Use the links below to take you to the Walt Disney World Site Specific Information.

This park is very large, but it doesn't feel that way. They have made a tremendous effort to make you
feel relaxed at this park. There are a lot of streams, rivers, lakes and plenty of foliage. This park
typically is 5-10 degrees cooler because of the natural features.

This is the ONLY park that is a must see  first thing in the morning.  Also repeat after me...
"FastPass is my friend."

I will tell you right now, that I have heard people mention that have been disappointed in Animal
Kingdom, but as soon as I ask why, I realize that they did not follow the advice I am about to give you.

I don't believe that there is a dull spot in the park. There are so many paths and trails to explore. You
really need to look at your map.  Things are not very obvious. The signs are small and blend in very
well. There are only a few rides, so get a "FastPass" when you can.

The Festival of the Lion King is a must see, but it gets VERY busy in the afternoon. Plan on going to
the first show for the best seating and the easiest entry. Arrive about an  hour early to the show and
visit all of Disney's favorite Characters PRIOR to the show. You can visit with Minnie, Mickey, Donald,
Goofy, Lilo and Stitch. This is the easiest viewing of the Characters. The cast member will take your
picture with their camera or yours. If you wait until after the show, it is swamped with everyone else
that just came out of the show.

We typically pair Animal Kingdom with Magic Kingdom to escape the busiest time of day with the
worst animal viewing. We will go to Animal Kingdom in the morning, then Magic Kingdom in the
evening. Animal Kingdom typically closes by 5 or 6 pm and Magic Kingdom can stay open as late as
midnight.

There is no clear path as we typically zig and zag a little.

We head for either Africa or Asia first thing in the gate, then make our way to the Festival of the Lion
King's first show. After the show we head to other shows, lunch or the "Bone Yard".

The kids love the fruit bats in the Asian section. I am not really sure why, but they do. Make sure you
go during feeding time.

When the parents need a break, head to Dino USA and go to the The Bone Yard® . What you might
not know is if you take the first set of stair and cross the bridge that is over the entry into Dino USA,
you will find an excavation pit. Here kids can excavate until their heart is content. They use a course
grain sand, that is not dusty, and it is undercover, so it is an ideal spot. As a parent, the part that I
enjoy is watch one child excavate while another in burying the same "bone". I have yet to see the
whole mammoth.

There are tours here as well, but we have not actually gone on any. Our friends that have spent their
money, suggested a tour at one of the other park as they were disappointed.

I have a funny tale about the Safari Ride. For years, I would not take the kids on it because of the
"Poacher" Scene. I was afraid of the "sudden" noise would frighten the kids. Finally, we went only for
find out it was not worth all the fuss and we have enjoyed it every since. Do have children towards
the center of the bus as it does get bumpy and the "bridge falls apart" and may spook them a bit, but
the best part is that we "save" the baby elephant.

Admittedly, after we did ride the ride, two of my children were playing together with their  Playmobil
animals and jeeps. One was "riding" around in the jeep "shooting" the animals, while the other child
chased the "poacher" down in the jeep. So if anyone tries to tell you that the kids won't understand
what's going on, I can tell you for a fact, they understand just fine.

In Spring 2006, the Himalayas will be opening with a new roller coaster and exhibit area. As soon as
anyone been there, please let me know so I can update this infomation.
PARKING/Transportation
Parking was $12
You should note that once you pay for parking at one park, you can park free at any of the parks for the rest of the day.
You just show them your pass.

Disney has Buses to all locations, Monorail to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center and a few resorts, and the boats that
travel from Magic Kingdom to the Resorts that surround the lake.
Animal Kingdom®
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