Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998. It is the largest
Disney theme park in the world, covering more than 500 acres.
The park is made up of seven themed lands.
Oasis
Once you enter the park, you must walk through this area as it is the "gateway"
to other lands in the park. There is a Rainforest Cafe is situated at the
entrance of the Oasis.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the main land in the park and is home for the The Tree of
Life. It is the centre island of the park and has paths leading off
to the six other lands.
It's Tough to be a Bug - Built at the base of The Tree of Life,
you can see what life is like as a bug as Flik from "A Bug's Life" shows
a 3-D Film about bugs. It is similar to "Honey I shrunk the Audience"
in Epcot.
Camp Minnie Mickey
This land has two shows and four character greeting
spots where Guests can meet all the Disney Characters and others on a regular basis.
Great for photo opportunities and autographs.
The Shows are: Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends - A children's
show with live animals based on the film Pocahontas.
Festival of the Lion King - A fast paced musical with songs and
characters from the popular film.
Africa
The Attractions are: Kilimanjaro Safaris - Where
you climb aboard your open sided safari vehicle for an exciting journey. Animals
from Africa freely roam through acres of savanna, rivers and undulating hills. Watch
out for giraffes, rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos and you may even see the odd
poacher too! It is quite a bumpy ride as you ride the trail and it it is an art
itself to hold your camera steady whilst on the move. The driver does stop frequently
to allow photo opportunities.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - Here you trek into the lush
forest in search of gorillas! Enjoy a walk at one with with nature thrugh an African
valley filled with birds, Nile hippos and fish. there is also an an underwater hippo
viewing area, a savanna overlook, where you can watch the Meercats in their own
environment and have a close encounter with gorillas.
Rafiki's Planet Watch
This used to be known as Conservation Station and you can still only get there by
train, it contains a petting zoo with domesticated goats and other small animals
and demonstrates conservation efforts. The veterinary hospital's viewing window
allows guests to watch medical treatments conducted by the vets.
Wildlife Express Train - Here you can ride on this authentic African
train that trundles through the savanna for a behind the scenes journey through
several animal housing areas of Animal Kingdom. It takes around 5 minutes five and
your guided train ride takes you to the park's conservation centre. Nice to have
a relaxing train ride to take a break from walking.
Asia
Some of the Attractions are: Flights of Wonder - Enter the Caravan
Stage and join a trainee bird handler and a unpredictable tour guide who end up
teaching each other about the frail state of nature. There are many types of birds
to see close up such as vultures, hawks, macaws, and the American Bald Eagle.
Kali River Rapids - Race down the bubbling, turbulent waters of
the Chakranadi River aboard your own 12-passenger raft travelling through an enchanting
Asian rain forest. Watch out for the gushing geysers! Get ready to get wet, very
wet!!
Expedition Everest - In this latest addition to Animal Kingdom
you board a runaway-train roller coaster, it is a fact that Himalayan trekkers use
refurbished steam trains to get to the base camp of Mount Everest, here though,
we use a shortcut that passes through the "forbidden mountain" patrolled
by the legendary Yeti. Excellent adventure ride Tip:
This is one ride that you would be best getting a Fast Pass for.
Dinoland USA
The Boneyard - Explore your way through a play maze filled with
fun fossils.
DINOSAUR (formerly Countdown to Extinction) - Whizz back to primeval
times for a wild and riotous dangerous mission. The countdown clock is ticking on
your Time Rover and you have just minutes to rescue a stray dinosaur.
Finding Nemo - The Musical - this original stage show developed
by Walt Disney Creative Entertainment tells the story of Finding Nemo.
Dino-Sue - Dino-Sue is Disney's oldest "cast member",
clocking in at 67 million years. Dino-Sue is a model of the largest, most complete
T-Rex ever found and is available to pose for pictures with you.
DinoLand also contains Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama,
an area made to resemble a old 1950s fairground built on an old car park.
Primeval Whirl - Like a spinning coaster.
Triceratop Spin - Take the family for a spin aboard this family
friendly flying dinosaur.
Fossil Fun Games - these dinosaur-themed games provide a good time
for all.
More info on Animal Kingdom can be found on the
Perfect Florida Villas forums or
The Perfect Florida Guide