Disney Animal Kingdom

In my humble opinion, Disney Animal Kingdom is the BEST of the four Disney parks in Orlando. The other three aren't shabby by any stretch of the imagination, but this one really floats my boat. :)

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The Animal Kingdom is layed out very much like the Magic Kingdom as there is a majestic central point, the Tree of Life, that towers over everything. It's located on Discovery Island, right in the middle of the park. All the other lands are situated in a circle around this fabulous tree. At the base of the tree is a village, and you cross bridges from that village to reach all the other lands.

antelopes at kilimanjaro safari

When you get past the front gate you reach the Oasis where you are immediately transported to a lush, green and peaceful environment.

Pick a path and take your time. Even though it's a fairly small section there is a lot to see in the Oasis if you relax and take a look.

On the way to Camp Minnie Mickey we encountered a Kids Discovery Club station. These are manned stations where your kids can enjoy a quick interactive activity while learning something about wildlife and conservation. It can be an exhibit, a game, or a even a take away craft. At this particular station my kids got hands-on experience with a humongous turtle shell and a fast lesson on what it means to become extinct.

animal kingdom dancer

We also saw an awesome dance troupe; met Chip and Dale, and Minnie and Mickey decked out in safari gear. All of this was on the way to see Festival of the Lion King, the best mini Broadway production (that's what I call it) you'll ever see.

This intimate venue is small and round so don't worry about getting up front for a good seat. Every seat is a good one. And the show - about 20 minutes long- won't disappoint.

As you cross a bridge into Africa the terrain will change. There are few shady spots, so it can get HOT; the ground gets a bit uneven and sandy, and your surroundings will take on the subtle

earthy tones of a quaint African village.

Lion King stage show

This is where you find the Kilimanjaro Safaris. This is an incredible open-air safari. You will see live animals that will seem free to walk right up to your vehicle.

Yes. There are lions.

No. They can't really walk up to your vehicle.

There are barriers that you just can't see. If I had one complaint about this attraction it would be that they drive through it a little too quickly. So you need to be fast with your camera. Other than that, it's amazing!

If you get hungry in this part of the park treat yourself to a meal at Tusker House. Oh my gosh, the food is so good. This buffet restaurant has fantastic authentic African dishes as well as a childs buffet with foods to please your pickiest eaters.

lion on kilimanjaro safaris

Once you're done with your safari, hop onboard the Widlife Express for the ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

The ride last about 10 minutes and you actually get to see some "backstage" stuff and learn about how all

the animals on the safari are cared for. At Conservation Station there are more exhibits, kids activities, and an Affection Section, aka, a petting zoo, Disney style.

Asia is where you'll find two of the most popular attractions in Disney Animal Kingdom; Kali River Rapids, the best water ride I've ever been on. (Check out my oldest with her arms in the air being brave.)

Note there is a storage bin in front of your seat to keep your belongings dry. Use it.

Also in Asia, is Expedition Everest, a roller coaster that comes with it's own legendary monster.

Want a sneak peek of Expedition Everest?
Check out this video.

None of the chickens in my family were willing to ride Expedition Everest with me. Maybe next time. ;)

Dinoland U.S.A is focused on the much younger set. The irony is that this is where you'll find the scariest ride in the park, and the one that, in my humble opinion, is not something you want to take little kids on. I'm talking about Dinosaur, this very dark blast to the past can make some grown ups freak out.

If you can handle pitch blackouts, being jostled around, and the occassional man-eating prehistoric monster when you least expect it-- then you should be fine.

But this kiddie park on steroids does have some very fun, totally kid friendly stuff. There is a Dinosaur bone playground and carnival style games.

If your kids like to turbo spin then let them have a turn on the Primeval Whirl.

Remember the Tilt-A-Whirl? The spin-it-as-fast-as-you-can-til-you-laugh-so-hard-it-hurts ride?....It's that...on a roller coaster track.

When I was 12 this would have been fabulous! Now that I'm forty- something; I pass. I let my kids tackle this one while I ride the Mom bench and take a breather. :)

Finding Nemo Musical

This section of Disney Animal Kingdom is also home to Finding Nemo: The Musical. Now, Finding Nemo is my favorite Disney movie and this original interpretation is beautiful.

The life size puppetry mesmerizes the kids and the performers are top notch.
Don't skip this show.

Disney Animal Kingdom is the one of the most unique theme parks around. These are just a few of the attractions that you'll find.

Oh, and don't forget to visit the pin trading kiosks. I noticed quite a few unique pins at the stands in Disney Animal Kingdom that I just didn't see in any of the other parks.

This is not "official" Disney information. This site is in no way affiliated with the Walt Disney company. Information based on research and personal experience of site owners. Disney logos and some images ©Disney. Official Disney information can be found at www.disneyworld.com.

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