The Youngest Park (For Now)

Animal Kingdom holds the title of the youngest theme park in Florida, excluding water parks, until Epic Universe opens next year at Universal. Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, symbolizing its dedication to conservation and the natural world.

Fun Facts About Animal Kingdom:

• Tree of Life: Standing at 145 feet tall, the iconic Tree of Life is the heart of the park. Beneath it lies It’s Tough to Be a Bug, a 4D experience that brings the world of insects to life. *This attraction will soon be transformed into Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a Zootopia-themed show set to open in 2025.

• Biggest Theme Park in the World: Covering 580 acres, it’s around five times the size of Magic Kingdom.

• Most Visited Zoo: With over 2,000 animals and accreditation for its conservation, education, and research efforts, it’s the most visited zoo in the world.

Conservation Comes First

Walt Disney’s passion for animal welfare inspired much of the park’s ethos. To prioritize the well-being of its inhabitants:

• The park is farther from other Disney parks to avoid loud noises like fireworks. Animal Kingdom is the only Disney theme park that does not have a firework show.

• Plastic straws, lids, balloons, and stickers are prohibited.

Imagineers Go the Extra Mile

Animal Kingdom’s authenticity is unparalleled:

• Imagineers traveled to Africa and Asia to study wildlife and collect seeds from 37 countries for the park’s lush landscaping.

• The thatched roofs in the park were crafted by skilled workers from South Africa.

• During one meeting, an Imagineer brought a 400-pound Bengal tiger to inspire the project’s potential!

Seven Themed Lands

Animal Kingdom is divided into seven themed areas, each offering unique experiences:

1. The Oasis

This lush entryway is the park’s equivalent to Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A., welcoming guests with vibrant greenery and wildlife.

2. Discovery Island

The park’s central hub, surrounded by Discovery River, features the Tree of Life, shops, and dining. Don’t miss Tiffins or Flame Tree Barbecue. In 2025, Zootopia’s “Better Zoogether” is set to open here.

3. Pandora – The World of Avatar

Opened in 2017, this land transports you to the lush, bioluminescent world of Pandora with attractions like Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

4. Africa

Modeled after the fictional port village of Harambe, this area offers authentic experiences like Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Wildlife Express Train, and the incredible Festival of the Lion King live show.

5. Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Accessible via the Wildlife Express Train, this area focuses on animal care and education. This area of the park also offers drawing classes taught by Disney animators, included with your park ticket.

6. Asia

Home to Expedition Everest, the Kali River Rapids, and Feathered Friends in Flight, Asia is inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of the Himalayas and beyond.

7. Dinoland U.S.A.

With its dinosaur-themed attractions and carnival games, Dinoland will soon transform into Pueblo Esperanza, a tropical Americas-inspired land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Dining at Animal Kingdom

With only four table-service restaurants, Animal Kingdom focuses on quality over quantity. Some of my favorites include:

• Table Service: Yak & Yeti and Tiffins.

• Quick Service: Satuli Canteen, known for its customizable bowls, and Flame Tree Barbecue.

• Snacks: Corn on the cob and the Night Blossom Drink from Pongu Pongu are must-tries!

Safety and Conservation

Animal Kingdom is designed with guest and animal safety in mind:

• All restrooms have doors at their entrances in case of an animal escape.

• The park continues Walt Disney’s legacy of conservation through ongoing research and care for species like elephants, giraffes, and white rhinos.

Lightning Round Favorites

• Favorite Ride: Flight of Passage.

• Favorite Table Service: Yak & Yeti.

• Favorite Quick Service: Satuli Canteen.

• Favorite Snack: Night Blossom Drink.

• Favorite Show: Finding Nemo.

• Favorite Safari Animal: Lions.

• Favorite Memory: When my boyfriend Michal and I were on my Disney College Program, I was working Photopass in front of the Tree of Life. Michal came and kept me company and sat by the rocks near me while I was at work. It was such a sweet moment and I really loved him being there with me.

For more information on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, listen to episode 7 of Magical Moments With Mom And Mel on Spotify HERE and on Apple Podcasts HERE.