Originally Posted By RandySavage I just returned from a family trip to WDW, the first in ten years and the first with three generations of family, ranging from 2 to 75. Here are my detailed reactions to share and discuss: DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM (DAK): The last time we went to WDW was in March of 1998 and as Beach Club guests we were able to attend a rushed sneak peak of the park. I was impressed with what I saw back them, but was only able to ride the Safari (then many animals were not yet on display) and Countdown to Extinction. Last week, we were able to visit DAK both day and night (stayed open to 11pm) and check out the expanded areas. DAK has quickly jumped to the top of my Disney parks list. PROS: Everest: Having read reviews and seen videos online, my expectations for this attraction were huge. While the bird effect and steam effect (on the train) have been removed, Expedition Everest exceeded all my expectations. The big drop, the immense Yeti cavern, the amazingly detailed queue – even the area where people gathered to watch the drop – all serve to make this the most successful attraction since the original Tower of Terror opened in 1994. Having read online reviews I looked for flaws such as light leaking through or unfinished cave ceilings and saw neither. We rode it 5 times over the course of our trip and everyone in our group who experienced the attraction loved it. I hope Everest sends a message up the chain of command: jaw-dropping, immersive, story-based rides(not necessarily rollercoasters) are why people love Disney parks. Build them and they will come. Animal Exhibits: I’ve been to some of the best zoos in the world, but DAK’s Pangani Forest and Maharajah Jungle Trek are in a league of their own. Looking down into the beautifully landscaped tiger ruins or gorilla valley it is possible to imagine for a moment that one is actually in Africa or India. One of the highlights was a big hippo in Pangani that did this thing where every 90 seconds he would swim in from the distance right up to glass and glide his hairy chin and belly along it, to pure delight of the young and old alike. And the way the sunlight lit up the walls of the ruined Indian palace as tigers swam was ethereal… I could wax on and on. We also explored the Tree of Life Gardens and felt like we had the whole path to ourselves. Night: At night the park is dark, spooky and awesome. Everest is amazing in the daylight. It’s even better at night. Kali River’s flame bursts are much more impressive at night. Hidden Areas: Despite the park being very crowded it was still possible to find little paths and back corners that were completely devoid of people. We had our lush and private snack patio with a great view of Everest across the lake. Gibbon Exhibit: The gibbons (an ape which 99% of guests erroneously called monkeys) of Asia performed some great acrobatics on their ropes and temple. I also found it incredibly impressive that there were no barriers whatsovever between the gibbons and the pathways of Anandapur. Harambe & Anandapur: I could spend hours drinking the details of these two fantastically built environments that perfectly transport you to the other side of the world. Tree of Life: Best weenie I can think of. Looks great from a distance. Fantastic detail in the gardens. Kali River Rapids: Fantastic queue and I enjoyed the ride but it should have been twice as long. Brevity disappoints. Still, it was “favorite ride at Disney†for one our 7-year old girls. CONS: Merchandise: As will be a recurring theme in my WDW reviews, the Disney Idealist in me found the High School Musical merchandise in shops that are themed to the animal world (and PotC stuff in dinosaur-themed shops) to be a disappointment. Across all of WDW, I found what I term to be this “monoculture of merchandise.†There is no reason that the parks should not offer a unique shopping experience just as they offer one-of-a-kind attractions. I’d like to be able to look at and buy stuff I can’t find in my local mall. Disney PhotoMagic: These official Disney photographers hover around and hog all the good photo-taking spots, seeking you to pay them to take pictures of your group. It’s a bit awkward to ask them to get out of the way so you can take your own photo. It’s one of many examples of Disney over-aggressively pushing to make money. Pimping of DVC: The third irritating & recurring theme that I noticed across the parks & resorts was the rise of the ubiquitous Disney Vacation Club kiosk. DAK certainly was not immune. Empty Animal Habitats: In the Oasis and Tree of Life Gardens, where there were once capybaras, ring-tailed lemurs, axis deer, babirusa, small-clawed otters, cotton-topped tamarins, etc, there are now vacant habitats and signs that are covered or read “out foraging.†The park would seem even more alive with these creatures back on display. Dinosaur: Dinosaur was okay but had some easily remedied problems that, if fixed, could make it great. The preshow and storyline need to be re-written, they’re lame and without logic as is. The first carnotaurus animatronic was dead and not moving. The static compsognathus and pterodactyl effects are terrible (would it have cost that much more to animate these? ). The EMV’s movements were too smooth and did not feel realistic enough. The attraction was lit in a way where the flat track was often visible. The meteor effect was either not working or not discernable. The ending Haunted Mansion mirror effect was not working (if it ever did). With some re-writing and revisited FX (and bring back the CTX name), this attraction could be the real winner it should be. Safari Spiel: I know opinions differ on this, but I am of the opinion that 10% of live spiels on attractions (like Great Movie Ride, The Land, Studio Tram Tour, Jungle Cruise) enhance the attraction and 90% take away from it. Our Safari guide was just bad. When we got stuck in a traffic jam she kept repeating a lame joke about tents and a three week safari to the point where we were embarrassed for her. Then, when the script has her shutting up so we can enjoy the animals to the peaceful African rhythms on the radio, she actually sang along and ruined that moment as well. I think a few prerecorded comments by a voice actor and long periods of just African music would make the Safari much more enjoyable and repeatable. Aside from the spiel, the geysers and high-speed ending were both turned way down from my initial visit in 1998. I didn’t think it helped to have a ranger in a Toyota truck parked (albeit temporarily) in the middle of the savanna. DinoRama: I’m a bit mixed on this. On principal, I hate that such a beautiful and unique park is marred by something like a parking lot carnival. That said, the kids in our group actually liked the games and wanted to “go back to Dinorama†days later. And if the idea was to create a gaudy parking lot carnival, they succeeded. It was rather neatly-lit at night, but hot and without adequate shade during the day. I remember the Cretaceous Trail from my 1998 visit with its crocodilians and cool vegetation. Most of that was lost to DinoRama. I’d like it back. Secret Path Gone: On my 1998 visit I was lucky to find and take the secret path with the stepping stones and the streams. I was sad to see this is now gone or inaccessible. Upkeep: I grew up going to WDW in the era of when popcorn spilled, someone was there cleaning it up within seconds, replacing bulbs each night, scraping of gum, etc.) so I’m a stickler for upkeep and make mental note of the smallest flaws at Disney Parks. Some I noticed at DAK included, (i) paint coming off one of the big rocks (because the main waterfall had worn it away) behind the Tree of Life; (ii) chain link fence or tarps visible at the rear of certain enclosures (in Oasis and Pangani) damaged the illusion of natural enclosures; (iii)covers /pages ripped off informative “flip-panels†in Pangani by abusive guests have not been replaced (I’m probably one of the few who would like read what was once there); (iv) large, impressive waterfall that spans the top of Rainforest Café turned off; (v)one of two streams that separate Asia and Africa (and empty into discovery river) “turned-off†; (vi) “bubble fountain†in Asia turned off. OVERALL: For me DAK was the highlight of our trip. I have tremendous admiration for all the Imagineers that put this park together. It educates, it thrills, it delights… it’s just beautiful. Tomorrow, I will continue with the Magic Kingdom.
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun fabulous observations. DAK ia the favorite of my family as well! Looking forward to more!
Originally Posted By Coconut Telegraph To the OP: Oh really? No secret path eh? You may want to see this and be sure to notice the date of the post that pertains... <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4ywwzh" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/4ywwzh</a>
Originally Posted By Coconut Telegraph I will admit, it sounds like they don't want guests to go back there anymore.
Originally Posted By sharon2 Sounds like you had a great time. My family rode EE last week. I loved the queue but, we hit it on an early open...no line no real time to see anything!! I was a little disappointed that you only see the Yeti for a split second.. I guess we'll have to do it again!!
