Let's hear it for AK!

[Pixie Duster]

Alright so I know there's a good number of people who can't have fun unless they are plopped on a ride every 20 seconds. But for those of us who enjoy atmosphere and entertainment that is different, let's not forget details, then AK is awesome.
Each day at least one guest tells me that this is their favorite park. I am sure each park is someone's favorite, but the point is each park satisfy a different kind of person.

I want to hear why you like AK. I understand that not everyone likes AK, but please if you are not a fan of this park, refrain from bashing it. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

 

[egionet]

I like AK because it's like going to the zoo, but then it has some rides. So it's an extra fun zoo!

 

[surfsupdon]

I enjoy exploring with my sister. The Maharaja Jungle Trek is my favorite, and I love walking through the Tree of Life Trails. There is so much to feast your eyes upon, and I enjoy the lushness of the place. And Dinosaur is an excellent ride usually with very little wait. I enjoy this park a ton more than I did in its inagural year.

 

[MouseMadness]

Originally posted by Pixie Duster
I want to hear why you like AK. I understand that not everyone likes AK, but please if you are not a fan of this park, refrain from bashing it. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Very wise to put that in there.

Okay, why do I love AK... probably all the reasons you mentioned. Atmosphere, attention to detail, being able to go a half dozen times and STILL find something new every time I go. I like that it's so hot there... particularly since we normally go in he late fall/winter. Vacation is so much sweeter when it's 75 where you are as opposed to single digits back home. (Southeast MI... BRRR) Truthfully we've barely scratched the surface at AK. I plan on seeing all of it that we've missed this next trip. 10 days should be sufficient time. Have I mentioned I leave in 16 days? :lookaroun :lol:

 

[JBSLJames]

We will be making our first trip in November and plan on taking a day at the AK so I will be watching this thread as a sort of tip line. I notice that one of the 'guide' books says that AK is the one park that does not require a full day. Any truth to that? Also, does the early entry days change based on the time of year?

 

[SpongeScott]

If this is bashing, I apologize.

AK grows on me each time I go. The first two times we went, we were there on the last day of our trip and we were tired and just about ready to go home. We didn't care for it, it was hot, we felt as though it was letdown after being to the other three parks. This last time, we had spme objectives for our trip: do something we've never done before in each park and go to AK on the first day. Well, I don't know if it was a combination of the two, but we really enjoyed AK this time. Granted, there are some things there that we just don't care for, but we took our time this trip and explored and discovered. Our entire family loves animals, so we focused on that less than the entertainment (Dinosaur was the only thrill/fun ride we went on). So, I'll give it up a little for AK and see if we can grow on our last experience there.

 

[jrriddle]

It's got to be the themeing.
I would rank this park #1 for Disney in the States, and 3rd Worldwide (after 1. TDS 2. DLP).
DAK is one of the most beautiful parks Disney has!

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by SpongeScott
If this is bashing, I apologize.

This last time, we had spme objectives for our trip: do something we've never done before in each park

I was just about to say the same thing. This past August we stayed for a week (the longest trip ever). We decided to do the things we always wanted to, but never got a chance to. We spent the entire day at AK. We did the safari, Its Tough to be A Bug and even played games in the midway. We had a really good time. I no longer think of it as a half day park. :wave:

 

[WDWspider]

Well, I think Animal Kingdom has had a wonderful start. I don't think it's anywhere near it's potential.

Having said that... WOW what an introduction. The detail and animals in this park is truly amazing, with an equally amazing Centerpiece. Almost every new addition has made the park that much more entertaining, creative, and enjoyable. I can easily see this park moving up on my chart of favorites (and possibly becoming #1 someday).

The food, the culture, the beauty, the message, the animals, the shows, and the rides are all top notch. Having plenty of expansion room is a huge plus as well.

 

[Pippa]

I always find AK very relaxing and it doesn't feel like you are in a theme park as much.

 

[vilegirl]

I love AK. I find it to be the most unique "theme park." And...it's host to my favorite parade...Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade. It's SO different to all the other parades. I think WDW did a great job of capturing the spirit of AK in that parade. To me, a theme park is more than just rides. I love walking around AK. All the foliage, the beautiful sunny areas and all the shady little nooks where you can just sit and enjoy your surroundings. It's one of those places that just makes me extra-happy to be alive.

 

[imagineer99]

I love the oasis in the beginning of Animal Kingdom. Unlike Mainstreet which has only one path to the landmark, the oasis enables the guest to take multiple routes throughout the lush scenery in order to reach the tree of life. It's a beautiful, calming, and highly unique place. It may not be my favorite Disney Park, but it should be commended for the beautiful scenery, great attractions (Dinosaur, Kilimanjaro) and the ability to view unique animals in a seemingly cageless environment. Is it just me or do the animals seem so much happier in AK then in regular zoos?

Plus, you gotta love the CM's on in places like the Maharajah jungle trek. They are more than willing to give you all the information that you need on any animal.

 

[NashvilleMouse]

I really like AK for two main reasons:

1) It is beautiful. The detail is wonderful and is very relaxing. It is hard to find some shade on the hot days unless you run back to the entrance area. There is still more potential, but it is a wonderful start.

2) The second reason may sound a bit odd to some. We usually spend all day at MK and all day at EPCOT. AK is just big enough for a half-day which allows us to head back and relax for a few hours (or go swimming at the pool) and catch a meal at Downtown Disney. It leaves a whole half of day for some other magical event at WDW. (Thank God for parkhopper passes) For this reason, I like AK. A lot of great activity and scenery for the first half and relaxation the second. A great change of pace.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

One of the main reasons we love AK so much is because it allows visitors to move at their own pace to enjoy all there is to see. Aside from scurrying to either Kali River Rapids, the Safari or Dinosaur, we always take our time to observe the details on the Tree of Life and stroll leisurely on the Asia walking tour. We also enjoy taking our little guy on the train to Conservation Station and let him touch the animals there.

Unlike MK, where it can be overwhelming if one attempts to see/do everything, AK can be done relaxingly.......if you allow yourself.

 

[raven]

The first year AK opened I couldn't wait to leave the park. But it has grown on me because it's something completely different. The attention to every tiny detail is what makes me love AK. From smells and music to the texture of walls and paths make everything seem so real.

 

[cherrynegra]

After just returning from DW last month, I had my first experience at AK. After visiting all the parks, it is definitely my favorite park hands down. I agree that it may not have "E Ticket" rides, but what it lacks in rides it more than makes up for in the lush greenery, the chance to get up close to the animals, and just the oppurtunity to dive into the most well planned out theme park, at least in my opinion. It's all about attitude when you approach this park. And it is a MUST to slow down and really take in your surroundings. AK is not about rushing around trying to ride rides. It's the experience. Granted, AK does have its share of problems, but I found them to be rather negligible as to not impair my enjoyment of the park overall.

 

[Gucci65]

We always go to AK on our last day. We usually get there when it opens and head for the airport around 4. We like AK on the last day because of the relaxed atmosphere. We love to look at the animals (esp. the tigers). We LOVE Festival of the Lion King!! My daughter likes when you first go in the park in the morning and a cm is there with some sort of "critter" for your closer inspection. She also loves the ice cream cone she gets from the "crazy bus".

It has good rides/shows, I think without them it would definately be only a half day park.

A big thumbs up from Gucci65 and Co.

 

[tinkerelle]

Has anyone mentioned the awesome music at AK? When we visited in July 2001, I bought the official AK music CD and listen to it all the time.

AK also has my two favorite shows, Festival of the Lion King and Tarzan Rocks.

I love what they've done with Dinoland. My husband even pointed out that there are parking lots lines painted on the asphalt to make it look like a traveling fair. :animwink:

 

[imagineer99]

Originally posted by tinkerelle

I love what they've done with Dinoland. My husband even pointed out that there are parking lots lines painted on the asphalt to make it look like a traveling fair. :animwink:

So...let's see...that brings the number of people who like the look of Dinorama up to a grand total of 2!

Your right about the music...it is really wonderful at Animal Kingdom (and all of the Disney Parks for that matter).

 

[thespottedzebra]

AK is prob my second favorite park overall after MK. The atmosphere and landscaping is unbelievable and it feels like we see something new everytime we go. It's a great park if you just want to stay for a couple hours and do the major attractions or if you want to spend a day wandering aimlessly looking at things.