'''Disney's Animal Kingdom''' is part of Walt Disney World in Central Florida.
Animal Kingdom, a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a wildlife discovery park, organized in a Magic Kingdom-like format, with different continents revolving around the central Tree of Life. It's a mix between a zoo and a theme park. Naturalistic animal exhibitions are interspersed, and sometimes integrated, with typical Disney rides. Among these are a jeep safari past live animal enclosures, a raft ride through the deforestation of a tropical rainforest, a time travel ride which includes close encounters with dinosaurs and the newest ride, "Expedition Everest", which is a roller coaster ride and includes an encounter with the Yeti. While light on rides, there are also shows and plenty of animals to view (though the variety of species seems a bit sparse when compared to many larger city zoos). Animal Kingdom is more of a kid friendly theme park with many animals that would attract the attention of younger generations as well as Camp Minnie-Mickey, a special space for youngsters where they can meet all of their favorite characters.
'''Note:''' Under AZA animal safety policy, Animal Kingdom's restaurants do not provide lids for drinks. However, paper straws are now available. Also note that under that same policy, balloons are not sold in Animal Kingdom and may not be brought in from the other three parks.
Get in
By car
Animal Kingdom is in the southwestern part of the Walt Disney World property. Head west on Osceola Parkway from World Drive. Parking is $12.00 per car, although Disney resort guests can park for free—just show your Key to the World card at the toll gate.
Blizzard Beach is on Buena Vista Drive between World Drive and Osceola Parkway. Parking is free.
By Disney transportation
Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach are ''only'' served by '''buses''' from Disney resorts. From the other parks, you'll need to transfer to an Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach bus at a resort.
See
Unlike the other parks, Animal Kingdom usually closes at 5:00 PM. Likewise, there is no evening entertainment such as a fireworks show.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the central hub of Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life is located here.
It's Tough to be a Bug!. Interactive 3-D show featuring Flik and the other characters from ''A Bug's Life''.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
Festival of the Lion King. Acrobatic theatre-in-the-round featuring Simba, Timon, and Puumba.
Africa
Kilimanjaro Safari. A safari jeep ride through the African plains, featuring vast assortment of wildlife. Great for photos.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. A walk-through area near the exit of the Kilimanjaro Safari. Great if you missed something on the Safari.
Wildlife Express. Train ride to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Rafiki's Planet Watch is accessible only via the Wildlife Express train from Africa. This is an interactive learning center documenting wildlife conservation efforts around the world. Best of all, it includes a petting zoo.
Asia
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. High-speed roller coaster on Everest with an encounter with a 25 foot Yeti.
Flights of Wonder. See exotic birds up close.
Kali River Rapids. Water-tire ride through a tropical forest; you may get soaked!
Maharajah Jungle Trek. Walk-through of Asian wildlife featuring Bengal tigers.
Dino Land USA
Dinosaur. A race against time to escape the asteroid impact that destroyed the dinosaurs!
Finding Nemo: The Musical. Acrobatics and puppetry, giving a feeling of being underwater.
Primeval Whirl.
Triceratop Spin.
Parkwide
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. Celebrates the animal spirit that is the reason for Animal Kingdom.
Do
Blizzard Beach
What's a ski resort doing in central Florida? The Disney Imagineers who created this park claim that they built it after an unusual freak winter storm blanketed the area, only to have it experience a massive meltdown shortly thereafter.
Chairlift. What's a ski resort without a chairlift? You can use this to get from the park entrance to Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, Teamboat Springs, Toboggan Racers and Snow Stormers.
Cross Country Creek. A relaxing inner tube ride around the whole park.
Downhill Double Dipper. Two speed slides on which you ride inner tubes.
Melt-Away Bay. The park's largest pool.
Runoff Rapids. Three "ski slopes" into a pool of melted "snow".
Ski Patrol Training Camp. A play area for older children.
Slush Gusher. Go over two "moguls" down the mountainside.
Snow Stormers. Three more exciting "ski slopes".
Summit Plummet. At 120 feet high, this is the tallest, steepest, fastest water slide in the world. Guests who dare will plummet at over 55 mph straight down an 85 degree angle.
Teamboat Springs. A family ride, with 3- to 6-passenger tubes.
Tike's Peak. A play area for younger children.
Toboggan Racers. Ride a "toboggan" down a slippery, melting slope.
Buy
'''Discovery Island''', the central island on which the Tree of Life is located, is home to most of the shops, which sell animal-related merchandise.
Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures. n DinoLand USA. Mountains of prehistoric merchandise.
'''Zawadi Marketplace''' at '''Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge''' has unique African merchandise not available elsewhere.
Eat
Rainforest Cafe. utside the entrance. $. Animatronic animals, thunderstorms, and good food.
Restaurantosaurus. n Dino Land USA. . Character dining for breakfast and fast food meals throughout the day.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma: Flavors of Africa. $. Authentic African cuisine served buffet style.
Mara. . Cafeteria style eats with American cuisine served hot and fresh.
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort. 991 W. Buena Vista Dr.. 407) 939-7000. 407) 939-7111. ttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=AllStarMovieResortLandingPage. 80-160. Experience the best of Disney films and animation in one of five themed areas: Fantasia, Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, The Mighty Ducks, and The Love Bug.
Disney's All-Star Music Resort. 801 W. Buena Vista Dr.. 07-939-6000. ttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=AllStarMusicResortLandingPage&count=3. 80-330. The magic in music. Themes are Country, Broadway, Jazz, Rock, and Calypso.
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort. 701 W. Buena Vista Dr.. 07-939-5000. 07-939-7333. ttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=AllStarSportsResortLandingPage&count=4. 80-160. Find your inner fan in one of five sports themes: Football, Tennis, Baseball, Basketball, and Surfing.
Mid-range
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. 000 W. Buena Vista Dr.. 07-939-1000. 07-939-1001. ttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=CoronadoSpringsResortLandingPage&count=2. 150-1,300. Lakeside resort with Mayan flourishes.
Splurge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . 901 Osceola Pkwy.. 07-938-3000. 07-938-4799. ttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=AnimalKingdomLodgeResortLandingPage. PM. 1AM. 330-1,650. Immerse yourself in a safari adventure at an African-themed lodge where you can view hundreds of exotic creatures on an African wildlife reserve.
* <sleep name="Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas" alt="" address="" directions="at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge" phone="" email="" fax="" url="http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/resorts/resortDetail?id=ProspectsDAKVLandingPage" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Condominiums themed as an African village. Phase 1, currently open, occupies the higher floors of the current Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge structure. Phase 2, opening in May 2009, will be an entirely separate building nearby.</sleep>
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