Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a totally unique Disney World theme park. A wild adventure that roars with excitement, the Animal Kingdom is an animal lover's paradise. With 1500 animals spread out over the 500-acre park, lots of exciting rides, and fun and entertaining shows, no trip to Disney World is complete without a jaunt over to the Animal Kingdom.

The park is divided into six "lands", five of which are arranged around the The Tree of Life, the centerpiece and icon that rises over the first "lands", Discovery Island which is located in the centre of the park and is linked to the othe rlands by bridges.

Things to See and Do

The park is made up of several themed areas that contain a variety of exhibits, rides, and activities. Read about some of the highlights below. But first you may wish to explore the interactive map below - click an area.

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Posted youTube: March 20, 2009

Oasis

Make the transition from the real world into the Animal Kingdom in this zoo-like entrance. Along with providing various guest services, the Oasis features a number of animal habitats. Guests can encounter rhinoceros iguanas, spoonbills, wallabies, and giant anteaters, among others, as they stroll through the lush, tropical gardens. The main paths lead deeper into the park, and onto Discovery Island.

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Posted youTube: March 20, 2009

Discovery Island

Discovery Island is the central hub of Disney's Animal Kingdom. It connects to all of the other sections of the park, except Rafiki's Planet Watch. The Tree of Life (standing at 14 stories tall) is located here, and is surrounded by animal enclosures showcasing kangaroos, black crowned cranes, lemurs, and others.

It's Tough to be a Bug! - Located inside the tree of life, this 3-D show is a can't miss. Modeled on the Disney/Pixar animated movie A Bug's Life, special film and theater effects spray you with "poison," zap you with a swatter, and even poke you with a stinger. It's all in good fun, and the surprise ending will be a treat for kids and adults alike.

Discovery Island Trails - Explore the world of small exotic animals around the base of the Tree of Life. Go early in the morning and enjoy a quiet walk where you might be lucky enough to spot red kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, and woolynecked storks, among others.

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Posted youTube: March 20, 2009

Camp Minnie-Mickey

This Adirondack-style land is the setting for live performances at the Lion King Theater, as well as meet-and-greet trails where Disney characters gather for picture taking and autographs.

Meet and Greet Trails - These greeting trails give little ones the opportunity to meet their favorite characters, get autographs and take pictures. This character greeting area is the most organized of all the parks.

Festival of the Lion King - Featuring music from The Lion King, guests are entertained by acrobats (dressed as monkeys), men on stilts and dancers, in this tribal celebration of song and dance. Characters from the movie are atop huge floats and watch the show with guests.

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Posted youTube: August 30, 2007

Africa

Set in the fictional east African village of Harambe, this area contains a number of animal exhibits, and spectacular African architecture. This largest of the Animal Kingdom lands is an area of forests and grasslands, predominantly an enclave for African wildlife.

Kilimanjaro Safaris - Guests climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle for an expedition to see numerous African animals (giraffes, hippos, elephants, and lions, just to name a few) freely roam through acres of savanna. Some of the animals will even come very close to the vehicle. The tour guide relates information about the many animals as you wind through the recreated African landscape.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - Meander through the tropical paths at your own pace and be on the lookout for meercats, gorillas, colobus monkeys and naked mole rats. More than just a nature walk, there are research buildings, aviaries, and underwater viewing areas.

Rafiki's Planet Watch - Take a short train ride to Conservation Station; a special area of the kingdom that focuses on the environment, conservation, and animal well-being. Take the kids and teach them about the importance of proper animal care. There's also a petting zoo where kids can visit with goats, sheep and other domesticated animals.

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Posted youTube: March 19, 2009

Asia

Meant to resemble a rural village somewhere in Asia, this land is full of remarkable rainforest scenery and ruins. Groupings of trees grow from a crumbling tiger shrine and two huge towers, one representing Thailand, the other Nepal. The towers are the habitat for two families of gibbons, whose hooting fills the air all day long.

Kali River Rapids - A thrilling raft trip along the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River. It begins as a peaceful journey until guests come upon illegal loggers. Be warned: you will probably get wet, possibly very wet on this ride, especially going down the 30 ft. waterfall.

Expedition Everest - This wild roller coaster takes visitors on a trek through the Himalayas in a rebuilt steam train to reach the base camp at Mount Everest. The route uses a shortcut through the "forbidden mountain" thought to be protected by the fabled Yeti. Upon encountering this audio-animatronics Yeti, the steam train descends the mountain backwards. A perilous journey indeed.

Flights of Wonder - This live bird show is more than just entertainment; it has at its core a very important message about conservation. In the show, a researcher educates a tour guide with a fear of birds about natural bird behaviors and the effects of habitat loss on several species of bird.

Maharaja Jungle Trek - Wander through the ancient ruins of India and see tigers, bats, komodo dragons, gibbons and more on this self-guided walking tour. Don't forget to admire the architecture as you stroll through.

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Posted youTube: March 14, 2008

DinoLand U.S.A.

DinoLand is a tribute to dinosaurs, both real and imagined. Just as it sounds, this is the place to come in contact with re-created prehistoric creatures, including the fear-inspiring carnotaurus and the gentle iguanodon. The landscaping includes live plants that have evolved over millions of years.

Boneyard - Youngsters can slide, dig, bounce, and stomp around this archaeological dig site/playground. In addition to a huge sand pit where children can dig for mammoth bones, there are twisting slides, climbing nets, caves, and a jeep to climb on.

Dinosaur - This ride was formerly known as Countdown to Extinction. Guests have been asked by a scientist from the Dino Institute to perform a special mission on this intense thrill ride. He's hacked into the time travel computer system and asked travelers to bring back an iguanodon. The only problem is they must make it out before a meteor hits the earth. (This ride can be a bit intense for youngsters.)

Finding Nemo - Using as a foundation the story of the animated film, Finding Nemo, Disney staff collaborated with several Broadway talents to produce this richly staged musical full of special effects and elaborate puppets, and acted by talented performers, dancers, and acrobats.

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Posted youTube: August 13, 2007

Tips for Getting Around

• The best rides and treks (Kilimanjaro Safari, Exploration Everest, Kali River Rapids) have long lineups, so make use of Fast Passes. Simply slip your Park Pass into the Fast Pass machine at the entrance to the ride to receive an assigned return time. While you wait, enjoy the rest of the park while Disney's Fast Pass saves your place in line. During this time visit the less popular attractions that don't have the same long lineups.
• Most people agree that the Kilimanjaro Safaris are best visited early or late in the day. The animals tend to sleep during the hotter hours. Consider getting a Fast Pass and then visiting the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail next door. By the time you are finished, your Fast Pass will be ready for the Safari.
• Check the tip board on Discovery Island throughout the day for the current wait times for the most popular attractions at the Park.
• As the Florida weather is hot, try to visit the air-conditioned shows during the brutal 12:00pm - 2:00pm time zone.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom opens early. Unlike the other Disney theme parks, which usually open at 9:00AM, this park opens at 8:00AM. This allows visitors to maximize the amount of daylight available since the park closes at dark. (The park may close as early as 6:00PM during some non-peak times of the year.)
• Check the Animal Kingdom Theme Park Times Guide for show times and park hours.
• Remember to bring your camera, but don't worry: if you forget, cameras, film and batteries are available for purchase in the Park.
• The Animal Kingdom is made up of a lot of walking paths and trails. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Don't forget to bring your autograph book to Camp Minnie-Mickey where you can find your favorite characters. (Also bring a Sharpie marker, which is easier for the characters to use for signing autographs.)
• Measure your child's height before you arrive at the Park so you know which attractions he or she is able to ride. All height requirements are listed on the Disney web site.
• When visiting the Animal Kingdom, decide on which section you will visit first. Once you get to the chosen section, stay there until you have completed everything you want to do in that particular area. One subdivision at the time inside Disney World's Animal Kingdom is the trick.

See also International Drive | The Magic Kingdom | Disney's Hollywood Studios | EPCOT Center | The Rest of Walt Disney World | Islands of Adventure® | Universal Studios® | SeaWorld® Orlando | Discovery Cove® Orlando | Gatorland | Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga

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