Animal Kingdom – Disney’s Newest Addition


Disneyworld’s newest addition, Animal Kingdom is a wonderful place for kids of all ages to learn about animals and the environments in which they live, as well as taking a closer look at the world of dinosaurs – all in the traditional Disney package of feel good exhibits and varying thrill-level rides.  Upon arrival, check out the visitors center for news on any special events happening daily in the park.

In the Boneyard play in a maze filled with fun fossils.  Any would-be palaeontologist in your family will love this one!  Then there’s DINOSAUR which will be more entertaining for those who desire more thrills and spills from their visit.  Other areas of interest in this Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom are the TriceraTop Spin, the Cretacaeous Trail and of course, a Disney musical exhibit based around the Finding Nemo movie.  Amidst these various attractions are wildlife such as storks and Asian brown tortoises.

In the Flights of Wonder section, you can learn how to (and how not to!) handle birds and see such beautiful bird as an American Bald Eagle, and magnificent macaws up close – but don’t get too close!

If you’re ready for some more excitement, take a trip down the Kali River Rapids – watch out for the rushing geysers however as you raft down the Chakrandadi River escaping a jungle fire by traveling down a waterfall!   If you’re up for another thrill, the Expedition Everest ride is a roller coaster ride which has your on a refurbished steam train en route to your Mount Everest base camp taking a yeti guarded short cut! 

The animals of the Animal Kingdom shouldn’t be forgotten, and a trip through the Maharajah Jungle will take you in the Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia where you can wander around the ruins of an ancient palace, home to many different animals.

The Animal Kingdom has its share of Disney rides, but with an overall theme of protecting wildlife, it’s a good place to teach kids about wildlife and how to preserve it.