What was it like during AK's opening?

Dinoman96

Dinoman96

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Today in AK, you have a handful of things to keep you busy: Primeval Whirl, Everest, Dinosaur/Countdown to Extinction, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, etc etc

But I imagine, back in 1998, it must of been hard being a Disney Park fan. From what i assume, there was a lot of hype for AK....aaaaand it only opened with, like, two rides (Kilimanjaro and Countdown to Extinction). In Beastly Kingdom's place, was the rushed CMM, which saving grace I hear from most people was the Lion King show, and Asia wasn't even finished by then. It was just the Flights of Wonder show. So yeah, it must of been pretty bad back then.

So, how was it like in your eyes?
 
kap91

kap91

Well-Known Member
So unfortunately the long version of this has been lost thanks to the Internet but I'll retype it approximately:

really the feeling hasn't changed much. Yes the park felt like it didn't have a whole bunch to do but almost everything there was great. I remember being floored by the safari and ctx. (flights of wonder was the only thing that was not great the show was kind of weird then). You also forgot about the conservation station , discovery river boats, and the jungle book show. Overall while there was less to do the park was also more laid back. You didn't mind stopping for breakfast at the tusker house (it was counter service then) because there was nowhere you needed to rush to. There was also a larger emphasis on animals. They used to give you these animal scavenger hunt sheets as you entered the park and you were supposed to find and learn about as many as you could on discovery island etc. And that took a decent amount of time. Keep in mind that when MGM opened there wasn't a heck of a lot there either so a half day to 3/4 day park wasn't unprecedented.

And really not many things have been added attraction wise. Just Kali, whirl, everest and triceratops spin if you can count that last one.

So really the park by far and large is the same it's just that in it's early life it was much more laid back and quiet persay.
 
rodserling27

rodserling27

Well-Known Member
I had an awful experience my first time in DAK just after it opened. It was the hottest I ever remember Lake Buena Vista being, and not just hot, but humid as hades. I'm not even exaggerating. They were GIVING AWAY water in DAK (not something too common, at least in my experience). In addition the sweltering heat, as a kid, I impressed with the artwork and design, but appalled at the lack of attractions. My parents and sister complained about how hot they were, and the only thing they spoke positively of all day was CTX. So I didn't like it

I still attribute my lack-of-love for DAK to this awful first experience. ::Sigh:: Maybe someday I'll learn to love it more. Don't get me wrong, I like it and I think it's much better now than it was, but I'm not sure if that's because there are more attractions or because I'm much older.

Edit: Sorry that was so depressing!
 
_Scar

_Scar

Active Member
DAK is always so hot! Why? You'd think with all those trees with shade... ugh

But yea- I've heard horror stories about opening day from my sister and her husband. They said they'd NEVER do it again. I got them to visit back in 2008 and, happy ending here :p, they're true DAK fans.
 
daliseurat

daliseurat

Member
I really enjoyed that first year. You could actually do everything, and even spend a lot of time watching the animals in their habitats ad talking with keepers and vets at Conservation Station. I loved the boat ride. You could see things from a unique perspective. You could go on the Safari multiple times and really get a different experience each time. The park closed early, and I'd just park hop to another park.
 
Pumbas Nakasak

Pumbas Nakasak

Heading for the great escape.
I visited within a couple of weeks of its opening. Thought it was great if a little lacking in attractions. From the outset it has to have been one of Disneys best looking parks. Even did the now defunct boat ride, which I thought was a chance to chill.
 
_Scar

_Scar

Active Member
Avenger117 said:
Then it would be like 4 acres.
Click to expand...



DCA = 55

DAK= more than 500

:lookaroun Yea, I'd rather be warm here in Florida.


Pumbas Nakasak said:
I visited within a couple of weeks of its opening. Thought it was great if a little lacking in attractions. From the outset it has to have been one of Disneys best looking parks. Even did the now defunct boat ride, which I thought was a chance to chill.
Click to expand...


How were the Discovery River Boats? Think they'll be put back in over time?
 
Chrononymous

Chrononymous

Well-Known Member
I was there for the opening month, and I really liked it.
The theming and landscaping was beautiful. There were more than a few things to do.

But then I really like zoos. And to me, spending time relaxing and watching animals is a nice way to destress from the normal theme park running.

Of course, when I go there now, I usually don't get to just watch animals. it's back to the normal theme park running.
 
Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
I was actually lucky enough to get in a couple of weeks before opening during a resort guest preview. While AK did not have dozens of attractions every thing they had was incredible and way past Disney standards. The level of detail was simply breathtaking. I did each of the attractions a couple of times and spent quite a bit of time just soaking the place in. I spent the entire day there and almost had to be asked to leave.
 
Dinoman96

Dinoman96

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Quick question: How long did it take for DHS is become a full day park? 10 years? Well, I hope they add something to AK on its 2013, it's 15 birthday, and hopefully it involves fire breathing lizards and horses with horns. ;)
 
cblodg

cblodg

Member
We were there for the day before opening (lots of stars). I nreality, with the exception of Cheter 'n' Hester's, not much has changed. Sure, the Nemo show replaced the [god awful] Tarzan show.

To me, DAK was one hot park then, and it still is today. Beating the heat ain't easy. The park still remains one of the most detailed of them all. From the ground markings, to the buildings the park is just superb in it's theming.

We used to LOVE getting the cinnamon rolls at Tusker House and haven't since it swtiched. Not to mention they seemed to change over the years and just weren't 'the same' as they used to be.

The three main rides in the park are still there todayt: Safaris, CDTE (Dinosaur) and KRR. Only now, they've been joined by CnH's and E:E. Oh yeah, and the Lion King show is soooooooooo much better now that it's closed in and airconditioned!
 
cblodg

cblodg

Member
Chrononymous said:
I was there for the opening month, and I really liked it.
The theming and landscaping was beautiful. There were more than a few things to do.

But then I really like zoos. And to me, spending time relaxing and watching animals is a nice way to destress from the normal theme park running.

Of course, when I go there now, I usually don't get to just watch animals. it's back to the normal theme park running.
Click to expand...

But DAK is "Nat-ah-zuh"!
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom