Disney Animal Kingdom Orlando
Disney's newest theme park, the Animal Kingdom, lets its visitors explore the amazing and often unpredictable world of animals through safaris, stage shows, and even a recreation of a prehistoric world. This 500-acre park is a great attraction that both adults and kids will enjoy immensely, and is educational as well. The park itself has been created to resemble the animal reserves of both Africa and Asia, and over 1000 animals make their home here, many of which are on the endangered species list.

The center of the park is the giant Tree of Life, which has intricate carvings around its trunk representing the rich diversity of life on the planet earth. Beneath the roots of the tree is a theatre featuring "It's Tough to be a Bug!", a 3D film similar to A Bug's Life. All of this is located in the park's Oasis, a lush garden filled with exotic plant life, waterfalls, birds, reptiles and various animals.

Continue on over a bridge from the Oasis to enter Africa, the largest part of the park. Your African adventure starts in the village of Harambe, which was built to resemble an East African port city. Here is where you'll board your safari vehicle and take off on the Kilmanjaro Safaris to see the parks amazing herds of animals. The safari will also take you through the Pagani Forest Exploration Trail where gorillas, hippos and warthogs can be seen roaming around in what appears to be their natural surroundings. To get up close and personal with the animals, stop by the Affection Station, where you can touch some of the smaller species.

DinoLand U.S.A. features a simulated Paleontological dig, and the Cretaceous Trail allows visitors to see some of the real survivors of the dinosaur age. Also be sure to stop by the Theatre in the Wild, which features a life performance of Journey into the Jungle Book.

Asia, which opened in 1999, is the newest addition to the park. Thrill-seekers will love the Kali River Rapids, a white-water rafting ride, and bird lovers will want to see the Flights of Wonders at the Caravan Stage, a show featuring demonstrations by birds.

If all this has worn you out, take a breather at Camp Minnie-Mickey. Here's where the kids (or adults!) can have their picture taken with their favorite Disney Characters, and theatres feature daily live shows.