Animal Kingdom
Dining and Shopping
Animal
Kingdom is yet another incredible achievement from the Disney
"Imagineers". They've recreated a safari in the savanna, a modern African
village and Dinosaurs all in one park. Animal Kingdom will instill an appreciation for
animals and the desire to learn about the natural world. Opened to the public in April 1998, Animal Kingdom is the newest
addition to Walt Disney World. In his dedication speech to Animal Kingdom, Michael Eisner
(the CEO of Disney) described the park as "... a kingdom of animals... real, ancient
and imagined". It includes the rides of an action theme park along with stage
shows, shopping, themed dining at the Rainforest Cafe and of course,
animals.
The park is designed much like the Magic
Kingdom with a central hub and other parks around it. The Hub is created by Safari
Village, with six other sections surrounding it. Many of the visitors services
are located in this section, with the remainder to be found in The Oasis,
the entrance to the park.
The Tree of Life is
located in the center of Safari Village. This beautiful, man-made tree has the images of
over 300 animals carved in it's trunk and branches. It also houses the exciting, It's
Tough to be a Bug presentation featuring the characters from Disney/Pixar's A
Bug's Life. It's one of the most exciting attractions in all of Disney!
Africa and Asia
contain most of the live animals. You should head to these areas in the early morning to
see the animals at their most active and to beat the large crowds. First time
visitors to Animal Kingdom will want to head to Africa at rope drop.
Africa contains the Kilimangaro
Safaris, an adventure through over 100 acres of grassland. This is Animal
Kingdom's signature ride and is best seen in the early morning. The heat of centra Florida
makes the animals rest in the shade for the hottest parts of the afternoon. You'll know
the feeling.
Africa also is where you board the train to
the Conservation Station, a terrific resource for learning about
endangered animals and their environment. There's a small petting zoo and live animal
demonstrations along with information about conservation efforts going on in your home
town.
If you've had enough of live animals, you
can see some extinct ones in Dinoland USA. Among other attractions, this
area features The Boneyard, a large excavation area for kids and Countdown
to Extinction, a wild motion simulator ride.
Camp Minnie-Mickey is
where some more traditional Disney activities take place. Designed like a summer-camp in
the woods, you can follow trails to meet all your favorite Disney characters.
Camp Minnie-Mickey also has the Legend of
the lion king stage show. This outstanding production is one of the best live shows Disney
has to offer. Don't miss it!
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