by Martin Palicki
Walking through the gates of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the first time since it opened six years ago was a slightly unnerving experience. Having been accepted into the Disney College Program to help open this park but deciding to pursue other avenues at the time, I couldn’t help but wonder “What could have been?”
Within moments of stepping into the Oasis, however, I was immediately relaxed as I took in the surrounding trees and creatures. There was so much to see, hear, and even touch. Pulling myself away from the distractions, I tried to focus on what other Guests were experiencing. Their reactions were not unlike mine. I believe it is similar to the effect found at the Magic Kingdom. As a first-timer crosses under the railroad tracks and finds herself standing in the midst of Main Street with the iconic Cinderella Castle before her, you can tell that the thought running through her mind is “Wow! I can’t believe I’m actually here!” While Animal Kingdom doesn’t enjoy the cultural status and recognition of the Magic Kingdom, there is still that recognizable sense of amazement: “Wow! I can’t believe I am in the middle of a lush jungle—in swampy central Florida!” If there’s one thing this park does exceptionally well, it is complete immersion. While other parks are attempting to create immersive environments, for some reason it just doesn’t work as well as it does here. Perhaps it is because the theme is nature, and using natural elements (even some synthetically composed) to create that visceral feeling comes, well…naturally!
After walking around for a while and experiencing some of the attractions and shows, I began to recall the park’s advertising slogan: NaHTaZu (not a zoo)! Two years ago, in an attempt to squelch the notion that Disney’s Animal Kingdom was nothing more than a 300-acre nature preserve, the campaign was born. And, according to Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Resort Representative, it’s been rather successful. “It helped us make our guests aware of the many offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom including live entertainment, shows and fun-filled attractions that complement our up-close and personal experiences with animals.”
So, if it’s not a zoo, what is it? It certainly doesn’t have the feel of a typical theme park (though certainly an exception, even the food at the Tusker House Restaurant departs from traditional “theme park” fare, and, to an extent, “theme park” prices). I asked Michelle what her thoughts were. “Disney’s Animal Kingdom is all about adventure – from an encounter with Dinosaurs, to a white water rafting ride at Kali River Rapids — guest are immersed in another time and place. In a subtle way the park also creates awareness about the importance of conservation.”
She is absolutely right about the immersion, but I’m not so sure about the element of adventure. Sure, there were elements of adventure scattered about in various attractions and shows, but it was more of a supporting character, rather than the lead role. Perhaps it was my timing, having visited the park just days after hurricane number three or four blew through town, but to me, everyone appeared to be just having a good time relaxing and soaking up the sun—enjoying doing the exact opposite of what happens at the other parks (that is, racing from one attraction to the next, in an attempt to ‘do it all’). I would argue that what the park is about and does quite well comes from its junior predecessor park’s title: Discovery! Just as the main entrance is itself an attraction to behold, the park is full of coves, meandering paths and streams, beckoning guests to see what they can discover around the next corner or bend. Not everything worth seeing and experiencing here has a FastPass booth attached to it.
Of course, all of this is up for grabs as work continues on Expedition Everest, the first intense thrilling roller coaster added to the park. At the very least it will continue to keep the park fresh, and entice new visitors for their premiere visit. And hopefully, those new guests will be able to experience that same sense of amazement, immersion and discovery that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom special.
