting it to be something other than what it is, you're going to be disappointed. Same with AK. And, as others have said, it's still a young park with much growing to do.
Plus, I don't think you can fully appreciate either WS or AK if you're in a hurry. They are hard to enjoy for someone who only has a few days in the parks and is naively trying to "see everything" on their first trip. Those people have to rush past the scenery to get to the next ride so they can ride it and rush back somewhere else before they have to leave. AK is better enjoyed when you've been before and you have time on your hands.
On a side note, I've never understood why some people love Indiana Jones at DL but don't think Dinosaur measures up. Dinosaur is one of my favorite rides, and I never miss it when I go. I had heard that IJ used the same ride mechanism and had gotten rave reviews, so when I visited DL last year I made sure to ride it. Honestly, I was underwhelmed. I didn't really get what the fuss was all about. It's a fun ride, but I still prefer Dinosaur.
Maybe I'm just weird.
-p.b.
