I like Disney's Animal Kingdom. Love it, even. I don't know if that puts me in the minority, but it definitely gets reactions when I say it. Some people don't like it and are very vocal about that fact. I don't get what they don't like, though, so whatever. It has wild animals, a couple of fantastic rides, and lots of places to sit down and just hang out. What's not to like?
It's a fairly small park and can easily be covered in six hours or so. It also closes earlier than the other parks. Thus, I like to pair a day at Animal Kingdom with an evening at Downtown Disney. It's a perfect match.
Some tips:
AK Tip #1: There are some great opportunities for meeting characters all over Animal Kingdom. Since it's a smaller park, it's often not as busy as the others, so lines aren't as bad. Check just outside the gates in the morning, and also try Camp Minnie Mickey. The name is not a coincidence. While you're there, catch the Lion King show.
AK Tip #2: There aren't a lot of rides at Animal Kingdom, but Expedition Everest is pretty fantastic for those who like roller coasters. Get a Fast Pass for it and/or take advantage of the single rider line.
AK Tip #3: Another thing worth a Fast Pass, in my opinion, is the Kilamanjaro Safari. I personally could ride it all day long because each time you go, you wind up seeing different animals. One year that meant a giraffe literally inches from us. Other years, the truck has had to stop to let various animals cross the road. Rumor has it the animals are most active in the morning, especially when the weather is hot.
AK Tip #4: DinoLand is great for little ones. The giant jungle gym (Boneyard) is perfect for burning off some energy. Alexis also loves the little roller coaster and Tricera Top Spin (it's Dumbo minus the elephant and long lines) rides that are there. She is not, however, a fan of DINOSAUR. I think her exact words were something like, "I HATE YOU THAT WAS AWFUL I'M NEVER SPEAKING TO YOU AGAIN WAAAAAAH!" It was dark. It had dinosaurs roaring in her face. She's a chicken.
AK Tip #5: Kali River Rapids is fun, if you enjoy walking around looking like a drowned rat at Disney World. I've heard rumors that it's possible to stay dry on it, but I have yet to experience said magic. It's a good way to cool off, I guess. Just know that you will get SOAKED.
AK Tip #6: The Wildlife Express Train is a good way to just chill for a bit. As a reward, you'll find Affection Section at the other side of your ride, which is Disney's petting zoo. Alexis has spent hours and hours there just hanging with the pigs.
AK Tip #7: When Alexis was three-years old, we took her to see the 3D Bug's Life movie called It's Tough to be a Bug. She hasn't forgiven us yet. She just wasn't ready for 3D then and the buzzing and 4D elements were too much for her. We made her try it again this year and she almost liked it, but the Master of Grudges is still a little cranky about that first time. Regardless, the air conditioning in that theater is spectacular.
AK Tip #8: The parade that runs through Animal Kingdom is a short one, but it's cute. All the usual characters are there, plus a few you may not see anywhere else.
AK Tip #9: There is an almost hidden path near the Tree of Life which is great for photo opportunities. It's the last path on your right as you near Harambe Village, just before the bridge. It almost seems overgrown and off-limits, but it's not. Promise.
AK Tip #10: The Finding Nemo show is outstanding. I might be biased because that's where a little magic happened last year, but whatever. It's a great show.
AK Tip #11: Apparently the earth's rotation and tilt are such that Animal Kingdom is closer to the sun than any other part of Disney World. Seriously, people, it's hotter there than anywhere else. If you can take your own water with you (better yet, fill bottles with water and freeze them), do it. Most of the stores are not air conditioned, but there is a ton of shade to be found if you need to cool off.
AK Tip #12: I think Animal Kingdom has more little details than the other parks. Find them and marvel at them and enjoy them.
And this is where you chime in. Thoughts? Disagreements? Additions?