What Park Is More "Must-Do," DHS or AK?

Do I really have to skip one?

I think ToT and RNRC just beat EE.

I agree with this, however I think that the theme of DHS is kind of bland while the theme of AK is excellent. I'd probably still skip AK, but it would be a close call. You also have TSM in DHS though.

Forgot about TSM (but then I've not ridden it). That would be another reason for picking DHS.

DHS is really becoming quite the strong park with the addition of TSMM. I do feel like AK is lagging in rides. I'd almost flip a coin on skipping one though. DHS doesn't feel nearly as magical to me. Like Brad said, in my opinion AK is a better themed park. You can have much more fun just walking around in AK than in DHS. Still the ride advantage is hard to overcome. When Dinosaur is one of your premiere rides, you know you probably need a new ride or two.

I think a few years ago I'd have picked AK hands down, but now that we don't care that much about the safari or the stage shows (!!!), I'd pick DHS. RnRC, Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Mania just cinch the deal for me.

I've actually given this serious thought. (I know, shocking...)
For me, I'd skip DHS before I'd skip AK. The only thing I would feel bad about missing at DHS is RNR. And I love the atmosphere of AK, the animals, etc.

I think I would skip DHS and visit AK as well. I do love rnr, tot, and tsmm, but I think AK has a more Disney magic-like atmosphere.

I think this might depend on if I'm going alone vs a group of people who've never been before. Alone, I'd go to AK and skip DHS. The atmosphere there is just so enchanting, and I'd spend the day going out to Rafiki's Planet Watch, seeing the shows, and shopping

If I were with a group of never-been folks, I'd be hard pressed to choose AK over DHS. DHS is more "theme-park"ish and has more rides that will appeal to everyone.

Boy, that is a really though one. Initially I was thinking I'd skip DHS since I love the atmosphere at AK and though it is a somewhat lacking in the ride department I really enjoy what is there. That said, there is NO WAY I could have a WDW trip without ToT. That is one of my favorite rides anywhere, ever, period. Before you even board the elevator, ToT is an incredible ride. The theming and story are among the best you'll find (lots of back story and hidden magic too). RnR and TSMM are just super deliciously awesome icing for me.

Of course if we're going by ride standards, does that mean we should skip Epcot?

I personally think that AK is the 7th circle of hell heat wise..I dont mind going if its during "winter" its not nearly as HOT...I can and have gone on a trip and skipped AK...but I can not skip ToT or RnR!!

Ack, I don't think I could choose.
Okay, I probably could but I wouldn't like it.

I'm a TOT freak. I don't think it would be possible for me to go to WDW and skip a ride on ToT. Thank goodness for parkhoppers!

If I am short on time or if the weather isn't cooperating I have been known to skip Animal Kingdom. I do enjoy the atmosphere and shows, but if it is hot it goes by the wayside.

Hands down I'd skip AK. ToT is my favorite ride, and I love the atmosphere in DHS. I would miss EE and Finding Nemo, but I couldn't go to WDW and not ride ToT.

You know you're a Disney geek if you understood that!

For us it's DHS. We love ToT. It's our favorite ride in the parks. Plus I just love the atmosphere there. We haven't skipped DHS in years.

I've gotta say that I would not go to disney and miss either park but if I HAD to choose it would be DHS that I would skip. Animal Kingdom is something I could not miss out on. The tree of life is so amazing. Disney did something amazing when they made that park, Plus I can always go on rides else where.

Really interesting how there's a difference of opinion here! Seems like it's ride-lovers vs. atmosphere-lovers! I'm both (as most of us are), but right now I think I'd pick AK. DHS has great rides, but I'll admit I'm getting a little RnR'd out!

Like most here, I would not want to skip either one. If I had to pick just one to go to it would probably be DHS. I would skip AK. Or at least I think I would. Wait, maybe not. Geez, good thing I do not have to choose.

I think DHS gets an unfair advantage like you said cdub. They have gotten TSMM recently while AK hasn't gotten anything new that I can remember in a while. Am I forgetting something?