![]() ![]() In the cases of Dinosaur and Kali River Rapids, we think there’s some unrealized potential, but they’re still fun. We think it’s fair to call these all moderately good to great attractions. It’s safe to say that everyone knows about Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Finding Nemo: The Musical, Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids, and Festival of the Lion King. What it lacks in nostalgia for most of us, it should make up for in character. It’s all of these things and many more, all of which make Disney’s Animal Kingdom the most detailed and heavily themed park at Walt Disney World. It’s sitting back and watching a fountain flow while snacking. It’s reading what one of the many posters plastered in Africa says, and thinking about how that relates to the theme of the area. ![]() It’s stopping to take a few minutes to watch a couple of animals play. ![]() If you don’t recognize a lot of what you’re seeing here, it might be time to rethink how you experience Animal Kingdom.Īt Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the park tone is manifested in the many winding animal trails throughout the park, some of which are listed as attractions on the park map, some of which are not. I’ve made an effort to use photos of some of the lesser-known elements of Animal Kingdom in this article. It’s staggering, really, and even seasoned Animal Kingdom fans are likely to notice new things with each visit. In terms of “Disney Details,” Animal Kingdom ranks as some of Imagineering’s best work. If all you care about is running from attraction to attraction, why do Disney parks at all? There are better options for that. To me, the atmosphere and these details are a big part of what separates Disney theme parks from other theme and amusement parks. Rather, the joy of the experience is in the atmosphere, and in discovering little things that make the theme park a place, rather than a collection of rides. Much like World Showcase at Epcot, you can’t go in expecting to do a lot of exciting attractions. This ‘fine wine’ analogy definitely applies there, too. ![]() I realized that there was a good chance that Animal Kingdom was the same way, so on our next trip to Walt Disney World, we opted to spend two days there–more time than we spent in any other park. I later dubbed it a park that’s like a fine wine, and is meant to be sipped, not chugged. It was an incredible experience and gave me a deep appreciation for Disney’s most beautiful castle park. Since we weren’t sure if we’d ever be back there, we made a point to soak up as much of that park as we could, doing a lot in the way of exploring, savoring details, and even reading signs or “historical” placards throughout the park. In recent years, we’ve basically renounced the commando style (except in the mornings in Tokyo, where it’s almost a necessity), but my ‘epiphany’ that we might have been missing something with Animal Kingdom didn’t come until last year, of all places, in Disneyland Paris. We definitely fell into the former group until this year. Conversely, this same difference in tone and structure does give Animal Kingdom its own group of fervent fans who call it their favorite park, many of whom take great offense to criticism of the park. Let’s take a look at why I am now an Animal Kingdom fan… Park Toneĭisney’s Animal Kingdom is a substantial departure from the typical Disney theme park archetype, and I think this fundamental difference in tone and structure causes many people to misunderstand Disney’s Animal Kingdom. What I was wrong about were my general conclusions about the park, and my general demeanor and attitude towards it. In fact, I still think several of my specific points are valid. In my defense, while I will admit that I was wrong, I’m not saying I was totally wrong. Sorry, fellow internet commentators, if I’ve broken some sort of unspoken code of conduct by admitting that I was wrong. The standard modus operandi is to establish a position, entrench oneself in that, and refuse to relent no matter what countervailing reason and opinion are offered. Phrases like “I was wrong” are not the norm on the internet. Recently, we have spent more time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom than in any previous year (given that we’ve visited Walt Disney World fewer times this year than in any past year, this should be doubly impressive), and I will admit that my opinion of the park has changed. For a while, it was my least favorite park at Walt Disney World, and I’d say I was almost bitter at the park for squandering so much potential. Older posts on this blog regarding Disney’s Animal Kingdom are fairly critical. ![]()
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