The Best of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Millions of people vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort each year but sadly many people over look one of the best theme parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom. To be honest I was one of the many, my first day working as a safari driver at Kilimanjaro Safaris was also my first day in the park. Over time I came to realize that there is more to this park than most people see. Most people say that it is like Busch Gardens without the roller coasters, but it is a lot better. Unlike Busch Gardens, the attraction is the animals. The Animal Kingdom is actually the largest of the parks located at the Walt Disney World Resort, in fact you could actually fit The Magic Kingdom and its parking lots inside and still have room. Most people fail to realize this due to the fact that a large amount of that land is located in the ride Kilimanjaro Safari's. There is a lot to cover so I might as well start at the beginning

The Adventure Begins....
Every morning 15 minutes prior to opening you can walk to the turnstiles up to a rope by the tree of life. One lucky family is selected by cast members to help open the park by carrying the rope after a float of Disney characters come to welcome you to the park. Another lucky family is selected to be the "Honorary Family" and are the first family to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris for the day, to make even more special, it is a private safari.

The Oasis -
When you first enter the park you will walk through an area called The Oasis, here there are many animal habitats and the entrance to The Rainforest Cafe.

Discovery Island -
Discovery Island is home to the famous icon "The Tree of Life," there is actually a legend about the tree, be sure to ask a cast member to tell you all about it. The Tree of Life actually features the attraction "Its Tough to be a Bug." It is a 3D adventure that you won't want to miss.

Camp Minnie Mickey -
Camp Minnie Mickey is home to the greeting trail where you can meet and greet with different Disney Characters. It is also home to the show "Festival of the Lion King" this is a show that you can't miss, it has actually been rated the best show at the Disney World Resort. You will also want to catch "Pocahontas and her Forest Friends" a show featuring different American Animals.

Africa -
When you get to Africa you must visit Kilimanjaro Safaris it is actually the second longest ride in the Walt Disney World Resort lasting an average of twenty minutes. You start your journey going on an off road safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, surprisingly us safari drivers are in complete control of the trucks at all times, they are not on a track, this is because more often or not the free roaming animals will cross our path and we need to keep the animals a safe distance from the trucks. Now as tempting as it is because there are no lap bars to stand, please do not it is against the rules and it is not only your safety but also for the safety of other guests. There are really some amazing animals including two baby giraffes and a baby white rhino. There is even a surprise ending!
Another great attraction in Africa is the Pangani Forest a trail that takes you to see a lot of amazing animals including the naked mole rat!

Rafiki's Planet Watch -
To get to Rafiki's you board the Wildlife Express Train which actually takes you through some backstage areas. Rafiki's has the Affection Section, the only place where you can get up close and personal with different animals and it has a lot of great conservation exhibits.

DinoLand USA -
Dinoland has a lot of fun attractions for kids such as The Bone Yard which features a maze filled with fun fossils. It also has the ride Dinosaur where you go on a prehistoric adventure.

Asia -
In Asia you won't want to miss Expedition Everest a runaway train roller coaster that has you going forwards and backwards, you might even see a Yeti.
Also be sure to check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek a walking trail with different Asian animals. If you are looking to get wet Kali River Rapids is for you, You get to raft down the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River aboard a 12 passenger raft through an amazing Asian rain forest.

Now you may realize that the Animal Kingdom is a lot more than an over sized zoo, it is a magical place where you can get away and experience different animals and adventure. So be sure to check out The Animal Kingdom on your next vacation, you won't be disappointed, and if you go on a safari I might even be your driver.