If you are talking "disney busy" then no it was not that busy, but everytime (30+ trips) we took the train back to RPW, the train was almost always full. Whenever they would bring out an animal to show and talk about there was always a crowd around them, as with the character greets. Yes, not the 30+ minute wait like other places, but that is what made this place special. It was nice to get away from the giant crowds, yet still be utilizing your time and exploring. Heck, I still remember the talking trash can RPW will be missed by our family Let's hope WDW does something educational, but somehow I doubt it.Maybe I am being an optimist, or have Disney rose-colored glasses on, but I think they did try to save this area. It has never been busy, but this summer they did have all the free tours of the areas at RPW. I don’t know how much of a success they were though, but I don’t think they boosted attendance there enough. I think it is a shame to see it go, but I can see them cutting this considering how busy it was.
There was a tour temporarily that went behind the scenes in the vet areas. They offered it as part of their birthday celebration. It also included feeding prep and their purple Martin habitats. It was a great tour. Our guide for the special Safari for our Lion King meal did indicate that they had more stuff on the works but didn't elaborate.It wouldn’t surprise me if they did, and I admit that I would be first in line to book it!
There was a tour temporarily that went behind the scenes in the vet areas. They offered it as part of their birthday celebration. It also included feeding prep and their purple Martin habitats. It was a great tour. Our guide for the special Safari for our Lion King meal did indicate that they had more stuff on the works but didn't elaborate.
They don't care about "ultimately". Only short-term profits are the corporate focus, as that's what their jobs depend on.Attracting new and repeat customers by offering unique and entertaining products and services will ultimately help the bottom line more than trimming things that people enjoy.
Well, let's face it. Families with young kids aren't a demographic that typically has overflowing pockets, compared to people at other stages of life. Disney is well aware of that.It strikes me that families ... and actually we are a couple with no kids so I am not saying this just because I have children ... are not the market any more. The money is to be made with dining and alcohol and the market seems to be teens and adults.
The talking trash can! I forgot about that! It got me before I read about it on the DISboards! I threw my trash away & it said thanks....nobody else was really around so I was so confused, then it asked me what was wrong LOL....I thought I was going crazy from the heat. Good memories.If you are talking "disney busy" then no it was not that busy, but everytime (30+ trips) we took the train back to RPW, the train was almost always full. Whenever they would bring out an animal to show and talk about there was always a crowd around them, as with the character greets. Yes, not the 30+ minute wait like other places, but that is what made this place special. It was nice to get away from the giant crowds, yet still be utilizing your time and exploring. Heck, I still remember the talking trash can RPW will be missed by our family Let's hope WDW does something educational, but somehow I doubt it.
This is a genuine question, as I have not been nor do I have kids: do you believe these plus the safari are enough to justify taking toddlers to AK? I will certainly go earlier in my trip, but when my young nieces are there, I’m not sure if it is worth the hassle, price, heat and crowds.
The Festival of the Lion King was definitely not on the list, though it was a “Top 5”, so not a definitive list. I would have thought that the show would not appeal to toddlers, so that’s really good to know.
As I say, it was a Top 5 video, but that’s interesting about the shows - it sounds like they would have been a good addition to the list.
These comments are all really helpful, as it does sound like there is still more to do there for the little ones than I’m imagining. I’m baulking at the idea of using a park entry day for a Dumbo knock-off and a playground, but it does sound like there may be plenty for toddlers to do besides that.
Too late, kinda. It has been and continues to be a private dessert and dinner party venue. I'll be there for one next Wed night. Don't know what the plan is after it closes.I wouldnt be surprised if they decide to somehow turn it into a dessert party location
The Wilderness Explorers stations will still be at the rest of the park.Wilderness Explorers was my kids' favorite thing about AK on our last trip. They were 3 and 6 at the time. They were obsessed with getting those stickers.
The character performers last day is Saturday, Sept 29th, so there’ll be more entertainment CMs visiting that day.Ironically, we have our AK day planned for 10/20, the day before RPW closes. Would anyone expect AK to be busier than predicted because of this closing? I assume more people than usual will visit RPW that day.