Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct <<< I was truly transported to Africa in a way that has never happened in any other Disney park. >>> Amen to that. Same here ... the reason I bought an annual pass to WDW. Animal Kingdom is stunning and chock full of emotional goodness.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris "What's so impressive about the landscaping at DAK? I ask that question in all seriousness. Are there any areas that you can point to as really good examples of DAK's landscaping?" I hate to quote Rove McManus but, "What the.........?!?"
Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct The designers spent several MILLIONS of dollars on the landscaping alone. You have no idea ... all the unique varieties of plants ... you should read the "Making Of Animal Kingdom" book
Originally Posted By Britain I didn't realize how impressive DAK's landscaping was until I saw a google earth shot of the park. Once I saw how close the barren, sparse backstage portions of the park come to the lush onstage areas, I realized that this really was thoughtfully created. I think I had the subliminal assumption that your average landscape on WDW property was already lush and they sort of carved DAK's pathways out of it. Not the case! And kudos to WDI for tricking me into thinking it was! Here's a Google Maps link: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2gpr74" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/2gpr74</a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Try this: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/35juoe" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/35juoe</a> There are definately some really well hidden backstage areas in the park (next to Pizzafari, west side of Dinoland, behind Africa). It's very carefully thought out.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Try this: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/35juoe" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/35juoe</a> There are definately some really well hidden backstage areas in the park (next to Pizzafari, west side of Dinoland, behind Africa). It's very carefully thought out.
Originally Posted By leobloom Well it's pretty obvious that people like Bob Paris and denis-in-ct having spent much time outdoors in Florida, because lush vegetation is to be found in many places. Lush vegetation doesn't constitute "great landscaping." I stand my original observation. The park doesn't appear to have even a fraction of the variety found at Florida botanical gardens. Lots of green, hell yeah. But it's not about admiring the plant species, which is what good landscaping would offer.
Originally Posted By Britain I disagree. Good landscaping doesn't necessarily mean a good opportunity to admire plant species. I think they did good landscaping on Splash Mountain, but I can't walk up to the grass and the vines and examine them.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Also, the landscaping in DAK has a different look than the natural Florida growth. You can see that pretty clearly from the aerial pictures. The stuff in DAK is a lot more varied and more dense. It also has a completely different look than what you see on the side of the highway. It's a subtle thing, but it totally does the trick.
Originally Posted By leobloom More varied and more dense? Guess it depends if you're comparing DAK to sawgrass marshes or tropical hardwook hammocks. I just don't see the landscaping as being as groundbreaking and impressive as others do. Is it lush? Yes. Does it add to the atmosphere? Yes. Is it unique to Florida? No.
Originally Posted By leobloom More varied and more dense? Guess it depends if you're comparing DAK to sawgrass marshes or tropical hardwook hammocks. I just don't see the landscaping as being as groundbreaking and impressive as others do. Is it lush? Yes. Does it add to the atmosphere? Yes. Is it unique to Florida? No.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "Is it unique to Florida? No." Exactly. They imported a very believable landscame from places all around the world. While DAK definatley wins any landscape contest, I have to give DLP a shout-out for it's amazing Adventureland, especially considering the below freezing temperatures that it gets for a decent part of the year. And they still managed to make it believable. Part of why it's so impressive to see all the different plants in Florida is that they aren't supposed to live there. They all need special care to stay looking fresh as a daisy (pun intended) 365 days a year.
Originally Posted By leobloom I suppose I should have said, "Is it unique WITHIN Florida?" My answer's still, "No." <Part of why it's so impressive to see all the different plants in Florida is that they aren't supposed to live there.> Many plants used in landscaping accross Florida aren't indigenous. The sad thing is many of the exotic plants that can be grown in Florida AREN'T used in DAK. The landscaping just isn't as exotic as you make it out to be.
