Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Walt Disney World® Resort

We recently had another very enjoyable day visiting the  Walt Disney World® Resort. This time we chose to visit the newest theme park in the most popular vacation destination in the world. I will have to admit I was only mildly warm to the idea of visiting an animal attraction in the middle of the summer in Florida. No pun intended. But I did not give enough credit to the Disney Imagineers who put together a wonderful attraction that all ages will enjoy.

The Imagineers at Disney did not build another zoo, but a full fledged theme park that stands alone and is a very delightful attraction. Contrary to a guide book I read saying Animal Kingdom was uncomfortable during summer days I thought the cooling fans and the extensive tree canopy along with an abundance of water kept the temperature very tolerable. The air conditioned areas were all close enough so you could take in a show and stay cool.

This was another trip with our three year old grandson but this time we learned our lesson and didn’t tell him in advance that we were going to Walt Disney World; he thought it was a shopping trip I suppose. No “are we there yet or I want to see Mickey Mouse”, just peaceful slumber all the way to the gate. I have never figured out how he can walk around all day on those short legs with his mouth hanging open and his eyes at least twice as large as normal as he takes in the sights and sounds. I love the enthusiasm a three year old has for everything in Disney World; he certainly lets me enjoy it much more than if alone.

Our first attraction was the Kilimanjaro Safari where you are on a bus riding through an African Savannah and happen upon different animals in seemingly natural surroundings. We were able to see elephants, lions, antelope, wildebeest, crocodiles, Rhinos, and wide assortment of birds, the highlight of the safari was being able to help the rangers catch poachers, they were bad guys for hurting animals.
We then chose one of the tree shaded paths that have other smaller animals and birds on display as we headed to the Festival of the Lion king. This is a great show that we all enjoyed to the utmost.
The professional singers, dancers and acrobats put on great show for the audience and you leave the theatre with a larger and more brilliant smile than you started the day with.

After a leisurely lunch in the Tusker House Restaurant which serves sandwiches and salads and is another oasis from the summer heat we resumed our wandering following the wishes of our junior family member. One of his wishes was to see Mickey Mouse so we had a photo op with Mickey, Minnie, and their other pals who are the main attraction for the younger crowd.

Then it was off to see It’s Tough to be Bug, this was one I was leery of but the theatre entrance takes you through the Tree Of Life and some cool carvings. After visiting this show and enjoying it immensely I’m convinced some of the Disney Imagineers used to work on horror flicks because they sure know how to keep your attention riveted to the stage and startle you even if you are one of the older generations. They use special effects to perfection including teasing all of your senses, smell, sight, and feel. The lady next to us jumped out of her seat screaming, almost causing me to roll in the aisle from laughter. After we walked out Grandma said our grandson was sometimes shaking in fear and other times was giggling. He said he could not believe a bug had spit on him.
I recommend this show to everyone; it will definitely lighten your mood.

By this time the hardy three year old needed toothpicks to hold his eyes open so we headed for the exit and the drive home without seeing some of the other attractions such as the Wildlife Express Train, Habitat Habit, Conservation Station, Flights of Wonder, Maharaja Jungle Trek, Kali River Rapids, and of course the most sought after ride to come to a theme park in years Expedition Everest. Well, all these will have to wait until the next trip to Disney World or at the pace we are on maybe two or three more visits to Animal kingdom. This is definitely not your average animal attraction or zoo no matter how famous, this is a wonderful theme park where families will build memories for a lifetime.