Orlando G

Chapter 15

Animal Kingdom

In This Chapter

Acquainting yourself with Animal Kingdom

Comparing Animal Kingdom to Busch Gardens

Exploring the attractions in Animal Kingdom

D

isney’s fourth major park combines exotic animals, elaborate land-

scapes, and a handful of rides and shows to create yet another

reason why many WDW resort-goers don’t venture outside this World.

The $800 million park opened in 1998; its most recent land, Asia, was fin-

ished in 1999. Speaking of Asia, it will be the home of Animal Kingdom’s

first and long-awaited thrill ride. Expected to debut in 2006, Expedition

Everest, will be a high-speed, coasterlike train ride through glaciers,

waterfalls, and canyons, climaxing with an encounter with a yeti. Even

with this addition, and although the park offers some unique experi-

ences, an expedition here requires only a half to three-quarters of a day,

leaving some visitors (and I’m among them!) to believe there isn’t enough

there to justify the $60 admission charge per adult or $48 per child (3–9).

But don’t go canceling that safari vacation just yet. Animal Kingdom is a

theme park after all — even if the exotic wildlife can move out of your

view. It’s filled with some amazing experiences and some of the most

remarkable landscaping and architectural recreations in all of Disney

(after Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions, that is). In this chapter, I give

you helpful information about Animal Kingdom and its marvels, as well

as basic info for visiting the park.

Finding Helpful Services in the Kingdom

Before trekking through the jungle of attractions at Animal Kingdom, you

need to know some basic information, key to your survival when on

safari about the park.

Buying tickets and making reservations

A one-day ticket costs $60 for adults, $48 for children 3 to 9. See Chap-

ter 11 for other ticket options.

226 Part IV: Exploring Walt Disney World

Animal Kingdom