"Welcome to a kingdom of animals ... real, ancient and imagined; a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama and learn." — Michael Eisner, April 22, 1998 from wilkpedia.org.
There is a place where birds chirp, lions roar, monkeys swing ... and you can meet the Yeti (abominable snowman) face to face. No, it's not your local zoo. It's in the middle of all the magic and fairy-tales at The Walt Disney World Resort, and it's called Animal Kingdom.
Unlike the other Disney theme parks, this one does not involve famous princesses and pirates. The whole park is dedicated to the conservation of animals all around the world, and after leaving, you will have a better understanding of preservation. Instead of audio-animatronics, most of the animals here are actually real.
One of the newest additions to the park will take you straight to the Himilayas. Voted 2006 Theme Park Insider Award for "World's Best New Theme Park Attraction," this thrilling new ride was patterned after Mount Everest, and is an educational experience in itself.
Standing at 199-feet tall, Expedition Everest is sure to please!
It took six years to design and build this ride, with multiple visits to the Himilayas to learn about the culture. With twists, turns, hair-raising drops and a face-to-face view of the Yeti, this new spine-tingling ride is a must see on your list.
For a breath-taking experience, check out the Kilimanjaro Safaris, and be in the presence of giraffes, lions and many other fascinating creatures.
To get a really close view, schedule an early morning safari ride, when the animals are waking up and are ready to play and start their day.
Another crowd favorite is Dinosaur, a time-traveling journey back to the Cretaceous Period. But be sure to hold onto your cell phones, because this ride is a bumpy one indeed.
If you aren't a fan of wild rides, be sure to check out some of the shows.
"It's Tough To Be A Bug," in the Tree of Life, is a funny 3-D show that shows you a day in the life of those tiny little creatures that "bug" us.
Be sure to get a seat at a new show called "Finding Nemo — The Musical" that features the beloved characters from the movie "Finding Nemo."
Another must-see show is "The Festival of the Lion King," a broadway-style show that features many of the delightful songs from the motion picture "The Lion King," and a lot of audience participation.
If you're ready for a good cool down, step in line at Kali River Rapids, a rain forest adventure where everybody gets wet. Or, if you're ready for a snack, check out Flame Tree Barbecue. It will have your mouth watering, before you even get there.
If you're ready for a better view of nature, this is the theme park to check out. With loads of wild rides and attractions, you'll feel like you've stepped into a cultural experience.