besides MK, which is the best WDW park?

[Magenta Panther]

The Magic Kingdom has been disappointing to me for years, because it's so small, and so kiddie-oriented. Despite the reported expansion, it doesn't look like it's going to improve all that much.

My fave is Disney's Hollywood Studios. Great restaurants, great architecture, great theming, great rides, great shows. One of the few things Eisner did right.

[Imagineer Scott]

In the words from the great Joe Rohde, "guests should take 40 seconds rather than 10 seconds in Animal Kingdom. Look around and become immersed in the setting." alright, I paraphrased, but that's basically what he said! That's for all you DAK haterz.

[Angie_Duke]

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

In the words from the great Joe Rohde, "guests should take 40 seconds rather than 10 seconds in Animal Kingdom. Look around and become immersed in the setting." alright, I paraphrased, but that's basically what he said! That's for all you DAK haterz.

"Oh good God" as John Addams might say. "Haterz"? Shouldn't you be defending Transformers 2 with such talk?

Look, not everybody likes AK as much as you do, is that so hard to except? The park was built with great theming, but cuts galore to what was and what was not built and has not left a huge impression on me. Conservation Station is a petting zoo that takes ages to get to and back. Kali is a fraction of what it should have been built. I never saw Pocahontas in it's run and Tarzan Rocks was just awful (thankfully it has been replaced with a great show). Dinorama is hardly beloved on fan boards like this and it's been a long time since Dinosaur had all it's effects functioning.

Joe Rohde is a talented individual for sure, but his park was not built the way it should have been or even taken care of well (Disco Yeti anyone?). For years its only full service restaurant was the Rain Forest Cafe (how exotic) and it still does not have anything to do at night even if it were to stay open after dark for much. Its lacking in some basic fundamental Disney theme park offerings IMO and that's why I find it totally expandable.

That's my opinion and putting the word "haterz" in a counter argument isn't likely to change it.

[Magenta Panther]

Originally Posted by Angie_Duke

"Oh good God" as John Addams might say. "Haterz"? Shouldn't you be defending Transformers 2 with such talk?

Look, not everybody likes AK as much as you do, is that so hard to except? The park was built with great theming, but cuts galore to what was and what was not built and has not left a huge impression on me. Conservation Station is a petting zoo that takes ages to get to and back. Kali is a fraction of what it should have been built. I never saw Pocahontas in it's run and Tarzan Rocks was just awful (thankfully it has been replaced with a great show). Dinorama is hardly beloved on fan boards like this and it's been a long time since Dinosaur had all it's effects functioning.

Joe Rohde is a talented individual for sure, but his park was not built the way it should have been or even taken care of well (Disco Yeti anyone?). For years its only full service restaurant was the Rain Forest Cafe (how exotic) and it still does not have anything to do at night even if it were to stay open after dark for much. Its lacking in some basic fundamental Disney theme park offerings IMO and that's why I find it totally expandable.

That's my opinion and putting the word "haterz" in a counter argument isn't likely to change it.

I've said it before...AK is just a glorified zoo. Without Beastly Kingdom it's pretty humdrum IMO. I made a point to walk all over it during my last visit, and I was impressed with the architecture, and the food in the Yak and Yeti wasn't bad, but it was still underwhelming. A park I can and will easily skip in the future.

[OhanasRules]

Epcot
DAK
MK
DHS

Epcot is a park that seems like we can never "complete" it after countless visits. There are just so many things that can suck you in, that this park is our favorite.

DAK is a park that has really grown on me. While I'm not a huge animal lover, the theming and presentation of this place just overwhelm me.

[celticdar]

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

In the words from the great Joe Rohde, "guests should take 40 seconds rather than 10 seconds in Animal Kingdom. Look around and become immersed in the setting." alright, I paraphrased, but that's basically what he said! That's for all you DAK haterz.

Joe Rohde is a genious - I have the History Channel documentary about the technical marvels (past and present) at WDW. He is interviewed heavily for the section on Animal Kingdom. I was completely impressed with him. Disney hires the some of the most creative people - I was also impressed with the gentleman who figured out how to make Soarin' work with his old childhood erector set. If you haven't seen that DVD - get it.

[Imagineer Scott]

Originally Posted by Angie_Duke

"Oh good God" as John Addams might say. "Haterz"? Shouldn't you be defending Transformers 2 with such talk?

Look, not everybody likes AK as much as you do, is that so hard to except? The park was built with great theming, but cuts galore to what was and what was not built and has not left a huge impression on me. Conservation Station is a petting zoo that takes ages to get to and back. Kali is a fraction of what it should have been built. I never saw Pocahontas in it's run and Tarzan Rocks was just awful (thankfully it has been replaced with a great show). Dinorama is hardly beloved on fan boards like this and it's been a long time since Dinosaur had all it's effects functioning.

Joe Rohde is a talented individual for sure, but his park was not built the way it should have been or even taken care of well (Disco Yeti anyone?). For years its only full service restaurant was the Rain Forest Cafe (how exotic) and it still does not have anything to do at night even if it were to stay open after dark for much. Its lacking in some basic fundamental Disney theme park offerings IMO and that's why I find it totally expandable.

That's my opinion and putting the word "haterz" in a counter argument isn't likely to change it.

The "haterz" was a joke. Shouldn't you be bashing the TTA spiel with all that built up Internet rage?

And for you and the humdrum DAK guy: maybe you're just the type to ride only the rides and not soak anything in. Most people are like that. Even my family is. In fact, I'm the only person who likes DAK in my family more than the other 3. So, no worries. I was just stating a quotation I found interesting that might explain why people don't like DAK. And last time I heard here in a trip report, Dinosaur had all effects functioning. Don't know where you're pulling this info from.

And yes, I saw that DVD this weekend. It was very, very neat how they created Soarin', the Tree of Life, and SSE.

[Angie_Duke]

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

The "haterz" was a joke. Shouldn't you be bashing the TTA spiel with all that built up Internet rage?

And for you and the humdrum DAK guy: maybe you're just the type to ride only the rides and not soak anything in. Most people are like that. Even my family is. In fact, I'm the only person who likes DAK in my family more than the other 3. So, no worries. I was just stating a quotation I found interesting that might explain why people don't like DAK. And last time I heard here in a trip report, Dinosaur had all effects functioning. Don't know where you're pulling this info from.

Dinosaur has many effects that were simply turned off after the change over from Countdown to Extinction. They were deemed too problematic and not bothering with them was easier than trying. Try doing some research online before suggesting I'm making it all up as it's been much discussed elsewhere.

And yes of course the only logical reason for not liking DAK is not appreciating details or "soaking it all in". It naturally has nothing to do with anything I mentioned before or what someone else might bring up because, well that does not compute for you. The park has few attractions worth doing IMO, no nighttime offerings, no memorable music, few dining options, no internal transportation system, little shade, and tries to pass of a sign poll as an attraction among other things. Details galore can't save a park with the issues that AK has.

The place had such potential and it's execution leaves so much to be desired. A recent meet and greet addition still shows it doesn't compromise it's theme but the park feels like it's form over substance. The hotel that shares it's name however was a much better accomplishment for what it should be.

[TDR_Fan]

I enjoy Animal Kingdom, I really do. It's an unique park that has a completely different atmosphere from the other Disney parks. However, even using that argument Animal Kingdom only delivers in two areas; Africa and Asia. The rest of the park doesn't even compare in theming and just lacks that Disney magic and charm. It's a shame really, as like others have mentioned the park had such amazing potential with Beastly Kingdom and all the other attractions that would have emphasized the animal conservation theme. Instead, Kilimanjaro Safaris aside, the current animal offerings are not that much better than local zoos. And not even close to the variety in some zoos. But seeing as it's a theme park/zoo hybrid, I can accept that it is a realistic blend of animal exhibits co-existing as a themed environment.

[Jspider]

Originally Posted by TDR_Fan

I enjoy Animal Kingdom, I really do. It's an unique park that has a completely different atmosphere from the other Disney parks. However, even using that argument Animal Kingdom only delivers in two areas; Africa and Asia. The rest of the park doesn't even compare in theming and just lacks that Disney magic and charm. It's a shame really, as like others have mentioned the park had such amazing potential with Beastly Kingdom and all the other attractions that would have emphasized the animal conservation theme. Instead, Kilimanjaro Safaris aside, the current animal offerings are not that much better than local zoos. And not even close to the variety in some zoos. But seeing as it's a theme park/zoo hybrid, I can accept that it is a realistic blend of animal exhibits co-existing as a themed environment.

I suppose I'm willing to accept some of the haters opinions just as I hope you'll all accept my opinion that Great Movie ride and many studios offerings are just too deteriorated for me to enjoy.

Like I've said alot of my memories of Animal Kingdom are colored bittersweat because of recent history


I still respect greatly the work that was done in Animal Kingdom though, at this point most of the parks in WDW feel either painfully dated or out and out skitzo. I know everyone has their own memory colored feeligns about why the MK should feel like it's aged 70's or why Epcot should feel like everything that was ugly in the 80's mixed with everything that was badly labled in the 90's but I kinda expect more.

Animal Kingdom is really the only park that looks or feels modern to me, the Tree of Life actually looks like something that is artstic from every angle and accomplished using modern techniques and technologies. The smooth integration of Zoo with park is awesome. While it's not the best zoo ever I'd kill for even the San Diego Zoo to take on an ounce of the theming and guest focus found in Animal Kingdom.

I felt like most of the areas that it tried to depict were truely brought to life on a level I can't say is really replicated in the states elsewere (ignoring that carnival Dino place and Conservation Station anyways). It's weird but I think if Epcot could upgrade the world showcase to display its countries in this way I'd be MUCH happier.

I suppose it came down to the fact that when my mom was sick we needed to take slower more appreciative trips and also my parants loved botanical and natural stuff to begin with. Animal Kingdom was a great meating halfway of my love of technology and my parants love of nature.


I'm fine with playing the waiting game, the designers of AK weren't wrong in figuring the rides for the park would come inevitably. I'm glad they layed down a VERY solid framework for this park rather then going the DCA method of spamming filler out of a jug until the park was filled with tons of rides but no real character or substance. (keeping in mind I STILL prefer DCA to Hollywood Studios, which lets you know how I find the condition of THAT park presently )

[Imagineer Scott]

Originally Posted by Angie_Duke

Dinosaur has many effects that were simply turned off after the change over from Countdown to Extinction. They were deemed too problematic and not bothering with them was easier than trying. Try doing some research online before suggesting I'm making it all up as it's been much discussed elsewhere.

And yes of course the only logical reason for not liking DAK is not appreciating details or "soaking it all in". It naturally has nothing to do with anything I mentioned before or what someone else might bring up because, well that does not compute for you. The park has few attractions worth doing IMO, no nighttime offerings, no memorable music, few dining options, no internal transportation system, little shade, and tries to pass of a sign poll as an attraction among other things. Details galore can't save a park with the issues that AK has.

The place had such potential and it's execution leaves so much to be desired. A recent meet and greet addition still shows it doesn't compromise it's theme but the park feels like it's form over substance. The hotel that shares it's name however was a much better accomplishment for what it should be.

HAHAHAHA, not even going to comment on that. I'll let you figure that one out.

That should be all your opinion. The only fact there is no nighttime show, which is hard to do with animals near. I hope they go with their nighttime light parade like Spectro, but that's another subject. DAK is highly praised for Yak and Yeti, Tusker, and Flame Tree. Why would you need an internal transportation system? Why can't you just... idk... walk!? Animal Kingdom has thousands upon thousands of trees. Yes, it gets hot... but there is plenty of shade. And sign poll as an attraction? I don't know what you're referencing here, so I won't comment.

It still does. What makes you doubt that? Joe is very dedicated.

And the Goofy and Pluto meet and greet have been in Dinoland for a while now. I don't see because they got a small area to have a meet and greet that it is such a problem...

[Angie_Duke]

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

HAHAHAHA, not even going to comment on that. I'll let you figure that one out.

Ask Marni over at WDWmagic.com, he'll tell you all about it.

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

That should be all your opinion. The only fact there is no nighttime show, which is hard to do with animals near. I hope they go with their nighttime light parade like Spectro, but that's another subject. DAK is highly praised for Yak and Yeti, Tusker, and Flame Tree. Why would you need an internal transportation system? Why can't you just... idk... walk!? Animal Kingdom has thousands upon thousands of trees. Yes, it gets hot... but there is plenty of shade. And sign poll as an attraction? I don't know what you're referencing here, so I won't comment.

Fireworks explode all over property, I doubt any noise related issues exist with such a production as has been mentioned before, and when it comes to backstage issues many buildings in WDW have sprinklers on them to combat any sparks that fall from the sky. The nighttime parade was canned (would have probably been great) and the park has issues with crowd controls with the current parade because the pathways are not designed for such entertainment (CMs will tell you as such). Yak and Yeti is the parks ONLY table service restaurant inside the gates and The Unofficial Guide hardly praises it. And I said "few" not "bad" so it doesn't matter how good x restaurant is is there are only a few to serve the lunchtime crowds for example, while Yak and Yeti is welcome addition the park still needs more.

I could "idk...walk?", but the option should be there for those that may need it (like the Friendship boats in Epcot) and the park's layout makes it a bit of a hike to get from say, Kilimanjaro's Safaris to Dincosaur. It's a shame the Discovery River Boats were not built the way they should have been (with a duplicate of DLP's dragon for example) and that everyone waited in line for ages because there was nothing else to do and they thought it was going to be like JC.

Habbitat Habbit is the sign colection listed as an attaction. For someone who adores said park so much you know little about what's on the map. I'm aslo sorry I can't muster much joy for the meet and greets in CMM, Triceratop Sipn, The Boneyard, the train to conservation station or anything at said station, Fossil Fun Games etc.

http://allears.net/tp/ak/akmap.jpg

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

It still does. What makes you doubt that? Joe is very dedicated.

I did mean to say has, but Joe is preoccupied elsewhere in Hawaii and there are no announcements for anything in the future and it's already been 3 years since any substantial additions were added. How long will we have to wait for Pocahontas to be replaced with something for example?

Originally Posted by Imagineer Scott

And the Goofy and Pluto meet and greet have been in Dinoland for a while now. I don't see because they got a small area to have a meet and greet that it is such a problem...

I never said it was, try reading the post again.

This is all my opinion and what you post is yours too. What I'm trying to do here is perhaps get you to understand the reasons why someone may dislike AK besides not "immersing themselves" in it (I have Imagineering coffee table books too). No Disney park is free of flaws at the moment (minus perhaps TDS) but how you, I or others rank them is why we answered the thread question the way we did.

[Jspider]

Originally Posted by Angie_Duke

The nighttime parade was canned (would have probably been great) and the park has issues with crowd controls with the current parade because the pathways are not designed for such entertainment (CMs will tell you as such).

I could "idk...walk?", but the option should be there for those that may need it (like the Friendship boats in Epcot) and the park's layout makes it a bit of a hike to get from say, Kilimanjaro's Safaris to Dincosaur. It's a shame the Discovery River Boats were not built the way they should have been (with a duplicate of DLP's dragon for example) and that everyone waited in line for ages because there was nothing else to do and they thought it was going to be like JC.

I'll definitly agree with you on the paths thing. Parades at Animal Kingdom are freaking uncomfortable ordeals and it's very clear that Disney knows better, after all if a parade was really planned I doubt you'd get the double crowd tie up circle they have going. You'd also get MUCH larger paths (like the performance corridor at DCA), rather then youknow the paths that sometimes feel smaller then DL's paths.


I also agree with you on the shame of the discovery boats. I really wish they'd bring em back some day. I really wish Animal Kingdom could have its own version of the trains and also it'd be a great way to see more of the gardening. But I'm probably only assuming since I haven't experienced Animal Kingdom in its early years. I'm definitly dissapointed they couldn't get boats running with the effectiveness of the MK's train system.

[DisneyDude12]

Hollywood Studios, DUH!!!

1:Great variety of ridess
2:The theme is emphasized greatly
3:Incredible nightime show
4:You don't get as tired 'cause it's small
5:It's got shows. 2! Epcot:0
6:They've got a parade!
7HS has lots of thrills! RNRC, TOT, the Monster's Inc Coaster, (probably,) and the shows make you sit on the edge of your seat.

Epcot is definetly next though.

AK definetly needs work.

[DarthDucky]

Epcot!