All about disneys animal kingdom

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Disneys Animal Kingdom is the newest of the theme parks at Walt Disney World, outside of Orlando, Florida. Opened in 1999, this huge parkover 500 acresis five times the size of the Magic Kingdom. Disneys Animal Kingdom is divided into five, distinct areas: Africa, Asia, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dinoland USA, and Discovery Island, each with its own set of fun and activities.

Guests enter the park into Oasis, a multi-functional set of paths with shops and services amid palm trees and lush plant life that lead you to Discovery Island. The Oasis is also home to varied animal displays. Look closely. Not all animals are noticeable at first glance.

Discovery Island is the hub of Disneys Animal Kingdom. Bridges from the island connect it to all of the areas in the park. Discovery Island is also home to the parks icon, the 14-story Tree of Life. The huge man-made tree is beautifully and intricately carved with subtle animal motifs. It also houses the Its Tough to Be a Bug attraction, an eight-minute 3-D theater presentation.

The largest area of Disneys Animal Kingdom is Africa. Guests enter Africa into a Disney version of an African village with shopping and food service. The village serves as an entry point to the veldt habitat, the Animal Kingdoms largest and most ambitious zoological exhibit. Access to the veldt is through the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdoms signature attraction.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris is a 20-minute ride through the 100-acre veldt. A jeep-like tram takes visitors through this beautiful area where zebra, wildebeest, impala, gazelles, giraffes, and rhinos roam freely. In typical Disney style, cleverly placed watering holes and salt licks encourage animals to stay within sight of the road. Predatory animals, such as lions are separated from the other animals as well as from guests with all-but-invisible barriers. This is a not-to-be-missed attraction.

Asia is a Disney collage of Indian, Indonesian, and Thai architecture and culture. Prime exhibits here include the Kali River Rapid, a whitewater raft ride guaranteed to cool you off on a hot summer day; Maharaja Jungle Trek, a walk-through exhibit showcasing Asian animals; and Flights of Wonder, a stadium show about all sorts of birds. Opening soon here is a mountain roller coaster ride to be called Expedition Everest.

Go to Camp Minnie-Mickey to see the Disney characters. Different character trails lead visitors to Lion King, Winnie the Pooh, and Jungle Book characters as well as to frequent appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. The highlights of this area are the two live stage shows: Festival of the Lion King, and Pocahontas and her Forest Friends.

Dinoland U.S.A is a Disney version of an archeological dig. Highlights here include Dinosaur, a combination track ride and motion simulator that takes the rider back in time to learn the history of dinosaurs, and Theater in the Wild, a live stage show currently featuring Tarzan.

Disneys Animal Kingdom is home to two of Walt Disney Worlds best restaurants: Boma and Jiko. Boma is an African themed buffet that offers good food at moderate prices in an African style setting. House specialties here are the couscous salad and Moroccan seafood salad. South African wines are featured here exclusively.

Jiko is the fine-dining restaurant at the Animal Kingdom. Two large, wood-burning ovens dominate the room here. Jiko features African cuisine with a European flair and highlights simple, grilled items. South African wines are featured also at Jiko.

Disneys foray into live animal exhibits is educational, interesting, and fun. Make sure to include Disneys Animal Kingdom in your next trip to Florida.