My fanboy vs. Animal Kingdom rant

[Crockett]

What is the total ride and show count for Hollywood Studios as compared to Animal Kingdom?

Not the ambiguous "attractions", just the straight up ride or show.

DHS
(Rides)
Great Movie Ride
ToT
RnRc
TSMM
Backlot Tour
Star Tours 2.0
Total = 6
(Shows)
American Idol
Indiana Jones
Sounds Dangerous
Lights, Motors, Action
Beauty & the Beast
Fantasmic
Muppets
Playhouse Disney Live
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
High School Musical: Live
Total shows = 10
DHS= 16 Rides & Shows

AK
(Rides)
Expedition Everest
Kali Rover Rapids
Dinosaur
Triceratops Spin
Primeval Whirl
Safari
Express train to Rafiki's Planet Watch
Total = 7
(Shows)
Finding Nemo
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Festival of the Lion King
Birds of prey
Total = 4
AK = 11 Rides & Shows

 

[ob1thx1138]

We spent 2 full days at AK on our first trip this last summer and for my wife and I it was close to the top of our list of favorites. The theme was the most complete (which is to be expected since it is the newest), We loved the animal attractions and spent a lot of time on the trails and watching the monkeys,

However having said that it was obvious that there were things which needed work. Dinosaur was a mess, which I don't really need to detail, The yeti was in B mode, which I guess is better than missing or tarped off. But the biggest thing we noticed was how much unused space there was. It would be really easy for them to add a dozen more attractions to that park and really there needs to be something on both sides of the Nemo theater, I mean the walk through the woods is nice, but come on there really needs to be something there. Also they need more shade. This is the only park where I really felt miserably hot and we went during June - July

I would love to see a couple omnimover rides maybe something with the Jungle Book or lion King (sorry Festival of the lion king was a big let down to everyone in my group) But to be honest I love the park the way it is. I never felt rushed in the park I knew I could see it all in one day and I knew I was planning on spending two days in the park so it was really relaxing. With MK I always felt like I was missing something or that I just didn't have enough time, even though we got to all the attractions we wanted and most we saw twice.

 

[cheezbat]

DHS
(Rides)
Great Movie Ride
ToT
RnRc
TSMM
Backlot Tour
Star Tours 2.0
Total = 6
(Shows)
American Idol
Indiana Jones
Sounds Dangerous
Lights, Motors, Action
Beauty & the Beast
Fantasmic
Muppets
Playhouse Disney Live
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
High School Musical: Live
Total shows = 10
DHS= 16 Rides & Shows

AK
(Rides)
Expedition Everest
Kali Rover Rapids
Dinosaur
Triceratops Spin
Primeval Whirl
Safari
Express train to Rafiki's Planet Watch
Total = 7
(Shows)
Finding Nemo
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Festival of the Lion King
Birds of prey
Total = 4
AK = 11 Rides & Shows

And now compare those numbers to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disneyland, California Adventure, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneysea, and you're nowhere near close. That's the biggest problem with DAK. I too agree the park is beautiful, and I do see everything when I go, but I always get everything in before park close. Look at the average Disney guest...they come expecting shows and rides. It's built into them. It's what they've known now for over 50 years coming from Disney. That's what brings the guests in. Not the scenery. The rides. There are two big problems with DAK right now...lack of family rides, and lack of INDOOR attractions. Look at how much you can do at Magic Kingdom when it's raining...or at Epcot...or at Hollywood Studios. Now look back at Animal Kingdom...a few shows and one ride. Not good.

I'm not saying you can't like DAK. I like the place too...I'm just saying let's be real here...the park needs the DCA treatment. More rides, more restaurants, more shows. All around more to do!

 

[JimboJones123]

I recently came across the following post in a now-closed thread. The poster was making his (or her) point that Animal Kingdom is a 1/4 day park.



This is EXACTLY the argument that comes up every time people discuss Animal Kingdom (and even Hollywood Studios) as a less-than-full-day park. Blah blah people don't want to take in the environment and shows blah blah people want rides blah blah.

On the other side, everyone and moans about WDW becoming "cheap" and not putting the care and detail into the parks as they used to. I'm thinking specifically about water effects, minor AA's that don't quite work like they supposed to, etc. Well, if nobody is going to stop and smell the roses anyways, why bother planting them in the first place?

I'm not really sure what I'm asking but it really seems like people around here just like to criticize blindly. They expect to be able to spend fourteen hours in each park doing nothing but sprinting from ride to ride, ignoring the scenery, but if they do decide to sit down on a bench there had better be fifteen new details to observe in the foliage that they've never noticed before.

My personal response to the above poster is that people who can't spend Open to Close enjoying themselves at Animal Kingdom are doing it wrong. Honestly, slow down. I've been there about a dozen times (for full days) and the vine lady (whatever she's called) creeps the ____*t out of me every time. Spend twenty minutes talking to one of the zookeepers at the gorilla exhibit. Take the time to actually hunt for all of the birds on the bird spotting guide in the African Aviary. Ride Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Don't just sprint by Flights of Wonder on your way to Expedition: Everest. Waste a few dollars at a Chester and Hester's midway game. Watch them operate on a hummingbird at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

It's sad to me that the same people who rush through all of Animal Kingdom (or the Living Seas, for that matter) can content themselves wandering through well-themed gift shops in the World Showcase. Celebrating different cultures is fantastic and all, but have we really lost our appreciation for the natural?

See, all I got out of your post is "People should learn how to waste their time more effectively."

Critics don't criticize blindly. They criticize because it sucks.

If you want to look for every bird in an aviary or talk to a gorilla keeper, you can do that at any zoo in the US. The one thing that AK has done is help other zoos make themselves more accessible. Besides that, $10 a day at home will give you 90% of the same animal experiences, and in MOST cases BETTER experiences. Polar Bears! Grizzly Bears! Aquariums! Kangaroos! Penguins! Wolves! AK doesn't even do the zoo experience right. It is so dumbed down and split into just a few really nice habitats.

There is 5 rides. 5. 3 real shows. 3. The bird show can be found at almost any pet store these days.

So, 7 attractions. How many times do you want to sit in uncomfortable bleachers where you can't see anything if not in the first few rows for FotLK? Nemo is amazing, but it is a 70 minute investment. More people REFUSE to se Bugs Life than any other show on property. Take away the two coasters and Dinosaur, and younger kids have a spinner and the safari to visit.

I hate the argument that the park is artistically designed as well.

IT LOOKS LIKE BROKEN DOWN CRAP! Cracks. Themed trash all over. 2/3 of the metal in the park are faux rusted over. Rusted over. So the theme of the park is to make it look like a big giant piece of garbage that can't be recycled and will continue to rot over the years. Nice.

If you had been to any of the nicer enhanced zoos, they don't do this anymore. San Diego. Cincinatti. Heck even the FREE National Zoo is in better shape than AK. Tattered trash hanging from ropes and wires with torn up posters "themed" to look "themed" just make things look junky.

 

[JimboJones123]

Thank you! I agree with your entire post, but only quoted the part that should be re-emphasized. Building on what you said - I think this shows the effectiveness of the Magic Your Way ticket concept and "bundling" of vacation packages. I have to admit - as beautiful and as well themed as the park is - I would never advise a family of four to go pay over $400 to go spend a day at AK. If they want a fabulous zoo experience - there are AMAZING zoos around the country they can get into for a third of the price. Guests these days seem to excuse and not expect as much now that they are not actually counting out the dollars out of their wallet at the gate..

Especially when you can go an hour down the road to Busch Gardens and get 3x the park. Their safari is better. Try it. It is fun. The script is UNSCRIPTED, so it doesn't suck. It has a thrill element. They have more animals. It does lack in shows, but by offering 5-6x the rides -- I'll lose a few shows.

 

[JimboJones123]

And now compare those numbers to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disneyland, California Adventure, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneysea, and you're nowhere near close. That's the biggest problem with DAK. I too agree the park is beautiful, and I do see everything when I go, but I always get everything in before park close. Look at the average Disney guest...they come expecting shows and rides. It's built into them. It's what they've known now for over 50 years coming from Disney. That's what brings the guests in. Not the scenery. The rides. There are two big problems with DAK right now...lack of family rides, and lack of INDOOR attractions. Look at how much you can do at Magic Kingdom when it's raining...or at Epcot...or at Hollywood Studios. Now look back at Animal Kingdom...a few shows and one ride. Not good.

I'm not saying you can't like DAK. I like the place too...I'm just saying let's be real here...the park needs the DCA treatment. More rides, more restaurants, more shows. All around more to do!

Careful, people might start comparing the FL parks to CA parks and discover that there are more attractions in CA's 2 parks than FL's 4 parks.

In smaller parks as well.

 

[Crockett]

I'm not saying you can't like DAK. I like the place too...I'm just saying let's be real here...the park needs the DCA treatment. More rides, more restaurants, more shows. All around more to do!

You're preaching to the choir, friend. I'm with you 100% on this.

Careful, people might start comparing the FL parks to CA parks and discover that there are more attractions in CA's 2 parks than FL's 4 parks.

In smaller parks as well.

Shhhhhh!! We're never supposed to bring that up. :lookaroun

 

[AEfx]

See, all I got out of your post is "People should learn how to waste their time more effectively."

:ROFLOL:


:sohappy:

Careful, people might start comparing the FL parks to CA parks and discover that there are more attractions in CA's 2 parks than FL's 4 parks.

In smaller parks as well.

Yup. And you can park hop in about 90 seconds as you cross the esplanade.

That's what's funny - ever since being to Disneyland, I'm noticing just how much crazy wasted space is at WDW. Sure, bits of Disneyland are too cramped, but the density means you aren't walking miles between attractions and you are never very far from something really exciting.

I still love our parks, but the empty space in them that could be used for attractions became much much more obvious once I finally visited Disneyland.

 

[Mansion Butler]

Especially when you can go an hour down the road to Busch Gardens and get 3x the park. Their safari is better. Try it. It is fun. The script is UNSCRIPTED, so it doesn't suck. It has a thrill element. They have more animals. It does lack in shows, but by offering 5-6x the rides -- I'll lose a few shows.

Having been to both parks many times, this is the most I have ever disagreed with anything anyone has ever stated to be fact ever.

 

[Crockett]

This discussion has gotten me curious. Rides & Shows ONLY: (excluding parades)

Disneyland (California)
Disneyland Railroad
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Mad Tea Party
Peter Pan's Flight
King Arthur Carrousel
It's a Small World
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Mark Twain Riverboat
Sailing Ship Columbia
Fantasmic!
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Space Mountain
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Astro Orbitor
Autopia
Captain EO
Jungle Cruise
Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain
The Golden Horseshoe Stage
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Gadget's Go Coaster
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Disneyland Total = 36

Disney's California Adventure (This is pre-Carsland, mind you)
World of Color
Grizzly River Run
Soarin' Over California
ElecTRONica
Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular
Disney Junior: Live on Stage
Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Turtle Talk with Crush
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
California Screamin'
Golden Zephyr
Goofy's Sky School
Jumpin' Jellyfish
King Triton's Carousel of the Sea
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
Mickey's Fun Wheel
Silly Symphony Swings
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Flik's Flyers
Francis' Ladybug Boogie
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
It's Tough to be a Bug!
Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies
California Adventure Total = 24

Disneyland Resort Total: (2 Parks) = 60

Magic Kingdom Fla (pre-FantasyLand Expansion)
Astro Orbiter
Barnstormer
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Cinderella's Carousel
Country Bear Jamboree
Dumbo the flying elephant
Enchanted Tiki Room under new mgmt
The Hall of Presidents
Haunted Mansion
Its a Small World
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Magic Flying Carpets of Aladdin
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney World Railroad
Magic Kingdom Total = 28

Epcot
American Adventure
Captain EO
Circle of Life
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Grand Fiesta Tour
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
Impressions de France
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living With the Land
Maelstrom
Mission: Space
O Canada
Reflections of China
Soarin'
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Epcot Total = 18

Disney's Hollywood Studios
American Idol Experience
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Fantasmic!
The Great Movie Ride
High School Musical Live
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motors, Action!
Muppet*Vision 3D
Playhouse Disney Live
Rock n' Rollercoaster
Sounds Dangerous
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Studio Backlot Tour
Toy Story Mania
Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Hollywood Studios Total = 16

Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo the Musical
It's Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Primeval Whirl
TriceraTops Spin
Wildlife Express Train
Animal Kingdom Total = 10

Walt Disney World Total: (4 Parks) = 72 (67 if you do not include the films at Epcot, plus Sounds Dangerous at DHS to be actual "shows".)

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

I have to confess, the animal exhibits are not interesting to me. I have an annual pass for our local zoo and aquarium in Berlin and it's one of the largest zoos in the world with the largest number of different species worldwide, about 4 times as much as DAK has to offer. So I am not really interested in seeing animals I see every few weeks at home. I am however interested in the landscaping, I wish our animal exhibits would be as elaborate as those in DAK but of course it's a zoo and not a theme park.
If there would be only the animal exhibits I would visit DAK once per visit and only half a day as the Kilimanjaro Safari was always a major letdown (very few animals visible), the two animal trails are nice but not worth several visits and the entire Rafikis Planet Watch and Conversation Station is a huge disappointment and waste of space.

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

My personal response to the above poster is that people who can't spend Open to Close enjoying themselves at Animal Kingdom are doing it wrong. Honestly, slow down.

I'm only quoting this part because I pretty much agree with everything you stated. The park is lush, beautiful, richly themed (I seriously don't get the person that claimed its' warn-down look is an excuse for Disney to neglect the place) BUT I cannot agree on the above statement: When Disney goes out of its way to advertise the place as Nuthazu (or however its spelt) and people come in only to realise that the luxurious Zoo aspects are the only things going for it (KS, EE, Dinosaur and Tree of Life aside) you've got a problem. Either make it a full-on Zoo - and price it accordingly - or start adding those staple Disney attractions to go with the beautiful scenery. EE was a step in the right direction but that's hardly enough. There's no excuse for that poor Dinorama area, Camp Minnie Mickey or lack of rides in the better developed areas of the park. I'm also pretty sure the park would get that positive DCA-like buzz if it were to add some sort of night spectacle.

 

[rodserling27]

I've got a lot of beef with the Animal Kingdom.
First off, it's too damn big!! It takes far too long to get around. Do I enjoy the scenery? Sure, of course, I pay attention to details. But I can only enjoy that so much before I start saying to myself "give me a freaking attraction to enjoy, enough facades, scenery, stuff and whatnot!" Give me things to check out when I'm roaming from land to land. Some "Transition" attractions, if you will!

Secondly, they bottleneck you everywhere. There is usually only ONE way to get from area to area, it's not all connected. I really can't stand that, it makes it difficult to navigate. Also, it's particularly frustrating when I park-hop over there just to hit something we might have missed...gotta spend 20minutes walking allll over Walt's green earth (haha get it?) just to get somewhere.

Third of all, they need to reorganize some of the theming. Why is the Fesitval of the Lion King at Mickey's camp?? Shouldn't be in...oh I don't know...AFRICA?!?! Same goes for the dreaful "Finding Nemo" musical...why is it on the outskirts of Dinoland USA? Last I checked, Nemo wasn't prehistoric. The entire show should be moved to EPCOT.

Lastly, I don't buy the argument that people say "well you're not doing it right." Wrong! See, I can go to the Magic Kingdom (or EPCOT) and spend an entire day taking my time, checking out the theming, taking in the sights and sounds...but I can also spend the entire day zipping from attraction to attraction if I want to, and maybe still not get it all in on one day! With the Animal Kingdom, if you take the latter route...you're out of there before 2pm sometimes!

So this whole thing about "well you need to know how to 'do' the Animal Kingdom" is a crock of you-know-what to me. There shouldn't be any particular way to "do" a theme park, in relation to how much time to spend (or waste, depending on your point of view). Not to mention that AK closes significantly earlier than other parks, so it really does feel like a 1/2 day park at times, or even 1/4 day park, if you're going to head to another park for EMH.

 

[donniedisney]

I think AK is a giant waste of space. Walking around it makes me mad that it's taking up the space of 3 Magic Kingdoms (Parking lot, guest area, and animal only area) it has 4 attractions, and a super market carnival. So, I stay away.

 

[DMC-12]

My take...

HS is still a half day park (sorry... waiting in line for TSM does not count as 3/4 day park :lol: :lookaroun ) .

And AK is more like a 3/4 day park... but thats only because of the time they usually close.

 

[erasure fan1]

When Disney goes out of its way to advertise the place as Nuthazu (or however its spelt) and people come in only to realise that the luxurious Zoo aspects are the only things going for it (KS, EE, Dinosaur and Tree of Life aside) you've got a problem.

Thats exactly right. Like others we have a zoo membership and go about once or twice a month. AK has some great exhibits but it still doesnt take us all day. Some people may not think thats right, but I know a lot of people who agree.

Lastly, I don't buy the argument that people say "well you're not doing it right." Wrong! See, I can go to the Magic Kingdom (or EPCOT) and spend an entire day taking my time, checking out the theming, taking in the sights and sounds...but I can also spend the entire day zipping from attraction to attraction if I want to, and maybe still not get it all in on one day! With the Animal Kingdom, if you take the latter route...you're out of there before 2pm sometimes!

So this whole thing about "well you need to know how to 'do' the Animal Kingdom" is a crock of you-know-what to me. There shouldn't be any particular way to "do" a theme park, in relation to how much time to spend (or waste, depending on your point of view). Not to mention that AK closes significantly earlier than other parks, so it really does feel like a 1/2 day park at times, or even 1/4 day park, if you're going to head to another park for EMH.

I totally agree. If someone thinks Im doing AK wrong because I think its a 1/2 day park, you can always pay for my family to go and give me your personal tour guide to spending the day. :animwink: People can visit a park in what ever fashion they see fit since its their hard earned money. Disney parks are supposed to be great for their "something for every one" ability. And the problem with AK is that if something doesnt appeal to you, it eliminates a big chunk of time from the day.

I am critical of the AK, not because I dont think its worth it but because I think it can be one of the best parks in the world. We have gone to Disney almost every year since the AK opened and we have a real hard time staying past 1 or 2pm now. There is a simple fix to the whole debate, just add another land and we are all happy. :lol:

 

[stratman50th]

Hollywood Studios is a half day park at best.

Animal Kingdom I could spend all day just watching the gorillas or the tigers. Everything else there is just a bonus.

See how everyone is different. I feel just the opposite. I could just hang out at Hollywood Studios all day and completely skip AK.

Let the meatheads who can't appreciate all the awesome details of Animal Kingdom stay away.

Makes my experience better to have those small brains somewhere else.

Always glad to read your opinions, which are obviously the only ones you are interested in. Also enjoy how tolerant you are of others. Keep up the good work.

And see, that's the same thing people say about World Showcase.

It's because different people go looking for different things.

Some people see MGM as a much fuller park than you do, and AK relatively empty.

I would say, though, that more "average guests" go to WDW to experience attractions and not just go look at a few animals that they can see at a local zoo without flying across country and spending $80/day on tickets to see.

Yes, AK is lush and beautiful, but as a theme park - for many, it's sorely lacking in attractions to qualify as such. All the wonderful theming in the world can't cover up for the lack of attractions that most people come visit for.

Thanks, someone here who can see that everyone doesn't like, or got to see the same things. I guess that's why they have different themes for different parks.

Read through the entire thread so far and tried not to miss anything. I don't profess to being an expert in theme parks enough to classify one as a 1/4, 1/2, full day, full plus kinda shows and a popcorn stand, etc. But if you want to spend the whole day there, far be it from me to tell you what you should and shouldn't like or be entertained by. It's the same argument as the commando vs the relaxer. Who is self righteous enough to tell someone else how to have fun on their vacation?
Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park. If we didn't get park hopper passes I wouldn't pay the admission. So I guess I'm one of the "meatheads", or people that would stay away to make more room for those of you who like it. Course I don't really see the problem, as there appears to be lots of room to spare! The more I went on the Safari, the more the animals looked animatronic. They rarely ever seemed to move, and I've hit it first thing in the morning when it was still cool.
I went to Animal Kingdom when the park first opened, and said ok, they're still working on it. With a few exceptions, they really haven't added much. I've only ridden Dinosaur twice, it tears up my back. I waited for Everest a couple of years to open. I was excited. The first time I rode it the Monkey wasn't even lit. The second time he was in "A" mode. Yay! Never seen it in anything but disco mode since. My wife and daughter love AK. I'm happy for them and I skip that park most trips. They always tell me it was hot. I already knew that. Oh yeah, I'm not much of a naturalist. Don't care.
I am truly happy for those of you who love the park. I wouldn't even suggest that you should see things my way, or my way is the only way. Just try and be opened minded to other people's opinions.

 

[Edeyore]

My family and I were at AK on Saturday.. Got there at open, left at close (6pm) We rode the safari twice, rode Expedition Everest 2 times, Dinosaur twice and explored the animal paths, rode out to Rafikis Planet Watch and we still didn't have time to do everything. I don't see how people can spend a couple hours in this park. But to each his own I guess. I love animals and we don't have a zoo like this up in Maine. So to me, it's something different. Could it use more rides or exhibits? Sure, what place couldn't use some new things here and there. I know several people who think MK is a half day park (because they dont care for "slow kiddi rides") and I know some people who think Epcot is a half a day park (Because they dont want to "explore foreign countries") Everyone has a different opinion. personally, my mother, sister and myself always spend a full day at AK:animwink:

What about York's Wild Animal Kingdom?

 

[Edeyore]

I recently came across the following post in a now-closed thread. The poster was making his (or her) point that Animal Kingdom is a 1/4 day park.



This is EXACTLY the argument that comes up every time people discuss Animal Kingdom (and even Hollywood Studios) as a less-than-full-day park. Blah blah people don't want to take in the environment and shows blah blah people want rides blah blah.

On the other side, everyone and moans about WDW becoming "cheap" and not putting the care and detail into the parks as they used to. I'm thinking specifically about water effects, minor AA's that don't quite work like they supposed to, etc. Well, if nobody is going to stop and smell the roses anyways, why bother planting them in the first place?

I'm not really sure what I'm asking but it really seems like people around here just like to criticize blindly. They expect to be able to spend fourteen hours in each park doing nothing but sprinting from ride to ride, ignoring the scenery, but if they do decide to sit down on a bench there had better be fifteen new details to observe in the foliage that they've never noticed before.

My personal response to the above poster is that people who can't spend Open to Close enjoying themselves at Animal Kingdom are doing it wrong. Honestly, slow down. I've been there about a dozen times (for full days) and the vine lady (whatever she's called) creeps the ____*t out of me every time. Spend twenty minutes talking to one of the zookeepers at the gorilla exhibit. Take the time to actually hunt for all of the birds on the bird spotting guide in the African Aviary. Ride Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Don't just sprint by Flights of Wonder on your way to Expedition: Everest. Waste a few dollars at a Chester and Hester's midway game. Watch them operate on a hummingbird at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

It's sad to me that the same people who rush through all of Animal Kingdom (or the Living Seas, for that matter) can content themselves wandering through well-themed gift shops in the World Showcase. Celebrating different cultures is fantastic and all, but have we really lost our appreciation for the natural?

You had me right up until you mentioned Chester and Hester's. That area just wreaks too much of that traveling carnival feeling.

 

[wizards8507]

When I originally posted this, I fully expected that it would lead to an already-discussed can of worms, but I'm amazed at the emotions people are throwing around... The existence of Animal Kingdom actually makes you angry?

:shrug: