This 500-acre theme park is divided into 6 major areas or 'lands'. Africa and Asia are probably the most impressive where natural landscapes have been recreated in outstanding detail Disney style. It is a mixture between a safari and a theme park.

See also: Animal Kingdom dining information.

Parades.

The parades which are held during the day tend to begin and end in Africa taking a tour around Discovery Island then crossing into Asia before the returning to Africa. Featured in Mickey's Jammin Jungle parade are huge animal puppets, Disney characters safari style and African dancers along with floats. The parade usually passes through the Harambe village again on the return loop.

The Oasis.

Lovely gardens which set the scene on what's to follow hiding natural-habitat exhibits.

Discovery Island.

This is the park's main shopping, services and dining centre. There are no full service restaurants on Discovery Island with the nearest being Rainforest Cafe by the main entrance, Yak & Yeti in Asia and Tusker House in Africa.

On entering the village's open space you will see the huge 14-story structure of The Tree of Life in front of you. The village is formed in the shape of a crescent around the Tree of Life landmark. Brightly coloured shops, numerous pools and gardens each with their own wildlife can be found. The 50-foot wide Tree of Life along with its 325 animal carvings sits in the tree. Under its branches are located bridges which provide access into the other Lands. Children are often seen enjoying the chance to identify the 325 animal carvings.

(Note: if early then it might be the opportunity to get a Fastpass ticket for the Safaris which are often very busy and then return to the Tree of Life but beware - It's Tough to be a Bug is also likely to be very busy.)

It's Tough to be a Bug. [FASTPASS] (Rated 3^rdLocated within the trunk of The Tree of Life the underground theatre is where the 3 dimensional film can be seen which is probably one of the best shows in Disney and should not be missed. The show plays on human's dread of insects while including the Disney magic to keep us laughing to the end!

Dinoland USA.

Here you will find children's play areas, a large amphitheatre, a nature trail, natural history dinosaur exhibits and the popular Dinosaur ride.

Dinosaur. [FASTPASS] (Rated 5^th in probable top 10.)

Is a motion simulator come track ride with synchronised bucks and rolls in sequence with visual and sound effects. It can be scary for young children as it is mainly in the dark and has a 40" minimum height restriction but if you can take its bumps it's non-stop action! The ride time is about 3  minutes and the loading on to the ride is generally fast.

Primeval Whirl. [FASTPASS] (Rated 8^th in probable top 10.)

This is a small roller-coaster ride which runs for about 2  minutes and has a minimum height restriction of 48". Generally this outdoor ride can provide a lot more fun for younger children than Dinosaur.

Triceratop Spin. (Rated 9^th in probable top 10.)

Is a slow loading roller-coaster ride which has spinning cars and is suitable for children and runs for about 1 minute.

The Boneyard.

This provides a chance for the younger children to burn off some excess energy running, climbing or exploring by digging for dinosaur bones. The open-air playground is located in the centre of the park for easy access. Just beware of the hot sun so take an occasional break in the shade.

Finding Nemo - The Musical. (Rated 6^th in probable top 10.)

This 30 minute show provides all round family entertainment. It has nearly everything, puppets (some extra-large), special effects including aerialists, dancers, and fantastic undersea world animated backdrops.

Camp Minnie-Mickey.

This part of the park is designed primarily for visitors to meet with Disney characters. The camp is built in an enclosed area where the lines for the two stage shows and the queue to meet the characters all meet and it can become rather congested. However Festival of the Lion King is a very popular show and well worth watching but probably there will be long waiting times.

Camp Minnie-Mickey Greetings Trail.

Found at the end of each of the character trails will be an area where you can meet those Disney characters as indicated on the signs for the particular queues. There are opportunities to meet the characters in the other parks.

Festival of the Lion King. (Rated 2^nd in probable top 10.)

Probably the best live action show in Walt Disney World and understandably very popular. Performed in an air-conditioned theatre it lasts for roughly 25 minutes and is a combination of a show, parade and circus with plenty of singing and dancing. You will benefit by knowing the words from the songs in The Lion King to maximise your enjoyment!

Africa.

Enter into Africa through Harambe a Disney style version of modern day rural Africa where you will find a market which includes somewhere to eat

Kilimanjaro Safaris. [FASTPASS] (Rated 1^st in probable top 10.)

This is the park's busiest attraction and enjoyed by just about everyone.

It is a truck ride through a greener version than the real thing but a fantastic experience of an east-African safari. The layout of water holes ensures the visitor catches site of many animal species during the 20 minute drive. It is an opportunity to see hippos, rhinos, lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest and more!

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

Take a walk along this trail and watch the hippos through the underwater viewing area of the hippo pool, see the troops of gorillas and many other animals including the exotic bird aviary.

Rafiki's Planet Watch.

This allows you a more casual stroll through the Affection Section the petting zoo area for sheep and goats and to see the injured animals at the Conservation Station.

Asia.

Accessed across the Asia bridge from Discovery Island through the Anandapur Village are the lands of Asia.

Kali River Rapids. [FASTPASS] (Rated 4th in probable top 10.)

Set in post colonial ruins of India the rapids provide you with the chance to cool off by becoming thoroughly drenched! If you can see around and passed the waves on your short journey lasting about 5 minutes the attention to detail is some of the best in the park. There is a minimum height restriction of 38".

Maharaja Jungle Trek.

A chance to see the Bengal tigers eating just feet away is a treat not to be missed. Take your time as you walk along this 20-30 minute journey, becoming your own Disney guide, for some of the animals are not immediately obvious.

Flights of Wonder. (Rated 7th in probable top 10.)

An interesting and enjoyable 30-minute show which highlights a large number of bird types. The birds fly extremely low and the 'act' focuses on their natural talent.

Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. [FASTPASS]

(Rated 10th in probable top 10.)

For a high-speed roller-coaster train ride to the mountain top through the glaciers and rugged terrain with rapid drops and fast bends. There is a minimum height limit of 44".

Probable Top 10 Attractions at Animal Kingdom.

1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. It's Tough to be a Bug
4. Kali River Rapids
5. Dinosaur
6. Finding Nemo - The Musical
7. Flights of Wonder
8. Primeval Whirl
9. Triceratop Spin
10. Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.