We have finally reached the last park in the series. Disney's "Animal Kingdom" is the largest park area wise, at over 500 acres, its big enough for all three other parks to fit inside with no problem! But do no think that this will be a walking nightmare, because although big, most of the area is the "Kilimanjaro Safaris" and the area around "Rafiki's Planet Watch", both which we'll explore later. Animal Kingdom is Disney's last park to be built here in Central Florida. Construction started in August of 1995 and opened on Earth Day on April 22nd, 1998. From the beginning, the Tree of Life was it's centerpiece, but since the opening of "Expedition Everest" April 7th this year, Mt. "Everest" is now the reigning King!
For a while, the Animal Kingdom did not have the attendance figures of the other three parks, one of the many reasons Expedition Everest was built there in hopes of boosting those numbers. But even before Everest, Animal Kingdom has much to offer in shows and attractions and it's great for the kids, because all the young ones love animals. So as before, we'll go over the major attractions and shows, break it all down for you, and hopefully make your plans a little easier!
THE FASTPASS MUSTS!
AFRICA:
1- Kilimanjaro Safaris, a park favorite and the best opportunity to see the many species of animals from Africa in the native habitat. Take a "Two Week" Safari and even help capture some Poachers! Average wait time is 45mins to an hour.
ASIA:
1- Here you will encounter the fearful "Yeti" on "Expedition Everest". On of the best thrill rides, it is the first fastpass my Wife and I get the minute we arrive. This attraction is similar to "Soarin'" in EPCOT, those fastpasses sometimes can be gone by 1PM!, so if you want to ride, get these passes first.
2- Kali River Rapids. This is very popular and busy, especially in the hot Florida summertime! Take a white-water rafting trip down the Chakranadi river. And depending how the raft turns, you will get "SOAKED". Average wait in the summertime is an hour or more
DINOLAND U.S.A.:
1- Primeval Whirl. This is pretty popular, with average wait times of 30 minutes. My wife and I first thought it was just for the kids, but it is a sleeper for adults! A great little coaster ride with twists and turns.
2-Dinosaur. This is one great attraction. (See my article Animal Kingdom's "Other Everest"). I think next to Everest, it's our favorite here. Go back in time to bring home an "Iguanodan" Dinosaur. Great Four-Wheel drive through the late Cretaceous period. Hint on this attraction: Before you stand in line with small children, be forewarned that this attraction can be freighting for them. It is very loud and some of the Dinos are pretty large and scary. Also, the ride makes many sudden stops and starts and can get bumpy along the way. Average wait about 20 mins.
ON DISCOVERY ISLAND:
1- "Its Tough to be a Bug" See Flick and his friends show how it is to be a bug and live with us humans. It's in the trunk of the "Tree of Life" and it's a great 3D show. Usually the wait time is never longer than 15 minutes, but I have included it in the fastpass section.
So you can see that like EPCOT, the fastpass list is not long. However, the "Inbetweens" at the Animal Kingdom are enough to keep you busy for a minimum of two days. For the kids, and adults too, In Africa take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch, trains leave every 8-10mins. Here you will learn how to preserve our natural habitats and the animals that live in them. The conservation station and the petting zoo for the kids is a great change of pace and is very educational and interesting. Also in Africa, stroll the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, walk along shaded trails and observe birds, fish, hippos and gorillas, all in a natural setting.
Back in Asia, see the "Flights of Wonder" live bird show. See all species of birds and learn their stories, all birds are untethered during the performances. 5 shows daily. Also take the "Maharajah Jungle Trek" where like the Pangani trail, you will walk through the ruins of an ancient palace and see bats, birds, Komodo dragons, tigers and other exotic animals. These trails are a nice place to slow down, get away from the large crowds and really take in the beauty that Disney put into the Animal Kingdom.
Last on the agenda are the shows and parade. In camp Minnie-Mickey, you will see a show that in our opinion that Broadway could not top. The "Festival of the Lion King" is shown seven times daily. Please arrive at least 30mins prior to the show, it does fill up quickly! The costumes, performers and scenery are worth the price of admission! And for the kids, there is the "Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends" show. Very popular, shown also seven times daily. Of course, we can't forget "Mickey's Jammin" Jungle Parade" at 4:00pm. As with all of Disney's Parades, You'll see your favorite characters and the best parade vehicles anywhere.
There you have it, all four parks, broken down and picked apart. Everything is described and highlighted. And if you follow my simple formula mentioned in the first installment, your Disney trip on a limited time schedule should be easier and more fun to plan, and hopefully all in your family will be able to ride and see their favorite Disney attractions! I hope you find Walt Disney World as Magical and fascinating as we do.!
