Animal Kingdom! Part 2

WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH.....................WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!

"I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things."

-Walt Disney

Camp-Minnie-Mickey

At Camp-Minnie-Mickey you’ll find an evergreen forest area with a rushing river designed to resemble an Adirondack fishing camp. This is where you'll find one of the character greeting areas in the Animal Kingdom. In the special kiosks, children and adults alike will delight at the chance to meet and greet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and friends in their safari garb. You may also find Pooh and friends waiting for some special hugs.

In Grandmother Willow’s Grove, guests are treated to a stage performance featuring the lovely Pocahontas and some of her live animal friends. You will experience one of the best shows at WDW at the “Festival of the Lion King”.While there are no restaurants in Camp-Minnie-Mickey, snacks such as cookies and ice cream sandwiches can be found at Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Cookie Cabin. Funnel cakes, corn dogs and beverages are served at the Forest Trail Funnel Cakes.

Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends

Final performance was September 27, 2008.

The importance of protecting and preserving our forests is the message presented at the live performance of “Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends”. The Indian princess herself, an incredible Audio-animatronic Grandmother Willow, and live animals star in the search for the protector of the forest. As Pocahontas discovers the path she must take, she interacts with live trained animals such as rabbits, opossums, a skunk, a porcupine, a snake, and rats. The highlight of this show is a beautiful performance of "Colors of the Wind."

The theatre has bench seating for 350 people and is only partially shaded. Please note that due to the use of live animals, no food is allowed in this theatre. The theatre is wheelchair accessible. Assistive Listening Devices are available for guests who are hearing impaired, check with Guest Services for more information. For guests who are deaf, sign language interpreters are available on designated days, at designated times.

Festival of the Lion King

The most popular live show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is found at the Campside Circle. The “Festival of the Lion King” is a virtual explosion of colors, music and amazing talent. You will be treated to 30 minutes of a variety of some of Disney’s best entertainment in this celebration. You’ll hear some of “The Lion King’s” most popular music performed by magnificent singers.

Zany trampoline acrobatics are supplied by the Tumble Monkeys. A blaze of color, feathers, beads, fringe and beautiful head-dresses are found in the costumes of the singer and dancers. Talented stilt walkers dance to the pounding beat with apparent ease. Audio-animatronic and live costumed characters are introduced on enormous moving stages. The spectacular finale includes a heart-stirring rendition of the “Circle of Life”.

You will find line-ups to get into this popular show for most of the day. Outside lines are in un-shaded areas with little ventilation. The enclosed air-conditioned ampitheatre seats 1000 guests in four sections of metal benches that surround the stage. The theatre is wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices are available for hearing impaired guests, check at Guest Services for details. Sign language interpreters perform on a designated day (currently Saturday) at a designated time.

Dinoland U.S.A. Overview

Dinoland U.S.A. is not only a trip back in time; it’s a complete departure from what you find in the rest of the Animal Kingdom.

There's a new show, Finding Nemo - The Musical that is not to be missed. This show replaced "Tarzan Rocks." What either show has to do with dinosaurs will always be a mystery, but be sure to include Nemo in your itinerary. You'll be glad you did.

As you enter Dinoland, you go under a 50-foot tall skeleton of a Brachiosaurus that spans the “OldenGate Bridge.” To your left is “The Boneyard.” This playground is a fun destination. With fossils waiting to be unearthed and creatures to climb; it’s a great spot for kids to let off some steam. While here, look for the Xylobone to create a unique musical tune.

You can’t miss Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama. With lights flashing and bells ringing, this prehistoric midway is sure to get your attention. You can try your luck at the Fossil Fun games that have a decidedly dinosaur twist.

Think Dumbo as a dino, and you’ll know what’s in store for you at the "Triceratop Spin." Designed to resemble a giant toy top, this ride spins around while you control the up and down movement of your "dinosaur."

The Primeval Whirl is a spinning, swirling roller coaster. You never know what direction you’re heading in as you travel it’s twisting downhill path.

Be prepared for some intense action if you’re brave enough to try Dinosaur. You’ll first tour the Dino Institute with your host Bill Nye, the Science Guy. From here, you go on a mission to find and bring back the last iguanodon. You’re strapped into your vehicle and sent on your way. Soon you find yourself careening on an out of control wild ride while dodging meteors and fearsome dinosaurs. (Guests who are pregnant or those with heart, neck or back problems should avoid this attraction.)

If you’re hungry, the Restaurantosaurus is located in Dinoland. In the morning, Donald and friends host a delicious character breakfast. For lunch and dinner, it’s fast food fare with burgers, chicken salad, hot dogs and salads featured.

Trilo-Bite

Food/Dining Type:American
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Dinoland
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:Varies
Disney Dining Plan:NO

Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

Food/Dining Type:American
Meals:Breakfast, Character
Location:Animal Kingdom / Dinoland USA
Reservations:Suggested
Hours:8:10am- 10:30am
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Table Service Credit)

The Boneyard

Just past the Oldengate Bridge on the left, kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the Boneyard.This educational playground is a replica of a dig site with rope ladders, tunnels and slides, on varying levels for you to explore to your heart’s content.The soft cushiony floor makes for a safe play area.There are a number of interactive displays here as well.Don’t be afraid to open doors and lids to crates, or step on dinosaur footprints because you never know what you’ll encounter.

There are dig site notes and facts posted around the walls of the enclosed area and the fossils here are archaeologically correct. Nearby the sandbox area is not filled with real sand, but rather a no-stick variety known as “Texas grit”.Here children can play archaeologist and dig for the faux remains of a 10,000-year old woolly mammoth.Throughout the day, the sandbox is periodically closed so that these precious bones can be reburied for the next group of budding archaeologists to discover!

Dinosaur

The stoic museum-like Dino Institute, where “the future is truly in the past”, houses Disney’s moving simulator ride, Dinosaur.As visitors enter the Institute, they pass informative fossil exhibits.The walls of the queuing area are covered with life-size casts of real dinosaur skeletons.The centerpiece of this room is an enormous Carnotaurus skeleton.

Bill Nye the Science Guy sets the stage for your adventure as he narrates the theory of how the dinosaurs were obliterated 65 million years ago by fiery meteor showers that hit Earth.The pre-show movie is a Dino Institute commercial of sorts. Here visitors learn of the plan of the rebellious Dr. Grant Seeker. Before you're sent back in time, he asks you to bring back the last Iguanodon before the deadly meteors crash to the Earth.

Guests proceed to the loading area to board the 12-seat Time Rovers and begin their exciting time travel journey to the past.This moving simulator ride bounces, bumps and careens its way through a primeval forest where you’ll encounter a number of amazing Audio-animatronic dinosaur specimens and some terrific special effects designed to stimulate all of your senses.

At an opportune moment during your 3-½ minute adventure, you'll have their picture taken.These pictures can be viewed and purchased as you exit the attraction.Be sure to check out the monitors before exiting the unloading area for a cute surprise.

TIP:Use the Fast Pass option if the wait gets lengthy. While this is a very popular ride, it is not suited for everyone.There is a height restriction of 40” in effect and children under the age of 7 are not admitted without being accompanied by an adult.(The “child swap” option may be used here.)

There are warnings that some of the special effects may be too intense for children and some adults. Take these seriously. This ride is very dark, loud and parts of it are quite scary. Riders should also be free of neck and back problems.Expectant mothers should not ride Dinosaur.

Finding Nemo - The Musical

The "Theater in the Wild" has been transformed into the undersea world of Marlin and Nemo. Through the use of puppetry, acrobats, dancers performing against an animated backdrop, "Finding Nemo" comes to life.

Some of the most respected names in theater have collaborated on this stage show. The 14 original songs are composed by Robert Lopez, Tony Award winner for "Avenue Q" and Kristen Anderson-Lopez noted for the a cappella musical "Along the Way." The opening number 'Big Blue World' is also featured at Epcot's 'The Seas with Nemo and Friends'. Crush and his Aussie buddies perform 'Go With the Flow.' This upbeat number pays homage to the surfin' songs of the '60's.

The puppets for "Finding Nemo - The Musical" are designed by Michael Curry, creator of the amazing puppets for Disney's Broadway smash hit, "The Lion King." The oversized sea creatures include Crush who's the size of VW Bug and the incredible 22 foot tall Nigel the Pelican.

The "Theater in the Wild" has been enclosed for this performance and is now climate controlled.
Chester & Hester's Dino-RamaDisney's Animal Kingdom features a mini park area within Dinoland, U.S.A:

Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama

This mini-land is a great place for family fun with a brightly-colored midway featuring games of chance and rides for all ages. One of the rides is TriceraTop Spin, which lets up to four guests ride in triceratops vehicles that rise and tilt as they spin around a giant top. Be amazed as cartoon comets fly past you while dinosaurs pop up as you spin around. One of the rides located in Dinoland USA is TriceraTop Spin which lets up to four guests ride in triceratops vehicles that rise and tilt as they spin around a giant top. Be amazed as cartoon comets fly past you while dinosaurs pop up as you spin around.

Primeval Whirl

Another ride is Primeval Whirl. Themed after old-fashioned carnival roller coasters, you'll enter your "time machine" and travel along one of two tracks. Primeval Whirl is located in Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. Themed after old-fashioned carnival roller coasters, you'll enter your "time machine" and travel along one of two tracks. Your free-spinning car sends you swirling and twirling downhill along it's twisting path. With lights flashing and bells ringing, it's a fairly simple ride but still a lot of fun.

This attraction has a 48" height requirement. Fast Pass is offered.

Located within Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama you will find midway games that are themed with creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Try your luck at Comet Crasher, a ring toss game, Dino-Whamma, a mallet test of strength game, Fossil Fueler, a water-squirt gun game, Mammoth Marathon, a racing derby, Bronto-Score, a basketball toss game; and Whac-A-Packycephalosaur, a prehistoric critter-whacking game.

Discovery Island

Surrounded by the Discovery River, the Discovery Island is the hub area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here you’ll find the spectacular Tree of Life. Towering 14 stories high, the Tree of Life is visible from throughout the park. Inside the “Tree’s” base is the delightful 3-D show “It’s Tough to be a Bug". The Discovery Island Trail allows visitors the opportunity to roam the promenades, admire the foliage and gaze upon more exotic birds and wildlife.

Look for Cotton-top tamarins, Saddle-billed storks, Galapagos tortoises, Asian small clawed otters, South American capybaras (the largest rodents in the world) and green-winged macaws here.The Trail area is wheelchair accessible.You may encounter the Storyteller/Changeling here, the duo that entertains and regales visitors with tales about the inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom.As expected the changeling “becomes” the animal as the storyteller tells the tale.

Dining areas in the Discovery Island include Pizzafari and the Flame Tree Barbecue.Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests will enjoy a uniquely themed dining room with bright murals, hanging bats, possums, and parrots at the Pizzafari.The breakfast menu includes waffles, breakfast pizza, sausage and fruit plates.At lunch and dinner, guests can feast on pizza, hot sandwiches and salads.

The Flame Tree Barbecue offers smoked chicken, ribs, pork, beef and fresh salads as well as children’s meals.The colorful bazaar in the Discovery Island is reminiscent of the architecture that you’ll find in Bali.Look closely at the ornately carved details on shops such as the “Island Mercantile” and see how many animals you can find.Inside this shop, guests will find toys, clothes, candy, collectibles and Animal Kingdom themed merchandise.

Upscale clothing, exotic jewelry, tapestries, watch artisans, sculptures, collectible gifts, a ring carver and camera accessories are all carried at the “Disney Outfitters”.At the “Beastly Bazaar”, Animal Kingdom T-shirts, hats, mugs and home decorating merchandise is found.The popular Mickey safari pith helmets, children’s clothing, toys and gifts are found in “Creature Comforts”.

Dino Diner

Food/Dining Type:Snacks
Location:Animal Kingdom / Discovery Island
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)

Flame Tree Barbecue

Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Animal Kingdom / Discovery Island near bridge to Dinoland
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:11:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan:YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)
Tables in Wonderland:YES

THE TREE OF LIFE

The majestic Tree of Life stands proudly as the icon of the Animal Kingdom Park.From a distance, this imposing structure appears to be the real thing. As you draw closer, the amazing details come to life. An international team of artisans were brought together to design and implement the carving of nearly 400 animals in it's intricate framework. The first challenge was designing a 145 foot tall "tree" that could stand up to hurricane force winds, but still look realistic.

A unique system of fabricating and assembling the branches was designed that brought the flexibility that was needed to bring this idea to life. There are 45 secondary branches that lead to 756 tertiary branches. With 7891 end branches, the entire structure is covered with 102,583 manmade leaves, each of which is more than a foot long. While this would be an amazing accomplishment on it's own, it takes second stage to the carvings.

Working within the delicate balance between sound structure and artistry, images began to emerge. A branch becomes an elephant's trunk, a root a snake, each figure seamlessly flowing into another. Style took precedence over accuracy. The goal was not to depict the animals true to size, but to have one form lead to another, all the while appearing to have naturally developed during the growth of this amazing "tree."

A major part of the illusion is the painting. With varying shades of browns and green used, you'll be tempted to reach out and touch it to make certain that it's not actually tree bark. Even when you're viewing it close up, the realism is striking. As if this wasn't enough, housed inside the base of the "Tree of Life" is the theatre for "It's Tough To Be A Bug."

This presented a new set of challenges. With the same skillful attention to detail, the infrastructure was camouflaged creating a cave like atmosphere that befits this unique show. The "Tree of Life" is one of the most photographed structures in Disney World. For the best camera shots, look for the Kodak picture spots that can be found on your guidemap.

Fun Fact: This tree is one of the few artificial trees among over 4 million living plants at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

It’s Tough to be a Bug

Inside the base of the Tree of Life is the theatre that houses the 3D showing of “It’s Tough to be a Bug”.After all, bugs do live in trees, right? Guests follow winding paths around the Tree of Life where you can take your time and enjoy trying to spot the 325 creatures.Most of the queue area is unshaded.

TIP: On hot days, mister fans can provide respite from the heat.

Upon entering the “Tree”, guests are given 3D “bug” glasses that should not be put on until you are seated in the inside theatre.The walls of the pre-show area are lined with posters of past shows that the Tree of Life Repertory Theatre Players have performed in. Guests will notice such classics as “A Stinkbug Named Desire”, “My Fair Ladybug”, and “A Cockroach Line”.

Every 8 minutes, visitors are escorted into the 430-seat theatre where they put on the 3D glasses and begin the fun. Hosted by Flik from "Bugs Life", with an appearance by Hopper, guests are made honorary insects. A good natured ant introduces you to some of his friends. What follows is a fast paced adventure with some surprising "4-D" effects.

A warning to parents, some of the special effects may be too intense for small children. It may be best for an adult to experience this before bringing small children in to see it. The theatre is wheelchair accessible.There are assistive listening devices for hearing impaired guests.For deaf guests, reflective captioning is available, ask a CM at the entrance for details. "It's Tough To Be A Bug" is a Fastpass attraction.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

The Wildlife Express train takes you to the research and education center, Rafiki's Planet Watch.
At the Rafiki's Planet Watch, the first building that visitors see is topped with spectacular, large, colorful murals of the animals. Inside, you will find viewing areas where exams and surgical procedures may be observed.

In addition to the veterinary facilities, experts are on hand to educate you on the caring for, and meal preparation for the many animals found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pellets for the parrots, “cookies” for the elephants and live mealy worms for the meerkats are some of the delicacies prepared for the Animal Kingdom’s inhabitants.

There is a multitude of information on conservation efforts of organizations throughout the world, including a computer that can tell you where the one nearest to your hometown is. There are many interactive displays with environmental information and tips for preserving our natural resources including sound booths featuring the sounds of the rain forest. Touch screens allow you to check out the Animal Cams throughout the park.

The "Affection Section" is where young and old alike have an opportunity to interact with the animals. At first, they appear to be the usual petting zoo variety of animals, but you'll discover that they are exotic breeds of sheep, goats, deer, pigs, etc.

Of course, all of this "hands-on" play means that little fingers must be washed. There's a cute elephant fountain nearby that will accomplish this task and bring a smile. At the “Out of the Wild” shop, guests will find conservation-themed clothing, snacks, environmentally friendly toiletries, books and stuffed toys. Rafiki's Planet Watch is wheelchair accessible. For guests who are hearing impaired, closed captioning is available for the “Look-in Labs” and Animal Cams.

Closed Caption Decoders are available at Guest Services with a refundable deposit. Sign Language interpreted performances of the Animal Presentation at the Indoor Stage are offered.

Oasis

There is no finer way to introduce you to Disney's Animal Kingdom than through the lush tropical landscape of the Oasis. As you stroll through this walk-through area, take note of the animal paw imprints on the cane lamp post-lined pathways.

This serene area truly is an oasis and features a canopy of tropical plants and trees, a small waterfall and a pond that houses brightly colored flamingos. Viewing areas are dotted amidst the lush landscape where you can see a giant anteater, a two-toed sloth, wallabies, tree kangaroos and exotic birds. Cast members are nearby to assist guests with questions about the wildlife here.

Take a close look at your surroundings, while the animals and plants are real, the rocks are synthetic, as are the termite mounds that will often hide water feeders for birds. These are more examples of Disney's goal to appear authentic, and yet remain functional. Prior to entering the gates of Disney's Animal Kingdom, you will see a large building with a waterfall cascading over the side. Inside this impressive structure, you'll find an entertaining dining experience at the Rainforest Café. Here you'll encounter a feast of sights, sounds and smells.

This includes being part of a tropical thunderstorm and observing Audio-Animatronic wildlife. You can watch the giant butterflies flap their wings, the mother and baby elephant wave their ears and trumpet and the watchful cheetah perched on a branch swinging his tail. As a curious gorilla looks side to side, a monkey hangs on a vine and a crocodile opens his massive jaws to show his impressive dental work.

A 3500-gallon aquarium displays brightly colored tropical fish. In addition to the entertaining surroundings, guests can satisfy their hunger with delicious pasta, chicken, meat and seafood dishes like Rasta Pasta, Chicken Monsoon, Mojo Bones and the Congo Mogambo. The full service Rainforest Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and priority seating is recommended.