Animal Kingdom

Disney's fourth major park opened in 1998 and combines exotic animals, the elaborate landscapes of Asia and Africa, and the prehistoric lands of the dinosaur. Animals, architecture, and lush surroundings take center stage here, with a handful of rides thrown in for good measure.

A conservation venue as much as an attraction ensures that you won't find the animals blatantly displayed throughout the 500-acre park; instead, naturalistic habitats blend seamlessly into the spectacular surroundings. This unfortunately means that, at times, you'll have to search a bit to find the inhabitants. Expect your experience here to be quite different from that at Disney's other parks. It's the spectacular surroundings, meticulously re-created architecture, and intricate detailing, not so much the attractions sprinkled throughout (even though Expedition Everest is pretty impressive), that make the park so unique and so interesting. First bonus: Because this is one of Disney's less ride-intensive parks, it's easily enjoyed in a single day, usually less, making it a good choice when you need to cut back and take it a bit slower and easier. Second bonus: The best shows in all of Disney can be found here; Finding Nemo-The Musical and the Festival of the Lion King should definitely be on your to-do list.

Animal Kingdom is divided into the Oasis, a shopping area near the entrance that offers limited animal viewing; Discovery Island, home of the Tree of Life, the park's very unique icon; Camp Minnie-Mickey, the Animal Kingdom equivalent of Mickey's Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom but without any of the fun little rides; Africa, where you can wander the village streets and head out on safari (you'll find the largest concentration of animals here); Asia, with Mt. Everest looming on the horizon (within it, the coolest thrill ride in the park), includes a raging river ride, exotic animal exhibits (including Bengal tigers and giant fruit bats), and a bird show; and Dinoland U.S.A., filled with carnival-style rides and games, a large play area, and a herky-jerky thrill ride that transports you back in time.

The park covers more than 500 acres, and your feet will tell you that you've covered the territory at the end of the day.

Most of the rides are accessible to guests with disabilities, but the hilly terrain, large crowds, narrow passages, and long hikes can make for a strenuous day if there's a wheelchair-bound person in your party. Anyone with neck or back problems, as well as pregnant women, may not be able to enjoy rides such as Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and Dinosaur.

The 145-foot-tall Tree of Life is in the center of the park. It's an intricately carved free-form representation of animals, handcrafted by a team of artists over the period of a year. It's not nearly as tall or imposing as Spaceship Earth, which has come to symbolize Epcot, or Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. The tree is impressive, though, with 8,000 limbs, 103,000 leaves, and 325 mammals, reptiles, bugs, birds, dinosaurs, and Mickeys in its trunk, limbs, and roots.

Arriving -- From the parking lot, walk or (where available) ride one of the trams to the entrance. If you do walk, watch out for the trams and autos, because the lot isn't designed for pedestrians. Also, make certain to note where you parked (section and row). Lot signs aren't as prominent as in the Magic Kingdom, and the rows look alike when you come back out. Upon entering the park, consult the handout guide map for special events or entertainment. If you have questions, ask park staffers.

Hours -- Animal Kingdom is open at least from 8 or 9am to 5pm, but it sometimes stays open an hour or so later.

Ticket Prices -- The ticket prices are $67 for adults, $56 for children 3 to 9.

Parades -- Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom is an interactive street party featuring whimsical colorful animals and characters on expedition. The music and overall atmosphere are lively and the one-of-a-kind visuals are some of the best in all the parks.

Animal Kingdom Tip Sheet

1. Arrive at opening or stay until near closing for the best view of the animals.

2. Expedition Everest offers the biggest thrills in the park, and a FASTPASS may be your only ticket to avoiding the ride's excruciatingly long lines.

3. Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of the most popular rides and the best place to see a lot of animals in one sitting. But in summer, the animals can be scarce during the midday heat. If you can hoof it there first thing, do it. If not, try late in the day. The same applies to viewing the gorillas on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

4. Finding Nemo-the Musical and the Festival of the Lion King shows are a must.

5. Looking for Disney characters? Go to the Character Greeting Trails in Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Services & Facilities in Animal Kingdom

ATMs -- Animal Kingdom has an ATM near Garden Gate Gifts to the right of the entrance as well as in Dinoland across from the Primeval Whirl. It accepts cards from banks using the Cirrus, Honor, and PLUS systems.

Baby Care -- The Baby Care Center is located near Creature Comforts gift shop on the west side of the Tree of Life, but as in the other Disney parks, you'll find changing tables in restrooms, and you can buy disposable diapers at Guest Relations.

Cameras & Film -- You can drop film off for same-day developing at the Kodak Kiosk in Africa and Garden Gate Gifts near the park entrances. Cameras and film are available in Disney Outfitters in Safari Village; at the Kodak Kiosk in Africa, near the entrance to the Kilimanjaro Safari; and in Garden Gate Gifts.

First Aid -- The First Aid Center, which is staffed by registered nurses, is located near Creature Comforts gift shop on the west side of the Tree of Life.

Lockers -- Lockers ($7, including a $2 deposit) are located in Garden Gate Gifts to your right as you enter the park. They're also located to the left, near Rainforest Cafe.

Lost Children -- A center for lost children is located near Creature Comforts at the Baby Care Center on the west side of the Tree of Life. This is also the site of same-day lost and found. At the risk of repeating myself, make your younger kids wear name-tags inside their clothing.

Package Pickup -- Any packages can be sent to the front of the park at Garden Gate Gifts. Allow at least 3 hours for delivery. WDW resort guests can have their purchases delivered directly to their hotel; if purchased by 7pm, the item will be delivered by noon the next day.

Parking -- The cost is $10 a day for cars, light trucks, and vans; $11 for RVs.

Pet Care -- Pet facilities are located just outside the park entrance ($10 per day; tel. 407/824-6568). There are four other kennels located in the WDW complex. Proof of vaccinations is required.

Strollers -- Stroller rentals are available at Garden Gate Gifts to the right as you enter the park ($10 for a single, $18 for a double). There are also satellite locations throughout the park. Ask a Disney employee to steer you.

Wheelchair Rental -- You can rent wheelchairs at Garden Gate Gifts to the right as you enter the park. Rentals are $10 for a standard wheelchair; $35 for an electric wheelchair (plus a $5 refundable deposit). Ask Disney employees for other rental locations throughout the park.