Walt Disney World > Disney's Animal KingdomDisney's Animal Kingdom
"I have learned from the animal world and what everyone will learn who studies it is,
a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants." -- Walt Disney
Animal Kingdom Attractions
Disney's Animal Kingdom Overview
Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, celebrates amazing adventures with wild animals, exciting attractions, lavish stage shows and lovable characters!
The theme park opened on Earth Day April 22, 1998. Disney's Animal Kingdom is 500 acres of exotic landscapes with 600 species of trees, 350 species of grasses and 1800 different shrubs, ferns, mosses vines and perennials.
Disney's Animal Kingdom's layout is similar to that of a wheel with a hub in the centre and spokes leading out to the different lands.
At the hub, in the Discovery Island is the icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life.
The Tree of Life has over 325 different animals carved into it. Inside the Tree of Life is Disney's, "It's Tough to Be a Bug" 4D attraction.
The "spokes" are the paths that lead to each individual land. The entranceway leads you
through the Oasis, filled with tropical plants and flowers interspersed
with small animals and exotic birds.
Camp Minnie-Mickey offers one of the most spectacular shows at WDW in "The Festival of the Lion King".
In Africa you can join a safari and help catch elephant poachers in an exciting chase.
Dinoland U.S.A. offers the thrill ride, "Dinosaur" where you'll have a journey back
through time to try to bring back a live dinosaur.
In Asia, The Kali River Rapids offer an exciting, wild ride that is will leave you soaking wet.
The focus on wildlife conservation and preservation led Disney to initiate a Species Survival Plan program. This program is an international co-operative breeding project whose goal is to manage populations of endangered species and inform people about the importance of animal conservation and the preservation of their habitats. The Walt Disney Company Foundation established the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund to encourage global wildlife conservation.
Animal Kingdom History
In 1989, Eisner challenged his imagineers to create some kind of theme park dedicated to animals.
Two years later in January of 1990, Imagineering Concept Designer Joe Rohde met with Eisner
with his concept: a traditional theme park, an Epcot style pavilion,
and a nontraditional zoo. Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom Project was announced June 5, 1995 and ground was broken in August 1995.
The name changed a bit during the next couple years (conflicts with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom) and Disney's Animal Kingdom was ultimatley decided upon.
More than 4 million plants, trees, grasses and shrubs were planted to create the jungle-like atmosphere in central Florida.
During the course of the parks design and production the Imagineering team visited Africa many times observing the wildlife in its natural habitat. Inspired by the sight of a leopard in a tree 300 feet away the team decided they could equal this thrill at there park with a ride such as "Kilimanjaro Safari."
Unlike the other parks the architecture would not be the main issue. The park had to go beyond entertaining, beyond business, beyond making money. It had to give something back to the guest. Dr. Bill Conway, president and general director of the Wildlife Conservation Society, visited and inspired the team with ideas of exhibits. Zoologists, curators and veterinarians from around the U.S. were invited to help with the designs and the care of the animals.
After three years and 800 million dollars later, "Phase One" of Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on April 22,1998. "Phase Two" of Disney's Animal Kingdom is currently still on the drawing board, including an E-Ticket rollercoaser, "Forbidden Mountian" opening in the next few years.
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Animal Kingdom Photos
 Tree of Life |
 Maharajah Jungle Trek |
 Kilimanjaro Safaris |
 Dinosaur |
For more photos from Disney's Animal Kingdom please visit our Animal Kingdom photo page.
Reviews
 | 6/25/2007 |
Disney's Animal Kingdom is excellent. It encompasses much more than "just a zoo". DAK is about the various cultures that make up the world as much as world showcase is to Epcot. Approaching DAK with the attitude of learning, instead of just looking, results in a much more educational experience, and its only getting bigger and better
| 6/6/2007 |
This is the best park Disney has to offer. The animals are amazing. I recommend going on the safari with your camera. you will see all kinds of critters! The mount everest roller coaster was awesome. After 27 years my first true coaster experience and it did not disappoint! I went on 3 times in a row! Dinosaur was a great ride. Also the rafting ride was great fun as well with its twists and turns. Great for a hot day! I highly recommend going to the animal kingdom lodge and eating at the BUMA restauraunt to finish out your day. The food is absolutely amazing and the very best that Disney has to offer.
 | 3/23/2007 |
Sorry - good attempt, but AK has about four major attractions - and all of the FastPasses to these sell out by 11:00 AM. Compared to the other parks? AK lacks critical mass. Perhaps in 3-5 years, it will compete with MC, Epcot, and MGM Grand.
Vist our Disney World® Reviews section for more reviews.
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