Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Guide
Disney World Animal Kingdom Tips Page.
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF ANIMAL KINGDOM.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
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Tree of Life  |
Animal Kingdom, a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a wildlife discovery park, organized in a Magic Kingdom-like format, with different continents revolving around the central Tree of Life. It's a mix between a zoo and a theme park. Naturalistic animal exhibitions are interspersed, and sometimes integrated, with typical Disney rides. Among these are a jeep safari past live animal enclosures, a raft ride through the deforestation of a tropical rainforest, a time travel ride which includes close encounters with dinosaurs and the newest ride, "Expedition Everest", which is a roller coaster ride and includes an encounter with the Yeti. While light on rides, there are also shows and plenty of animals to view (though the variety of species seems a bit sparse when compared to many larger city zoos). Animal Kingdom is more of a kid friendly theme park with many animals that would attract the attention of younger generations as well as Camp Minnie-Mickey, a special space for youngsters where they can meet all of their favorite characters.
Note: Under AZA animal safety policy, Animal Kingdom's restaurants do not provide lids for drinks. However, paper straws are now available. Also note that under that same policy, balloons are not sold in Animal Kingdom and may not be brought in from the other three parks.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the central hub of Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life is located here.
- It's Tough to be a Bug! - Interactive 3-D show featuring Flik and the other characters from a bug's life.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Festival of the Lion King - Acrobatic theatre-in-the-round featuring Simba, Timon, and Puumba.
Africa
- Kilimanjaro Safari - A safari jeep ride through the African plains, featuring vast assortment of wildlife. Great for photos.
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - A walk-through area near the exit of the Kilimanjaro Safari. Great if you missed something on the Safari.
- Wildlife Express - Train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Rafiki's Planet Watch is accessible only via the Wildlife Express train from Africa. This is an interactive learning center documenting wildlife conservation efforts around the world. Best of all, it includes a petting zoo.
Asia
- Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain - High-speed roller coaster on Everest with an encounter with a 25 foot Yeti.
- Flights of Wonder - See exotic birds up close.
- Kali River Rapids - Water-tire ride through a tropical forest; you may get soaked!
- Maharajah Jungle Trek - Walk-through of Asian wildlife featuring Bengal tigers.
Dino Land USA
- Dinosaur - A race against time to escape the asteroid impact that destroyed the dinosaurs!
- Finding Nemo: The Musical - Acrobatics and puppetry, giving a feeling of being underwater.
- Primeval Whirl
- Triceratop Spin
Parkwide
- Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade - Celebrates the animal spirit that is the reason for Animal Kingdom.
Unlike the other parks, Animal Kingdom usually closes at 5:00 PM. Likewise, there is no evening entertainment such as a fireworks show.
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