ZOO or NOT A ZOO that is the question......

[Kynna]

OK so in another post I saw mention of AK being simply a Zoo and I know that this is a common belief. I've had to work very hard to convince people to go because they "have a zoo at home".

I'm sure I'm going to rergret saying this later but AK is on of my favorites! I love the theme (maybe because I've never been to Africa or Asia so I have no basis for comparison) but I get so excited on our AK days.

I've been to some really great Zoo's all over including San Diego, Cleveland, Boston, NY, Dublin Ireland, Washington, Dallas, Ft Worth, Providence RI, (don't laugh small state great zoo!) and more not worth mentioning and I just don't get the whole zoo vibe at AK.

If I only had one day at one park I think AK would be my pick.

Surely I can't be the only one.:worried:

[greenban]

OK so in another post I saw mention of AK being simply a Zoo and I know that this is a common belief. I've had to work very hard to convince people to go because they "have a zoo at home".

I'm sure I'm going to rergret saying this later but AK is on of my favorites! I love the theme (maybe because I've never been to Africa or Asia so I have no basis for comparison) but I get so excited on our AK days.

I've been to some really great Zoo's all over including San Diego, Cleveland, Boston, NY, Dublin Ireland, Washington, Dallas, Ft Worth, Providence RI, (don't laugh small state great zoo!) and more not worth mentioning and I just don't get the whole zoo vibe at AK.

If I only had one day at one park I think AK would be my pick.

Surely I can't be the only one.:worried:

Hey now, I placed an asterisk after my claim that AK was just a zoo, indicating that I was kidding.

I too love AK. I consider it a little lacking in major rides, 2 more would make me happy.

But I love the Finding Nemo Show, I love the midway area near Dino Land, I love the parades, and my kids love those and pocohantas & friends.

I think, for my family, it is probably the best 7 and under park of the 4 WDW parks.

-Tony

Plus Great Adventures Animal Safari is much larger than all of Disney World!

And you get to pass through metal detectors before entering the park!

[Kynna]

[QUOTE=greenban;144758]Hey now, I placed an asterisk after my claim that AK was just a zoo, indicating that I was kidding.[QUOTE]

Don't get your knickers in a twist you are not the only one who has said it kidding or not! I hear it all the time.

I thought those metal detectors were there to help the High School kids feel at home. Didn't realize they were there as part of the "adventure theme"!

[OttawaWendy]

I'm with the Notazoo crowd, and I proudly proclaim Animal Kingdom as my favourite park.

Animal Kingdom is themed as no zoo ever, and the intention is to feel as though we are entering the animals' habitat, rather than the animals being brought to our habitat. I think this is generally well done. AK also doesn't have the breadth of animal species as most top-quality zoos. AK has the significant other theme park attractions (EE, Dinosaur, shows etc.). Finally, AK is not limited to animals living today, but also includes extinct animals and (theoretically) mythical animals.

I love the theming of AK. I love the live shows. I love the animals. I love the thrill rides. I even love Chester and Hester's although we have more stuffed animals than we need.

There is nothing I don't like at AK, which I can't say about any of the other parks. Of course, Epcot and MK are bigger (in public areas, and in terms of amount of stuff) but I love AK the best.

Finally, I think the AK animal care teams are actually doing the most of any part of Disney's organization to make Disney a good corporate citizen and I like that.

One thing I haven't gotten around to is the live school sessions in Harambe. Has anyone done this and if so, what is it like? The theming of the outdoor school seems really good.

[administrator]

DAK actually has become our favorite park, simply because, with all the different animals and performances, it truly is different every single time you go. Because we no longer do parks commando-style and prefer to mosey along, it really suits our needs. We even love to go pet the critters, despite the fact that we're DINKs surrounded by kids.

I think if it weren't for the facts that (a) we really love DTD and the ability to walk over there quickly for a meal or a movie and (b) we hate switching resorts; once we've checked in, we're not gonna move our behinds out of our 1BR for two into another place -- then we'd probably consider selling some of our SSR points or buying some points at AKV. But, as it stands, we already own enough points (and don't have enough vacation time), so, it looks like SSR definitely is the place for us. Maybe, at some point, we'll eventually try AKV, but every time I think about leaving behind DTD, I just quake....

Back on topic, though, I LOVE DAK. About three years ago, it was my least favorite park. Now, though, it's my fave...

[scy3000]

We love AK. Like the OP, we have been to numerous top rated zoos. AK is nothing like them, and it is by far better for family entertainment. Zoos are great, love them, but they lack the thrill and revisit excitement of AK and its rides and shows. Yes a few more attractions would be nice.

[Kynna]

We are not commando vacation people either so that's probably part of the reason why I love it so much. I don't always have to be Wowed to be impressed and DAK not as much of a Hurry up and wait kind of experience.

It's one of those places where I don't feel like I have to see everything or close to it to get my money's worth.

BTW Greenban........Sarcasm is my second language, I knew you were kidding.

[Colorado Belle]

What? The Frog KID???????? No way jose!

RE DAK, I don't think I can have just one favorite park, because I like different things in each park...and can't bear missing any of those favs on any visit!!!

But DAk has a great coaster in EE, a great show in Finding Nemo, and a great 3D movie in Bug's Life. So what's not to like? I enjoy the safari, the walks, the rapids and other shows too, but my most favorite thing about DAK is Davine!!!!! And no Zoo has Devine!!!!

:jumpingbe

[I'mNoPrince]

You can put it on our list of top parks as well. It seems if we have a few free hours of Park time thats where we end up. Yes 1 or 2 more major rides would be nice but we can still spend multiple days when we use to just get in half days before.

We have learned that there is more to DAK then meets the eye and thats what makes it a multiday park. We still hit the same rides as before but now many more times as we crisscross the park to other adventures and trails it has to offer.

[Daitcher]

I'll start by saying that I think the Disney parks are highly overrated. Many of the rides/attractions are down right laughable.

That said, AK is one our favorite parks. We love the theme, the differences each time you visit (try it in the rain, animals love it). Like Tony, we find it lacking a couple of GOOD attractions and by good I mean the polar opposite of Stiches Great Escape at MK.........

Oh, what is up with the water ride at AK????? That is the worst ride ever. It is soooooo bad that when we there during spring break the wait was less than 5 minutes during the midle of the day. Compare that to a good water ride like Journey to Atlantis at Seaworld, no comparison.

AK has potential.


DAVE

[greenban]

I'll start by saying that I think the Disney parks are highly overrated. Many of the rides/attractions are down right laughable.

That said, AK is one our favorite parks. We love the theme, the differences each time you visit (try it in the rain, animals love it). Like Tony, we find it lacking a couple of GOOD attractions and by good I mean the polar opposite of Stiches Great Escape at MK.........

Oh, what is up with the water ride at AK????? That is the worst ride ever. It is soooooo bad that when we there during spring break the wait was less than 5 minutes during the midle of the day. Compare that to a good water ride like Journey to Atlantis at Seaworld, no comparison.

AK has potential.


DAVE

Dave:

I hate it when you go all PC and self-censor your thoughts and emotions.

It is not clear to me above, so honestly, how do you really feel about WDW?

XOXOXOXOX

-Tony

[Daitcher]

Dave:

I hate it when you go all PC and self-censor your thoughts and emotions.

It is not clear to me above, so honestly, how do you really feel about WDW?

XOXOXOXOX

-Tony



Hey, I just read on another thread where you talked about broken FROGS. Now that was too much, thus my rant.;)


DAVE

[harmrose22]

I am with the not a zoo crowd also. It is so different from any other zoo I have ever been to in regards to theming and offerings beyond rides (shows, etc).

The first time we visited AK, we HATED it. It was pouring and the animals were active but we just really thought it was boring because it was raining so hard that it felt like there was not much to do while it was raining like that. This was back when it had first opened. We went back this last May not expecting much but wanting to take our then 2 y.o. on the safari as we knew he would love it and had a blast! I am so glad we went back, took our time, and really explored the park. The only thing we would not do again is Rafiki's Planet thing. We can pet goats at the local zoo and there wasn't much else going on at the time we were out there. The rainforest listening thing was cool but that was about it. I would like to see more stuff going on out there (or maybe we just visited at an off time?).

[Deb & Bill]

Natazu.

[Tink22]

Don't forget about the Lion King show - - anybody who hasn't seen it yet loves it and it is one of those shows you can see several times and still enjoy. The safari is tops because it is never the same thing twice.

[goofy4mickey]

AK has really grown on me over the years - I honestly like it alot now. At first I kind of thought of it as a 1/2 day park - and it still isn't necessarily a full day for us (I totally agree that it's needs another couple of rides) but we LOVE the safari, several of the shows, EE and I personally love Dinosaur - which still scares the crap out of me even after the 20 zillionth time riding it. My kids refuse to sit beside me on it. :hahahaha:

[AFMom]

Natazu!
Most zoos depress me. Many of the habitats are sorely lacking, and the animals seems so sad!
Not so at DAK. I don't think I've ever seen a captive Tiger so content!
It is my 10 yo's favorite park, and while not my favorite - it isn't in last place either!

[OttawaWendy]

The only thing we would not do again is Rafiki's Planet thing. We can pet goats at the local zoo and there wasn't much else going on at the time we were out there.

We don't go here often as two adults, but if I had a 2 year old that was always wanting to touch the animals, I could see this being a favourite. We spoke to an animal handler there the one time we went (with a little kid) and AK's reasoning around how they set it up really impressed me. They quite deliberately do not sell the "food bars" for kids to feed the animals, and they have the spaces for the animals to easily get away from the kids. Consequently, the animals don't run over small children (which I've seen at other petting zoos because the animals are so excited to get to the food) and the animals themselves aren't stressed because they can get away from the kids. That means that when you see a little one brushing a goat, both animal and child are having a good time. That means a lot to me, and is part of the whole ethos I like about AK.

By the way, I said to the handler that the goats reminded me of dogs in their behaviour and she said that they are a lot like dogs. (I have a golden retriever, and the goats ask for pets much like he does, and enjoy interaction).

[NorweJenNY]

AK definitely not a zoo! Shows like Nemo and rides like Kali are rare or unheard of in typical zoos! And the growth to include more rides... continuation with characters here and there... parades... come on people, so not just a zoo! And just getting better!

[Daitcher]

AK definitely not a zoo! Shows like Nemo and rides like Kali are rare or unheard of in typical zoos! And the growth to include more rides... continuation with characters here and there... parades... come on people, so not just a zoo! And just getting better!



I agree with this but I could certainly understand those expecting somewhat of a zoo being dissapointed with AK. Lets face it, for a park centered around animals it is a bit of a let down in that regard. Near me is the Fort Worth Zoo, now that is a zoo. The atmosphere is nice and they have TONS of animals in a clean, safe, inviting atmosphere. If the goal is to see animals this is a far superior choice. So I can understand some being dissapointed with the limited animals at AK.

That being said, I love the mix of entertainment/animals/great themeing, so for us we really like AK.


DAVE

[AZDVC]

We go to DAK once or twice in a 8-10 day stay. I like DAK more than my husband
but he'll go with me or I'll go some half day there on my own. I still like Dinosour,
Safari, EE is great, and both 'trails" along with "...Bug" is my typical day.
I may throw in Kali.

I don't think the poaching story on Safari is needed...I would prefer it was more like San Diego Wild Animal Park...more impromptu with what animals show up.

Remember, its Natazu! :bounsimba

Patsy

[harmrose22]

We don't go here often as two adults, but if I had a 2 year old that was always wanting to touch the animals, I could see this being a favourite. We spoke to an animal handler there the one time we went (with a little kid) and AK's reasoning around how they set it up really impressed me. They quite deliberately do not sell the "food bars" for kids to feed the animals, and they have the spaces for the animals to easily get away from the kids. Consequently, the animals don't run over small children (which I've seen at other petting zoos because the animals are so excited to get to the food) and the animals themselves aren't stressed because they can get away from the kids. That means that when you see a little one brushing a goat, both animal and child are having a good time. That means a lot to me, and is part of the whole ethos I like about AK.

By the way, I said to the handler that the goats reminded me of dogs in their behaviour and she said that they are a lot like dogs. (I have a golden retriever, and the goats ask for pets much like he does, and enjoy interaction).

Interesting info on this. Thanks for sharing. My DH (2 at the time) wasn't to impressed. He hardly touched the animal and then wanted to go on to the next thing.... he is soooo like is dad in that aspect! I still think we'll skip it next time!

[NorweJenNY]

I think if you want to go to a zoo, go to a zoo.

AK is a theme park... it's always been one of WDW's four theme parks. It doesn't even have "zoo" in its title. Most zoos say that, San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, etc.

If I'm going to take a trip to a new place, I usually look up information about it. If it says "zoo," I pretty much know I'm going to a zoo. If it doesn't say "zoo," I'm not going to expect one.

Regardless, going to a new place, people have to have an open mind. Just because a place isn't what you expect it to be, doesn't mean that it's a bad place. It just means you need to look at it in a new light. Thoughts like "ooh, that's different," or "hmm, I never would have thought to find that here," are better than "why doesn't this place have any ___?" or "there just aren't enough. ___," which would just make the trip totally unpleasant.

[Rumblebuffin]

I think if you want to go to a zoo, go to a zoo.

AK is a theme park... it's always been one of WDW's four theme parks. It doesn't even have "zoo" in its title. Most zoos say that, San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, etc.

If I'm going to take a trip to a new place, I usually look up information about it. If it says "zoo," I pretty much know I'm going to a zoo. If it doesn't say "zoo," I'm not going to expect one.

Regardless, going to a new place, people have to have an open mind. Just because a place isn't what you expect it to be, doesn't mean that it's a bad place. It just means you need to look at it in a new light. Thoughts like "ooh, that's different," or "hmm, I never would have thought to find that here," are better than "why doesn't this place have any ___?" or "there just aren't enough. ___," which would just make the trip totally unpleasant.


:clappingh

Very well-said. We love AK because of EE, Dinosaur, the Lion King and Nemo shows, Pizzafari, the unpredictability of what you'll se on the Safari, AND the SHADE! It is the only WDW theme park with less concrete and more honest-to-goodness shade.

[NorweJenNY]

:It is the only WDW theme park with less concrete and more honest-to-goodness shade.

I never even gave that a thought! The place has tremendous shade! You're right! ("Duh" she tells herself.)

One more positive about AK!

[DocOck]

I've never even been and I already feel like its not anything like a regular zoo. (I've seen most of the documentaries about it.) Its my #1 priority to visit next Orlando trip for us. Not even considering the great looking animal exhibits they have, I'm looking forward to the Dinosaur ride, EE, and the giant tree with the 3-D film inside, and many of the other attractions there, not to mention the great way it looks like they did their continent theming. I've seen where Africa is realistically like Africa, Asia is really like Asia etc.

And the Safari ride looks inspiring. I've actually heard people say that have been on a real African safari that it really wasn't as cool as the thing at AK because they didn't really get to see very many animals in the wild! They say they see more at AK and it feels like a real safari. But I can't wait to go. The zoos I've been too were really nothing but animal exhibits, even the D.C. zoo, which I've been too, doesn't look like it could hold a candle to AK. 99.999% of all Zoos I've seen don't have world class rides like EE or Dinosaur.

[emb1963]

Definitely not a zoo! IMHO, more like a wildlife preserve. This was my thought when I read this thread before leaving for my Arkansas vacation, but since I visited the Little Rock Zoo today, I thought I would post it. Unfortunately most zoos where designed without the needs of the animals, just display as many as you can. Granted most zoos are old, the newer zoos are designing for the animals needs but AK goes beyond what any zoo could do.

[kdzgon]

DAK actually has become our favorite park, simply because, with all the different animals and performances, it truly is different every single time you go. Because we no longer do parks commando-style and prefer to mosey along, it really suits our needs. We even love to go pet the critters, despite the fact that we're DINKs surrounded by kids.

I think if it weren't for the facts that (a) we really love DTD and the ability to walk over there quickly for a meal or a movie and (b) we hate switching resorts; once we've checked in, we're not gonna move our behinds out of our 1BR for two into another place -- then we'd probably consider selling some of our SSR points or buying some points at AKV. But, as it stands, we already own enough points (and don't have enough vacation time), so, it looks like SSR definitely is the place for us. Maybe, at some point, we'll eventually try AKV, but every time I think about leaving behind DTD, I just quake....

Back on topic, though, I LOVE DAK. About three years ago, it was my least favorite park. Now, though, it's my fave...

Where do you get to "pet the critters", please?

[OttawaWendy]

Where do you get to "pet the critters", please?

I've been crazy busy at work and so haven't posted in a while. It seems this thread died and with it your question.

At Rafiki's Planet Watch, there is an indoor center, and an outdoor petting zoo. As I said in an earlier post, there are two design features that distinguish this from a more typical petting zoo.

First, there is no feeding of the animals. So no need to spend money, but also no animals coming to see you only to get food.

Second, there are little shady areas that are roped off for the animals to retreat to. So the animals can "get away" from children at any time. That means they aren't stressed.

The animals you see aren't that exotic (although there is more than simple barnyard goats). But they are happy, and they are choosing to interact with you - I am an animal lover and that means the world to me.

I should say that I've heard that you get to touch the hide of a rhino on one of the backstage tours but I can't remember the details of that.

[robinb]

Remember, its Natazu! :bounsimba

I am ashamed to say that it took me at least TWO TRIPS to figure out what "Natazu" meant :rolleyes:.

My DH loves AK. I like the Safari, Primeval Whir, EE and Kali. We do the trails every other visit but we have not done the train ride (Rafiki) in forever. I love the LK show and the Nemo show is also cute. I also LOVE Flametree BBQ.

There may be shade but the courtyard of the Africa section is the absolutely hottest place in WDW. You can feel the waves of heat coming off the place when you walk over the bridge.

[jamstew]

I agree with this but I could certainly understand those expecting somewhat of a zoo being dissapointed with AK. Lets face it, for a park centered around animals it is a bit of a let down in that regard. Near me is the Fort Worth Zoo, now that is a zoo. The atmosphere is nice and they have TONS of animals in a clean, safe, inviting atmosphere. If the goal is to see animals this is a far superior choice. So I can understand some being dissapointed with the limited animals at AK.

That being said, I love the mix of entertainment/animals/great themeing, so for us we really like AK.


DAVE

I love the Fort Worth Zoo! The Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville is another super one--lots of endangered species. I don't consider AK a zoo either because the animals are so limited. I love Nemo, FOTLK and (sometimes) Dinosaur, but that's about it for me. It's just usually too blasted hot there. OH, and I saw DeVine for the first time ever last month--now that's awesome.

[RweTHEREyet]

I love the AK. I particularly love the music, the colors, the parade, and the vegetation. I listen to the music from the Tree of Life almost daily at work and it transports me to the AK when I close my eyes. What's not to love about coming across DeVine or seeing the Lion King Show and the bird show. There are also some really good places to eat there.

And, I might add that I don't have any little ones that I need to take to the AK to pat the animals, it's just us young at heart grown-ups.

[Rozzie]

Love AK, it's our favorite park when F&W is not going on. We can mosey the trails for hours, drink in hand watching the animals. I wish more people "didn't" get it and stayed away, ever since EE opened up, it hasn't had the same feel with the gillion people roaming around. :cool:

[Daitcher]

I love the Fort Worth Zoo! The Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville is another super one--lots of endangered species. I don't consider AK a zoo either because the animals are so limited. I love Nemo, FOTLK and (sometimes) Dinosaur, but that's about it for me. It's just usually too blasted hot there. OH, and I saw DeVine for the first time ever last month--now that's awesome.



Yes, the FW Zoo is great! I'llhave to put the Brwonsville Zoo on my list.


DAVE

[Ransom]

We love AK. Our first time there, we gave it short shrift because DW's feet were killing her that day. I think we left the park at about 2 PM. But we went back later that same trip, and really enjoyed the park. From then, our love for it has just grown!

We love the trails and paths located throughout the park, we love the attractions (especially EE, Nemo, Dinosaur, and the Safari), and we love the surprises such as Divine. :)

[disneyfreak89]

We :beatinghe AK because its not just a zoo, its a

zoo 'dispersed' throughout a theme park! The first time we went there, I have to

admit, we didn't SEE alot of the animals....then realized they were there, you just

had to LOOK for them...haha....I don't think most people realize all the animals

that are in the OASIS....they just walk right through heading for KS or EE....


We took the inlaws to AK a year ago for the first time, and they were done the

park by noon....we asked them "So did you see everything?" and they were

like "Yep." Then my DH and I were talking about the Pangani Forest Exploration

Trail and the Maharaja Trek the other day with the parents and they were

like "Where was that? We didn't see that!" We come to find out they

basically 'walked' the park, did the Kilamanjaro Safari and left! :hammer: So

needless to say, we'll be making sure they visit ALL that AK has to offer on our

next trip together! :bitemylip

[shamrock6]

We love AK. It is one of my favorites. DH loves the rides and attractions. I love the walks and the animals. The kids love the petting area. We have never had anything of substance to eat there just snacks so maybe this time we will try lunch there. It doesn't remind me of a zoo at all.:yo-yo:

[Ransom]

We love AK. It is one of my favorites. DH loves the rides and attractions. I love the walks and the animals. The kids love the petting area. We have never had anything of substance to eat there just snacks so maybe this time we will try lunch there. It doesn't remind me of a zoo at all.:yo-yo:

If I may be so bold, I would like to suggest you check out the new Tusker House. We made a last-minute ADR there (we actually used the cell phone to call Disney Dining while we were walking towards Tusker House, about 15 minutes before it opened for lunch) on our first Friday last year, and liked it so much we made another ADR for our second Friday! Good food, good service. We'll be there twice again on our trip this year. :thumbsup:

[cheapmom]

NAAHHTTAAAHHHZOOOOOOO

I think AK is the prettiest and most true-to-theme park of the 4 parks. It isn't my favorite but I love it.

MK is my favorite- and the other 3 are tied for 2nd place.

[dianeschlicht]

We LOVE AK!! It is second only to Epcot for us. In fact, they are almost on an even line as far as our favorites, but Epcot has so much more to do, so it gets the top nod. We will frequently start our day at AK and move on from there to other parks. We rank them as:
Epcot
Animal Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
Studios.
Frankly MK and DHS are kind of tied for us too except again, MK has more to do.

I don't think of AK as a zoo only though. There are so many other learning attractions there as well as a couple of spectacular shows and a few really good rides. It doesn't bother me that there are more headliner type rides. I would probably like it less if there were, because then it would be too much like Busch Gardens.

[Mickeyfan0805]

Along with the majority here, I have to say that it seems absurd, to me, to consider AK 'just another zoo.' DW and I had our first date at a zoo and were engaged at the same. We love zoos and truly enjoy taking the kids whenever we can. Perhaps this is why we enjoy AK as well, but to consider the shows, the rides, the theming, etc... there is really no comparison.

[cheyenne]

I do not consider AK a zoo. Personally I think the best zoo in the country is the San Deigo Zoo. Now that is a zoo! I like AK, but it's not my favorite. Please don't flame me! I love the safari & the shows, but I find the rest a little boring. I'm not a roller coaster fan so EE doesn't appeal to me. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[Treeguy]

AK is my favorite and my DW's least favorite. Of course she wins.. That said, I love Zoos, and will go visit them when ever I can. Each zoo is unique and offers something special. Here is Detroit, they have a great chimo exhibit with no cages,walls, just a moat, Toledo had the first under water veiwing of hippos and whan they had a baby, it was great watching it run around under water. I've been to zoos in Cleveland, Washington DC, Toronto, NOLA, Columbus, Chicago (2), Denver, Seatle (where I saw a baffalo being born) and a few small ones in smaller towns and I don't get tired of them.

This year I am makin DW stay for the AK parade, have not seen it yet. This time I win.:box:

[pollymn]

I truly love AK. It is so visually captivating. I just like to walk around and sight see. I love animals, and find the viewing areas very peaceful. And where else can you see a stilt walking bush:upsidedow

[shamrock6]

You know what.....We have been there the last five years and we seen that just once. I was truly amazing and my kids could not believe it. We actually have pictures. Is there a place and time? We have been years since then:clappingh and have never seen it again. It was great..