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Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

simpleprocedures1 | May 3, 2010 |

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Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, and opened on April 22, 1998, and is the fourth park to open at Walt Disney World. The parks main focus is on animals, along with the education, need, and understanding for animal conservation. Animal Kingdom is the largest of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, encompassing some 500+ acres, at a cost over $1 billion dollars to construct.

Walt Disney World makes it a point to ensure guests that Animal Kingdom is more than just about animals, and stresses that point even more by stating that the park is "not a zoo", but rather an educational and family friendly fun theme park intertwined with animals. The park is home to more than 1,700 animals from some 250 species.

Attractions

Animal Kingdom is comprised of 7 themed lands, each with a focus on the different animal species
throughout the world, from dinosaurs to lions, and everything in between. The 7 themed lands are:

Oasis

As soon as you enter into Animal Kingdom you are immediately placed in your first themed land, which is Oasis. Oasis features various animals, from birds to anteaters located near the entrance. There is also guest services available, as well as dining and shopping available.

Discovery Island

When you leave Oasis you will walk across a wide walkway that will lead you into the center of Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island. Discovery Island consists of the famous Tree of Life, with over 300 animals carved into it. Located at the base of the Tree of Life is the 3-D animated film It's Tough to be a Bug!, that lasts around 8 minutes. There are several viewing points in which to witness animals, as well as plenty of dining and shopping venues available.

Africa

Africa includes a fictional African village that includes several animal exhibits, as well as the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, that takes guests on an expedition tour of the African plains to witness several animals roam freely in their everyday habitat, from giraffes to lions, and hippos to elephants. There is also an area where visitors get to trek through the forest to see gorillas, and other animals. There is plenty of dining and shopping available as well.

Camp Minnie-Mickey

Camp Minnie-Mickey includes a huge area for children to play in, as well as the wonderful Festival of the Lion King stage show. Several Disney characters appear throughout the day, and there is plenty of dining and shopping venues available as well.

Asia

Asia includes the exciting Flights of Wonder live bird show that features an American Bald Eagle,
as well as several other wonderful birds, and the show lasts about 25 minutes, and there is the
Maharajah Jungle Trek that guests walk through to see various animal species, from komoo dragons
to bats. There is also the Kali River Rapids ride that places guests on a large raft as it goes through the Asian rainforest. Be warned though, as you will probably get wet, but is great on a nice warm day. And last, but not least, is the ever exciting Expedition Everest roller coaster ride. There is plenty of dining and shopping, and occasional Disney characters appear throughout the day.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Rafiki's Planet Watch includes the Wildlife Express Train that travels over a mile, and gives a guests
a chance to view several species of animals and relax. Guests can also view other animal species, and the great Conservation Station, which talks about the Walt Disney Company and their efforts in animal conservation. As well as you have Affection Section where adults and kids can pet animals, from goats to sheep, and a whole lot more. There is plenty of dining and shopping available as well.

DinoLand U.S.A

DinoLand U.S.A includes many exciting and interesting facts about dinosaurs, from the Dino Institute, Dinosaur the thrill ride, the very large Boneyard, where children can play, and Tricera Top Spin, Finding Nemo-The Musical, and a spinning roller coaster called Primeval Whirl. There is plenty of dining, games, and shopping, as well as occasional Disney characters appear throughout the day.

While Animal Kingdom is far different than the other theme parks at Walt Disney World, it does offer a chance for guests to experience not only animals, but become educated on what people can do to help preserve and protect endangered species, and have a ton of fun along the way the whole family will sure to enjoy.