Thursday, March 27, 2008

Top 10 Things to Do at Disney World Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the newest and largest park in the Walt Disney World Resort. It is also the only one with an Animal Theme. Unfortunately it is the least most visited of all the parks. It should be included in any visit to Disney World. Most guests can visit these ten attractions in half a day and still be able to visit other parks.

1. Expedition Everest


Expedition Everest is the newest attraction at Animal Kingdom. Guests are taken on a trek through the Himalayas in a rebuilt steam train to reach the base camp at Mount Everest. Their route uses a shortcut through the “forbidden mountain” thought to be protected by the fabled Yeti. Upon encountering this audio-animatronics Yeti, the steam train descends the mountain backwards!! Height Requirement - 44”. Fast passes available. Tip: Head straight to this ride first. Grab a fast pass then go to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

2. Kilimanjaro Safari



Guests are taken on a safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in an open-aired jeep. Various animals are located throughout freely roaming the area. Some of the animals will even come very close to the vehicle. The tour guide relates information about the many animals. No height requirement. Fast Passes available. Tip: Ride this attraction either first thing in the morning or just before the park closes in order to view the most animals. During the hottest part of the day the animals take refuge and are not as visible.



3. Kali River Rapids


Kali Rivers Rapids is a raft float trip along the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River. It begins as a peaceful journey until guests come upon illegal loggers. Note: You will probably get very wet on this ride especially going down the 30 ft. waterfall. Height requirement - 38”. Tip: If you do not want to get soaked purchase some cheap (you can get them for $1 at the dollar store) rain parkas and wear them during the ride.


4. The Tree of Life



The Tree of Life is the icon of Animal Kingdom. It sits in the center of the park on Discovery Island. There are lots of spots around the park that provide great opportunities to photo the Tree. Over 300 animals are carved into its trunk. The queue for It's Tough to be a Bug wraps around the Tree. Walk through to admire the workmanship indicative of Disney!! Tip: Look for the hidden Mickey on the Tree of Life.


5.It's Tough Be A Bug


This is one of several 3-D attractions at Disney World. In this show the characters from A Bug's Life teach guests that bugs and insects can be their friends and not just pests. In addition to some neat 3-D effects there are some special surprises.


6. DINOSUAR


This ride was formerly Countdown to extinction. Guests have been asked by a scientist from the Dino Institute to perform a special mission. He's hacked into the time travel computer system and asked travels to bring back an Iguanadon. The only problem is they must make it out before the meteor hits the earth. Height requirement-40". Fast passes are available. Tip: This ride is very intense for small children. Use the child swap feature if possible.


7. The Festival of the Lion King


This is my family's favorite park musical. Featuring music from The Lion King guests are entertained by acrobats (dressed as monkeys), men on stilts and dancers. There is even a fire baton act!! Characters from the movie are atop huge floats and watch the show with guests. The professionalism of the performance is just wonderful.




8. Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails


Located in Camp Minnie-Mickey the greeting trails give young ones the opportunity to meet their favorite characters, get autographs and take pictures. This character greeting area is the most organized of all the parks (to the joy of the parents). Guests wind their way through the trails where Mickey and friends are located at various spots. Tip: Use the big Sharpie style markers for autographs. They are much easier for the characers to handle.


9. Finding Nemo-The Musical


Enter the big blue world under the sea at the Theater in the Wild. Using live actors, puppetry and acrobats, the story of Nemo and his friends is recounted. There are five 30-minutes shows daily.


10. Rainforest Cafe


There are two locations at Disney. One is located at Downtown Disney. The second is just outside the gates of Animal Kingdom. The decor represents an Amazon Rainforest and features robotic animals and insects. There is also a huge aquarium. Menu items include burgers, seafood, sandwiches, pasta and steaks. A kids menu is also available. Tip: To the best of my knowledge Rainforest Cafe is not included in the Disney Dining Plan. Ask a Disney Cast member for more information.




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