Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom was officially opened by Disney on Earth Day, April 22, in 1998. The meaning behind it’s slogan of “Nahatazu” is prominently displayed immediately upon entering the park. The Animal Kingdom is more than an every day zoo. Great care has been taken to provide guests with a unique look at wildlife from all parts of the world. This combined with thrill rides and fantastic shows makes the Animal Kingdom a must see park.

The park itself covers 500 acres and includes over 1700 animals, representing 250 different species. Care has been taken to recreate their native jungle habitats, which includes the use of 4 million trees, plants, shrubs, and grasses.

Upon entering the Oasis, visitors are immediately transported to a tropical atmosphere complete with waterfalls, streams, and lush foliage. Here, guests can observer anteaters, macaws, iguanas, and boars, along with many other exotic creatures.

The general layout of the Animal Kingdom is similar to that of Magic Kingdom. The Tree of Life serves as the park icon and as the center of the park’s “hub.” Different sections of the park radiate from this central location. The Tree of Life itself is 14 stories tall and contains 325 intertwined animals sculpted in its trunk and limbs. The Tree of Life is located on Discovery Island and houses the 3D movie “It’s Tough To Be A Bug.” Inside, guests can put on their “bug eyes” as they experience life from the perspective of a bug. The Discovery Island Trails, which are home to lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, and tamarins, are also located in this area.

While in Africa, guest must be sure to take a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Here, guests are transported via open air vehicles to enjoy an awe-inspiring African Savannah adventure. While on the journey, guests can observe lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, gazelles, and many other animals as they roam freely about. As a part of the adventure, guests go in pursuit of poachers – which comes to a happy ending. This area also features the Pangani Forest Exploration Trails where guests find such treats as viewing a hippo underwater through glass viewing areas. They also get to enjoy seeing a fantastic gorilla exhibit as well as real life “Timons.”

While in Asia, guests get to enjoy the Kali River Rapids whitewater rafting on the Chakranadi River, which is complete with waterfalls and waves. After drying off, guests can take an adventure with the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Here, they can observe Asian tigers among the temple ruins. Or, they can see giant fruit bats with an amazing 6 foot wingspan. The Flights of Wonder show put on here also entertains guests as a variety of birds partake in their natural, yet humorous, behaviors.

Camp Minnie-Mickey can also be found in the Animal Kingdom. At the character greeting stations, guests can get hugs and photos taken with their favorite Disney characters. The Festival of the lively Lion King show takes place here, as does the Pocahontas and her Forest Friends show. In this show, Pocahontas learns the importance of protecting the forest and its animals from Grandmother Willow.

Dinoland U.S.A., with a carnival atmosphere, can also be found here. Fossil Fun games give guests an opportunity to try their luck, while the Boneyard gives kids a place to play as they climb on fossils. Here, the Primeval Whirl sends guests swerving and spinning while the TriceraTop Spin moves them up and down. In Dinosaur, guests are transported back in time while pursuing the iguanodon. In this ride, guests are strapped down as they encounter fierce dinosaurs and meteors. The Tarzan Rocks stageshow provides more excitement while in-line skaters engage in fast paced action while others perform fantastic acrobatics.

Guests can also enjoy a close-up look at the ins and outs of the Animal Kingdom by riding on the Wildlife Express train, which leads to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here, guests can view the Conservation Station, which shows more about the veterinary care of the animals, as well as food preparation and research. Kids can have a close encounter with some furry pals while learning lessons in conservation.