On the last day of 2009, I was treated to a surprise trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is a park I’ve wanted to visit for many years and, for a non-rider, it did not disappoint.
Non-rider? Yes. Short and sweet, I get motion sick, hence not much I can ride at parks, especially most coasters. While this may sound like a raw deal and emo song worthy, you learn to adapt and still enjoy the time. Think of it this way, the group has it’s own pro bag lady, not to mention gets extra pictures and videos out of the deal. See? It all works out for the cost of a rapids ride, coke float, or funnel cake.
Simply put, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a lush and beautiful park. From arching bridges to towering bamboo stalkes and sculpted water falls, it very much has the feel of a botanical gardens. You can’t help but feel like Indiana Jones as you walk the nature trails through ruins and the shopping areas that resemble villages in exotic locals.
I know what you’re thinking, “Dude, that’s nice and all. But, what about the coasters?”
Since Animal Kingdom is more zoo and botantical gardens, there aren’t as many rides as some of the other Disney parks. What is does offer is a respectable balance. Expedition Everest is the signature coaster of the park and one of a couple visual icons (the other being the Tree of Life, which we’ll get to in a bit.) EE’s themeing, from the outside Himalayan village, elaborate que line, and steam donkey mine trains, is top notch. This is where the themeing fans will geek out over the level of detail. And, from what I hear, the forward and backward ride and animatronic Yeti make for a good time. Don’t forget your souvenir Yeti Ball plushie, also in mini Christmas edition. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it.
The other coaster of mention is Primeval Whirl, a mirrored, tourist trap, tripped out version of a spinning mouse. PW is located in the odd and very out-of-place feeling Dinorama. While there is a background story on why this tourist trap area sprung up in the middle of an otherwise beautiful park, yikes omighty! You’ll either love it or hate it.
Conveniently located near Dinorama is Dinosaur. Dinosaur is motion simulator time travel adventure that sends guests back in time looking for a specific dinosaur. It’s basically AK’s answer to Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye at Disneyland, but minus the big snake. While I had fun on the ride and got set up for a “surprise” halfway through, Dinosaur almost set off the motion sick with a fair amount of bounce and jostle. While I admit this is bogus and sad, this might scare some little kiddies, so parents, keep it in mind. Even so, props to the designers for creating an illusion that really messes with your senses. Oh, and beware the first row, extreme right seat. Just sayin’…
The other major ride of the park is Kali River Rapids, or, “Rapids with an eco message and big drop.” The theme of this 12-person raft ride is a jungle expedition the runs into de-forrestation. The big finale is a drop to escape the chaos, renegade loggers, burning forrest, and maybe Michael Eisner. Not really sure on that last one though. What I am sure about is the wetness level. Most likely you’ll look like you showered with your clothes on, so be prepared. For my fellow photogs, there’s bridge over part of the ride channel near the end that offers some good chances for action shots and getting the looks on peoples faces after being sprayed by the elephant. Yes, even Disney has a water gun on Kali River Rapids to sprtiz that guy in the Goofy hat you just don’t like for whatever reason.
If you were to pick something worthwhile to do during your time at AK, I’d recommend the Kilimanjaro Safari, and to do it first thing in the morning. You’ll see some impressive wild life, often at very close range. Like an Ostrich walking past the truck at 6 feet range. And, if your driver is skilled enough while evading the poachers, you might just get some surprise ejector air while hitting a few bumps in the road. The nature buffs especially will really enjoy the Serengeti scenery.
Now we come to the Tree of Life. For those that don’t know, ToL is a modified oil platform with intricate animal carvings around the trunk and roots, and a theatre down below. Once again, themeing nuts will appreciate the detail and engineering involved in this huge artificial tree. Half the fun is to hang out near the base and play find the animal. The other half is checking out the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show with the characters from “A Bug’s Life”. It’s basically a “show gone wrong” Muppets style scenario with some good gags and impressive 3D effects. The Hopper animatronic is also one of the more notable you’ll see at Disney parks, particularly for it’s fluid movements. Oh, and be sure to let the grubs and maggots exit the theatre first. It’s a comical surprise. Those who’ve seen the show, know what I’m talking about.
While I didn’t get to see the oft-raved Nemo show, “Festival of the Lion King” was a treat. If you get a chance and you love park shows, this one is a good time, complete with stilt walkers, big animated set pieces, acrobatic monkeys, and some comical hosts. The sassy Warthog Lady was a hoot! Yep, parents, kids, and Lion King fans will enjoy this one.
Overall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with the right companions and attitude, is very enjoyable park. What it may lack in rides, it makes up for in scenery and well done themeing. Hey, I’d go back again….especially for the Coke Float near Everest!
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Did you know Animal Kingdom is the number one visited zoo in America? Great trip report!
Kali River Rapids is truly a horrible river rapids ride – that is the one place that I think you’re wrong in this report. All the times I’ve been on it, only a pair of people get wet (only 2 people sitting in the “lucky” spot). Unlike Popeye at IOA, this ride barely gets anyone wet, but the theming is pretty good.