Disney's Animal KingdomDisney Animal Kingdom, home of Kilimanjaro Safari, is Walt Disney World's newest and biggest theme park. Wow. Hey Uncle Walt, the boys (yes, and girls) are doing pretty good. You can see animals from around the world without even leaving Florida. The rides and attractions here are great, but the stars of this vacation paradise are the animals. Yes, I did say this is the biggest of the parks. It's true in terms of acres. The safari itself is the size of The Magic Kingdom. There is a lot of walking to be done here, so wear comfortable shoes. Read what other travelers have to say about Animal Kingdom at TripAdvisor
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 trip to Orlando Florida and the Walt Disney World Resort. Let's check it out -
The OasisThe 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 MickeyThe Camp Minnie Mickey area of the Disney World 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.
Dinoland USATake 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 & Hester's Dino-Rama midway area. It's a blast. The little ones will love The Boneyard.
Discovery IslandDiscovery Island is the center of Disney'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!
AfricaTake 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 up close 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.
Rafiki's Planet WatchRafiki'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.
AsiaCome 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).
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 -
Park HoursThe park hours differ from month to month. Basically the park opens at 9:00 and closes at 5:00. (Yes, the animals are all practicing to be bankers.) Check them out. Dad's Animal Kingdom Hours pageDiningThis park doesn't have a lot of dining options. For most of the year, the park closes at 5:00, so dinner isn't a big meal. (Dad and the family plan our 'Ohana dinner on Animal Kingdom day.) Over the last couple of years, Disney has been adding dining options to the parks menus. Check out some of the offerings.
Christmas timeDisney World makes Christmas time special. Even at Animal Kingdom there are lots of special touches that celebrate the holidays. One of the most imagative is Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade. It takes the afternoon parade and turns it into a African celebration of Christmas. Dad's Christmas at Disney World pageDad's Bottom LineDisney'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 Disney World 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 Parks page
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