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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Top 10 Things To Do At Walt Disney World in Orlando

There are so many things to see and do at Disneyworld that most guests do not have the time (or energy) to visit them all. First time visitors may be overwhelmed trying to do everything. The following list includes the must sees and dos.

1. Visit Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the crowning glory of the Disney World resort. It was the first park built and has some of the most memorable rides. Plan to spend at least one day at this park especially with young children. It is usually the busiest of the four parks but well worth the time. Magic Kingdom is divided into seven sections or “lands” - Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toon Town Fair, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland and Adventureland. Special Tip: Be sure to get fast passes for Space Mountain right away. Then go ride Buzz Lightyear Star Command. Most people go straight to Fantasyland.

2. Visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios - formerly MGM Studios - was the third park built at Disney World. Its theme is based 1930’s Hollywood. Attractions at Hollywood include two of the biggest thrill rides in the resort - Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Rollercoaster. The Studios also have some of the best shows in the entire resort. Special Tip: Head straight to Tower of Terror and get a fast pass then go immediately and ride Rockin’ Rollercoaster. Most people go to ride Tower of Terror first so the line at Rockin’ Rollercoaster will be shorter.

3. Visit Epcot

Epcot was the second park built at the Disney World resort and draws its inspiration from technological innovations. Its acronym stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. It is divided into two distinct sections. Future World incorporates innovative technology through attractions like Test Track, Mission Space and The Land. World Showcase focuses on international culture. Special Tip: Head straight to Test Track and get a fast pass, then go ride Soarin’. Ride Spaceship Earth later in the day when there is no line.

4. Visit Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom was the last park built at WDW and the only one to be themed around animals. Discovery Island, home to the Tree of Life, is located in the center of the park and has paths that lead to the other six areas. The other six areas are home to attractions such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest and the Festival of the Lion King. Special Tip: Go straight to Expedition Everest and get a fast pass, then go ride Kilimanjaro Safari.

5. Visit Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney is the shopping district of the WDW Resort. There are several unique shops and restaurants including Legoland and Planet Hollywood. Downtown Disney is also home to Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba and Disney Quest, a three-story interactive theme park.

6. Ride the Monorail to Epcot

There are two monorail systems at Disney World. One track runs on a circular path from Magic Kingdom through Grand Floridian Resort, the Polynesian Resort, the Main Parking Area and The Contemporary Resort. The second track runs between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The sight of seeing the “Big Ball” as the monorail is approaching Epcot is spectacular especially at night. Special Tip: Ask the monorail cast member to sit up front with the conductor. You may have to wait for several trains but it is worth the wait.

7. Eat at Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma specializes in American and African cuisine. The Dinner buffet, one of the largets at Disney, offers over 60 items including authentic African soups, seafood and wood-roasted meats. While some of the offerings are exotic, there is something for everyone. The open kitchen atmosphere allows guests to view the culinary experts at work. The dessert bar is unbelievable. Boma restaurant is included on the Disney Dining Plan. Special Tip: Make reservations for 5:30 when the restaurant opens so there will be no wait for seating although you should arrive 15 - 20 minutes before your reservation. Since this is a very popular restaurant once it opens wait times could be up to 45 minutes even with a reservation.

8. Eat at O’Hana in the Polynesian Resort

This restaurant is fabulous. It is all-you-can-eat family style with the waiter bringing the food to your table. Guests start their meal with a variety of appetizers followed by side dishes, wood-roasted meats served on skewers and finally dessert. The atmosphere is Hawaiian and the kids are invited to participate in a parade and limbo contest. O’Hana is included in the Disney Dining Plan.

9. Eat at Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is located in the Contemporary Resort and is a character dining experience. Photo opportunities with Mickey, Minnie and the gang abound. Characters sing and dance and invite the children to participate in a parade. This is a favorite for young children. A breakfast buffet and dinner buffet are available. Chef Mickey’s is included in the Disney Dining Plan. Special Tip: Since this is one of the most popular character meals in the park make late reservations for dinner if possible.

10. Eat with the Princesses

For guests with little girls this is a must. There are two restaurants with princess dining.Cinderella’s Royal Table inside the castle is the most popular and most difficult to get reservations. The food is not that great but the experience makes up for it. Princesses on site include Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine and others. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. This restaurant is included on the Dining Plan but costs two credits.

The Princess Storybook Breakfast is located at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot. It is served family-style, all-you-can eat. It is easier to get reservations here and less expensive, however, Cinderella does not make an appearance at this location.

Special Tip: Be on the phone with Disney Dining at 7:00 am EST exactly 180 days in advance of your trip in order to possibly get reservations for Cinderella’s Castle. If all else fails, contact the concierge at your hotel if staying on property.For more a more in depth look at Disney check back for more Top 10 Disney to do lists in the future.

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