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Animal Kingdom in Disney World
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park in Florida

Getting there from Miami

Animal Kingdom is located approximately 286 miles north of Miami Beach, FL. If you need transportation from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach, Miami Beach 411 can arrange a 1-Day Tour or Multi-Day trip.

About the park

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 Florida sun.

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 - $89 (Ages 10+) - $83 (Ages 3-9)
Hours: Depending on the time of year, Animal 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: $14, 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.
  • Many Disney Cast Members speak more than one language. The flags on their name tags 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:

Flame Tree Barbecue (quick dining, outdoor seating/Discovery Island)
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (quick-service counter/Africa)
Pizzafari (quick dining/Discovery Island)
Rainforest Cafe (full-service/Entrance Plaza)
Restaurantosaurus (quick dining/character breakfast/DinoLand U.S.A.)
Sundowner Terrace (cocktails/Africa)
Tamu Tamu Refreshments (snack shop/Africa)
Tusker House Restaurant (quick dining/Africa)


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

Fer.
Cel.
January
62
17
March
67
19
April
72
22
May
77
25
June
81
27
July
82
28
August
82
28
September
81
27
October
75
24
November
68
20
December
62
17

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.

Some of the lesser known deluxe priced resorts include Walt Disney's Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn , Contemporary and the Yacht Club hotels.


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.


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.


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)

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