Disney’s only theme park with live animals, Animal Kingdom
opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. The Park is comprised of different
themed lands that represent continents such as Asia and Africa.
Animal Kingdom is home to 1700 animals, and is the largest Disney
park covering 500 acres. The theme is conservation and preservation.
Like all Orlando theme parks, be warned much of this park is outdoors.
You should prepare for a full day of walking in the hot Floridasun.
You can get to the Park by car, water taxi or use Disney
bus transportation. The monorail system does not connect to this theme
park. Animal Kingdom 1-day Ticket - $67 (Ages 10+) - $56
(Ages 3-9) Hours: Depending on the time of year, Magic Kingdom
park hours can range between 8am and 1am. Call Guest Services at (407)
824-4321 for park hours and showtimes during your visit. Size: Over 500 acres Parking: $7, Free for Disney Resort Guests Address: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Orlando, FL 32830
Park tips
•
Sunscreen and walking shoes are a must. •
Be sure to check the weather before you go
to the park. •
You must pass through a security checkpoint before
entering. •
One ATM is located at the entrance to the Park, next
to the kennel. • Behind
the scenes tours are
available. • Measure
your child's height so you know which rids they can enjoy. • Use
FastPass strategically.
•
Ride the most popular rides early in the day.
• The Park
closes at dusk, and does not have a nighttime show. • Bring your
autograph book to Camp Minnie-Mickey. • Do
not go on a rainy day. • Many Disney
Cast Members speak more than one language. The flags on their nametags
indicate which languages they speak.
Park layout
As you enter the Park you will come to a lush, botanical area called
The Oasis. You need to pass through here to reach
the other sections of the park. The main "lands" in Animal
Kingdom are: The Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa,
Asia, Dinoland USA and Camp Minnie-Mickey.
Discovery Island
The 145 foot tall focal point of the
Park, the Tree of Life, is located on Discovery
Island. Although the tree appears to be real, it is the work
of Disney
Imagineers. There are over 300 animal images carved into the tree.
The tree also houses the 3-D film "It's Tough to Be a Bug".
A set of bridges connects Discovery Island to four other lands.
It’s Tough To Be A Bug – located
inside the Tree of Life, this 8 minute 3D presentation allows
audience members to see the world through a bug's eyes. The show incorporates
a 3D film with special effects, movement in your seats and complete
darkness. Parents should use discretion when attending with small
children.
Africa
This section of the Animal Kingdom transports you through the savannah,
to an African village where you can experience shopping, dining and
a wild safari. For a leisurely experience, visitors can board the
Wildlife Express at the Harambe Train Station
and take a narrated tour of the entire Park.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – this 20-minute safari
takes you on a ride through the Serengeti. You board special jeeps
in large groups and go looking for wild animals. Rhinos, hippos, zebra,
giraffe, gazelle, elephants and lions roam openly. NOTE: Your ride
experience is determined by the animals on the safari. Visit this
attraction early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The animals
are most active during these times.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – these self
guided trails allow you to view animals and explore at your own pace.
You will pass several exhibits to view different animals including
a bird aviary, an underwater hippo viewing area, a savannah overlook,
and a gorilla habitat.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch – to visit this
area you will need to board a train at the Harambe Train Station
for a 5 minute ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Once
you reach the area, you can tour at your own pace. There are many
exhibits; you can see animal conservation efforts and learn how people
are working to save endangered animals. There are areas for children
to interact with animals and places to meet Disney characters.
Africa is is the biggest "land" in Animal
Kingdom.
Asia
This section of the park highlights the animals of the Asian continent.
Here you will find rides, walking trails, dining and shopping.
Kali River Rapids – Coast through an Asian
rain forest, and rush down the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi
River aboard a 12-passenger raft. NOTE: this is a bumpy and very
wet attraction. You can store your personal items in a locker before
you ride – You must be at least 38 inches tall to ride.
Maharajah Jungle Trek – explore the Anandapur
Royal Forest of Southeast Asia. Wander the ruins of an ancient
palace inhabited by exotic animals. This self guided tour will take
you past tigers, Komodo dragons and tapirs.
Flights of Wonder – this 20-minute show highlights
more than 20 different species of birds as they perform in an open
air theater. Check your times guide for daily performance schedules.
DinoLand U.S.A.
This area is devoted to dinosaurs and includes dining, shopping, games
and several attractions:
Dinosaur –
this ride takes you back 65 million years to the Cretaceous
Period. The experience is intense and takes place in darkness–
You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride. Pregnant woman and guest
with health concerns should not ride as well.
The
Boneyard – this area is designed for young children;
it contains areas to dig for dinosaur bones and other activities.
Children enjoy spending time here.
Primeval Whirl
– a wild roller coaster ride with independently spinning colorful
cars – You must be at least 48 inches to ride.
Triceratop
Spin – this Dumbo type ride has 16 flying dinos, perfect
for young children. NOTE: The controls that move the dinosaur up and
down are in the back. If you your child wants to man the controls,
you need to sit in the rear of the vehicle.
Tarzan
Rocks – this 30 minute live show is based on the Disney's
animated feature "Tarzan". See Tarzan, Jane and Terk perfrom
in a rock and roll style show.
Camp
Minnie-Mickey
Here you can meet characters from classic Disney films. Live shows
include: "Festival of the Lion King" and "Pocahontas
and her Forest Friends". Camp Minnie-Mickey is a great
place to meet characters for photos and autographs.
Festival
of the Lion King – this 30 minute show is presented
throughout the day. Guest sit in a circular theater where songs from
the film "The Lion King" are performed. The audience is
involved in the show and some children are asked to perform.
Special attractions
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade – this 15-minute
daily parade includes Disney characters, stilt walkers and animal
puppets, designed by Michael
Curry who created the puppets for "The Lion King" on
Broadway. Two dozen guests are chosen each day to join in the fun,
riding in elaborate rickshaw taxis.
Animal Kingdom Shows: • "Festival
of the Lion King" (1,375-seat theater/Camp Minnie-Mickey)
• "Tarzan Rocks" (1,500-seat Theater in the Wild/DinoLand
U.S.A.)
• "Flights of Wonder" (1,000-seat Caravan Stage/Asia) • "Pocahontas and Her
Forest Friends" (350-seat Grandmother Willow's Grove/Camp Minnie-Mickey)
Restaurants
and dining
The Rainforest
Cafe is the only
full-service restaurant at Animal Kingdom. You do not need to buy
passes to the park to dine here. The entrance is outside the park
at the front gate.Other
eateries include:
For a full-service meal, we suggest
making reservations in advance by calling: 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463).
Behind the scenes tours
Wild by Design
– learn how
Disney Imagineers took a huge Florida swamp, envisioned an exotic
wild animal park, and turned the dream into Disney's Animal
Kingdom Park. Cost: $58.
Duration: 3 hours.
Backstage Safari
– take a
backstage walking safari for an insider's look at the ways Animal
Kingdom cares for its wild inhabitants. Cost: $65. Duration: 3 hours.
To
schedule Disney tours call: 407-WDW-TOUR.
Orlando weather
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
º F
61
62
67
72
77
81
82
82
81
75
68
62
º C
16
17
19
22
25
27
28
28
27
24
20
17
Wheelchairs
and Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) - Rentals are available
for a fee of $10 for a wheelchair (multiple day rentals are $8/day)
and $35 for the ECV.
Strollers - Strollers
are available for rent at the front of the park for a charge of $10/day
for a single and $18 for a double.
Disney vacations
The least crowded
time to visit is from Labor Day to Thanksgiving and from the week
after President's Day (mid-February) to the start of Spring Break
(mid-March).
You
can definitely make the most of your vacation by staying at one of
the Disney World hotels. If
you do, you will enjoy special benefits such as Magic Hours, discounts
at six Disney
World golf courses, and the special Walt Disney World quality
and service.
But if you choose to stay at one of the many hotels
near Disney World, you can still visit all of the Disney properties
to enjoy the atmosphere, have a meal, or shop. You may be charged
for parking, but you can get validated for up to one hour of parking
for each $10 you spend while you're there.
Disney
sells Animal Kingdom tickets on their website, but you can not print
the tickets, meaning you must order early and have the tickets mailed
to you. You can also buy tickets through
your local auto club, Disney Store or through a school or work activities
office. Many offsite hotels also sell Disney passports at the front
desk.
I suggest researching
Disney ticket prices in advance,
and buy your pass before you get to the park. No sense wasting the
first hour waiting in line at the ticket booth.
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Company info:
Animal Kingdom - Disney World Orlando, FL
2901 Osceola Pky, Orlando, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 824-4321 Web:www.disneyworld.disney.go.com Project announced: June 5, 1995
Construction began: August, 1995
Grand Opening: April 22, 1998
Employees: 4,500 cast members Size: 500 acres (2 km²)
