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Animal Kingdom > Attractions |
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 Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Attractions
Take an expedition into wild adventures, exciting
treks and animal encounters. Get up close with exotic creatures and
immerse yourself in tales from far-away lands. |
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Oasis Attractions
The Oasis Exhibits |
Camp Minnie-Mickey Attractions
Character Greeting
Trails
Festival of the Lion King
Pocahontas and Her Friends
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Dinoland U.S.A. Attractions
Cretaceous Trail
DINOSAUR
Dino-Sue
Fossil Fun Games
Primeval Whirl
The Boneyard
TriceraTop Spin |
Discovery Island Attractions
Discovery Island Trails
It's Tough to be a Bug
Tree of Life |
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Africa Attractions
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
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Rafiki's Planet Watch
Attractions
Affection Section
Conservation Station
Habitat Habit
Wildlife Express Train |
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Asia Attractions
Expedition
Everest
Kali River Rapids
Maharajah Jungle Trek |
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| The Oasis Attractions |
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The Oasis Exhibits
Enter the lush tropical garden filled with
exotic animals. This is your pathway to a whole world of adventure. Unwind
as you enter this tropical oasis of Eden-like flora and fauna rich with
cooling waterfalls and meandering streams. This idyllic setting sets the
stage for your day. Look for the giant anteater, exotic boar, Hyacinth
Macaw and many, many more amazing animals. From here all paths lead to
adventure. To think of the Oasis simply in the same terms of Main
Street in the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Boulevard in Disney-MGM Studios,
although partially accurate really does not do it justice. Yes it serves
to direct guest towards the center of the park and onto the various lands
and attractions, and for many that is all it does. Yet for those who take
the opportunity to do a little exploring it can also delight, entertain
and even invite you to approach your day at The Animal Kingdom differently
than you might at the other Disney theme parks. You can choose from more
than one of its beautifully landscaped pathways complete with lush
greenery, streams, waterfalls and even an early morning midst that covers
the ground. During your journey you will be afforded a glimpse of what
awaits you. Natural-habitat exhibits that are home to a wide variety of
animals line these pathways that serve as more than just sidewalks to
Safari Village.
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Disney Tip: If you need to take a break after the end of your
long day at the park, the Oasis offers many shady benches that make
great spots for relaxing.
Get your cameras ready. As you exit the Oasis there is a terrific
picture-taking opportunity of the Tree of Life.
Don't forget to look down. You'll notice leaf and animal paw prints
appropriate to each area. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
This attraction opened
with Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. |
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| Camp Minnie-Mickey
Attractions |
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Character Greeting Trails
Make your visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom complete by stopping by Camp
Minnie-Mickey to commune with your favorite Disney pals. Choose which
Character you would like to visit and pose for snaps with the gang.
They're the "biggest characters" in the animal kingdom!
Taking a page out
of the Toontown Hall of Fame at the Magic Kingdom younger guests are
treated to not one but four character greeting areas. These four separate
greeting areas are named Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Brother Bear.
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Disney Tip: Be sure and check your Times Guide for hours.
Meet Mickey and Minnie while you are waiting for the Festival of the
Lion King or Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends showtimes.
Character photos may be picked up near the front of the park at
Garden Gate Gifts.
Don't forget your autograph books. |
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 Festival of the Lion King
Plunge right into the middle of the action in this cleverly staged
in-the-round production featuring songs from the film and a cast of
familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Combining the pageantry
of a parade with all the excitement of a tribal celebration, this is a
lavish, high energy spectacle created through song, dance and specialty
performances. Live stage show production that borrows songs from the
popular Disney animated classic, but it doesn’t stop there. Singers,
dancers, acrobats and a good portion of crowd participation all combine to
make this quite possibly the best offering to be found at the Animal
Kingdom.
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Disney Tip: This show is very popular, so early arrival helps to
ensure getting a seat. Get
in on the action by interacting with Cast Members when they ask for
group participation.
With its newly enclosed theater,
Festival of the Lion King is a great place to cool off. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
The Festival of the Lion King was crowned the 2004 Disney
Magazine Reader's Choice Award winner for Favorite Walt Disney World
Resort Show! "The Lion King"
borrows certain elements from Shakespeare's Hamlet, including the
storyline of a young prince whose uncle takes over a kingdom after
murdering the king.
"The Lion King" is the
best-selling home video of all time!
There are approximately 136 costumes that are worn by the cast of
the show. |
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Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends
Go on a quest with Pocahontas and her animal friends in this intimate
musical stage show. The Native American princess seeks the advice of
Grandmother Willow when her forest is threatened. Pocahontas' quest
leads her to commune with many live critters on stage in this show that
is a delight for young and old.
During
this live stage show Pocahontas leads a cast of real animals and Audio-Animatronic
props all telling the story of mans need to protect the natural world. A
combination of being a little heavy on message and a little light on
entertainment makes this an attraction that can be a hit or miss depending
on your expectation.
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Disney Tip: There is a seating area in the front for youngsters.
Arrive early for the best seating. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
This attraction opened in
the Spring of 2002. |
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| DinoLand U.S.A
Attractions |
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Cretaceous Trail
Enjoy a lush, shady, relaxing and surprising walking tour amidst
plant and animal survivors that have outlived the dinosaurs. Play with a
Pachycephalosaur, encounter living animal species that have
survived since prehistoric times and discover fossil dig sites!
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| Disney
Trivia:
The soft-shell turtle is one of the Earth's oldest animal
species. Crocodiles
descended from psuedosuchians who walked on their hind legs and
lived during the late Triassic period.
South American Seriema are derived from the giant, flightless birds
who inhabited the Pleistocene Epoch. |
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 DINOSAUR
Whoosh back to primeval times for a wild ride of an expedition to complete
your dangerous mission. The clock is ticking on your Time Rover and you
have mere minutes to rescue a stray dinosaur. Beware the hungry clutches
of one large meat-eating predator and the devastating power of an
impending asteroid! It's fast. It's a blast! It's in the past!
Disney Imagineers
obviously worked overtime and employed every special effect in the book
during their design of this motion-simulator/track ride. I have
encountered mixed reviews from those I spoke with regarding this
attraction. Some love it and can’t wait for another crack at traveling
back to prehistoric time to rescue a soon to be extinct dinosaur, while
others declare it to be too intense and have decided that if Dino doesn’t
make it back tough luck.
Minimum Height Requirement: 40 inches / 102 cm
 Fast Pass Available
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| Disney
Trivia:
DINOSAUR was developed at the same time as the movie and
actually debuted prior to the animated film.
This attraction originally opened
with Disney's Animal Kingdom April 22, 1998 under another name:
Countdown to Extinction. |
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Dino-Sue
Visit Disney's oldest "cast" member, clocking in at 67 million
years. Dino-Sue is a painstaking reproduction of the largest, most
complete T-Rex ever found! The length of a four-story building, the mighty
T-Rex is available to pose for pictures with you at the Dino institute.
It's fossiliferous!
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Disney
Trivia:
Disney, McDonald's and the Chicago's Field Museum purchased the
skeleton at public auction in 1997 with financial support from Walt
Disney World Resort, McDonald's Corporation, the California State
University system, and private individuals.
Members of the team from the Chicago Field Museum did much of their
restoration work on-stage in DinoLand U.S.A. |
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Fossil Fun Games
Erupting with fun, these dinosaur-themed games offer a good time for
everyone. Whether you are wowed by the nostalgic past of a carnival or
by the distant prehistoric past, these games are a total blast from
the past!
A collection of “carnival” or “Boardwalk” style games with a prehysterical
dino twist
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| Disney Note:
There is a separate charge to play each of these fun-filled games. |
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Disney Tip: Don't miss: Comet Crasher, a goblet toss game;
Fossil Fueler, a water-squirt game themed to a prehistoric gas
station; and Bronto-Score, a basketball game.
Like at the carnival games of
yesteryear, you can win great prizes. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
Don't worry about harming the Pachycephalosaurus. The name
translates to "thick headed lizard." |
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 Primeval Whirl
Take a whirl into prehistory in one of these spinning time machines that
are part of the zany fun fair of Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama! Thrill to
the sudden dips, hairpin turns and tight curves of this rollicking
coaster. Each colorful car spins independently so you never know how
things will "turn" out! It's the best time you've had in ages. A roller coaster that spins is our description of this one and that will
at least begin to help you get some idea of this the newest attraction to
be added to the park. The dinosaur theming continues to “pop up” as your
car slips, slides and spins along the track.
Minimum Height Requirement: 48 inches / 122 cm
Fast Pass Available
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Disney Tip: Don't forget
to read the time traveling messages: "Time's up!", "The end is
near!", and "Older than dirt!" |
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| Disney
Trivia:
"Pocahontas" is the first Disney animated film inspired by
actual historic events. |
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 The Boneyard
Slip, slide, slither and slosh through a play maze filled with fun
fossils. "Exploration. Excavation. Exultation." is the motto of the Dino
Institute and nowhere is this truer than here. Would-be paleontologists
young and old play amidst a world of dinosaur discoveries like a
Triceratops, T-Rex and Wooly Mammoth. Frolic among the fossils! A large and elaborate playground designed
to resemble an archeological dig. Very entertaining for younger children
and a nice opportunity for parents to take a break.
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Disney Tip: Bring an extra
set of clothing for youngsters who enjoy playing in the water.
For the real dinosaur fan, notice
factual debates about the true nature of dinosaurs that are
presented in writing on kiosks throughout the play area.
Listen for the fun chatter and
playlist of college radio station W-DIG. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
This attraction opened with Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22,
1998. "Exploration.
Excavation. Exultation." is the motto of the Dino Institute. |
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 TriceraTop Spin
Take the family for a spin aboard this whirling, twirling, friendly
flying dinosaur. Climb into one of these four-person dino vehicles and
spin 'round, up and down. Expect a dino-sized surprise for kids rising
from the giant tin top at the hub of it all. It's an experience that
can't be "topped!"
Board a friendly Triceratops dinosaur and move up, down and around as the
entire ride magically transforms into a giant spinning toy top. Watch for
those flying comets!
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Disney Tip: The best time
to visit DinoLand U.S.A. is in the morning. Plan to make it one of
your first stops. |
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Disney
Trivia:
This attraction opened in
November of 2001.
Triceratops means "three horned face." |
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| Discovery Island
Attractions |
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- Discovery Island Trails
Saunter through these sumptuous
garden pathways for glimpses of hilarious animal antics and
captivating critters. Have face-to-face encounters with Galapagos
tortoises, lemurs, cotton-top tamarin monkeys and other
fascinating creatures.
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Disney Tip: If you have
binoculars handy, they are useful in helping spot all the animals
carved into the Tree of Life.
The Discovery Island Trails offer a quiet get away when you need a
place to relax.The
Discovery Island Trails can be approached from a number of different
directions and can be enjoyed in any sequence.
Be sure to have your camera ready for animal close-ups. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
There are over 4,000 varieties of trees and plants in Disney's
Animal Kingdom Theme Park. |
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 It’s Tough to Be a Bug
See the world through a bug's eyes as you peek into the hilarious and
dazzling 3-D world of amazing and amusing insects as they astound you
with a one-of-a-kind stage show. Laugh at the fun and startling
in-theater effects like overhead giant spiders! The only thing that will
"bug" you is if you miss it! A very funny 3-D film with a cast of
millions. The films storyline is a brief and entertaining look into the
world of insects and their take on the world. A wide variety of visual
and tactical special effects are employed to add a creepy touch to the
film.
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| Disney Note: May be frightening to preschool age children. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
There are approximately 1,032,000 animal species known to
science, of which 750,000 are insects.
Disney/Pixar's "A Bug's Life" was the
first widescreen computer animated feature. |
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 The Tree of Life
Marvel at this 14-story masterpiece sculpted by more than a dozen
artisans. The 50-foot wide tree is the centerpiece of Disney's
Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The swirling tapestry of 325 animal
carvings creates a staggering spectacle that is truly a sight to
behold! It’s sheer size alone sets it apart from most of what you will
see for the rest of the day, but it is only when you begin to approach it
do you really begin to appreciate its beauty and splendor.
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Disney Tip: If you have binoculars handy, they are useful in
helping spot all the animals carved into the Tree of Life.
For a great picture of the Tree of
Life, stop on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
This tree is one of the few artificial trees among over 4
million living plants at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Ten artists and three Imagineers
worked full-time for 18 months to create the 325 animal carvings on
The Tree of Life. |
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| Africa Attractions |
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 Kilimanjaro Safaris
Climb aboard your open-sided safari vehicle for an exciting expedition for
the entire family. Animals from Africa freely roam through acres of
savannah, rivers and rocky hills. Look out for giraffes, hippos,
elephants, rhinos, lions and poachers too! A
combination of Disney Imagineering and simply one of the best natural
animal habitats around makes this a must see for the entire family. Have
your camera ready as your vehicle will pass by (in some cases right next
to) wildebeests, impalas, Thomson gazelles, zebra, giraffes, rhinos, hippos
and lions.
Fast Pass Available
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| Disney
Note:
Although animals are typically more active in mornings and
during cooler weather, Kilimanjaro Safaris has great animal viewing
in both the morning and afternoon. |
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Disney Tip: If you have a large group with more than one camera,
sit on opposite sides of the safari vehicle to catch all of the
action. Always keep your
cameras ready as animals roam freely throughout the reserve and you
never know when a terrific picture-taking opportunity may present
itself. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
This is the largest attraction at any Disney theme park. |
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 Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Trek into the forest in search of gorillas! Along the way, enjoy a
nature walk through a verdant African valley filled with Nile hippos,
birds and fish. Enter an exotic bird aviary, an underwater hippo viewing
area, a savannah overlook, and have an intimate up-close encounter with
a magnificent troop of gorillas.
This walk through
attraction is packed with guests, no I mean animals, actually I mean
animals and guests. The entrance to this attraction is very near the exit
of Kilimanjaro Safari, which means many who are disembarking from their
safari will naturally be drawn to the trail. If you are lucky enough to
catch this one on a slow day or smart enough to plan to visit during the
early morning or later afternoon you will be richly rewarded.
This
attraction is home to a couple of troops of gorillas whose habitat is so
well designed that you will be hard pressed to discern the barrier that
separates them from you. Also on the trail guests will see a hippo pool
with an under water viewing area; a naked mole exhibit (don’t worry
everything at Disney is PG); a group or pack (I'm not sure what you call
it) of hyenas; and a remarkable exotic bird aviary that is
designed to allow guests to feel as though they have joined these
creatures in the wild. This is really a not to be missed attraction just a
shame that Disney bypassed traffic control on this one.
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Disney Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
The aptly named Pangani means "place of enchantment" in Swahili.
Male gorillas may weigh as much as 500 lbs. But can still do one arm
pull-ups with ease.
When scouting for animals, watch for signs of critters — like nests,
tracks and trails. |
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| Rafiki's Planet Watch
Attractions |
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Affection Section
Don't be shy! Enjoy this delightful animal encounter with goats,
sheep, pigs, chicken, llamas and more. Watch for special guest
appearances by some of the park's friendlier animals. This is a great
way to help little ones begin to
"open their eyes to the world around them."
Come here to get up close and personal with friendly animals in
this shaded petting yard.
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Disney Tip: Don't forget
your cameras but keep an eye on them!
If you would like help learning how
to properly brush the animals, ask one of the animal experts who are
always happy to assist you. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
The animals have independent pens for sleeping at night with
heaters, fans and lighting. |
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Conservation Station
At trail's end, the discovery has just begun as you visit the
center of Disney efforts to promote wildlife conservation awareness.
Inside, there is a whole herd of wild animal experiences, interactive
games and fun-filled shows. See animals up close in this rare
behind-the-scenes adventure! Welcome to the hub of our global conservation involvement. Here,
you'll learn interesting facts about animal habitats around the
world. You'll even get a peek at animal research, veterinary care
and food preparation.
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Disney Tip: Don't miss the
nearby Affection Section. |
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Disney
Trivia:
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Theme Park is proud to be fully accredited by the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association. Our experts in veterinary medicine, animal
surgery, and nutrition are happy to share stories and answer
questions. Don't be afraid to ask!
World-famous animal expert Jane Goodall offered her insight as an
advisor during the development of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme
Park.This attraction opened
with Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998. |
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Habitat Habit!
See endangered cotton-top tamarin primates up close. Trek down
this adventure trail and help your animal friends in ways that you never
thought possible. It's fun to share your world and your own backyard
with animals! Take a walk on the wild side! You'll see amazing cotton-top
tamarins on this leg of our outdoor discovery trail. Plus, you'll
get helpful hints on how to share the world, and your own backyard,
with animals.
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Disney Tip: Along the trail, look for fun ideas to inspire you
to create animal habitats in your own home and community. |
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Disney
Trivia:
Disney's Animal Kingdom is working on preservation efforts for
the cotton-top tamarin, one of the most endangered primates in the
world.
The cotton-top tamarin is named for the shock of white hair atop its
head. |
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Wildlife Express Train
Ride the rails on this rustic African train that travels the savannah
for a behind-the-scenes journey through several animal housing and care
areas of the park. In just over five minutes, your guided train ride
transports you to the core of the park's conservation center. All
aboard! During your journey aboard the Wildlife
Express you will catch a glimpse of the nighttime enclosures where
various animals are housed. Also a brief and really uninteresting glimpse
of Asia can be experienced. It can be debated whether a trip to
Conversation Station is worth the investment in time required. It will
largely depend on what you came to Animal Kingdom for. If you largely want
to be thrilled or entertained you may want to skip this one. If you came
to explore and find hands on exhibits of interest then go for it.
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| Disney
Note:
Trains leave every 5-7 minutes. |
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Disney
Trivia:
Each five-car train can seat up to 250 passengers.
The three engines and two sets of cars belonging to the Wildlife
Express line were built in 1997 only a few miles from William
Shakespeare's cottage in Stratford-on-Avon by the model-railroad
firm of Severn Lamb, Ltd., at Alchester, England.
The detailing on the train
includes signs created by Harambe locals and luggage strapped to the
train's roof.
This attraction opened with
Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998.
Harambe is Swahili for "coming
together." |
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| Asia
Attractions |
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 Expedition Everest
Massive Mountain -- A mountain
range is on the horizon at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park as
construction continues on Expedition Everest, a family thrill coaster
opening at Walt Disney World Resort in 2006. Soaring nearly
200-feet-tall, Expedition Everest will take guests on the treacherous
terrain of the towering Forbidden Mountain in this high-altitude,
high-speed train adventure! Nail-biting hairpin turns hurl you forward
toward the peak and then, just when you think it couldn't get more
thrilling — backward! The mountain's full of surprises: Beware the
snarling beast who watches over his domain… the Yeti!
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Here are a couple videos of our Sneak Peak of what it is like to ride
Expedition Everest
Click Here for a view from the middle of the train.
Click Here for a view from
the front of the train.
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 Kali River Rapids
Raft down the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River aboard a
12-passenger raft through an enchanting Asian rain forest. A blazing
inferno rushes toward you! Escape down a rushing waterfall! Beware of
gushing geysers! Get set to get wet!
A free floating
river raft ride that takes guests around obstacles and over rapids not to
mention past some really very interesting theming. From the Asian temple
that serves as the waiting area to the various scenes that play out
along the river this is vintage Disney. This short ride of just a little
over 3 minutes packs more guests soaking per minute than possibly any
other river rapid ride around.
Minimum Height Requirement: 38 inches / 95 cm
Fast Pass Available
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| Disney
Note:
YOU WILL GET WET!!! |
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Disney
Trivia:
Most of the statues and decoration in this attraction are
authentic and were created in Asia.
This attraction opened in late March of 1999.
The storyline of this
attraction attempts to shed light on the conflicts between logging
and rainforest preservation. |
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 Maharajah Jungle Trek
Trek into the lush forests for an unparalleled adventure into the wilds of
the mystical Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia. Have up-close
encounters with Komodo dragons and tapirs. Make eye contact with stalking
tigers. Wander among the ruins of an ancient palace inhabited by beautiful
and exotic animals!
Very similar to Pangani Forest
Exploration Trail except without the over crowding. This is an extremely
well designed walk through animal exhibit. All themed around a temple ruin
where each Asian animal species is presented in a manner and design worthy
of Disney. Simply not to be missed.
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Disney Tip: Always have
your cameras poised, as these animals may decide to pose without
giving any notice. |
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| Disney
Trivia:
A maharaja is a king or prince in India ranking above a rajah. |
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