Where can you bond with bugs, dodge dinosaurs and raft through a rainforest in just one day? Only at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, where a world class collection of animals meets sensational rides and live entertainment to create a theme park like no other. Since 1998, Animal Kingdom has been entertaining and educating its guests by showing them how creatures live all around the world. Just about everyone who visits gains a new appreciation for the wildlife that enriches our planet – and has a rollicking good time with the animals along the way.
Over 1700 animals are represented in the 500 acre theme park. To see as many of them as you can, consult a map and plan your route before starting out. All over the park, Disney has taken every effort to make wildlife exhibits resemble their real-life counterparts as closely as possible. More than four million plants and trees were planted to make the animals feel at home.
Your Animal Kingdom experience begins in the Oasis, where you're greeted by lush tropical plants and trees, a rushing waterfall and bright pink flamingos. From here, you'll move onto Discovery Island and the towering Tree of Life, Animal Kingdom's icon. Africa , Asia , Camp Minnie Mickey and Dinoland U.S.A. radiate out from the Tree of Life, a mass of limbs and leaves that houses over 300 animals. The tree plays host to one of the theme park's most popular attractions, a 3D show featuring the stars of Disney's hit movie “A Bug's Life” entitled “It's Tough to be a Bug.” Seated in the tree's theater and wearing special “bug glasses,” you'll experience the day in the life of an insect. Some of the show's effects are pure Disney magic, like the giant spiders that like to descend over audience members' heads.
One of Animal Kingdom's biggest attractions is the Kilimanjaro Safari, located in the heart of Africa . Hop onboard an open-sided safari truck, strap on your binoculars and get ready for one of the most awe-inspiring expeditions you'll ever embark on. A tour guide leads the way through the 100 acre nature reserve, pointing out members of almost three dozen different species of animals. No where else in America can you watch creatures as diverse as giraffes, baboons, antelopes and lions roam in their natural habitats. Make the Safari either your first destination in the theme park or one of your last – the animals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Short of journeying down a river deep in Nepal 's countryside, Animal Kingdom's Kali River Rapids is one of the most exciting and exotic rafting experiences you can have. Located in Asia , Kali River Rapids combines the beauty of South-Asian jungles with the thrills of Disney theme park rides. The Chakranadi River (or, “river in a circle”) and its surroundings are breathtaking. Ruins of ancient prayer shrines dot the landscape leading up to the river and fragrant flowers perfume the air along the riverbank. Take care to notice these details before your raft reaches turbulent waters; the rapids will command your full attention once you meet them. Forget about staying dry on this ride – once you hit the waterfalls, you're bound to get soaked. On a hot and sunny day, head to the River Rapids late in the afternoon, when a blast of water will really hit the spot.
Children will want to visit Camp Minnie Mickey, where they can hang out with their favorite Disney characters at an Adirondack-style fishing lake. The live show “Pocahontas and her Forest Friends” is one of the highlights of Camp Minnie Mickey. In it, the Indian princess discovers how important it is to love and protect the world's forests. Animals also play a part in the show, with live skunks, snakes and rabbits interacting with Pocahontas on stage. TriceraTop Spin, located in Dinoland U.S.A. , is another favorite among youngsters. Riders get to fly in their own Triceratop as they watch dinosaurs, comets and meteors soar by. Older guests will want to check out Dinoland's Dinosaur, a thrilling ride that looks at what it may have been like to live in the world of the ancient beasts. 12-person Time Rovers turn back the clocks and rocket you through a primeval forest where animatronic dinosaurs flash their teeth and stomp their feet at intruders. For anyone who ever wished they had known a brontosaurus or T-Rex, Dinosaur is a must-see.
Animal Kingdom's dining options are as exciting as the rest of the park's attractions. Many eateries feature ethnic foods that complement their exotic surroundings. Carts scattered all over Asia dole out spicy-sweet skewers of chicken satay and creamy frozen drinks. Africa 's Harambe Fruit Market features specialty fruits and juices. Those who want to stick with familiar foods have plenty of places to grab a bite. Also in Africa , the Tusker House Restaurant features sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Dinoland U.S.A. 's aptly named Restaurantosaurus features hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries. For some quick refreshments, visit one of the stands selling cool drinks and bagged snacks located throughout the park.
A visit to Animal Kingdom is a visit to a premier zoo and a first class amusement park. To give the animals ample time to rest, Disney sometimes closes the park early in the evening; consult a calendar to make sure you'll have enough time to see everything. If Animal Kingdom is at the top of your list, stay at the Grosvenor Resort , Royal Plaza Walt Disney Hotel or the Radisson Resort Parkway – all are within a short drive of the park. There's no doubt you'll want to take home a stuffed creature or two to remember your Animal Kingdom visit. Make a stop at Discovery Island 's bazaar before you leave – in its collection of plush animals, exotic jewelry, colorful t-shirts and handmade tapestries, you're sure to find something to remind you of the one-of-a-kind park for years to come. |
