Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom is Walt Disney World's newest and biggest theme park. Wow. Hey Uncle Walt, the boys (yes, and girls) are doing pretty good.

A Zoo or a Theme Park?

Dad's not an expert on zoos, but this has to be one of the top zoos in the country. Yeah, other zoos have rides and other theme parks have animals, but, none have the great balance that Uncle Walt's boys have created here.

The Animal Kingdom is a thrilling, amazing, beautiful vacation destination. You can see animals in their natural habitat and get a feel for some of the challenges that the planet faces. All in one tiny Disney World trip.

Let's check it out -

The Oasis

The Oasis is the entrance area to the park. All of the other Disney World parks have shops right inside the gate. Not here. The Oasis is a buffer between the outside world and the animals on the inside. It's a great way to begin.

In the Oasis there are some animals that roam free and a couple of animal exhibits. You can also eat at the Rainforest Cafe.

Camp Minnie Mickey

The Camp Minnie Mickey area of the Animal Kingdom is full of places to get autographs from Disney characters and see a really top-notched show.

The Festival of the Lion King is shown here several times a day. It's a live musical presentation taken from the movie and the Broadway play.

Attractions -

• Festival of the LIon King - Sing and dance with Simba and the gang.

Dinoland USA

Take a trip back in time to the period when Dinosaurs roamed the earth. You can travel back in time on the aptly named DINOSAUR.

Nemo also makes a big splash several times a day in his off Broadway home. This live musical show is taken from the movie and is preformed with big puppets.

For a great time check out Chester & Hesters midway area. It's a blast. The little ones will love The Boneyard.

Attractions -

• DINOSAUR - take a trip back in time to retrieve an authentic dinosaur.
• Finding Nemo - The Musical - See a Magical presentation taken from the original stage show.
• The Boneyard - A play area for the small ones built around dinosaur fossils.
• Fossil Fun Games - Carnival games fun for all ages.
• Primeval Whirl - A spinning roller coaster.
• TriceraTop Spin - An outdoor flying adventure. It spins real fast.

Discovery Island

Discovery Island is the center of Disney World's Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life dominates the whole island. This is the central hub of the park. Food, and shopping are everywhere, what's that I smell?

It's Tough to be a Bug! is the main attraction. You get to be an honorary bug for a day. Whopeee!

Attractions -

• It's Tough to be a Bug! - A 3-D show (yes, you have to put on your "bug" glasses) about life as a bug.
• Discovery Island Trails - Around the Tree of Life you will find several exhibits of different animals.

Africa

Take a trip to the village of Harambe. This is Disney's reproduction of an African village. It's also the main reason to visit the park. In Africa you will find Kilimanjaro Safaris, and roam the African country side. (Most guests return safely.) Along the way you'll see giraffe's, lions, elephants, and lots of other safari animals. The story is a little hokey, but you get an upclose view of the animals.

Harambe is also home of Tusker House restaurant. A buffet that serves food with an African touch. You can also have breakfast with Donald, yes Duck, who did you think I meant? Trump? Yeah, right.

Attractions -

• Kilimanjaro Safaris - This is the main attraction in Animal Kingdom. Explore Africa, complete with live animals, on a Safari ride through the savanna.
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - A walking tour where you'll see birds, fish, gorillas and hippos.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Rafiki's Planet Watch is the "green" section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. You can actually see animals being cared for and there is a petting area for the kids. To get to Conservation Station you must board the Wildlife Express Train for a short journey into the outer areas of the park.

Attractions

• Habitat Habit - Exhibits that talking about sharing the planet with animals.
• Conservation Station - See how animals are trained, fed and cared for.
• Affection Section - A petting area for children.
• Wildlife Express Train - The only way to get to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Asia

Come to the Kingdom of Anandapur (place of delight) home of the Marahajah's Palace. The Palace is crumbling and inhabited by tigers and other creatures. The ruins are typically Disney and are very detailed and realistic.

Asia is also home of the worlds tallest mountains, and it's also home to Walt Disney World's tallest mountain, Expedition Everest. This is a thrilling experience. Reading the exhibits in the line could take hours (and sometimes you have hours to read them).

Expedition Everest in Disney World's Animal Kingdom - Joe Penniston

Also in Asia, you can take a ride on the rapids. Along the way you can see the what effect clear cutting has on the tropical rain forest. Kali River Rapids is a great ride for a hot summer day.

Attractions -

• Flights of Wonder - Watch as the most majestic creatures preform wonderous feats.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek - See tigers and bats and other animals in this walkthrough adventure.
• Kali River Rapids - Take a trip down the raging rainforest river. Caution, you will get wet.
• Expedition Everest - Disney's newest roller coaster is a thrilling trip into the land of the Yeti.

Dad's Bottom Line

Disney's Animal Kingdom is growing into a great theme park or the best zoo on the planet, I'm still not sure which. What ever it is it's a great place to spend a day.

For years, Disney guests have complained (yes, Disney guests complain) that the Animal Kingdom was just a half-day park. And for the most part that was true. But now. with the addition of Expedition Everest it's become more than just a half day park. Depending on the crowds, it could take a full day.

There are some great things in Animal Kingdom. The Safari is absolutely not to be missed. Where else can take a trip around the World, see exotic animals, and see the culture of parts of the globe that are far away, all without leaving Florida? What a concept.

Dad's Disney World Homepage

Dad's Guide to WDW

Table of Contents

Dad's Disney World Home Page - The center of the Dad's Guide Universe. This is where it all starts. Come on over and check it out.

Disney World Hotels - Walt Disney World is home to some of the most beautifully themed hotels in the world. (Disney calls their hotels resorts.) There are more than 20 magically themed Disney Resorts at Walt Disney World. All of them are well designed, well maintained, clean, and a great place to sleep at night.

Disney World Restaurants - The restaurants at are as much a part of the whole "Disney" experience as the Resorts. It's amazing to see fast food restaurants that are themed to match the area that they are in. There are some amazing restaurants in the parks, in the hotels, and even at Downtown Disney. Come on in and check out Dad's favorites.

Theme Parks - Walt Disney World Parks are the main reason to visit. These are the most attended theme parks in the world. They have some of the best entertainment on the planet. The four theme parks produce some of the most imaginative family entertainment you will find anywhere. There are also 2 of the most innovative water parks in the world. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Disney World Hours - It's important to know when the parks open and when the close. It's also good to know when the parades and shows happen. Dad'll help. Dad has monthly calendars that show the hours each park is open.

Disney World Tickets - Dad is an expert on Disney World Tickets. (Someone needs to be.) Disney has numerous ticket options some of which are very confusing. Let Dad help you sort out the best ticket option for your magical vacation.

Disney World Crowds - Crowds can turn the best dreams into nightmares. Dad has created guides to help you deal with crowds at Walt Disney World. You'll find calendars that will let you know when the crowds will be at the parks, and tons of information on how to avoid crowds.

Walt Disney World Videos - A picture is worth... Yeah, right, show me the video any day. Dad has gathered several videos about the parks, the hotels and much more. Come on over and check them out.

Disney World Special Events - The one thing that sets Disney World apart from all the other theme parks is their special events. Walt Disney World is almost always having a special event. Find out about the FREE concerts, the special shows, and all the events that Disney schedules throughout the year.

Christmas at Disney World - Christmas is a very special time of year. It's a time when everyone is dreaming of something. Disney knows how to put on a show, and they put on some of their best at Christmas time. Let the dreams begin.

Dad's Disney World Stories and Tips - Do you need to know how to get reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table? Dad knows. Are you looking for acronyms that everyone is using? Check out Dad, he knows. Dad knows lots of stuff, and shares it with you through his Stories and Tips page. Come on over and check it out.

Making Disney World Reservations - Making travel reservations for a dream Disney World vacation is hard work. Dad has some tools that will help. Come and check them out. They will save you money.

Information about other destinations - Check out Dad's Travel Friends. (Sorry Uncle Walt) There are other places you might want to vacation. Dad wants to give you some information on these places. These are links to some sites that Dad enjoys and thinks you will too.

Discount Theme Park Tickets - There is more to Orlando than Disney. See where to get tickets to those other Theme Parks and attractions.