Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums…
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is a theme park adventure that is just a little bit wild. The park opened on Earth Day 1998 and offers 6 distinct areas for guests to explore: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and Dinoland, USA.
Africa
Take a two week safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Walk on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. See native African animals in multiple different habitats, including the savanna and forest. Here you will see everyone’s favorites, like giraffes, elephants, lions, and cheetahs. You may also see naked mole rats, a stunning aviary, and an entire meerkat family.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can see Disney’s conservation efforts up close and personal by visiting an animal petting area aptly named Affection Section. You may find talking with veterinary professionals interesting; hey will be able to answer questions about multiple different kinds of animals. This is an experience that melts the hearts of all, young and old! Thrill seekers are able to get their fix on rides like Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, DINOSAUR, and Primeval Whirl.
Asia
If you’re a thrill seeker who is looking for a water ride to wet your whistle, look no further than Kali River Rapids in Asia. There are also amazing live shows that you don’t want to miss: Festival of the Lion King, a 30 minute in the round spectacular performance featuring tumblers, dancers, and singing, and Finding Nemo: The Musical, a unique retelling of the hit Disney Pixar film “Finding Nemo” adapted for the stage by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the minds behind the Broadway musical Avenue Q and the music of Frozen.
Discovery Island
On Discovery Island, the Tree of Life, is the central feature of the park, housing the show It’s Tough to Be A Bug!, a 3-D show featuring Flik and all his pals from A Bug’s Life. The Tree of Life is unique, as it has 325 different carvings of animals both existing and extinct (see if you can find the human!). At night, the Tree of Life comes alive during The Tree of Life Awakens, a new show using light effects and projection mapping set to music.
New: Nighttime Spectacular
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently the home to the all new nighttime spectacular, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, a nighttime spectacular with a decidedly Bollywood flair and music from the hit film. Later in 2016, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut their long awaited Rivers of Light, which will take the place of The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. Rivers of Light will feature water effects and live performers with the effects displayed on the Tree of Life incorporated into the show.