Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
A Brief Overview of the Orlando Family Vacation Destination
Nov 13, 2009
Disney's Animal Kingdom is a completely unique Disney World theme park. While it still has the trademark Disney fun, creativity, cleanliness, and organization, it is distinctly different from the other parks. With 1500 animals spread out over 500 acres, lots of exciting rides, and tons of entertaining shows, it's a can't-miss adventure for anyone visiting the Orlando area.
The park is made up of several themed areas that contain a variety of exhibits, rides, and activities. Here are some of the highlights.
Oasis in the Animal Kingdom
As visitors enter the gates they'll make the transition from the real world into the Animal Kingdom in this zoo-like entrance. Along with the usual guest services, the Oasis features several animal habitats. Guests might find themselves face-to-face with rhinoceros iguanas, spoonbills, wallabies, and giant anteaters, as they stroll through the lush, tropical gardens. The main paths lead further into the park, and onto Discovery Island. Only in Disney World is the entrance as exciting as the rest of the park.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the central hub of Disney's Animal Kingdom. It connects to all of the other areas of the park, except Rafiki's Planet Watch. The 14-story tree of life is located here, and is surrounded by animal enclosures.
Two of the most popular attractions are It's Tough to be a Bug and the Discovery Island Trails. It's Tough to be a Bug is a 3-D show located inside the tree of life. Special film and theater effects spray visitors with "poison," zap them with swatters, and even pokes them with stingers. It's all in good fun, and the surprise ending will be a treat for kids and adults alike. The Discovery Island Trails exist around the base of the tree of life and are full of wildlife such as red kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, woolynecked storks and more.
Asia According to Disney
Meant to resemble a rural village in Asia, this land is full of remarkable rainforest scenery and ruins. Groups of trees grow from a crumbling tiger shrine and two huge towers representing Thailand and Nepal. The towers are the habitat for families of gibbons, who hoot and holler all day long.
Some of the most popular attractions here are Expedition Everest, a wild roller coaster that even goes backwards at times, Kali River Rapids, a thrilling ride through the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River, and the Maharaja Jungle Trek, a self-guided walking tour through the ancient ruins of India.
Disney's Version of Africa
Set in the fictional east African village of Harambe, this area contains a number of animal exhibits, and amazing African architecture.
In the Kilimanjaro Safaris guests climb aboard open-sided safari vehicles for an expedition to see all sorts of African animals (giraffes, hippos, elephants, and lions, just to name a few). Some of the animals will even come very close to the vehicle. Afterwards guests can meander through the tropical paths in the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. 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.
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. The meet and greet trails are great for kids who want to meet their favorite characters and take pictures. Parents will love how organized they are. The Festival of the Lion King is a treat for every member of the family. It features music from the popular musical and is full of acrobats, men on stilts, tribal celebrations, and more.
DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand is a tribute to dinosaurs. Just as it sounds, this is the place to come in contact with re-created prehistoric creatures, including the frightening carnotaurus and the gentle iguanodon. The landscaping includes live plants that have evolved over millions of years.
The Dinosaur roller coaster is here and it's an intense ride that adults and older kids will love (it might be a bit much for youngsters). For a lighter attraction check out Finding Nemo, a richly staged musical full of special effects and elaborate puppets. Or if the little ones have excess energy a trip to the Boneyard playground might be in order.
Make life easier and even more enjoyable by staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It takes only minutes to get to the park by Disney shuttle, leaving the most possible time to enjoy the fun and frivolity of Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's sure to make for a vacation that no family member will soon forget.
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