There are seven themes sections of Animal Kingdom, with animal exhibits from monkeys to warthogs lining the streets. Each section is unique, representing a different part of animal conservation. Beautifully and accurately designed, Anna Shaketange from Namibia and Mayenziwe Ntando Khuluse, known around Animal Kingdom as "Prince" from South Africa, both agree that Animal Kingdom makes them feel at home.

At the center of the 500-acre expanse is the Tree of Life, a massive tree, into whose trunk is carved an intricate array of wildlife, from horses to lions to gorillas to bugs.

Underneath the Tree of Life is the 3D animation show based on the movie "A Bug's Life," called "It's Tough to Be a Bug." After waiting in a line that weaves around the base of the tree, which offers a fantastic up-close view of the carvings and is lined with spoof movie posters like "Beauty and the Bees," audience members are welcomed to sit back, relax and enjoy a show all about the beneficial nature of insects.

Things get out of control when Hopper, the villain from "A Bug's Life," gets wind that bugs and humans are consorting. It's an entertaining sensory experience, and definitely something to Fast Pass, if you're not squeamish about spiders, stinkbugs and other creepy crawlers.

If there is one thing to do in Animal Kingdom, it's the Kilimanjaro Safari, found in the Africa section. According to Prince, "they did the safari ride beautifully…I see the animals and I feel at home."

The 20-minute safari takes you on a journey through wetlands and forests and out onto the Serengeti. Riders get to see okapis, elephants, lions and much more. Riding in the morning is the best chance you have to see the most animals and avoid the longer lines that will develop in later hours. Also in Africa is the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, where you follow a self-guided tour to see hippos, birds and gorillas. You are left to take as much or as little time as you want while traveling through - there are signs with information not only on the animals, but on steps taken toward conservation as well. In Asia, there is another version of this walk-through animal viewing called the Maharajah Jungle Trek, on which you see animals native to Asia's jungles, like Komodo dragons and tigers.

As far as thrill rides go, Animal Kingdom doesn't have too much to offer. The Kali River Rapids found in Asia are a white-water rafting adventure with a warning - you will get wet. You most likely will get drenched. This ride is a Fast Pass must, but as you're breezing down the Fast Pass lane, make sure to check out the ornate and unique decorations that are lining the walls. This is one to do at the hottest point during the day, and if you're wearing white, buy a poncho from the conveniently located poncho kiosk located right outside the ride's entrance.

In 2006, Disney unveiled Expedition Everest, a new roller coaster thrill ride that puts you face to face with the legendary yeti. The coaster takes you forward on a slow climb up the mountain, and then sends you careening backwards through the dark.

The Dinosaur ride, located in DinoLand USA, is also partially in the dark, but in this ride you are sent back to just a few brief moments before the fatal meteor collision that wiped out the colossal beasts. You are charged with task of returning safely with an Iguanodon for study purposes. How could anything go wrong?

Primeval Whirl, also in DinoLand USA, is a slow-moving coaster with a lot of twists and jerks. Those who are prone to motion sickness should probably avoid this ride, but otherwise, it's a surprisingly good time.

Since there are so few thrill rides, the lines are usually pretty long, and Fast Passes in Animal Kingdom are pretty necessary. There are plenty of things to do while waiting for your return time, as Animal Kingdom plays host to a huge variety of shows. While you're walking around, take time to stop if you see something interesting. There are clown shows, acrobats, African Drummers and more lining the streets, and it's these types of shows that make Animal Kingdom really worthwhile.

The stage shows, like "Festival of the Lion King," a 30-minute adaptation of the movie, or "Flights of Wonder," about the beauty and majesty of birds, are both nice reprieves from the blazing sun. There's also a train that leaves every few minutes from Rafiki's Planet Watch and takes you to the petting zoo, which, in the Disney style, is called Affection Section.

Because of all the animals, the park generally closes at 5 p.m., which lets you explore other parks at night. Disney's Animal Kingdom is the park to see for animal lovers of any age.