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Orlando : Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park

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  • As the name implies, wildlife rules at the latest addition to Disney’s empire of fun. Here, the serious issue of conservation is combined with the playfulness of a theme park, though critics complain that the landscaping makes it hard to see the animals, especially in the hottest parts of the day. There’s compensation in the fact that the park has some enthraling shows and rides, and rumor has it that future plans for a new zone include a roller coaster. For now, the park is all about getting back to nature, albeit of a more exotic kind than the one Florida usually has to offer.

    For other Disney sights and attractions (see Walt Disney World® Resort & Lake Buena Vista) For another conservation-oriented park (see SeaWorld Orlando)
Top 10 Attractions
  • 1. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    The park’s most popular ride puts you on a large safari jeep to bump along dirt tracks looking for black rhinos, lions, zebras, and more. You’re reminded that it’s a theme park, though, as a staged adventure unfolds – guests have to save the elephants from “poachers”. The animals are real, but that baobab tree was made by talented Disney artists, known as Imagineers.

  • 2. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

    As you’re surrounded by thick vegetation, it’s sometimes hard to see the animals on this walk-in-the-woods with a difference. The gorillas are the main attraction, but if the stars of the show prove shy, there are also hippos, exotic birds, and weird-looking mole-rats.

  • 3. Festival of The Lion King

    One of Orlando’s best shows won’t fail to throw you into the spirit of things when it gets going. This production uses singers, dancers, and The Lion King’s popular score to emphasize nature’s diversity.

  • 4. Kali River Rapids

    The park’s conservation message is evident on this exciting raft ride, which passes from a lush landscape to one in the process of being scorched for logging. You need to be 38 inches (96 cm) tall or more to ride, and like to get wet!

  • 5. Maharajah Jungle Trek

    The giant Old World fruit bats, some with man-sized wingspans, are easily spotted, but the Bengal tigers are elusive when it’s hot. You might also see Komodo dragons, tapirs, and deer on this atmospheric Asian stroll.

  • 6. Tree of Life

    The park’s symbol is this 145-ft (44-m) tall tree created by Walt Disney Imagineers. Look carefully: there are 325 mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, dinosaurs, and Mickeys carved into its trunk, limbs, and roots.

  • 7. It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

    Located inside the Tree of Life’s 50-ft (15-m) base, this 3-D, effect-filled show offers a view of the world from an insect’s perspective. The climax is sure to make an impression.

  • 8. Tarzan™ Rocks!

    Dancers, tumblers, and daring (often aerial) in-line skaters wearing spectacular costumes are all part of this exhilarating show, although it’s Phil Collins’ music that really gets the audience rocking.

  • 9. DINOSAUR

    Expect to be shaken up on this wild ride, which takes you back 65 million years. Convincing animatronic dinosaurs lurk in the darkness. There’s a 40-inch (102-cm) minimum height requirement.

  • 10. The Boneyard

    Possibly the best of its kind in any of the Disney parks, this playground is a perfect place for kids to burn off surplus energy. The play area is built around the “remains” of dinosaurs. It’s both educational and fun.

Practical Information
Roasted corn from the Chakranadi Chicken Shop makes a great snack. The best times to see the animals are as soon as the park opens and within an hour of it closing, especially during the hot months (May–Sep). Use FastPass (see Cutting in Line), a ride reservation system that helps cut the amount of time spent standing in line for the most popular rides and shows. As in all Disney parks, smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas. Savannah Circle, Walt Disney World Resort 407-824-4321 www.disneyworld.com Open at least 8am–6pm, sometimes 7am–7pm. Call for seasonal hours. Adm: adults $63, children (3–9) $51 including tax. Children under 3 go free.
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