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Orlando Vacation Rentals and The Animal Kingdom

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Animal Kingdom is not your typical theme park. Orlando Vacation Rates Flights Deals Kids Universal Studio Epcot Magic Kingdom Orlando Vacation Specials on HOTELS CARS and Family Tickets Family Travel Deals Florida Orlando can take you to Animal Kingdom where you can view animals in a natural setting and learn about the animals.

History

  • In January 1990, the idea for Animal Kingdom was born. This idea was to have a center that included traditional theme park, an Epcot style pavilion, and a nontraditional zoo.
  • In June 1995, Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom Project was announced.
  • In August 1995, the ground was broken.
  • In April 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom was officially opened.

Main areas of the Animal Kingdom are:

Safari Village (renamed Discovery Island)

When you come in through the entrance (Oasis), you'll see the Tree of Life in the distance. The Tree of Life is the hub of the Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life is 14 stories tall and is the home to more than 325 animals. Enjoy the 3D film "It's Tough to Be a Bug" where Flik and Hopper, from "A Bug's Life," entertain you. Explore the Discovery Island Trails where you'll find many small exotic animals around the base of the Tree of Life.

Camp Minnie-Mickey

Orlando Vacation Rates Flights Deals Kids Universal Studio Epcot Magic Kingdom Orlando Vacation Specials on HOTELS CARS and Family Tickets Family Travel Deals Florida Orlando wants you to discover where Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald hang out and go fishing. While you're at the camp, catch the Festival of the Lion King, a must-see live stage show featuring songs and characters from the motion picture. Children will enjoy Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends, a short show what can be done to save the forests. If you're hoping to bump into one of your favorite Disney characters, Orlando Vacation Rates Flights Deals Kids Universal Studio Epcot Magic Kingdom Orlando Vacation Specials on HOTELS CARS and Family Tickets Family Travel Deals Florida Orlando suggests scouting out the Meet and Greet Trails.

Africa

If you're looking for a taste of the exotic, Orlando Vacation Rates Flights Deals Kids Universal Studio Epcot Magic Kingdom Orlando Vacation Specials on HOTELS CARS and Family Tickets Family Travel Deals Florida Orlando recommends taking the Kilimanjaro Safari.

Here are some tips:

  • The best time to take the safari is about 2 or 3 p.m., when the animals are most active.
  • Ask lots of questions if you get a driver from Africa because they are happy to talk about their homeland. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions about the animals.
  • Sit in front of the truck if you want a smoother ride.
  • Remain seated at all times - even when taking pictures. With animals darting in front of the vehicle, the driver may have to slam on the breaks and eject you from your seat. To get better shots, sit on the end of the rows.

Conservation Station (renamed Rafiki's Planet Watch)

Rafiki's Planet Watch is a peek at how the park's animals are fed and cared for.
Take a look at the Animal Cam. If you want to get a bit more personal, you can pet some of the small domestic animals at the Affection Section.

Dinoland USA

This area pays tribute to all dinosaurs, real and imaginary. Kids can play in the Boneyard playground. Learn more about these fascinating creatures in the Dino Institute.

Asia

Orlando Vacation Rates Flights Deals Kids Universal Studio Epcot Magic Kingdom Orlando Vacation Specials on HOTELS CARS and Family Tickets Family Travel Deals Florida Orlando wants to help you be one of the first to explore the newest addition to Animal  Kingdom's Asia area in 2006.

Expedition EVEREST will be the newest thrill adventure. Guests hop aboard an old mountain railway to make their way to the top of the 200-foot mountain. On the way, they'll counter the legendary Yeti, also known as the abominable snowman.

Tours

Backstage Safari Tour Animal Kingdom

Backstage Safari Tour Animal Kingdom gives you an insider's look. Meet some of the keepers. Visit the state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Nutrition Center. The three-hour tour takes places Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You must be 16 years or older to go on this tour. No photography is permitted backstage.

Wild By Design Tour

Curious to hear about some stories about how Disney's Animal Kingdom was made? See how art, architecture, historical artifacts and storytelling are used to bring exotic lands to life. This three-hour tour will display the design and building of this type of theme park. The tour will also shed some light on the details of caring for animals and habitats. This tour is offered Thursday and Friday. You must be 14 years or older to go on this tour.

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