Although it was the last park to be built out of the four Disney Parks, I wanted to leave it till last as it's my all time favourite. I love Magic Kingdom because it's well, magical but I love the detail put into Animal Kingdom, I love the themes of the different areas, I love animals, it's just my ideal park.
It is classed as a theme park/zoo and is the largest theme park in the world covering 580 acres. It is dedicated to the natural environment and animal conservation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this means they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation and research. Like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, it is divided in six themed areas with theTree of Life as the central hub, a sculptured artificial tree.
Oasis
The Oasis serves as the "Main Street" of Animal Kingdom, the main paths lead to the centre of the park from the entrance. Instead of being designed with just one street lined with stores it features winding pathways and animal habitats.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the central hub with paths connecting to other sections of the park not including Rafiki's Planet Watch. It features the Tree of Life as well as animal enclosures.
Attractions
It's Tough to Be a Bug!
Africa
This area is themed around the fictional village of Harambe in East Africa and contains several animal exhibits and street performances.
Attractions
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Festival of the Lion King
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Rafiki's Planet Watch is catered towards young children and families and is connected to Africa. Guests board the Wildlife Express Train to the conservation station. The area has a petting zoo of domesticated animals as well as a behind the scenes into the animal care facilities and a character meet and greet.
Asia
Like Africa, parts of the Asia area are themed around a fictional place, the kingdom of Anandapur in India.
Attractions
Flights of Wonder
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest
Dinoland U.S.A.
This area is obviously centred around the fascination of Dinosaurs. It is split into two areas, the Dino Institute and Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.
Attractions
Finding Nemo - The Musical
Dinosaur!
Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin
Primeval Whirl
Future Expansions
Pandora - The World of Avatar was announced in 2011, an entire area of the park based on James Cameron's Avatar film series. Construction began in January 2014 and will feature two attractions, Flight of Passage, a flying simulator and Na'Vi River Journey, a boat ride showcasing the landscape of Pandora.
Due to Animal Kingdom normally closing as 6pm, a nighttime event called Rivers of Light will debut in 2016.
Tip 1: Secret Entrance!
If the lines to get in the park are long head to the Rainforest Cafe, if you head through the gift shop you can enter through the side entrance.
Tip 2: Kilimanjaro Safaris!
Although you can never be guaranteed to see all of the animals and in an ideal location, it's always good to sit by the edge and have your camera ready and stabilised. During the hotter months the animals also tend to come out more when it rains or early in the morning.
Tip 3: Expedition Everest!
If you don't mind being split up go for the single rider line to get on in a fraction of the time.
Tip 4: Kali River Rapids!
If you plan on going on Kali River Rapids, either wear clothes that will dry quickly aka not denim, bring spare clothes or bring a rain poncho, you may look stupid but you'll thank me. You could also go on the ride before you leave so you don't have to walk around wet the entire day.
Tip 5: Boozy Dole Whip!
Most people believe you can only get Dole Whips in Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian Resort however you can get an alcoholic version of the famous Walt Disney World Treat with rum and without the long lines at Tamu Tamu in Africa.
Tip 6: Walt the trails!
Most guests think you can only get photos of animals on the Safari and rarely can you can a decent photo without a really good camera. If you head for the Pangani Forest Exploration you can get up close and personal with Gorillas and Tigers and they make for some amazing shots!
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