Disney World – Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is the place for kids to experience the animal world through Disney's nearly fantastical lens. In this lush, jungle-filled space, you'll find plenty of attractions related to the tropical animal world, from Africa and Asia, along with many fantastic amusement rides. At the park, you can go on a safari to see large African animals, pet farm animals in the petting zoo, or walk among great apes and the wildlife of Southeast Asia. Besides the animals, you can also explore Pandora, the fantastical world from the movie Avatar.
How long should you spend at Animal Kingdom?
It's a good idea to dedicate at least half a day to Animal Kingdom. The park is less appealing than Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, so plan another Disney attraction for later in the day.
8 things you must see and do in Animal Kingdom
- The giant Baobab tree on Discovery Island
- Watch hippos and elephants on an African safari ride
- Wild tubing on the Kali River in Asia
- The Avatar Flight Passage flight simulator
- Boat ride on the Na'vi River in Pandora's Forest
- Pet alpacas at Rafiki's Planet Watch
- Expedition Everest roller coaster
- Dinosaurs at DinoLand USA
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This page is all about Disney's Animal Kingdom Park in detail
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How to Reach the Animal Kingdom of Disney World?
- Access to the park by car is via Osceola Pkwy, right after Blizzard Beach Water Park
- The main parking for the Magic Kingdom is located south of the park itself, where the official entrance gate is found
- There are several bus lines (the green lines) connecting the park with other parks, resort hotels, and Downtown Disney (For a map of the Disney World transportation system, click here…)
Map of Disney World's Animal Kingdom
What is Animal Kingdom Theme Park?
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is one of the four themed parks of the Disney World Resort.
- The park is located on the west side of the resort, with a massive parking lot to the south, near the official entrance
- The park opened in 1998
- In terms of area, it is the largest of the four Disney World themed parks
- It is also technically the largest theme park in the world in terms of area
- The park's goal is to raise awareness for sustainable nature conservation and the rescue of endangered animal species.
- The park combines a safari experience with entertainment and amusement in Disney's high standards (of course).
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Animal Kingdom is divided into seven themed sections of attractions surrounding the park's central island – Discovery Island:
- The Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Africa
- Rafiki's Planet Watch
- Asia
- DinoLand U.S.A
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Everything to see and do in Disney World's Animal Kingdom
The Oasis
The oasis is the entrance and access to the park (conceptually equivalent to Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom). The Oasis Boulevard features displays of animals and plants and, of course, souvenir shops and places to eat. The street of the oasis leads to Discovery Island.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the heart of the park, entirely surrounded by the Discovery River. Bridges from the island lead to each of the park's sections. The island hosts restaurants and shops in addition to several attractions.
The main attractions on Discovery Island:
- Tree of Life – An artificial baobab tree surrounded by elevated walking bridges
- Theater featuring the movie: It's Tough to be a Bug! in 4D
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Pandora is located to the left of the oasis and is based on James Cameron's movie Avatar. In line with the land of Pandora, the artificial landscape of the section is drawn from the world of fantasies, inspired by the film.
The main attractions in Pandora:
- Avatar Flight of Passage – A 3D flight simulator within the land of Pandora
- Na'vi River Journey – A canal ride through the forest landscapes of Pandora
Africa
Africa is a safari-like experience located north of Discovery Island. It's the first section of the park that opened alongside Discovery Island and features a sustainable display of animals. The landscape imitates Africa's fauna, reproduced after detailed and accurate research. The base of the section is Harambe, a place designed to look like an African village with a souvenir shop and a restaurant.
The main attractions in Africa:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris – A safari vehicle that travels through the simulated trails of the African jungle, including animal viewing
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – A trail offering views of African animals including gorillas
- Harambe Theater – Home to the Festival of the Lion King, featuring a theater show based on Disney's famous movie
Rafiki's Planet Watch Observation
Access to Rafiki's Planet Watch is via the Wildlife Express Train departing from the Africa area. This observation point is essentially the park's backstage, including interaction with animals in the park that undergo treatment and feeding. There is a petting farm with domestic animals such as goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and even alpacas.
Asia
The Asia section is the second area of Animal Kingdom, opened in 1999 as the first expansion to Africa. It features the scenery of the Anandapur Kingdom, inspired by the nature and people of Southeast Asia and India.
Main attractions in Asia:
- Kali River Rapids – Family tubing ride in a channel
- Expedition Everest – A roller coaster
- The Maharajah Jungle Trek – Encounter with Asia's unique wildlife
DinoLand U.S.A
After our adventures in the jungles of Africa and Asia, Dinoland USA is a section dedicated entirely to the world of paleontology. Besides the educational value of the fossils, the park features large models of dinosaurs in various types, mammoths, and other prehistoric creatures. Here you'll find the Theater in the Wild, showcasing the musical show – Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond.
