HiYa Pals!
I hope this blog is finding you well and in good spirits! Summer is quickly approaching, and we cannot wait for all fun and excitement to begin! In this blog we will take a look inside Animal Kingdom! In previous blogs we have discussed the other three parks, if you want to dive a little into Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studios hop over and check those out!
A little history
Walt Disney had a deep love and fascination with animals as a young child. He even worked on a farm tending for animals when he moved with his family to Marceline, Missouri. Some of his first sketches were of animals and this love is why several of his first movie characters were animals as well.
Animal Kingdom is a theme park unlike others. This is the 4th park to be built in Disney World and opened on Earth Day, April 22nd of 1998. Its spectacular and unique in many ways.
Animal Kingdom is the largest of the parks being over 500 acers large. There are over 1,000 animals across the park and resort that are loved and well cared for.
There are over 300 animals carved onto the Tree of Life, located at the center of Animal Kingdom. In the initial phases of the park, Animal Kingdoms creator Joe Rohde and several imagineers went to different countries over several years to research and learn as to be as authentic as possible. And their work is undeniable. Animal Kingdom is such a beautiful and immersive place.
The Park
When walking up to Animal Kingdom you can’t help but notice the thick greenery surrounding you. It almost feels as if you are about to head into the jungle. There is amazing background music lightly playing getting you in an adventurous mood. Splashed around the entry are a few picture spots, a Joffre’s Coffee location and benches tucked to the side. You know you are about to go take a look inside of Animal Kingdom.
Once you entered past the scanning point you are in the park! In the immediate area you will find restrooms, The Rainforest Cafe and guest relations. There are even a few small animal exhibits.
Animal Kingdom is divided into 5 sections. They are Discovery Island, Pandora, Africa, Asia, and Dinoland USA. Let’s take a look into each section.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the hub of the park. It is the first place you walk to when crossing the bridge at park entry. Here you will find shops such as Island Mercantile and Discovery Trading Company. For those with little ones there is the First Aid and Baby Care Center, Creature Comforts.
Stop for a picture in front of the Tree of Life or go inside the tree and catch the interactive show, It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Looking for a spot to get some food? Check out the friendly quick service restaurant, Pizzafari. You can also find the signature dining- Tiffin’s and the delicious Nomad Lounge. Each have a yummy menu and are waiting for guests like you to try them out!
Soar in Pandora
If you are a fan of the Avatar franchise, you might want to make the trek to this part of the park. Here you will find yourself walking amongst the beautiful foliage and taking in the sounds of the land. You will find the floating mountains, an interactive drum area and be sure to look up to spot some creatures you may recognize.
In Pandora you will find two attractions, Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. Both of these rides are stunning in their own right. Needing to grab a lunch or snack? Be sure to check out Pongu Pongu or Satu’li Canteen. When you’re looking for an Avatar souvenir be sure to check out the giftshop Windtraters. Make sure to find yourself in the Pandora area at night to see the land come alive!
Track through Africa
I love this part of the park! It feels like you are nowhere near home having a wonderful adventure. Disney is really good at doing that. But I digress.
This part of the park is rather large seeing it houses quite a few things. Closest to Pandora you will find the Harambe theater where you can catch the live show Festival of the Lion King! Go watch this, you will thank me later!
Wanting to see some animals? Hop on Kilimanjaro Safari to see some majestic animals up close and personal! Be sure to walk the animal trail Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or go pet some goats at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
There are several food locations in the Africa area. You can find some delicious foods at the Mombasa Marketplace, Harambe Market, grab some African beers and drinks at the Dawa Bar, or meet Mickey and Friends and the Tusker House! All fantastic options for some wonderful food.
Let’s look at Asia.
Stepping into to the part of the park dedicated to Asia is breathtaking. The music changes, the decor is mesmerizing, and the animals are beautiful.
In this part of the park, you will find Anandpur Theater where you can watch a bird show! Additionally, there is The Theater in the Wild where you can watch the newly revamped Nemo Show! Its adorable, you and the kids are sure to enjoy it! If anything, it’s a nice escape from the heat!
Walking along this area there are several huts for food and drink, however if you are looking for a place to sit inside and enjoy some Asian cuisine be sure to check out Yak and Yeti. They even have a quick service spot outside!
As far as rides are concerned there is Kali River Rapids and the roller coaster Exploration Everest!
DinoLand USA
Rounding out our look into Animal Kingdom is Dinoland USA. If you are looking for a great spot to let your kids get some energy out this is it! Here you will find the large playground area The Boneyard. There are slides, ladders, tunnels, and its multi-leveled. This area is fun but be sure to keep an eye on your kiddos.
There are two rides, Triceratops Spin and Dinosaur. Near Triceratops Spin are two locations for carnival games, Fossil Fun Games and Dino Rama Cart! For food check out Trilo Bites.
Currently Dino land looks a little sparse. A few years ago, they tore down a ride in that area. At the current moment there are walls up but they have put stroller parking and a few tables and benches out for guests to enjoy. There is talk that Disney plans on adding and expanding that area with some new attractions, but nothing has been confirmed yet. We can’t wait to see what Disney has in store for that part of the park.
Overall
Animal Kingdom is a wonderful place. This park is relaxing and beautiful. The attention to detail is spectacular and immersive. If you are looking for a park day where you don’t feel rushed, you can check out some animals, and enjoy some gorgeous scenery this is the place for you! I look forward to getting back there and enjoying the day! And I hope you will take the time to check it out! I’ve only gone over the basics, there is so much more for you to explore on your own trip!
If you’re looking to book a trip or want a vacation quote free to you, reach out to our friend Erica. She can do just that!
