Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park Does it seem like people skip over the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom?

[Davdhole]

DAK is probably my favorite animal attraction up there with Zoo Miami, and it helps that I like Disney. The atmosphere of the park and Disney in general gives a good feeling, and it's definitely the most immersive Dinsey park and probably most immersive zoo (that I've been to so far). However, it seems the average guest couldn't care less about the animals. The animal attraction that gets the most attention there would have to be Kilimanjaro Safari. The two trails, Discovery Island, and The Oasis seem to always be ignored in favor for Everest, Dinosaur, and especially Pandora. I get it's a theme park and that people will ride rides, and I'm not complaining that people are doing that. That's what makes it a park after all! It just seems the majority of the animals don't get more than a minute's glance if any attention at all for a quick thrill. It just confuses me that people don't want to stand in lines all day have the best chance to wait them out at DAK. There's Gorilla Falls and Maharajah Jungle Trek right there, but people just don't seem to be in the mood to see gorillas or Sumatran tigers. DAK is usually the least favorite park and quite a few people will advise to skip it to any Disney-goers having a dilemma picking between multiple parks. Does it seem like this to any other people who have been to DAK or heard about it from previous guests? How do any of you feel about DAK?

 

[zoomaniac]

Just have a look at the entrance fee and you know why.

Paying more than 110 USD, people want to get the most for the day. That means: Doing rides as much as they can. And at DAK, there is only one ride with LIVING animals (I do not count the train ride to Rafikis Planet Watch).

I've been many times in Florida and would have DAK much more visited then 5 times (I'm absolutely agree: the atmosphere, the theme-ing, the landscape, the illusion and most of the outdoor exhibits are superb/unique), if I would not have to pay that much money to see animals. On the other hand, after opening of Pandora and its two rides, the balance between what you pay and what you get is much better then before.

 

[Zooplantman]

That has not been my opinion when I have visited. Interest in observing animals is as low at DAK as anywhere else.

 

[Sarus Crane]

The only thing I hate about Animal Kingdom is that in the Maharaja Jungle Trek the Asian plains exhibit slopes down on the back end of a hill out of view and I spent 2 hours trying to get footage of the Eld's Deer stag! I know they don't want you to see a back fence but still........ As for the park as a whole, I go there to film the animals. When I went last time, I didn't bother to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Whats the use of waiting for 45+minutes only to see an animal for a couple seconds and just getting a blurry photo because of the bumpy safari vehicle you're riding in?

 

[TheMightyOrca]

I haven't been to DAK myself, but... When it comes to theme parks, thrilling rides are always the biggest draw. Shows, slow rides, and animal attractions are in much lower demand. I know that Disney parks are notorious for being crowded (I dunno if it's as bad at DAK, I know they used to have a reputation as a "half day park" but some fans are saying that's not true any more since they opened Pandora) and the lines for popular rides can be extremely long, so people often skip over the less exciting attractions.

This is a big reason why I think animal theme parks aren't really a good avenue for educating people about wildlife or conservation. (even if the presentation and animal care standards are great, which I hear they are at DAK) Theme park tickets are expensive and people want to spend their limited time on the big flashy exciting rides. If they want to see animals, they can visit a zoo or aquarium for a fraction of the cost. An adult ticket to the Central Florida Zoo is only twenty bucks, compared to the $110 ticket price at Disney.

 

[lowland anoa]

DAK does a good job of combining fun and animals together. When I visited in October of 2016 with my family, my little cousin who was 6 at the time kept nagging her parents to see the animals (she’s not generally a zoo-lover). And my parents kept wanting to go back to the Komodo Dragon enclosure because they were so taken back by the enclosure and the walk-through aviary

 

[Nod]

In quick answer to the thread question - yes.
But I do not see many people there without children. And with their short attention spans on things deemed 'not exciting', why would some (most) kids want to watch a Gibbon for more than 10 seconds.

I visited DAK last year in August. Prime time for families to be visiting! My main reason for visiting was to see the animals, and not to use the rides. I don't believe I went on any theme park rides - I probably should have.
I only went to Disney for one day, so it was an expensive admission price. But to see the way they have created some enclosures - fantastic!
For some reason, when I went on the Safari tour, there was barely a queue. So, that made the experience x10 better than waiting for hours.

I would definitely go again! But I doubt I would take kids with me, as I'd want to make the most out of viewing the animals.

Whats the use of waiting for 45+minutes only to see an animal for a couple seconds and just getting a blurry photo because of the bumpy safari vehicle you're riding in?

I'd definitely suggest to do it once! I think the way they had organised it, gave a enjoyable experience for most. Whether it was through the scripted tour guide driver, or simply viewing the exhibits that have been made for the animals, I would say it should be added into people's day itinerary. Just perhaps go knowing that you may not get the best pictures from it.

 

[Cat-Man]

I think the above comments summarise it well. I know that the part as a whole is not every-bodies cup of tea due to it being a theme park but we just cannot deny that the resources Disney have at its disposal to create their animal habitats are ones that our local zoo can only dream of. The enclosures are genuinely stunning and if we all had those resources it’s how we would want all of our zoo’s to look.

 

[Sarus Crane]

In quick answer to the thread question - yes.
But I do not see many people there without children. And with their short attention spans on things deemed 'not exciting', why would some (most) kids want to watch a Gibbon for more than 10 seconds.

I visited DAK last year in August. Prime time for families to be visiting! My main reason for visiting was to see the animals, and not to use the rides. I don't believe I went on any theme park rides - I probably should have.
I only went to Disney for one day, so it was an expensive admission price. But to see the way they have created some enclosures - fantastic!
For some reason, when I went on the Safari tour, there was barely a queue. So, that made the experience x10 better than waiting for hours.

I would definitely go again! But I doubt I would take kids with me, as I'd want to make the most out of viewing the animals.




I'd definitely suggest to do it once! I think the way they had organised it, gave a enjoyable experience for most. Whether it was through the scripted tour guide driver, or simply viewing the exhibits that have been made for the animals, I would say it should be added into people's day itinerary. Just perhaps go knowing that you may not get the best pictures from it.

I've done it multiple times before, but last time I was there I opted out even though there was barely any line. I decided to go on Expedition Everest instead and was able to get front and back row GoPro POV's with very minimal lines for each ride.

 

[Fallax]

When I visited it was Summer so it was very busy, and me and my friends went around to see basically all the animals and I have to admit the areas with rides were a lot busier.

 

[Nod]

I've done it multiple times before, but last time I was there I opted out even though there was barely any line. I decided to go on Expedition Everest instead and was able to get front and back row GoPro POV's with very minimal lines for each ride.

The GoPro footage must've been fantastic to watch back!

 

[TheMightyOrca]

I think the above comments summarise it well. I know that the part as a whole is not every-bodies cup of tea due to it being a theme park but we just cannot deny that the resources Disney have at its disposal to create their animal habitats are ones that our local zoo can only dream of. The enclosures are genuinely stunning and if we all had those resources it’s how we would want all of our zoo’s to look.

Oh, for real. I'm not that interested in visiting theme parks but I would like to go to DAK someday, those animal exhibits look phenomenal. (also I really want to see Pandora too, lol)

 

[Cat-Man]

Oh, for real. I'm not that interested in visiting theme parks but I would like to go to DAK someday, those animal exhibits look phenomenal. (also I really want to see Pandora too, lol)

I think a lot of Zoochatters (and I’m not directing this at you) are often quite cynical, and if I’m honest bitter, of the rides at DAK because we are zoo ‘purists’ DAK isn’t like any other zoo. My advice to those people is to just loosen up a bit and have a good time; some of the rides there are really good, and you’ve paid enough to be there!

 

[TheMightyOrca]

I think a lot of Zoochatters (and I’m not directing this at you) are often quite cynical, and if I’m honest bitter, of the rides at DAK because we are zoo ‘purists’ DAK isn’t like any other zoo. My advice to those people is to just loosen up a bit and have a good time; some of the rides there are really good, and you’ve paid enough to be there!

It's not that I'm inherently opposed to the idea of animal theme parks, it's just that I don't think theme parks are very effective when it comes to trying to educate people. Folks going are more interested in the thrills, and the park can't really discuss controversial or difficult subjects cause they don't want to upset people. So at best it feels like good intentions not really getting anywhere, and at worst it feels like greenwashing.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

It's not that I'm inherently opposed to the idea of animal theme parks, it's just that I don't think theme parks are very effective when it comes to trying to educate people. Folks going are more interested in the thrills, and the park can't really discuss controversial or difficult subjects cause they don't want to upset people. So at best it feels like good intentions not really getting anywhere, and at worst it feels like greenwashing.

While I agree with your gist and rationale, ... I would say though ... if it works it works. DAK is one of the most effective and generous conservation in situ support donors around in the US.

 

[TheMightyOrca]

While I agree with your gist and rationale, ... I would say though ... if it works it works. DAK is one of the most effective and generous conservation in situ support donors around in the US.

Oh, totally. Even if their education efforts don't get through to people I know they do a lot of research and support a lot of conservation efforts, so I don't really complain about them, ha ha.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

@Davdhole thank you for creating this thread and shining light on this pattern. The indifference towards the animals from guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a clear symptom/example of nature deficit disorder... I know unlike most zoos, DAK is actually intended to be a theme park, but I think it would be interesting to compare this behavior with that of typical laymen zoo visitors. I think this concept, especially at Disney's Animal Kingdom would make for an interesting study and PhD thesis, especially if your major is environmental education.

 

[TheMightyOrca]

@Davdhole thank you for creating this thread and shining light on this pattern. The indifference towards the animals from guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a clear symptom/example of nature deficit disorder... I know unlike most zoos, DAK is actually intended to be a theme park, but I think it would be interesting to compare this behavior with that of typical laymen zoo visitors. I think this concept, especially at Disney's Animal Kingdom would make for an interesting study and PhD thesis, especially if your major is environmental education.

... I take it you've also read "Last Child in the Woods"? Anyway, I agree that it would be great to see a study comparing animal theme parks with traditional zoos, to see if there's much difference in what visitors learn or how their feelings on conservation change after a visit.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

... I take it you've also read "Last Child in the Woods"? Anyway, I agree that it would be great to see a study comparing animal theme parks with traditional zoos, to see if there's much difference in what visitors learn or how their feelings on conservation change after a visit.

No I haven't read that book, but I am going to have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation! I first got acquainted with the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder in a lecture presented by the former director of the Buffalo Zoo. I can't remember her name though. The lecture was a CD given to me by the former director of the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park whom I have known since I was 9. I attended zoo camp there when my dad was living in Santa Ana. I may not be the biggest fan of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) for many reasons I will refrain from sharing on this forum, but I feel like nature deficit disorder could and should have legitimate place in the DSM.

 

[TheMightyOrca]

No I haven't read that book, but I am going to have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation! I first got acquainted with the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder in a lecture presented by the former director of the Buffalo Zoo. I can't remember her name though. The lecture was a CD given to me by the former director of the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park whom I have known since I was 9. I attended zoo camp there when my dad was living in Santa Ana. I may not be the biggest fan of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) for many reasons I will refrain from sharing on this forum, but I feel like nature deficit disorder could and should have legitimate place in the DSM.

The author of Last Child coined the term, so yeah, I think you'd like it.