It is hard to beat a view like the Tree of Life. Especially since seeing the tree means you are probably starting your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There are not too many places we would rather be than Disney World, but there are also a few cringey things that sometimes have us rethinking walking through the entrance.
While we are huge fans of this park, there are also a few cringey things at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that we NEED to talk about.
The Mean Pandora Plant
If you have been personally victimized by this Pandora plant, you likely know exactly what we are talking about. There you are minding your own business, admiring the beautiful world of Pandora, when WHAP! You are struck by a stream of water. In your startled state you begin to wonder what just happened, and then you look over to see the gigantic Flaska Reclinata. That’s right, not only is this plant pretty huge, but you better watch out while you are walking by it because you might be targeted by its water stream.
The plants are alive in Pandora!
We actually looked up this plant to discover its name, and we also learned that it is one of the most important plants on Pandora. It actually helps to detoxify the atmosphere on Pandora and the occasional puff of water and stream is the plant releasing the built-up pressure from absorbing toxic gasses. While it plays a huge role on the planet of Pandora, we still feel a bit victimized by its outbursts.
How Early the Park Closes
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a GORGEOUS park. Not only is there lots of wildlife to admire, but the amount of foliage inside the park is amazing. However, we hate how early this park closes most of the time. We love admiring the park during the day, but we can’t help but wish there were more days to explore it at night.
Tree of Life at night
Pandora looks absolutely stunning, and we could look at the Tree of Life for hours. Experiencing Animal Kingdom at night is wonderful! While park hours are constantly being adjusted, you will usually find that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the first parks to close in the evening. Right now, the park has been closing at 6PM each night which does not give you the opportunity to see the park at dark.
Preparing the Corn Offsite Now
The Harambe Food Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to the Grilled Corn on the Cob, and we have a bit of beef with this treat right now. We are huge fans of this snack, and while we still really enjoy it, Disney recently moved this corn to being prepared offsite.
The Corn on the Cob
Previously, the corn was grilled right there in front of you at the stand, but now it is brought in and kept in a warming bag before being given out. It still tastes good, but it is not as good as it could be! There is something especially delicious about chowing down on a corn on the cob directly off the grill. While we will still be getting this treat, we will still be wishing it was grilled at the stand still.
No More Onion Rings at Flame Tree BBQ
On to another one of our food losses at Animal Kingdom. We are HUGE fans of the Baked Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork at Flame Tree Barbecue. It is hard to beat creamy mac and cheese, topped with coleslaw, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and fried onions. The only thing that could make it better would be replacing the fried onions with onion rings! Well, that used to be the case at Flame Tree BBQ.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Fried Onions
The Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese used to be served with onion rings on top instead of the fried onions. Don’t get it wrong, we still look forward to getting the Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, but we feel like it is missing an important component.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese with Onion Rings
The fried onions still lend a nice texture, but it is missing some of the flavor. We are still secretly hoping for the return of the onion rings!
Replacing DinoLand, U.S.A.
Last but not least, we are still working through our feelings on the replacing of DinoLand, U.S.A. DinoLand, U.S.A. has been an iconic part of Animal Kingdom for years and we are definitely going to miss visiting this area. How else are we going to help save the dino? While we are sad that this area is going to be replaced soon, we are also excited for what is coming.
DinoLand, U.S.A.
DinoLand, U.S.A. is going to be replaced by a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. It will feature three attractions including an Indiana Jones ride, an Encanto ride, and a carousel. Not only that, but it will also feature one of the largest quick service restaurants at Disney World. There is a lot to look forward to, but we will also be mourning the loss of DinoLand, U.S.A. too.
©Disney
While there may be some minor inconveniences in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there is no doubt we will be returning to this park time and time again and will have an amazing time! There is so much to explore in this park and so much beauty to admire. From experiencing a safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris, to riding on top of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, or exploring the Maharajah Jungle Trek, we can’t get enough of Animal Kingdom.
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I would put in more shade, more seating, keep it open at night more, create more availability for the Starlight Safari (I know that’s AKL, but as long as we’re wishing), bring a show back where Rivers of Light used to be (maybe Rivers of LIght!), and I would keep SOME of the dino stuff. I’d keep Restaurantosaurus, and some of the other things, especially Chip and Dale in those dino costumes – TOO CUTE! And I would outlaw the removal of Mango Pie from Y&Y/Y&Y Cafe menus ever again. Thank you. 🙂
I totally agree with you with your frustration about the park closing early.
My family and I have been going to WDW for about 17 years and we have been fortunate enough to have seen and experienced the beauty or Pandora at night.
It is absolutely breath taken and gorgeous.
I have asked various cast members why we are now deprived of seeing the beauty that is Pandora.
There is no clear-cut reason for this question.
It is at the point now that I am seriously reconsidering our yearly trip to WDW all because of Animal Kingdom’s hours.
I for one think the park should close early for the sake of the animals well being!
Disney is replacing everything that doesn’t have merchandise/IP associated with it. It it can’t be squeezed for another nickel, it’s days are numbered.
Main Street is safe because it’s been turned into one giant store.
I imagine autotopia will go at some time unless it gets a “cars” re theme.
Dinoland was the most cringey thing at DAK hands down. It was a reminder of the disasterous Paul Pressler era of cheap off the shelf attractions at Disney parks.