What keeps you going back to AK?

[Chrononymous]

I love the theming here. AK has one of the very best attentions to detail...and yes, I even believe that is true of the so often maligned Dinorama.

I go beacause I love the atmosphere. And I love the food (yak and yeti!)
And I love Everest (even if I don't go on the ride...just the picture of that huge mountain is awe-inspiring!)
And I love the greenery, the quiet lush shady areas with animals and birds.

And even if it didn't have all that...I would go just for Finding Nemo the musical...which is one of the most unique and wonderful shows I have ever seen.

 

[GatorGuy]

I forgot the Tree of Life! It's just jaw dropping, seeing the 300+ animals "carved" into the tree. It's beautiful.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

Besides having two of my favorite rides (Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris) DAK is probably one of the most beautiful parks in the World and is great for just wandering around.

Agree with you here. I'd throw Dinosaur in there as one of the reasons I will always go back to AK. It's a terrifically themed park and the fact that it's not quite as busy (for the most part) as the others, makes it a nice place to walk around and enjoy the sites and sounds.

 

[blueboxdoctor]

I forgot the Tree of Life! It's just jaw dropping, seeing the 300+ animals "carved" into the tree. It's beautiful.

This I agree with. It was on an episode of Modern Marvels, and the time and dedication to make it was truly amazing.

 

[drew81]

I would say Kilimanjaro Safaris. That's one of my favorite things to do while at WDW. Every ride is different and you may or may not see certain animals. I'm sure there are animals on the ride that I still haven't seen.

 

[GatorGuy]

I would say Kilimanjaro Safaris. That's one of my favorite things to do while at WDW. Every ride is different and you may or may not see certain animals. I'm sure there are animals on the ride that I still haven't seen.

Agreed, in the numerous times I have ridden KS, I have only been able to see the Cheetahs once.

 

[jlevis]

My profile picture probably gives you an idea of how I feel about Animal Kingdom. Each of the four parks has its own identity and should be enjoyed for what it is. Kilimanjaro Safaris is a unique ride every time you go on it. Alright, I know the dialog by heart but the animals are never in the same place twice. It is exciting to have a Rhinoceros walk up to your vehicle and look you in the eye. Last time there, at Flights of Wonder, a Harris Hawk took out a wild Mallard that was on stage. The CM was pretty cool about it and the audience loved it, mostly. The shows are top notch and wandering the trails is educational, relaxing and entertaining. Oh, and DeVine is, (pardon me) divine. The park has great food, Flame Tree BBQ, Yak & Yeti, Tusker House. To me, the park is a place where you can slow down and enjoy getting a view of a part of the world not seen by too many and at the same time get in a couple of great rides. (no Yeti comments please). I think those who treat it as a half day park are selling it short and missing a chance for a relaxing day.

 

[Rowdy]

One of the best rollercoasters in Florida, Expedition Everest.

 

[ChristianG]

I go for the atmosphere. It may not be the most thrilling park (even though it has 3 AMAZING rides - Everest, Dinosaur, and Khali River Rapids) but it sure has a great deal of theming. I honestly forget I'm in Orlando. Especially the theming around Everest.

 

[Texas84]

I have spent entire days mostly enjoying the park. It's by far the most beautiful of the four. And R-Saurus has a new shrimp po-boy that is not bad!

 

[MickeyPeace]

For all of the people who keep saying AK is a half day park, why is it so packed full of people every time I'm there.

Shouldn't it be half empty if everyone is staying half a day?

AK is packed with detail and well executed theme. There are enough shows, attractions, restaurants and treks for more than a day.

However, I welcome additions to the park. The park can definitely benefit from a new land such as Australia.

But to try and malign what already exists shows that certain guests want to rush and get on as many attractions as they can.

Animal Kingdom is not about that. It is about story. Immersion. Taking in everything around you.

I could stay in Asia alone for a good part of the day. I bet no one realizes that many of the elements of the queues of Kali and Everest are authentic and ( and consequently worth quite a bit of money). How much detail went into creating the fictional town of Serka Zong. It has its own currency (its there if you look), it's own local businesses and towns people. It is packed with detail.

Then there is the message of conservation which is spread throughout the park. The more you look, the more you will learn about it.

According to the website there are 1700 animals throughout the park.

I could write a thesis about how much there is to take in at this park.

Possibly if guests brought more in terms of knowledge to Animal Kingdom, it would be more interesting to them.

On the other hand, the more people say that they are spending a half a day at this park the more hope it gives me that it will be less crowded.

I'm still waiting.

 

[Horizons1]

Flame Tree BBQ.

 

[olinecoach61]

Simple put, the animals. I enjoy seeing them and the lion king show is great.

 

[jjharvpro]

Its a Disney Park. Thats it. For us, its part of our Disney vacation; it may not be as exciting or big as the other parks, but it does have things that we enjoy and that's enough.

I agree with this user. In many ways, it's an underrated park. We spent 8-9 hrs there during our last trip. Everest, Nemo, Lion King, Kilimanjaro Safari, a lot of atmospheric things.

 

[Susan Savia]

About every other year we take the time needed to walk the trails and actually see the shows and do the rides. But we also have been known to go in at opening and ride the safari, then go over to Dinosaur, check out a few stores and head out of the park. Husband waits in the car since he has mobility issues.

It probably seems like a lot of folks are in that park because the walkways are narrow in most areas.

 

[drew81]

Agreed, in the numerous times I have ridden KS, I have only been able to see the Cheetahs once.

Try riding in the evening;like an hour before they close. I did this the last time I was there and several of the cheetahs were up on the rocks near the berm/moat. You could see them very well

My profile picture probably gives you an idea of how I feel about Animal Kingdom. Each of the four parks has its own identity and should be enjoyed for what it is. Kilimanjaro Safaris is a unique ride every time you go on it. Alright, I know the dialog by heart but the animals are never in the same place twice. It is exciting to have a Rhinoceros walk up to your vehicle and look you in the eye. Last time there, at Flights of Wonder, a Harris Hawk took out a wild Mallard that was on stage. The CM was pretty cool about it and the audience loved it, mostly. The shows are top notch and wandering the trails is educational, relaxing and entertaining. Oh, and DeVine is, (pardon me) divine. The park has great food, Flame Tree BBQ, Yak & Yeti, Tusker House. To me, the park is a place where you can slow down and enjoy getting a view of a part of the world not seen by too many and at the same time get in a couple of great rides. (no Yeti comments please). I think those who treat it as a half day park are selling it short and missing a chance for a relaxing day.

 

[BigRedDad]

For all of the people who keep saying AK is a half day park, why is it so packed full of people every time I'm there.

I said this because I can accomplish AK in a half a day. I love the park. It is the first park we go to. That is because we don't usually get there until about noon, it closes at 5PM (usually), and we can take it easy at the resort for the next days which are usually 12+ hours.

 

[Kirk88]

We visited for the 1st time last month. AMAZING park! we only stayed for 1/2 a day by design (the kids really wanted to go to Magic Kingdom). In that 1/2 day, we only saw 1/2 the park (maybe). Don't see how it's a 1/2 day park. My wife and I want to go back by ourselves and really explore AK. By the way, Pizza-fari has great sandwiches!

 

[Blueskyze]

I'm happy to hear all these great things! We are visiting for the first time next month, and I was planning on making AK our first stop, since we'll only have a little over 1/2 a day when we arrive, and I kept hearing how it was a half-day park. Now I'm a little concerned that won't be enough time if the park is so spread out. I want to make sure we see all of the shows, do the walking trails, and of course, the rides!

 

[BigRedDad]

I should preface that it is not a half day park. It is the park I go to when I only have a half a day to enjoy. I go twice so it is a total of 1.5 days. The first day because you can do a lot in a half day. The other thing is that the attractions are very area centric. Take Africa for example. Everything in Africa is right there close to each other. You do not have to walk around all over to do it all. Then, it is a very scenic walk (clockwise) to Asia. All of Asia is right there in a small area. Then, continuing to Dinoland, etc. Also, much of the park is sheltered from the sun with foliage.

For a half day, I get there around lunch, I go straight to Flame Tree BBQ. You can't miss it, just follow your nose. There are usually street performers to watch and listen to. Tree of Life and Bugt's Life. Then off to the Lion King show if it is about to start or to Africa. Ride KS, go through Harambe and Pangani Forest. Check the time for Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade (one of my favorites). If time is available, then into Asia. After Asia, get a spot in the shade for the parade (usually close to somewhere to get a beer or cocktail).