Chapter 20
Animal Kingdom
In This Chapter
• Learn where to take your safari to find all the animals
• Select the attractions that will make you the king (or queen) of the jungle with your tribe
• Find a balance between taking thrill rides and seeing animals from around the world
Many who have never been to the Animal Kingdom park at Walt Disney World assume it’s a glorified zoo, complete with some Mickey Mouse stickers put here and there for effect. Nothing could be further from the truth! Animal Kingdom is a whole new breed of theme park. Sure, it has traditional park entertainment, including roller coasters, stage shows, and carnival rides. But then it goes further, creating unique attractions that bring us closer to animals from around the world in settings similar to their native habitats.
That’s no slam on zoos. Animal Kingdom is not better than your hometown zoo; it’s just different. And the atmosphere helps make the visit memorable. Large Main Street–style avenues are replaced by jungle paths that wind through lush tropical plant life and vibrantly painted villages. Walking these paths can make you feel like you’re not in a park with tens of thousands of other guests, but out on safari in Africa or Asia. The atmosphere of Animal Kingdom is a truly refreshing experience. Prepare to enjoy the wild world of Animal Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom park map.
Park Introduction
The Animal Kingdom park is physically double the size of the other parks, so knowing your way around will save you a lot of shoe leather and some sore legs. Let’s look at basic park info and some ways to best plan your day.
General Park Information
What do you need to know when you are on safari? Here’s a look at the basics of the Animal Kingdom park.
The Tree of Life is the centerpiece of Animal Kingdom. Photo © Disney.
Park Layout
All guests entering Animal Kingdom start by passing through the Oasis, which combines the park entrance and a series of jungle pathways that lead to Discovery Island. Home to the Tree of Life, the symbol of Animal Kingdom, the Discovery Island area is the central hub of the park. With one exception, all the other lands radiate around this island, with bridges leading to each land. Going clockwise from the Oasis, there’s Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Asia, and then DinoLand, U.S.A. That one exception is Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is reached by taking a train from Africa. Walking paths outside Discovery Island connect Africa, Asia, and DinoLand, U.S.A. to each other, but not Camp Minnie-Mickey.
Tigers on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Photo © Disney.
Park Operating Hours
As with all parks, the operating hours change both seasonally and daily, and I recommend checking the schedules online at www.disneyworld.com before visiting. You can usually count on the park opening at 9 A.M. Closings traditionally fall around 5 P.M., but sometimes are as late as 8 P.M.
Must Do! Sights
• Expedition Everest
• Festival of the Lion King
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
• Finding Nemo—The Musical
Dining Summary
This park has the most limited dining options, largely because it’s still the newest of the parks and pulls in the smallest crowds. That being said, there are a few really good choices and some good variety, so you should be able to meet most of your needs. An interesting feature here is that there are no straws or lids for standard fountain sodas, as they could be dangerous if they drifted into animal living areas. See Chapter 14 for more information on the choices listed here.
Table Service—There are now three table-service restaurants in the park, namely Rainforest Café, which is adjacent to the park entrance and can be accessed from both inside and outside the park; Tusker House in Africa; and the new Yak and Yeti in Asia. Yak and Yeti is not only a full-service restaurant, it also has counter service, offering tastes from all over that continent. Yum!
Counter Service—The Flame Tree Barbeque combines scenic seating with better-than-fast-food barbecue. Pizzafari provides standard pizza fare. Restaurantosaurus is a basic burger-and-fries spot, with some chicken options as well. And as mentioned earlier, Yak and Yeti also has counter service with Asian entrées.
Snacks and Other—Snack choices around the park are pretty standard, with some good fresh fruit in Africa. There’s also the Dawa Bar, located in Africa, that has a full bar. It seems kind of out of place but can be a welcome relief for some.
Tip Board Location
A tip board is located on Discovery Island as you cross over from the Oasis on your right. There’s a smaller tip board in Africa in front of the stores that lists nearby attractions and live entertainment for that land.
Shopping at the Park
The bulk of the shopping opportunities are found on Discovery Island, with a couple of stores in Asia, Africa, and DinoLand, U.S.A. You can find a nice blend of the standard items available elsewhere within Walt Disney World, as well as many Animal Kingdom–themed toys and clothing items. Additionally, some exotic African and Asian trinkets, clothes, and gifts also can be found.
Child Care at the Park
The Baby Care Center is located on Discovery Island, near the bridge to Africa. The center features changing tables, nursing rooms, high chairs, and a play room with a TV and comfy seating, all complimentary. A limited selection of baby items is available for sale.
Transportation to/from the Park
All transportation to Animal Kingdom from Disney resorts is via bus.
Park Touring Strategies
Disney veterans often call this a half-day park because there aren’t as many big-draw rides and attractions compared to the others. In reality, there are about the same number of attractions as at Hollywood Studios, but many pass on the animal-viewing opportunities, like the Pangani Forest Exploration Trails. These trails are some of the best parts of the parks, regardless of your age. The animals are impressive, your access and view of them are excellent, and the theme around the trails makes the experience feel like you have been sent halfway around the world. So try not to miss these, if you have the time. Other strategies include:
• Use the FASTPASS system wisely. Get a pass for the Kilimanjaro Safaris or Expedition Everest early. The first is the signature ride of the park, and the other is the hottest new thrill ride; both fill up rather quickly. Use your time waiting for the pass to be valid by viewing the aforementioned Pangani Forest Exploration Trails or the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
• Make sure you get to the Festival of the Lion King and/or Finding Nemo—The Musical at least 30 minutes before show time to get a seat. On busy park days, consider a full hour, to be sure. These two stage shows are often-overlooked treasures of the park.
• This park can be a great place to bring your food budget back under control. Take advantage of the mostly counter-service food options to dine on a cheaper (than usual) lunch.
• Save Kali River Rapids for a time of day when either the warm afternoon weather will help you dry off or you’re about to head back to your hotel and can dry off there. This is a soaker!
• Plan to visit this park on a day when you know you’ll want a pool or napping afternoon for the kids. You can see a lot of what you want to see and still get in some good time at the resort.
DID YOU KNOW?
Animal Kingdom FASTPASS attractions include:
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Primeval Whirl
The Oasis
The Oasis is, simply enough, the entrance to Animal Kingdom. You’ll feel like you’re walking into a jungle as you enter one of the many winding paths that lead to the rest of the park. The Oasis is also home t
o guest relations services, where you can rent a stroller or a wheelchair, find an ATM and lockers, or visit the information desk.
The Oasis Exhibits
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
As you rush through this area to get into the park, you may not notice the variety of exotic animals residing here, tucked away in very natural-looking habitats. Make the time, perhaps when leaving for the day, to idle in this area and appreciate the variety and uniqueness of the animals.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island features a village that has grown up around the massive Tree of Life. It has shopping and dining, as well as a show within the tree and some animals on display in trails behind it. The village buildings that house the shopping and dining are vividly colored, with inviting open doors that spit out air-conditioning that can lure you in during the hot central Florida summers.
The Tree of Life
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
The Tree of Life is not so much an attraction as it is a landmark; kids enjoy wandering around it, studying the hundreds of animal shapes carved into the trunk. Play with kids by challenging them to find different hidden animals carved into the trunk and roots of the tree, especially during long waits to see It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Do not, however, use this as a meeting place for your family; it is so large that it is not really a good spot to meet.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
Flik and his friends put on a show, complete with a stink bug, fluttering butterflies, and acid-spitting creepy crawlers. This is one of my favorite 3-D movie shows in all of Walt Disney World, and it’s easy to overlook warnings that it can frighten smaller children. Certainly, the tie-in to the movie makes you expect that anyone could attend, but dark periods and some scary off-screen effects and characters can send the younger set into a craze. Otherwise, the effects are great, the storyline is fun, and the show rates as a Must Do! attraction.
Discovery Island Trails
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
The least scenic and interesting of the four animal walks, it still has some worthwhile animals and photo opportunities. In particular, the underwater viewing areas can be nice.
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Attraction Type: Parade/fireworks
Winding though Africa, Asia, and Discovery Island, this daytime parade features many of the typical characters clad in safari gear. Not the most compelling parade in all of Walt Disney World, but it’s still a lot of fun. If you’ve had enough of parades, this gives you a great opportunity to hop onto shorter ride lines elsewhere in the park, as the parade draws many guests to its parade route.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
Camp Minnie-Mickey has been reputed to be the locale for the next big attraction, but to date it’s home only to a show and a character greeting area. This land is very popular with families with younger children, but guests of all ages should come by to see the Festival of the Lion King, so be prepared for some larger crowds just before show time.
Festival of the Lion
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
This vivid live-action stage show really doesn’t retell the movie, but it does include many of the popular songs from the same. It looks like it has taken many of its costumes and cues from the Broadway staging of the tale. It’s performed in a now-enclosed theater in the round. Music, singing, dancing, acrobatics, and a little audience participation combine to create a lively atmosphere that guests of all ages—even a stubborn teen—will find themselves tapping their toes to.
Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails
Attraction Type: Character encounter
Let your kids meet many of their favorite characters clad in safari gear, as well as those from many of the different animal-themed Disney movies.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Animal Kingdom is physically larger than the Magic Kingdom and Epcot combined. So get out those walking shoes—you’re going to need them!
Africa
Despite having only two attractions listed under this land, this is a busy and popular area of the park. The fictional town of Harambe, a rural outpost near the savannahs of Africa, is so detailed in its construction that it’s easy to imagine yourself on the Dark Continent. Live entertainment is frequently found here, particularly African musicians who have kids help along with the performance, banging away on provided drums. It’s also home to one of the larger restaurants, a bar, some shopping, the rail connection to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and the signature ride for the park, Kilimanjaro Safaris. Don’t ask me why, but I like to linger in the area to just take it all in.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Attraction Type: Theme ride
Climb aboard long, open-air SUVs for a safari expedition through the plains of Africa. Wind through the habitats of lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and hippopotamuses. It’s truly impressive how Disney makes you feel like you’re really riding through the savannah, while keeping the animals and you separated without you ever knowing how. A small plot twist at the end of the ride provides some little excitement, but not enough to scare any of your expedition party. Visiting Animal Kingdom and not riding on this attraction is like visiting Paris and never seeing the Eiffel Tower. Unthinkable.
HIDDEN MAGIC!
If you’re a concierge-floor guest at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can get exclusive access to a morning safari through this ride, followed by breakfast with your guide. Check with the hotel for prices and availability.
Zebras and giraffes on the Kilamanjaro Safaris. Photo © Disney.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
A broad array of African wildlife in scenic habitat settings makes for an enjoyable and eye-opening stroll. The gorillas are the highlight, but the underwater viewing areas are also worth the time. Other animals include meerkats, colobus monkeys, and a building filled with rodents and bugs!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
This land can be reached only by taking the Wildlife Express Train from Africa. This area is less a land than a complex of buildings that provides guests with an insight into what it takes to run a large animal facility such as Animal Kingdom. Exhibits on conservation, animal care, environmental issues, and endangered species make this an educational area, but it can bore some quite easily. It’s well done, so don’t necessarily overlook it, but be prepared to leave if you’re losing your kids’ attention. Also be aware that this area requires a short 10-minute walk to reach the facilities.
Wildlife Express Train
Attraction Type: Theme ride
It’s just a train ride, but the trip is scenic and it can be a nice rest for your feet. The ride takes five minutes each way and has an audio track telling you about the care of the animals. The ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch goes by the animal-care centers, while the ride back features some authentic Asian huts.
Habitat Habit!
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
Learn about the care of endangered animals and how to get more interaction at home with the animal world as you make the trek from the train depot to the other attractions in the area. The cotton-top tamarinds are of particular interest.
Conservation Station
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
This is really the core area of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It has a variety of different exhibits that teach guests about the challenges of animal protection, environmental concerns, and planet conservation. The more fun areas are the windows that look into the working areas of the animal-care center, especially the feeding area that allows for some hands-on interaction with staff members and the foods they feed the animals.
Affection Section
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
This petting zoo has more variety than your local farm, but only a little bit. Mostly it has th
e same animals you could pet at home, along with the occasional llama or other exotic creature.
Asia
Although this land does not place you in a village like Harambe in Africa, your visit to the jungle outskirts of the fictional Asian Kingdom of Anandapur really does make you feel as if you are somewhere in southeast Asia. New and popular attractions, along with a table- and counter-service restaurant, have made this area much busier in the last few years.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Attraction Type: Experience area/playground
Another of the animal trails, this one has Bengal tigers as its highlight act. But the Komodo dragon, bat room (that can be skipped around if you are squeamish), and ancient temple ruins that serve as the setting for the entire trail make it even more of a sight that you don’t want to miss.
Flights of Wonder
Attraction Type: Theater/movie/show
The cozy, partially covered outdoor theater is the setting for animal handlers who put their feathered friends through their paces, including stunts, swooping, and soaring. All the animal actions are natural behaviors, so no silly birds on tricycles here. It’s not quite a Must Do! attraction, but this lively and entertaining show can be fun for all ages. Volunteers, particularly adults with cameras, will be rewarded with a rare video keepsake, so volunteer if you’re not too timid. Sit in the center, close to the front, to enjoy the show as much as possible.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2012 Edition Page 27
