Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830 (Map)
• Phone Number: (407) 939-5277
• Email Address: Not provided on the website
• Hours of Operation: Vary by day and season, check the website (link provided below) for current hours.
• Date Founded: April 22, 1998
• Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
• Number of Animals: Over 2,000
• Number of Species: 300+
• Park Size: 580 acres
• Website Link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/animal-kingdom/

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a zoological theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The park covers a vast area of 580 acres, making it the largest theme park in the world.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and was the fourth theme park to be built at the Walt Disney World Resort. It was designed with a focus on animal conservation, education, and entertainment, and was inspired by Walt Disney’s lifelong love of animals and his belief that they deserved to be celebrated and protected.

The park is home to over 2,000 animals from 300 different species, including tigers, lions, gorillas, and kangaroos. Many of these animals can be seen on the park’s numerous rides and attractions, such as the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is the highest standard of accreditation for zoos and aquariums in North America. This means that the park has been recognized for its high standards of animal care, conservation, and education.

In addition to its focus on animal welfare, Disney’s Animal Kingdom also has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The park’s operations are designed to minimize its impact on the environment, and it has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce waste, conserve water, and promote renewable energy.

Overall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a unique and inspiring destination that combines entertainment, education, and conservation in a magical and unforgettable way.

• The Tree of Life, a 145-foot-tall, 50-foot-wide artificial tree, is the centerpiece of the park and features over 300 animal carvings.
• The park’s signature attraction is Kilimanjaro Safaris, a 22-minute ride that takes guests on a simulated African safari.
• The park has its own version of Expedition Everest, a roller coaster that takes guests on a journey through the Himalayan mountains.
• The park’s newest attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage, takes guests on a breathtaking ride on the back of a banshee in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
• The park has a conservation program called Disney’s Animal Programs, which focuses on animal care, research, and education.
• The park features several live shows, including Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical.
• The park’s Dinoland USA area features a dinosaur-themed carnival area and the Dinosaur ride, a dark ride that takes guests on a time-traveling adventure to the age of the dinosaurs.
• The park’s Maharajah Jungle Trek allows guests to explore a jungle-like environment and see animals such as tigers and bats up close.
• The park has its own version of the iconic Disney parade, called the “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade.”
• The park has several dining options, including the popular Flame Tree Barbecue and Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar.

• The park has its own version of the Yeti, called the “Disco Yeti,” which used to move but is now stationary due to technical difficulties.
• The park has a secret, members-only restaurant called “Club 33,” which is located in the park’s Discovery Island area.
• The park has a hidden “Indiana Jones” Easter egg, where you can find an Indiana Jones hat and whip hidden in the queue of the Dinosaur ride.
• The park’s Tree of Life has a small theater inside it, where the 4D film “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” is shown.
• The park’s Rafiki’s Planet Watch area features an animal hospital where guests can see veterinary procedures being performed.
• The park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris ride features live animals, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos, that roam freely in a simulated African savannah.
• The park’s Expedition Everest ride features a backwards portion that takes guests on a thrilling drop through a dark tunnel.
• The park’s Conservation Station area features interactive exhibits that teach guests about animal conservation and the environment.
• The park has its own dedicated team of animal care specialists, called the “Disney Animal Care Team,” who work to ensure the health and well-being of all the animals in the park.

• The park has a “Wilderness Explorers” program, where kids can complete challenges and earn badges throughout the park.
• The park’s Dinoland USA area features a fossil dig site, where kids can dig up and identify dinosaur bones.
• The park has a “Wild Africa Trek” experience, where kids can go on a guided safari and get up close with the animals.
• The park’s Maharajah Jungle Trek features a giant fruit bat exhibit, where kids can see these fascinating creatures up close.
• The park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris ride features a baby elephant named Jabali, who was born in 2020.
• The park’s “Flights of Wonder” show features trained birds, including a bald eagle and a barn owl.
• The park’s “Affection Section” area features a petting zoo, where kids can pet and feed goats, sheep, and other friendly animals.
• The park’s “The Boneyard” play area features a giant playground with a dinosaur theme.
• The park has several character meet-and-greets, including Mickey and Minnie in their safari gear, and characters from “The Lion King.”
• The park’s “Finding Nemo – The Musical” show is a must-see for kids, featuring songs and characters from the beloved Pixar film.