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Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom
Information on Animal Kingdom
 Animal
Kingdom
Disney World's Animal Kingdom is separated into 7 distinct
areas: Oasis, Discover Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet
Watch, Asia and Dinoland, U.S.A. This spectacular park, set on 500 acres, is
where 250 species of about 1700 animals live, eat, roam and thrive in the
beautiful Florida weather. Riding in a jeep into the wilds of the African
savannah, you will have the opportunity to see all these marvelous creatures as
they wander through the different terrain that has become their home.
Oasis is the first area you come to once you have entered the park. It is
made up of various paths that lead to Discovery Island, with many wonderful
habitats along the way; including; spoonbills, ducks, fish, muntjac, Hyacinth
Macaws, wallabies, giant anteaters, turtles and babirusas.
Discovery Island is the main area centered in the park with pathways
leading to the other areas. Here you will find the Tree of Life, as well as
macaws, lemurs, saddlebill storks, Galapagos tortoise, axis deer, porcupines,
kangaroos, small-clawed otters, flamingos, vultures, black crowned cranes and
many other exotic creatures.
The Tree of Life is a masterpiece of artistry, standing 145 feet high
with 325 hand carved faces of the most impressive animals living here. A
wonderful 3D film about the life of a bug is shown in the theater found in the
base of the tree.
The first area to explore is the Asian jungle, beginning with the
Maharaja Jungle Trek; with komodo dragons basking in the sun, see the Asian
tigers live in a hunting lodge and palace ruins often cautiously hidden; next
are the black and white Malayan Tapir roaming the area and behind the tigers
refuge you will see Blackbuck and Elds deer. Then we continue to the bat cage,
where 32 Rodrigues Fruit and Malayan Flying Fox varieties hang out. Going on to
the ruins, exquisite birds from Asia live in trees, on the ground or in the mud;
Palawan peacock pheasants, fruit doves, masked plovers, white-rumped shamas,
King parrots and Indian rollers. The sights are beautiful with the sweet smells
of jasmine and honeysuckle wafting through the air. Kali River Rapids
are a great water rafting ride that will cool you off on a hot summer day or get
you wet regardless of the weather. Bring a poncho if you don't want to get too
wet. Its a thrilling ride informing you of the terrible destruction we are
committing on our planet and hopes that you will find a way to help conserve.
The next exciting ride is the Expedition to Everest on a
high speed train that is more like a roller coaster ride, complete with the
Abominable Snowman trying to stop you.
In Dinoland, you'll see Finding Nemo-The Musical, Chester
and Hester's Dino-Rama, Triceratop Spin, Preimeval Whirl, and Dinosaur.
 Africa
is entered through the village of Harambe which means "come together" in
Swahili; which in reality is the main theme of this wonderful area. The Disney
team went to Africa to search out some of the more interesting sights that would
become part of their Africa land. Found were a fortress in Zanzibar, dilapidated
old structure and home in Kenya, village replicated from an East African port
and thatched huts built by 13 Zulu tribesmen from South Africa.
Kilimanjaro Safari is based upon the continent of Africa and is an
exceptionally wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the kingdom's great
animals. Boarding a safari truck, you start an expedition to explore this mighty
land set on 100 acres, inhabited by lions, zebras, warthogs, ostrich,
crocodiles, baboons, white-bearded wildebeast, hippos, black and white rhinos,
elephants and giraffes with many other fantastic creatures thriving in the area.
There are about 34 varieties of birds and animals for your eyes and enjoyment.
Half way through the safari, poachers are seen and we are all in this together
to stop the evil villains from destroying the magnificent elephants, mother Big
Red and daughter Little Red.
The Pangani (which means place of enchantment) Forest Exploration
Trail is the search for gorillas in the jungles of this 5 acre area. As we
trek through the terrain, down into a valley, we see hippos, birds and fish.
Further along we come to a research center with naked mole-rats, various rodents
and reptiles, eventually entering a bird sanctuary, where the birds are flying
all over and around you. Continuing along the trail, we spot gazelles, small
antelope, Guenther's dik-diks, gerenuk and meerkats. There is an underwater
viewing spot for the great hippos, an overlook in the savannas and finally a
spectacular enclosure of silver backed gorillas.
Rafiki's Planet Watch can only be reached by train and is hosted by
Rafiki where small animals, a petting zoo and exhibits tell about the many
attempts at conserving what resources and animals we have.
The Wildlife Express Train travels through the savannas where various
animal housing and caring areas are set up.
Affection Section is a close encounter with small farm animals; goats, pigs,
chickens, llamas, and sheep, since these are such friendly critters.
Conservation Station is at the end of the trails where the Disney people
have made every effort to inform visitors about the need and influence of
wildlife conservation; with animal experiences, shows and games.
Camp Minnie-Mickey
features a show called Festival of the Lion King with live performances by
characters and songs from the film; as well as 4 areas where visitors can meet
and greet the familiar crew such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the rest. |
