NOTE: Before I get to my column, I would like to announce that this week Matt and I will be holding another contest via the Picture of the Week, Trivia Question of the Week, and the Quote of the Week.  If you get this week’s questions correct (all three) you will be entered for a chance to win a free studioscentral.com t-shirt from our merchandise store at Cafepress.com.  If you are selected you may pick the style the color, and the size of the shirt that you’d like, and it will be mailed to you soon thereafter!  Don’t forget to watch out for the Picture of the Week, Trivia Question of the Week, and the Quote of the Week over at the studioscentral.com message board for a chance to win!

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            Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the fourth park to be built on Walt Disney World property and is generally themed around animal conservation.  Over 500 acres in size, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest Disney theme park in the world.  Its several themed lands are: The Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia, and DinoLand U.S.A.  The park is filled with different things to see, with attractions ranging from Primeval Whirl to Expedition Everest, shows including Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical, and restaurants like Tusker House and Restaurantosaurus.  Moreover, there are approximately 1,000 animals representing about 250 different species that roam the park on a daily basis.  To say that there is not much going on here, would be a gross understatement.

            I think one of the most often debated topics about Walt Disney World is Animal Kingdom’s place amongst the other three parks.  Some say that the Animal Kingdom is a half-day park and everything that should be done can be done by lunch.  I think that is an unfair assessment of an extremely entertaining and unique park.  This article looks at some of the things that are overlooked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Animals First

            One of the criticisms of the park is that it closes in the early evening, and even if there is extra evening magic hours, there is just not a lot to do.  If you go to Epcot, the evening is capped off with Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, an amazing pyrotechnics display themed to some great music.  Magic Kingdom ends its day with Wishes, a story narrated by Jiminy Cricket that is accented by fireworks that light up the night sky.  And of course, at the Disney-MGM Studios you can cheer for Mickey as he battles classic Disney Villains in Fantasmic!  But what about the Animal Kingdom?  Unfortunately for some, a day at the Animal Kingdom ends too early, and without much fanfare.  While there might be some credit to that statement, it is not entirely fair either. 

As stated above, Animal Kingdom is the home of some 1,000 animals, ranging from lions to tarantulas.  Something like a fireworks extravaganza would obviously not work, as the animals would be constantly frightened on a nightly basis.  There can be no amazing nighttime spectacular, as Disney puts the welfare and safety of its animals first. 

Lack of fireworks or some type of end of the day show does not necessarily handicap the park.  In fact, the experiences that the Animal Kingdom lends itself to can be just as fun and rewarding as watching Illuminations or Fantasmic!  For example, attractions and experiences like Kilimanjaro Safaris Africa, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail offer one of a kind interactions and experiences with dozens of different animals, nothing quite like what the other parks have to offer.  The Jungle Cruise may be a classic, but I’m sorry to say that the lions on that attraction aren’t the real thing. 

A Different Kind of Park from the Rest

            Is the park packed with wall to wall attractions like the Magic Kingdom?  Of course not, in fact its selection in rides (namely Chester and Hester’s Dino-rama) is not as numerous and deep as one might like.  However, this is not another Magic Kingdom, but a completely different kind of theme park.  Attractions are only part of the equation.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to me, is about the seeing animals in as natural of an environment as possible, learning about the ones you have never seen before, and immersing yourself in a beautifully themed and diverse park. 

            Animal Kingdom is, as Epcot once was, a park for learning as well as for fun.  You can start your day out by catching a glimpse at the menacing yeti at Expedition Everest and then head out to Rafiki’s Planet and learn about animal conservation, the environment, and how the park cares for its animals. 

I also believe that part of the experience of the theme park is exploration by simply wandering around.  As stated above, the park is rather massive and it is meant to be explored and experienced.  I think in the rush of commando-style touring people tend to forget that there are things to see while you run from Expedition Everest to Dinosaur.  In fact, places like the Discovery Island Trails go undiscovered by a lot of people because after Its Tough to Be a Bug people head for a spot for Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade or move on to the next attraction.  There is a lot to be seen, heard, and done at the Animal Kingdom…and sometimes you just have to walk off the beaten path to find it.  The Animal Kingdom is not going to surpass the Magic Kingdom as the most popular park anytime soon, but much of its criticism is undeserved. 

Room for Improvement

            Like all parks, the Animal Kingdom is not perfect.  For a long time the park was missing a headliner attraction that would appeal to the thrill-seeking park guest.  In response, Disney built and opened Expedition Everest in early 2006.  Currently, the Animal Kingdom lacks an adequate selection of dining options which often forces guests to leave the park early and find other places to eat.  But, with the addition of the counter and table service restaurant known as the Yak and Yeti later this year, Disney seems to be addressing that problem as well.  The park is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but, like with all the other parks, it continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs and demands of Walt Disney World guests.   

            In my opinion, the reputation Disney’s Animal Kingdom has in unwarranted.  No, it is not the same caliber as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or the Disney-MGM Studios…but it is not supposed to be.  The Animal Kingdom is a unique park with more than just attractions and shows going for it.  It is truly an immersive environment that brings together everything we love about Disney and combines it with animal encounters and education about conservation and the environment.  I think that many people are missing the forest for the trees when it comes to the park…but once people take another look at the Animal Kingdom through a different set of eyes, I believe that they will have a deeper appreciation for it and wont be so quick to criticize what the park is there to accomplish.

Until next time!