Animal Kingdom (Orlando)

It took me more than 10 years to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Now that I’ve been there, it is easily one of my favorite Disney Parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation, and research.  It is built in the same “spoke and wheel” pattern as Magic Kingdom, and all but one land connect to the central “Tree of Life.”   Among these lands are amazingly authentic representations of Africa and Asia, and a section called Dinoland U.S.A. that recreates the roadside attractions that once scattered the country.  There are animal habitats scattered throughout all these areas.

As for thrills and attractions, Expedition: Everest takes you out of the animal trails and onto an exciting roller coaster ride through a Yeti protected Mt. Everest.  A “torn track” takes you off course and into a frosty cavern where you eventually have a close encounter with the Yeti!

DINOSAUR puts you in a time machine to go back to the end of the cretaceous era to find a gentle “Iguanadon” but, as you can expect, things go terribly wrong.  You’re sent back in the middle of a devastating meteor shower and, while trying to find your gentle dinosaur, the more dangerous species find YOU!

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Anyone who loves animals will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL.