 The Animal Kingdom holds 250 different species of wildlife, with more than 1500 animals with exotic names, and it is still growing. You immediately notice the difference between the Animal Kingdom and the rest of Disney World’s themes parks as it is interactive, rather than passive entertainment. The creators of the Animal Kingdom like to feel that they have taught you something during your stay. As with the authentic reproductions in Epcot’s World Showcase, the animal homes are created to look like the animal’s natural habitat so you feel you are visiting five different worlds in one day.
THE OASIS
The Oasis is the counterpart to the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA and Disney-MGM’s Hollywood Boulevard. Unlike the two, The Oasis is not retail or dining prospect, but a place to catch the first glimpse of the habitats housing gentle creatures, such as iguanas, macaws and sloths. This place is rarely crowded so you can look at a leisurely pace and enjoy the quiet.
DISCOVERY ISLAND
The symbol of the Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life which towers over the centre of Discovery Island. This natural wonder is not as natural as it appears, but looks realistic enough with its transparent, five-shades-of-green leaves that actually blow in the wind. The base of the tree is covered with murals and you can occupy your time inspecting these as you line up for the land’s main attraction, It’s Tough To Be A Bug.
It’s Tough To Be A Bug: If you liked the animated movie A Bug’s Life then you will love It’s Tough to Be A Bug. Here you have the cast of A Bug’s Life reunited to explain in detail the atrocities of bug treatment and the perils of being a bug. It has contains brilliant special effects which creeps our and startle you and will change the way you view creepy crawlies forever. This is a show that is not to be missed, though children may be frightened by the life-like special effects and loud noises.
 AFRICA
To construct the African port village, Disney hired Zulu carpenters to install the characteristic thatch roofs. The village, complete with its bustling marketplace, appears completely authentic.
Kilimanjaro Safari: Takes you on a tour of the Animal Kingdom’s African Animals. Unlike other Disney rides, this tour is not on rails but an actual truck, making you feel like you’re on a real African safari. Look out for the lions lazing on the rocks and the elephants going for a swim. Some gentler animals are even free to wander right up to the truck and that creates a different experience every time. Because animals don’t follow scripts but have their own agenda, it is difficult to determine what you’ll actually see, so it’s possible that you may want to go on the tour over and over again.
The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: After the tour, you are deposited at the start of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The trail offers you a chance to have a more sustained look at what you only caught a glimpse of on the safari. There are also carefully stationed animal handlers around, who will happily answer any of your questions.
DINOLAND USA
Experience time travel as you travel to the big bang and encounter palaeontologists within the space of an hour in DinoLand USA. At the entrance to this land, you are greeted by the assembled remains of a brachiosaur, a sign that should prepare you for what’s to come. Dinosaur is a ride where your Time Rover takes you back to the days of the dinosaur. Be prepared for the suspense that will haunt you as you never know when a dinosaur may pop its head out and scare you.
Cretaceous Trail: The gardens and habitats along the trail feature living specimens directly descended from animals and plants tat lived on earth millions of years ago. Some of the specimens look much like their ancestors (eg. alligators and crocodiles) and others, not so much.
Primeval Whirl: is a rollercoaster that spins like a teacup. People of all ages love it, though it is guaranteed to make you feel unbalanced AND nauseous if you’re that way inclined. It holds Disney World’s record for being the longest wait so a FASTPASS will come in extremely handy.
ASIA
As you enter this land, you are greeted by a colourful swimming dragon and a stone bridge flanked by peak columns. Asia is the sixth and final land to be added in the Animal Kingdom and looks completely genuine with its rural “village” selling authentic artefacts.
Flights of Wonder: is an ornithological performance by Disney World’s bird collection. Here, the birds strut their stuff and show the audience what they can do. The highlights of the show are the hair-skimming flights that are guaranteed to make you duck for cover.
Maharaja Jungle Trek: Deep in the jungle of Asia is a mythical village known as Anandanpur, which means a place of delight. It truly is a place of delight as you set off on the trek. Here you will come across the ruins of a maharaja’s palace which is guarded by tigers (who probably think they’re the maharajas now and quite rightly). You will also come across gibbons, giant fruit bats and even a Komodo dragon. There is no food allowed on this rather long trek, so make sure everyone’s stomach is satisfied before you go.
 CAMP MINNIE-MICKEY
Designed like an Adirondack summer camp, Camp Minnie-Mickey is the primary place to get autographs. It is also home to the Festival of the Lion King, which is one of the best (if not the best) show that Disney has to offer.
Festival of the Lion King: is a 25 minute stage show with bright costumes, exhilarating music and fantastic performers. Audience participation is required as the four different seating sections are allocated an all-important animal sound. Some lucky kids are even chosen to dance with the troupe during the last number. This is a very popular show that can be closed out. Make sure you arrive 15-30 mins early to be on the safe side.
Pocahontas and her Forest Friends: Is truly a show for the kids. Here they tell the story of America’s native animals and since the themes and enchantment are directed towards children, they will love it. If you arrive a few minutes early, you can even seat children under ten in a special area up front.
USEFUL INFORMATION
· From the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios, you can take a Disney bus. Most hotels not situated in Disney World provide shuttle buses. These however are run on the hour every two or three hours so it will be better to drive.
· If you have a car, drive along Route 4, look for the 25B (192 West) exit. Follow the signs to Blizzard Beach/Allstar Resort to Osceola Parkway West and look for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Signs. There is a $7 parking fee (free for Disney World Hotel guests). The parking lot is not big as the other theme parks so you can usually get a close park to the entrance. For further parking areas there is a tram.
· It is best to work out the day’s schedule with that of the animals. Time of day impacts the level of activity in different species and should be an important thing to note. There are no early admission perks because the Animal Kingdom opens earlier than all the other parks. Arriving half an hour early will give you a chance to purchase your ticket early and you can also grab maps and check timetables so you can plot your day.
· Stroller and wheelchair hire are available at Garden Gate Gifts just inside the main entrance.
· Baby services is located behind the Creature Comforts Shop on Discovery Island.
· Lockers are located just outside the park near the kennel and inside near Guest Relations. They cost $5 per day and there is a $2 refundable deposit for unlimited use.
· Lost children should be reported at Guest Relations and picked up at Creature Comfort Shop.
· Package Pickup is located at Guest Services and is a free service where you can tell Animal Kingdom store clerks to forward your purchases to Parcel Pickup. If you are staying in Disney property, you can send your parcels to your hotel (but not on your departure day).
· An ATMS is located outside the park to the right of the main entrance.
· It is ideal to get a FASTPASS in order to avoid waiting in lines. The FASTPASS enables you to insert their ticket into the machine and be given a time to come back for the ride. In the meantime, you can go on other rides. When it is time, you got directly to the FASTPASS entrance and proceed unto the ride with little or no waiting time.
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