The World of Animals - Living, Extinct and Imaginary
Zoos and animal parks have been popular for centuries, but the folks at Walt Disney Imagineering set a new standard when they created Disney's Animal Kingdom. Telling the stories of our animal neighbors and the environment is the center of all attractions, including restaurants and shops. While some guests may consider the theme too serious, the technical execution of this 500-acre park is superb.
Here are the basics about Epcot, courtesy of the EZ Fun Guide to Walt Disney World, the fun-to-read, easy-to-use travel guide and vacation planner by Anne Easterling (that's me!).Lands of Adventure and Exploration
Disney's Animal Kingdom is divided into six areas arranged in a circle around Discovery Island, home of the icon Tree of Life.You will enter through the Oasis, which leads to Discovery Island, which is the hub of the park and connects by bridge to the other lands.
- The Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Africa
- Rafiki's Planet Watch
- Asia
- DinoLand USA
Oasis and Discovery Island
The grand entrance into Disney's Animal Kingdom.Best Features: Excellent viewing areas for animals of all kinds and great shopping.
Top Attractions: Tree of Life park icon with carvings of wildlife. Discover Island Trails at the base of the tree. It's Tough to Be a Bug 3-D movie inside the tree. Oasis Exhibits walk-through displays.
Food and Dining: Rainforest Cafe adventure dining and shopping. Flame Tree Barbecue chicken and ribs. Pizzafari pizza and sandwiches.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
A special place where adventurers of all ages - particularly youngsters - can share special moments with Disney characters.Best Features: Personal time with Mickey and friends at the Greeting Trails and the pageantry of the Festival of the Lion King.
Top Attractions: Festival of the Lion King musical and dance pageant. Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends musical show with animals. Greeting Trails character greeting area.
Food and Dining: Ice Cream Cabin and Safari Coffee.
Books about Disney World and Animal Kingdom
Check out these books to help you plan your Walt Disney World vacation.
Africa and Rafiki's Planet Watch
Jambo! Welcome to Africa! Ride a safari truck on the savannah, take a train to a wildlife adventure, and walk through an African forest trail.Best Features: Up-close and personal interactions with wildlife around every corner, plus great food for a great price at Tusker House Restaurant.
Top Attractions: Kilimanjaro Safari truck adventure through an "African savannah." Rafiki's Planet Watch, interactive exhibits and petting area. Wildlife Express train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail walk-through exhibits featuring African animals in natural habitats.
Food and Dining: Tusker House Restaurant dinner plates and sandwiches. Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery, pastries and coffee. Dawa Bar, cocktails. Tamu Tamu Refreshments ice cream and smoothies. Harambe Fruit Market.
Asia
The beauty of Asia comes alive in this corner of the Animal Kingdom. Home of the newest high-adventure attraction, the scenery is breathtaking.Best Features: Experiencing the land of extremes - the quietness of the Maharaja Jungle Trek and the rollicking adventure of Expedition Everest and the Kali River Rapids.
Top Attractions: Expedition Everest mountain roller coaster escape from the Yeti. Kali River Rapids water raft adventure. Maharaja Jungle Trek walking trail with animals in Asian-themed nature habitats. Flights of Wonder bird show.
Food and Dining: Asian-theme restaurant under construction. Anandapur Ice Cream. Coffee Shop.
DinoLand USA
The age of the dinosaurs returns in this imaginative land. Experience dinosaurs of all kinds, from the serious to the silly.Best Features: The journey to the Cretaceous Period in DINOSAUR! and digging for bones in the Boneyard.
Top Attractions: DINOSAUR! turbulent thrill ride with dinosaurs. Primeval Whirl spinning roller coaster. TriceraTop Spin dinosaur version of the Magic Kingdom's Dumbo. The Boneyard multi-level playground.
Food and Dining: Restaurantosaurus character breakfast, and burgers and chicken. Dino Bite Snacks ice cream. Petrifies french fries.
Your Favorite Memories of Disney's Animal Kingdom
What is your favorite memory of Disney's Animal Kingdom? My favorite day at this park begins with a ride on Expedition Everest, followed by leisurely walks through the Pangani Forest Trail and the Maharaja Jungle Trek. My absolute favorite meal at Disney World is the salmon dinner at Tusker House. Share your favorite memories!
Animal Kingdom Souvenirs
You'll find many different kinds of souvenirs at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Check out these pins and other gifts currently available on eBay.
by AnneEasterling
Drupal web developer (especially theming!)... and Disney World travel writer more »
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