[envira-gallery id=”17191″]
Take an amazing safari expedition through a beautiful landscape, view exotic animals and incredible live shows, and enjoy thrilling attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, which opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, as Walt Disney World Resort’s fourth theme park (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios being the other three Disney World parks).
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Areas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park encompasses more than 500 acres and is divided into the following areas: Oasis (animal habitats), Camp Minnie-Mickey, Discovery Island®, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand USA, which includes The Boneyard play area, Primeval Whirl, TriceraTop Spin and DINOSAUR! thrill ride.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Attractions
Highlights of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park include Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, a lively musical street party; Festival of the Lion King, an spectacular production that features songs and characters from the hit Disney animated film; Conservation Station, a wildlife conservation awareness exhibit; It’s Tough to be a Bug!, an entertaining 3-D film; Kali River Rapids, a thrilling rafting adventure along the turbulent Chakranadi River; Kilimanjaro Safaris, an open-sided expedition into the heart of Africa; and The Tree of Life, the theme park’s stunning 50-foot-wide icon that features more than 300 animal carvings.
In addition, don’t miss Expedition Everest, the an amazing Disney thrill ride in the Asia section of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park that features roller coaster-like thrills along with a theme based on the folklore of the mysterious yeti (also known as the abominable snowman). Guests board an old mountain railway, journeying through thick bamboo forests and past thundering waterfalls on their way to the foot of Mount Everest. Suddenly, the track ends “in a gnarled mass of twisted metal” and the train starts racing backward through mountain caverns and icy canyons toward a showdown with the ferocious yeti.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Dining
Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a variety of dining opportunities such as Rainforest Cafe®, Restaurantosaurus (character dining) and Tusker House Restaurant & Bakery, a colorful African-themed eatery. For a more eclectic dining experience, try Boma or Jiko – The Cooking Place, both located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is open daily at 9 AM (seasonal hours; call ahead before visiting).
OASIS
The Oasis Exhibits
CAMP MINNIE-MICKEY
Festival of the Lion King Greeting Trails
DISCOVERY ISLAND
Discovery Island Trails
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Tree of Life
AFRICA
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
RAFIKI’S PLANET WATCH
Affection Section
Conservation Station
Habitat Habit
Wildlife Express Train
ASIA
Expedition Everest
Flights of Wonder
Kali River Rapids
Maharajah Jungle Trek
DINOLAND U.S.A.
The BoneYard
Cretaceous Trail
DINOSAUR
Dino-Sue
Finding Nemo – The Musical
Fossil Fun Games
Primeval Whirl
TriceraTop Spin
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Dining
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck – Africa
Beastly Kiosk – Discovery Island
Camp Kiosk – Camp Minnie-Mickey
Campfire Treats – Camp Minnie-Mickey
Chakranadi Chicken Shop
Dawa Bar – Africa
Dino Bite Snacks – DinoLand U.S.A.
Dino Diner – DinoLand U.S.A.
Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant – Africa
Flame Tree Barbecue – Discovery Island
Harambe Fruit Market – Africa
Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery – Africa
Mr. Kamal’s – Asia
Pizzafari – Discovery Island
Rainforest Cafe – Oasis
Restaurantosaurus – DinoLand U.S.A.
Safari Coffee – Discovery Island
Sunaulo Toran Fries
Tamu Tamu Refreshments – Africa
Trilo-Bites – DinoLand U.S.A.
Tusker House Restaurant – Africa
Upcountry – Africa
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes – Africa
Yak & Yeti Restaurant – Africa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Shopping
Beastly Bazaar
Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
Creature Comforts
The Dino Institute Shop
Disney Outfitters
Duka la Filimu
Garden Gate Gifts
Island Mercantile
Mandala Gifts
Mombasa Marketplace
Out of the World
Outpost
Serka Zong
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Videos
