Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom


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Overview

Opening in April of 1998, Animal Kingdom is the forth of four parks at the Walt Disney World Resort.    At 580 acres it is also the largest park, Magic Kingdom could fit within Kilimanjaro Safaris itself.


Getting Around

The Animal Kingdom is made up of seven areas arranged in a pattern similar to a Magic Kingdom’s spoke and wheel.   The center point being the Tree of Life where all others areas branch from :

  • Oasis – the main park entrance housing guest services and many animal exhibits as you make your way to the center and the Tree of Life.
  • Discovery Island – welcome to the center hub of the park.   Home to the Tree of Life
  • Africa – Jambo, and welcome to Harambe Africa. Here you can venture out on a Safari and explore the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch – hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train and make the short trip over to Rafiki’s.   Along the way you will get to see some of the backstage areas where the animals are kept and cared for.   Step inside Conservation Station to see how the Walt Disney Company is supporting conservation efforts and get a view of some of the veterinary facilities.
  • Asia – added to the park in 1999, this is the home of the Yeti and Expedition Everest along with Kali River Rapids and the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
  • DinoLand U.S.A. – is all about Dinosaurs.   Head into the Dino Institute and head back in time to help bring home a Dinosaur.   Also be sure to visit Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama designed to look like a roadside attractions of the past.
  • Avatar: World of Pandora (old Camp Minnie-Mickey area)- this area was announced in 2011 and was expected to be a $400 million addition to Animal Kingdom.   Many bumps have occurred along the way but the last update was this was still in the works and The Lion King show is currently being moved to an area behind Tusker House Restaurant to accommodate.

Special Events

  • Wild African Trek (call for reservations (407)939-8687