animal kingdom or kennedy space center?
Jan 24th, 2006, 03:42 PM
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animal kingdom or kennedy space center?
My family will be in Orlando for 4 days next month. We will are definately going to Sea World, but I have heard so many mixed reviews about Animal Kingdom that I am not sure if we should bother with it?? My kids are ages 7 and 10. Should I take them to the Kennedy Space center instead? We did the Disney world, Universal Studios last year and none of us enjoyed any of it. Help??
Jan 24th, 2006, 05:01 PM
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Wow - they are two very different places, that's for sure!
Help me out here - what was it that you didn't enjoy at Disney & Universal. If I know that, I may be able to point out similarities at AK or the space center.
In the meantime, let me just briefly describe both:
AK: Disney advertises it as "natazu", but I think of it as sort of a zoo with rides. There are several different areas, Africa and Asia having the most animals. There are trails with animal exhibits along side in both of these areas. In Africa you can get on a safari vehicle and be driven through the exhibit. If the animals cooperate, you'll see several different species. Asia has a fun water ride. There are some excellent shows; the Lion King show is outstanding and Bug's Life is fun. Whether you enjoy the park largely depends on how much you enjoy animals.
The space center has a rocket garden, IMAX movies, and exhibits/displays in its central area. Then you get on a bus and are driven to the International Space Station area (where you see the area where components for the station are put together) and the Saturn 5 center which has a Saturn 5 rocket (impressive even if you're not interested in rockets!), a moon rock, a reproduction of the firing room used when launching the Apollo missions to the moon, and a show about the moon landing among other things. The center is also surrounded by the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge if you're interested in nature.
Hope this helps!
Help me out here - what was it that you didn't enjoy at Disney & Universal. If I know that, I may be able to point out similarities at AK or the space center.
In the meantime, let me just briefly describe both:
AK: Disney advertises it as "natazu", but I think of it as sort of a zoo with rides. There are several different areas, Africa and Asia having the most animals. There are trails with animal exhibits along side in both of these areas. In Africa you can get on a safari vehicle and be driven through the exhibit. If the animals cooperate, you'll see several different species. Asia has a fun water ride. There are some excellent shows; the Lion King show is outstanding and Bug's Life is fun. Whether you enjoy the park largely depends on how much you enjoy animals.
The space center has a rocket garden, IMAX movies, and exhibits/displays in its central area. Then you get on a bus and are driven to the International Space Station area (where you see the area where components for the station are put together) and the Saturn 5 center which has a Saturn 5 rocket (impressive even if you're not interested in rockets!), a moon rock, a reproduction of the firing room used when launching the Apollo missions to the moon, and a show about the moon landing among other things. The center is also surrounded by the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge if you're interested in nature.
Hope this helps!
Jan 24th, 2006, 05:11 PM
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We recently visited Kennedy Space Center, which our kids, 13 and 16, enjoyed. I think its a great destination for teens, especially if they have an interest in engineering. It is as expensive as Disney, which surprised me.
Your kids are perfect ages for Animal Kingdom - in a few years they will be too old. So, take them to Disney if it might be your last trip for awhile.
Your kids are perfect ages for Animal Kingdom - in a few years they will be too old. So, take them to Disney if it might be your last trip for awhile.
Jan 24th, 2006, 06:02 PM
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My son was 12 when we went to Animal Kingdom. He loved it. I think it just depends on what the kids/ family is into. I've never been to the Kennedy Space Center. I think my friend's son was 10 when he took him there last year. I think they had a good time, but it was tiring and there were a lot of lines. Although any park in Disney World can be that way also! LOL.
Jan 24th, 2006, 09:10 PM
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We haven't been to the Space center but we do like Animal Kingdom. You can do all of it by 3PM. The Festival of the Lion King is consistantly rated Disney World's most popular show. I love the Jammin' Jungle Parade, dinosaur, and It's Tough to Be A Bug. And the whole park is a photo opportunity - just gorgeous. But it won't fill a day - if you have park hopper passes, you can go to another park that you haven't had enough of. Sea World may give you enough "nature".
I'm confused too about what at Disneyworld you did not enjoy. There are 4 theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Do you recall which you went to?
I'm confused too about what at Disneyworld you did not enjoy. There are 4 theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Do you recall which you went to?
Jan 25th, 2006, 03:37 AM
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Thanks for the replies. We went to Magic Kingdom, and Univrsal Studios a couple years ago, a first for all of us. The kids were bored with Magic Kingdom, thought it was more for little kids, not them even though they are young. Universal Studios was okay, we just would not spend the $200 for the park again. The kids love animals but I have heard that Animal kingdom may be a little boring for them. Our only plan so far is Sea World because they love aquatic animals. The rest of our time in Orlando is relaxing, mini golf, helicopter rides. We are only going to be there for 3-4 days then we head to Tampa. Thanks Again for all your help.
Jan 25th, 2006, 03:51 AM
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Wekiva Springs State Park.
I don't usually mention this because most people come to Orlando to "do" the amusement parks. For something your kids will really enjoy and remember forever, go to Wekiva Springs SP (northern part of Orlando - Altamonte Springs area.
Google for more information but...
Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today. The main spring pumps approximately 42 million gallons of water each day.
I'd rent canoes or take a canoe guided trip. It is truly an amazing experience. You feel like you are canoeing through "Old Florida".
There's an official website and here's the website of the canoe company working in the park. www.canoewekiva.com. They also have horseback riding.
For a low key experience (and much less expensive!) but one your kids will enjoy and remember forever, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a quieter alternative - and much more real.
I don't usually mention this because most people come to Orlando to "do" the amusement parks. For something your kids will really enjoy and remember forever, go to Wekiva Springs SP (northern part of Orlando - Altamonte Springs area.
Google for more information but...
Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today. The main spring pumps approximately 42 million gallons of water each day.
I'd rent canoes or take a canoe guided trip. It is truly an amazing experience. You feel like you are canoeing through "Old Florida".
There's an official website and here's the website of the canoe company working in the park. www.canoewekiva.com. They also have horseback riding.
For a low key experience (and much less expensive!) but one your kids will enjoy and remember forever, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a quieter alternative - and much more real.
Jan 25th, 2006, 06:51 AM
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Went to Orlando twice last year for an errand.
First time, with extra hours to unload, we went to the Animal Kingdom for the safari. BLAH. Even the kids on the fake jeep were bored. You saw the animals behind "masked wire" they just were made to blend in with the wood surroundings. then they tell you some lame story - Very liberally slanted, not that it's Disney's place to prostylatize. The rides in the park, the entertainment, the food - all just dreadful. Head to Epcot or Universal Studios instead if you want to stay in the area.
Second trip we went to the space coast and it was truly fascinating - plus took a pitstop to the RonJon surf shop. nice escape from those mice, dogs and duck.
First time, with extra hours to unload, we went to the Animal Kingdom for the safari. BLAH. Even the kids on the fake jeep were bored. You saw the animals behind "masked wire" they just were made to blend in with the wood surroundings. then they tell you some lame story - Very liberally slanted, not that it's Disney's place to prostylatize. The rides in the park, the entertainment, the food - all just dreadful. Head to Epcot or Universal Studios instead if you want to stay in the area.
Second trip we went to the space coast and it was truly fascinating - plus took a pitstop to the RonJon surf shop. nice escape from those mice, dogs and duck.
Jan 25th, 2006, 07:44 AM
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This is extremely subjective to what you like to do.
Animal Kingdom is not an entire day venue. Half a day does it. "It's Tough to Be a Bug" was outstanding. Just to go for the tour or safari is not seeing the AK park or various shows. The tree of life in the middle also gives you a bit to talk about.
It sounds like several of you prejudge and don't like parks in general. But to say "none of us enjoyed any of it"?? Even with your explanation, then why go back? These are learning experiences and you take back what you bring to it too.
Kennedy Space Center was extremely enjoyed by the science nerds among us and less enjoyed by others of our party.
Again- you will need to read, to observe and not just be entertained.
There were lines there and you needed to buy an extra pass (more $$$) to be taken out to the actual shuttle launch site and transport road. If you aren't into real tech and space analysis you might think this is a bore too.
Animal Kingdom is not an entire day venue. Half a day does it. "It's Tough to Be a Bug" was outstanding. Just to go for the tour or safari is not seeing the AK park or various shows. The tree of life in the middle also gives you a bit to talk about.
It sounds like several of you prejudge and don't like parks in general. But to say "none of us enjoyed any of it"?? Even with your explanation, then why go back? These are learning experiences and you take back what you bring to it too.
Kennedy Space Center was extremely enjoyed by the science nerds among us and less enjoyed by others of our party.
Again- you will need to read, to observe and not just be entertained.
There were lines there and you needed to buy an extra pass (more $$$) to be taken out to the actual shuttle launch site and transport road. If you aren't into real tech and space analysis you might think this is a bore too.
Jan 25th, 2006, 07:55 AM
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I am only asking what people thought of Animal Kingdom and the Kennedy Space center. I keep getting asked why I am I going back to Disney World?????? I am not going there only possibly to Animal Kingdom. There are other things in Orlando besides Disney World isn't there?
Jan 25th, 2006, 08:23 AM
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I don't think you understand irishgirl71, that Animal Kingdom is part of Disney World. And you didn't enjoy Universal either, which isn't part of Disney World- so it very much sounds like you don't like parks.
I doubt you would like Kennedy Space Center or Animal Kingdom from your wording, actually.
My grandkids who have been are 6 to 11 years old and all three of them loved Universal, and all of the Disney World Kingdoms- and Kennedy Space Center as well.
I doubt you would like Kennedy Space Center or Animal Kingdom from your wording, actually.
My grandkids who have been are 6 to 11 years old and all three of them loved Universal, and all of the Disney World Kingdoms- and Kennedy Space Center as well.
Jan 25th, 2006, 09:18 AM
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If your children were bored at MK they'd probably be bored at AK as well. Starrsville has given you an excellent suggestion (Wekiva Springs) if your children are more interested in being active.
Since they are interested in animals, you might consider Lowry Park zoo in Tampa which has a number of interactive animal activities/exhibits.
Since they are interested in animals, you might consider Lowry Park zoo in Tampa which has a number of interactive animal activities/exhibits.
Jan 25th, 2006, 11:33 AM
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We're confused because your first post said your kids didn't like Disneyworld or Universal. I understand now that you went Magic Kingdom.
If your kids like animals a lot, they MIGHT like Animal Kingdom. However, AK is a zoo with a few rides. If they didn't like MK or Universal, they probably won't like AK.
My kids are 8 and 10. They love science, so they like Kennedy Space Center. Do you kids like science, specifically space? KSC is a science museum with an IMAX theatre.
What do your children like to do?
If your kids like animals a lot, they MIGHT like Animal Kingdom. However, AK is a zoo with a few rides. If they didn't like MK or Universal, they probably won't like AK.
My kids are 8 and 10. They love science, so they like Kennedy Space Center. Do you kids like science, specifically space? KSC is a science museum with an IMAX theatre.
What do your children like to do?
Jan 25th, 2006, 12:34 PM
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When you were at WDW before, did you go to Epcot or MGM? They are not to be missed. My kids were 14, 12 and 9 when we went to WDW and we all loved Magic Kingdom, so your little ones must be more sophisticated than our whole family!
Anyway, if you don't like disney, got to the space center.
Anyway, if you don't like disney, got to the space center.
Jan 25th, 2006, 01:46 PM
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Just to clarify - WDW - Walt Disney World is in Florida and Disneyworld is in California.
MK - Magic Kingdom, AK - Animal Kingdom, EPCOT etc. are parts of WDW.
THAT's why you think we don't understand what you are saying. You are mixing up terms and we are interpreting based on what you say - evidently, not what you mean.
MK - Magic Kingdom, AK - Animal Kingdom, EPCOT etc. are parts of WDW.
THAT's why you think we don't understand what you are saying. You are mixing up terms and we are interpreting based on what you say - evidently, not what you mean.
Jan 25th, 2006, 02:34 PM
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Starrsville- Disneyland, not Disneyworld, is in California. Walt Disney World (or WDW or Disneyworld) is in Florida.
To the OP, you might check out www.disboards.com for advice on Orlando. However, be warned that the website attracts people who love WDW, and you don't, so their advice might not be suitable for you.
To the OP, you might check out www.disboards.com for advice on Orlando. However, be warned that the website attracts people who love WDW, and you don't, so their advice might not be suitable for you.
