Plan a Visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, you and your family can take an incredible safari adventure through an amazing landscape, watch exotic animals in their native habitats, view fantastic live shows such as Festival of the Lion King and enjoy thrilling attractions like Expedition Everest. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, as the fourth theme park at Walt Disney World Resort (behind Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios), draws an estimated 9.6 million visitors annually.

At the dedication of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 1998, Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney World Company, remarked: "Welcome to the kingdom of animals . . . real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions, dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn."

Encompassing more than 500 acres, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of the following areas: Oasis, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand USA. Highlights of Disney’s Animal Kingdom include Expedition Everest, an amazing ride that blends roller coaster-like thrills with a theme based on the folklore of the mysterious yet; Kali River Rapids, a wild rafting adventure along the scenic Chakranadi River; Kilimanjaro Safaris, a jeep adventure into the heart of Africa full of exotic wildlife; Festival of the Lion King, a fantastic production that boasts characters and hit songs from Disney’s animated film, The Lion King; and Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, a lively musical street party. Stroll around the trails that wind toward the Tree of Life, the theme park’s 50-foot-wide icon that boasts more than 300 animal carvings.

Choose from a variety of dining opportunities at Disney's Animal Kingdom such as Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantosaurus and Tusker House Restaurant & Bakery. Other Animal Kingdom eateries include Ananadapur Ice Cream, Camp Soft Serve, Chakranadi Chicken Shop, Dawa Bar, Dino Bite Snacks, Flame Tree Barbecue, Harambe Fruit Market, Harambe Popcorn, Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, PetriFries, Safari Barbecue, Safari Coffee, Safari Popcorn and Tamu Tamu Refreshments. For fine dining, check out Jiko - The Cooking Place or Boma, both of which are located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Reservations are strongly recommended for both Boma and Jiko - The Cooking Place.

Shopping for souvenirs at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Look no farther than the following Animal Kingdom shops: Beastly Bazaar, Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, Creature Comforts, The Dino Institute Shop, Disney Outfitters, Duka la Filimu, Garden Gate Gifts, Island Mercantile, Mandala Gifts, Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders, Out of the World and Outpost.

If you plan on visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom during the holidays, don't miss Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade! Join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and other popular Disney characters during this lively and colorful parade. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, which takes place from late November through early January, boasts great holiday music and eclectic holiday decorations.

Ideally located in the Southwest corner of Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is easily accessible via Interstate 4, Highway 192 and Highway 429. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also lies just West of Florida’s Turnpike and within a 30-minute drive Southwest of downtown Orlando. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open daily at 9 AM; closing hours are seasonal, so always check hours online before visiting Walt Disney World Resort.

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Video