Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the wild and wonderful world of Disney's Animal Kingdom! Nestled within the heart of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, this captivating theme park offers a thrilling blend of exotic wildlife, immersive attractions, and breathtaking landscapes. From the majestic creatures of Pandora to the pulse-pounding adventures of Expedition Everest, there's no shortage of excitement to be found within the lush expanses of Animal Kingdom.
Join me as we embark on a safari of discovery, uncovering fascinating facts, insider tips, and must-see experiences that will make your visit to this extraordinary park truly unforgettable. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a seasoned safari enthusiast, prepare to be enchanted by the wonders that await around every corner. Get ready to unleash your inner explorer and embark on the ultimate adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
GETTING THERE: Accessing Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers fewer transportation choices, compared to the other three Disney theme parks in Florida. If you’re a guest at Walt Disney World Resorts, your best transportation option is to take the resort bus to reach Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is complimentary to those staying on the property.
For those not staying at a Disney resort, you have flexibility to either drive yourself to the park or utilize a ride-sharing app for a convenient drop-off at the entrance. These transportation options are also available for those staying on Disney property, but prove to be less convenient than the bus. Even though there are limited options for getting to the park, they simplify the process for guests planning their visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
LANGUAGE: While the official language used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is English, guests will notice a couple of different languages being spoken. For example, you may learn some Swahili while waiting in line at the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, or hear the Na’vi language while in Pandora - The World of Avatar.
When observing the animals living in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will learn about the ways they communicate with each other - and how important nonverbal gestures are in the animal world. From gorillas, giraffes, and many bird species, you will be able to explore all the ways these creatures can communicate!
CLIMATE: Located in central Florida, the climate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is subtropical. This means hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), and mild winters with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 24°C). You will experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months, so it’s advisable to be prepared for rain.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has earned a reputation for being one of the “warmest” parks. This is because, while there are shaded areas and lush greenery, the amount of foliage tends to raise the humidity levels in the park. Just like being prepared for a rainout at the park, it’s essential to be ready for a day in the sun - and very warm temperatures.
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARD, TIPPING, ATMS):
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the official currency accepted for transactions is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit, debit cards, and even Disney gift cards are widely accepted, and carrying cash is not necessary. With so many options to pay for purchases at merchandise stores, restaurants, and food stands, your type of payment can be based on your personal preference. You will find ATMs located at the entrance of the park if needed. Major credit and debit card networks like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are commonly welcomed.
Tipping is customary throughout the United States, including at all Walt Disney World Resort locations. Within Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it is common to tip at sit-down restaurants and for services such as table service dining. A typical guideline for tipping is around 15- 20% of the total bill. While it’s not mandatory to tip at quick-service restaurants or for casual food purchases, it’s always appreciated by the hardworking staff.
ELECTRICITY: Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a standard electrical voltage of 120 volts AC, with a frequency of 60 Hz. The power outlets use the Type A and Type B sockets, which have two flat parallel pins or two flat pins with a grounding pin.
If you need a different kind of energy boost, grab a specialty coffee at Joffrey’s location outside and inside the park, or get in the spirit of giving back and consider stopping into the Creature Comforts café to get a Flat White latte. A portion of every Flat White latte is donated to the conservation of the critically endangered South American monkeys, the cotton-top tamarins.
5 FAST FACTS
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to the largest group of African elephants and Nile hippos in North America.
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park spans over 500 acres, making it the largest theme park in the world.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has over 1,000 animals making up 250 species.
4. Today, there are still 45 animals that were part of the original animals living at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since the opening of the park in 1997.
5. The first animal baby born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was a kudu which is a large African antelope. To this day, guests have welcomed newborns from 116 of the 250 species at the theme park.
5 THINGS TO PACK
1. Backpack/Daypack: A backpack or daypack can be incredibly useful for carrying your theme park essentials and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.
2. Poncho or Rain Gear: Be prepared for central Florida’s afternoon storms that are known for producing a lot of rain in a short amount of time. Your poncho can double as a layer of protection from the waterfalls while on the attraction of Kali River Rapids.
3. Sun/ Heat Protection: Protect yourself from the sun by packing sunscreen, SPF Chapstick, and a hat. To help beat the heat, bring along a cooling towel for your neck and a refillable water bottle.
4. Disney Gear: It is a great time to show your enthusiasm for Disney’s wild side. Dress in your Disney-themed gear that celebrates the animals and Avatars in your
favorite Disney movies.
5. Comfortable Footwear: Your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will involve quite a bit of walking, including specific animal walking trails within the theme park. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes designed for walking, offering cushioning and stability.
TOURS/EXCURSION IDEAS
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Head out on an open-air safari vehicle, and journey through an African savannah, learning about animals in their natural habitats while observing them. The sheer size of this attraction will make you feel like you have been transported to Africa.
2. Avatar Flight of Passage: Earn your Na’vi hunter rite of passage by connecting with a mountain banshee. This 3D adventure will have you soaring along the moon’s magical landscape on the back of a banshee.
3. Na’vi River Journey: Take a boat ride through the caves of the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora, where you’ll encounter the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, and learn about the deep connection to this magical world.
4. Expedition Everest: Watch out for the legendary Yeti as you take a ride through the Himalayas on an exciting expedition. This is one attraction where the line is just as entertaining as the ride!
5. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: Walk the trail to observe some of your favorite African wildlife, like hippos and zebras, and see why this is one of the most unexpected family favorite attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Be sure to spend time at the main gorilla habitat to watch and learn about these fascinating creatures.
As our journey through Disney's Animal Kingdom comes to a close, I hope you're feeling inspired to embark on your own magical adventure! Whether you're eager to encounter the wonders of the wilderness or seeking thrills on unforgettable expeditions, there's no better time to start planning your next Disney getaway.
Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Don't hesitate to reach out and request a free Disney resort package quote. Let me help you create the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. From accommodations to dining reservations, I've got you covered every step of the way. Get in touch today and let the magic begin!
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