At 580 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort is the company’s largest theme park.
The park was a departure in theme park design for the company, involving the use of live animals as one of the main draws. It also featured a theme of conservatism throughout its initial offerings.
Though that over-the-top conservatism message has been toned down some since opening, it still drives the approach taken to the park in its newest land: Pandora – The Land of Avatar.
Six lands make up Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with the largest being the land of Africa. The other four lands are Asia, Discovery Island, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and DinoLand.
The Tree of Life, on Discovery Island in the center of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. Animal shapes are carved into the artificial tree’s trunk and roots. Beneath the tree is the 3D/4D attraction, “It’s Tough to be a Bug,” based on the Pixar film, “A Bug’s Life.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
There are many lands and places to explore inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Holding a snake are two “rangers” that act as hosts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The statue of the Cementosaurus overlooks the DinoLand area meant to evoke old Route 66 attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An adult and child gorilla check out some of the plants in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Some of the decor details in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Part of the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A view across the waters where a night time show called “The Rivers of Light” takes place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A not so hidden Mickey on the wall of a building in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A view of the Expedition Everest attraction that sits in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Soaring rocks that defy gravity, lush landscapes, waterfalls are all part of the scenery in the Valley of Mo’ara that is part of the 12-acre land Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. The land and its two rides, along with the floating rocks and landscaping, are based on the science fiction movie “Avatar.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Tree of Life, a giant 145-foot-tall artificial tree, serves as the park’s central point, around which are placed the other lands. It sits on Discovery Island, which is criss-crossed by a myriad of trails to explore and discover exhibits of live animals.
Animals are the main draw for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and they are placed in nearly every area, with artificial ones in Pandora and primeval ones in DinoLand.
Those staying at the nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge can see giraffes and zebras right outside their patio windows.
The conservation theme carries through to the types of disposable cups, plates and straws used at the park. All are biodegradable and none are made of plastic.
There are not as many attractions, what Disney calls its rides, as the animals are one of the main draws, but there are still several, including a unique roller coaster and a ride on an alien Banshee.
The park used to close in the early evening, but with the addition of Pandora and a nighttime entertainment experience called “The Rivers of Light,” Disney has made an effort to make the park worth experiencing at night. In fact, the whole look of Pandora is changed with the nighttime bioluminescence lighting used to emulate the look of the film “Avatar” upon which the land is based.
Dining
Most of the restaurants at the park are counter-service facilities and offer cuisine inspired by the area, such as Asian and African. Because it is a large park, and in humidity drenched Florida, there are plenty of beverage offerings too, including alcoholic ones for adults.
The entrance to Tiffins, a table service restaurant near the entrance to Pandora – The Land of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An open market that is actually a fast food service operation in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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A quick service restaurant made up to look like a bus in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The interior dining room of Tiffins, a table service restaurant near the entrance to Pandora – The Land of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Tusker House Restaurant – African flavors dominate the food at this buffet, which also features a character dining experience with Donald Duck and other Disney characters. It’s in the African area near the Harambe Marketplace.
Rainforest Café – This table service restaurant, part of a chain, is located just outside the main entrance to the park. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and no need for a park admission ticket to eat there.
Tiffins – This is a fine dining, upscale restaurant with an interior that evokes the feel of an adventurer’s club. Offerings range from sustainable fish and seafood, to a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. It is located near the entrance to Pandora – The Land of Avatar. Reservations are suggested and can be made up to 180 days in advance.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant – Asian themed dishes are on the menu at this table service restaurant in the Asian section of the park. Items include Kobe beef burgers and mango pie for dessert. Reservations are suggested for this restaurant as well.
Attractions
Animals – With the word being the name of the park, visitors can expect to find a large number of animals on display throughout several areas including the path from the main entrance, on Discovery Island, and in both the Africa and Asia lands.
One key display is an island of gibbons in the Asian area. They can be seen swinging about and playing on wooden poles all over the island.
There is a setting for gorillas, tigers and lions too. A variety of underwater and water-going critters are also on display.
Here is a guide by area:
Pandora – Land of Avatar
The latest addition to the park is based on writer-director James Cameron’s movie “Avatar.”
Soaring rocks that seemingly defy gravity are the hallmark of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The new land is based on the movie “Avatar,” written and directed by James Cameron. The science fiction movie is set on the fictional moon of Pandora. The new land is set approximately 30 years after the events of the movie. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Giant rocks seemingly float above the land in the newest area to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. The rocks and landscape are meant to make visitors think they are in the Valley of Mo’ara on the fictional moon of Pandora, as seen in the science fiction movie “Avatar.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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One of the exotic “plants” that live on the fictional moon of Pandora. The “plant” is situated in Pandora: The World of Avatar, a new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida. The landscaping in the new land features a mix of real and manufactured plants to create a feeling of being on a planet in another star system of the Milky Way galaxy. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
One of the fictional plants in the newest land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida called Pandora: The World of Avatar. The 12-acre land was designed to immerse visitors to make them think they are on the moon of Pandora as seen in the movie. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The fictional plant life on the moon of Pandora light up at night thanks to their bioluminescent quality. The plant is part of the landscape in the new 12-acre land Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Plants and rocks glow in the dark, thanks to their bioluminescent qualities in Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. The 12-acre land is based on the science fiction movie “Avatar.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The fictional plants on the moon of Pandora are bioluminescent in the newest land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida called Pandora: The World of Avatar. The land, its landscape, and its rides, are based on the science fiction movie “Avatar.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Bioluminescent plants glow at night at Pandora: The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. The 12-acre land, which features two new rides, is based on the science fiction movie “Avatar.” (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An “Avatar” for a “Na’vi,” that would enable a human to seemingly walk among the native inhabitants of the moon of Pandora is created in this lab, as depicted in Pandora: The World of Avatar – a 12-acre area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A remnant of a military fighting machine as seen in the science fiction movie “Avatar” can be found in Pandora: The World of Avatar land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Florida. The 12-acre immersive land is set 30 years after the events depicted in the 2009 movie, after the invading armies of the Resources Development Administration from Earth have been defeated. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A scene from Avatar Flight of Passage, a 3-D adventure in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage offers guests the chance to connect with an avatar and soar on a banshee over Pandora. The journey begins in the queue, as guests get a peek inside a high-tech research lab to view an avatar still in its growth state inside an amnio tank. The room features charts and screens that show just how humans will “connect” with a fully developed avatar for their upcoming flight on a banshee. (Courtesy, The Walt Disney World Resort)
A scene from Avatar Flight of Passage, a 3-D adventure in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage offers guests the chance to connect with an avatar and soar on a banshee over Pandora. The journey begins in the queue, as guests get a peek inside a high-tech research lab to view an avatar still in its growth state inside an amnio tank. The room features charts and screens that show just how humans will “connect” with a fully developed avatar for their upcoming flight on a banshee. (Courtesy, The Walt Disney World Resort)
A scene from Avatar Flight of Passage, a 3-D adventure in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage offers guests the chance to connect with an avatar and soar on a banshee over Pandora. The journey begins in the queue, as guests get a peek inside a high-tech research lab to view an avatar still in its growth state inside an amnio tank. The room features charts and screens that show just how humans will “connect” with a fully developed avatar for their upcoming flight on a banshee. (Courtesy, The Walt Disney World Resort)
The Kali Rapids attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo courtesy, Walt Disney World Resort)
The Na’vi River Journey that is part of Pandora – the land of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. The adventure begins as guests sail in reed boats down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. (Photo courtesy, The Walt Disney World Resort)
The ending of the Na’vi River Journey brings visitors up close for an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music in Pandora – The Land of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo courtesy, The Walt Disney World Resort)
Avatar Flight of Passage – One of the key elements of the movie “Avatar” is when the Na’vi fly around the moon of Pandora on the back of a Mountain Banshee. This attraction simulates that element from the movie. Riders travel on a banshee through the use of their own “avatar,” an excuse to set up the simulated flight.
This is one of two new attractions in the new Pandora – The Land of Avatar area.
There is a minimum height requirement of 44 inches to ride the attraction.
This is an incredible attraction that feels more like flying than “Soarin’” does at nearby Epcot. Besides great 3D imagery based on the movie “Avatar,” it simulates the breathing of a Banshee, the wind in the face when flying through the trees, and even moisture when flying across the ocean. Unlike many simulator attractions, it actually simulates stopping and landing on a mountain for a brief moment, before taking off and flying again.
The long queue space is an attraction to itself too, emulating a lab where scientists are studying the moon of Pandora, like in the film – only set 30 years after the events of the movie took place.
Navi River Journey – A journey on a mysterious river beneath the mountains in the Pandora – The Land of Avatar area.
Reed boats are the conveyance on this gentle journey into the dark forest of the Valley of Mo’ara on the moon of Pandora, based on the movie “Avatar.” Along the way, a variety of glowing plants and the creatures of the forest can be seen.
At the end of the ride, visitors will meet the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, as she sings her songs connecting her to the environment of the alien planet.
While visually stunning, each time I got off this ride I went “huh?” There seems to be no real story thread that tells riders what or why they are on this ride. I suppose a better familiarity with the movie might help, but I don’t think so. While rides do not have to be linear stories, the best ones offer some kind of structure that makes them Disney attractions. This one is just a collection of beautiful imagery, both dimensional and projected, with no rhyme or reason to it.
DinoLand
This land has two areas: one is a section designed to look like a roadside attraction, the other like a scientific institute.
This large comical dinosaur statue is named Cementosaurus, and evokes some of the roadside tourist traps along Route 66. He is a “concretadorian” type of dinosaur – all in satire of course, and can be found in the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Boneyard attraction is a kids’ play area in the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Part of the interactive play area attraction known as “The Boneyard” in the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kids dig an excavation holding “dinosaur bones” in the interactive play area attraction called “The Boneyard” in the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Some of the attractions in the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort evoke the roadside tourist attractions found along Route 66. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Primeval Whirl roller coaster within the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Primeval Whirl roller coaster within the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Dinosaur is a moving simulator journey back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and is part of the DinoLand area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
TrideraTop Spin is one of the smaller mild thrill rides in the DinoLand area meant to evoke the roadside attractions of Route 66 in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Boneyard – This is an interactive play area designed like a dinosaur dig site where kids can play and explore. It includes a large “sand box” where the young ones can “excavate” fossils from a couple of dinosaurs.
This is a nicely themed area for those with kids. Parents will enjoy sitting in the area while their young ones burn off some excess energy. There are some good photo opportunities within the attraction, too.
DINOSAUR – A simulated jeep journey that travels back to the primeval era, just before a large meteor struck the Earth wiping out the dinosaurs. The vehicles, just like those in the Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland, are “time machines” developed by the “Dino Institute.”
There is a minimum height requirement of 40 inches to ride the attraction.
The premise for this attraction feels a little contrived for my taste, but speeding past threatening dinosaurs is always a fun ride.
Primeval Whirl – It’s a mouse type of roller coaster with gently spinning cars. The over-the-top décor makes a visitor feel like, on purpose, that they’re at a Route 66 tourist trap.
There is a minimum height requirement of 48 inches to ride the attraction.
It’s a simple roller coaster, for those who like roller coaster thrills. I do, so I ride it if the line’s not long.
TriceraTop Spin – You can fly above the area while riding on a Triceratops. Riders control the height of the vehicle while riding.
It’s a spinner ride like Dumbo. Kids will love it.
Discovery Island
This the center, or “hub,” of the park. The Tree of Life stands in the middle of the island, surrounded by carved and real animals.
Animal shapes are carved into the artificial roots of the artificial tree known as “The Tree of Life” on Discovery Island at the center of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This carved buffalo is at the base of The Tree of Life on Discovery Island inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Discovery Island Trails – A wide variety of animals can be discovered while wandering the maze of trails on Discovery Island, including a Galapagos Tortoise, otters, a red kangaroo and many more.
This is a delightful area to explore. Because of the jungle-like area that is natural in central Florida, it makes each turn a new and fun discovery. There are also a number of “rangers” or cast members that can answer questions at many of the displays, which are all designed to look and feel like the areas where the animals normally reside.
It’s Tough to be a Bug! – An animated 3D film attraction based on the Pixar movie “A Bug’s Life.” It shows how tough it is to be a bug in the modern world. But Hopper, the villainous grasshopper from the movie, shows up and things happen including getting sprayed by “venom” (actually water) from a termite, and more.
The attraction is beneath The Tree of Life. It is the same as at Disney California Adventure.
This is a cute 3D/4D show that contains all the bells and whistles that many of these sit-down theater shows have. While a nice diversion, the show is getting a little old. Might be time for something new in the space.
Asia
Mount Everest dominates the skyline, but there are many unique animal displays here, including the island of Gibbons.
The Expedition Everest attraction in the distance as seen across the waterway in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Visitors approach the Expedition Everest attraction, a roller coaster type of ride, in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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The entrance to the Expedition Everest attraction evokes a Sherpa Village in Nepal in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A roller coaster train drops down a steep portion of the ride on the Expedition Everest attraction. During the trip, riders will meet up with the legendary Yeti said to haunt the mountain in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Riders ascend into Mount Everest on the Expedition Everest roller coaster attraction in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Riders careen down a steep banked turn on the Expedition Everest roller coaster attraction after confronting a Yeti in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An island full of Gibbons sits in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Gibbons hang and swing on an island in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Gupta’s Gear is a mock merchandise location in the Asian area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. It is meant to emulate a shop where mountaineers get their supplies before trying to climb Mount Everest or other mountains in the Himalayas. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Want to see a giant Yeti, the legendary never-seen animal said to live in the Himalayan Mountains, up close? Then this roller coaster in the Asian area is the thing to ride.
The train exits the station then makes the long, slow climb up and into Mount Everest. Once reaching the top, the train takes off on a high-speed run before reaching a dead end where you discover the track has been broken and torn up by the Yeti.
Then it’s a high-speed trip backward through and around the mountain to escape the abominable snowman. Another encounter gets the train going forward again then it’s back into the station safe and sound.
There is a minimum height requirement of 44 inches to ride the attraction.
This is a really neat roller coaster ride. Unfortunately, the large Audio-Animatronics Yeti encounter was built in place without an approach to maintain the large figure. So now the figure is static, and Disney Imagineers use lighting to make it seem as if the Yeti is tearing up the track. But most folks are on board for the thrill of the ride, and it works from that standpoint.
Kali River Rapids – Rafts take a trip down the Chakranadi River through a temple and past animal shrines, while plunging through whitewater rapids in the Asian area.
There is a minimum height requirement of 38 inches to ride the attraction.
There used to be a more over the top message of illegal logging on the ride, but that has been toned down. Let’s face it; people go on the ride for the thrill of riding rapids and getting wet, a welcome relief in hot and humid Florida.
Africa
The setting is an African village, and really can feel like you’re there.
The entrance into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
One of the animals seen in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Two hippos rest in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An elephant eyes the truck on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A small herd of elephants make sure the baby is safe in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A rhinoceros stalks the ground in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A group of Zebra eat lunch as seen in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This large feathered bird pecks at the ground in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This horned animal is not afraid of the trucks in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that is part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The character of Rafiki from the Disney animated movie “The Lion King” points the way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an interactive area with live animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. Visitors get to the area via the Wildlife Express train. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A tortoise is one of the animals available for petting and touching at the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This amphibious creature is on display in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Snake, skunk and Monitor skins on display in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A large Tarantula on display in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A cow seems to enjoy getting some attention from visitors in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Some of the souvenirs available for purchase in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
My, what a big lizard in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch interactive area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
One of the structures in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
This display emulates some of the real sections of Africa, but here it is just part of the details in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Open-air safari vehicles driven by a guide take visitors on a trip through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve in the African area. The design of the area makes it appear like it is all a wilderness in Africa, though a variety of design tricks keep the 34 different species that appear to be roaming free separate from each other.
During the journey animals such as giraffe, zebra, hippos and even baboons will be seen.
This is the signature attraction for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It used to have a huge over the top message about poachers, but that has since been toned down. The conservation message is still there, but not so in your face as it used to be. This is a must-see attraction on every visit in my book. The animals appear to roam free and sometimes walk right up to the vehicle, which follows a path, but is not on a track.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Access to this area is via the Wildlife Express Train boarded in the African area’s Harambe Village. The train gives riders a peek into some of the backstage areas of the park where the animals receive care from veterinarians. Then at the Planet Watch station, riders disembark to walk to an interactive area where visitors can get closer to animals in a petting zoo situation, or meet and possibly hold creatures like lizards, snakes and even tarantulas.
Board the train to return to the main part of the park.
This area is designed to be very kid-friendly, with a variety of hands-on activities along with the chance to pet a cow, or a goat or other animals.
