Disney's Animal Kingdom Park opened on Earth Day, 1998, thus holding the distinction of being the most junior member of the Disney parks, in Walt Disney World. But conceptually, and visually it's probably the most immersive and stunning of the quartet. The great detail and care they've woven into each of the different lands, Africa, Asia, Discovery Island, DinoLand U.S.A, and Rafiki's Planet Watch, is quite remarkable.
Not to mention the current development of Disney's nod to the long-rumored , "Beastly Kingdom," in the form of Pandora: The World of Avatar. It is currently under construction in the former Camp Minnie Mickey section of the park, where the Beastly Kingdom was set to be. But just as the mythical creatures that would have inhabited the realm are just a wild fantasy, so remains the idea of Beastly Kingdom. In its place will be the lush and almost dreamy world of Pandora. The artist renderings look dramatic and wondrous, and completion is set for some time in 2017.
I really enjoy when Disney and the Imagineers stretch their creativity, along with the idea of what is possible, to its utmost limit, and I think the new land in Animal Kingdom will have guests stretching their imaginations to their peak. I assumed with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios that Disney would soon be forced to follow suit with something equally as immersive and sensually arresting, and they seem to be doing that in spades with not only Pandora, but with the building of Star Wars Land over at Hollywood Studios, which was in desperate need of some updating. And with Disney acquiring Marvel a few years back, there are plenty of characters and super-heroes to base future lands or even parks around.
But the focus of this particular blog is on what is at Disney's Animal Kingdom park, which is my personal favorite of all the parks. Even though they bill it as, "Nahtazu!" (not a zoo), it's got some really fantastic zoological elements, and the theming of the various enclosures and habitats is certainly first rate. I do happen to love zoos, and we have a great zoological park here in Detroit, but it just isn't as well-thought out and expansive as Disney's Animal Kingdom. First, the animal habitats are large and as close to their natural environment as possible. And the Imagineers really gave serious thought to the layout, viewing areas/sight lines, paths, and queues. It allows for a comfortable and leisurely pace through the exhibits and high visibility of all the animals with minimal crowding or pushing from the human animals. The paths are lined with authentic foliage, giving plenty of shade on hot days, and embellished with traditional artifacts and intriguing replicas.
The first set of exhibits you encounter are the Oasis Exhibits, which has a lush and meandering path through spoonbill habitats and an impressive giant anteater enclosure. There are also wild boar, and wallabies on exhibit in this quiet respite. It's a tranquil way to ease into the rest of the park, or even a nice detour on the way back to the main gate.
It also houses the 3-D attraction "It's Tough to be a Bug," starring Flik, Hopper, and the whole cast of characters from the Disney Pixar movie, A Bug's Life. I do think it is the best 3-D attraction at any of the parks. It's very detailed and realistic. You're given a pair of giant, bug-eyed 3-D glasses on the way in, for use during the show. I don't want to give away any spoilers, because the first time through is full of unexpected tricks, but it can be make those afraid of bugs, or little ones, a bit squeamish at a few points.
Discovery Island is also home to another, cool and verdant zoological trail of expertly maintained animal habitats. Here you will find giant, Galapagos Tortoises, flamingos, and even African Crested Porcupines, among other exotic species.
Discovery Island's dining options up until now have been quick-service only with perennial stalwarts like Pizzafari, and Flame Tree BBQ (get the onion rings, seriously), but, reportedly Memorial Day weekend, the new full-service restaurant Tiffins, is slated to open. With a focus on world cuisine and sustainability, Tiffins will offer a unique and upscale take on park dining options. According to the Disney Parks Blog website, entrees on the menu will include items such as, "Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce (South America); Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choy with Turmeric Sauce (Asia), and Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney." I'm glad to see they are trying to offer a more diverse and experimental menu at some of the theme parks, instead of just the typical amusement fare.
If you continue on the main thoroughfare to the left of the Tree of Life, you will come upon the land of Africa, that lay through a set of massive, carved gates. They pull you into the totally immersive village of 'Harambe.' Its bustling marketplace atmosphere is peppered with extensive details, like giant seed pods dangling from the trees or African musicians playing traditional beats full of primal drums and ancient rhythms.
At the Mombasa Marketplace, in the center of Harambe, is where you can find some unique and unusual items, like carved animal masks, or colorful woven bowls. (My sunset orange-hued walls in my family room are adorned with many.) There are also some African textiles, various cheetah-printed t-shirts, and safari-themed merchandise on display.
This is also the new spot for the Festival of the Lion King interactive stage show, that takes place in the Harambe Theatre. The Lion King is my absolute favorite Disney movie, as I used to watch it every day after school in fifth grade, with my little brother; probably wearing my black and yellow, over-sized, Lion King t-shirt, singing along to "Just Can't Wait to be King..." So, this attraction is always a must-do for our family, even with a squirmy toddler. It's loud enough in there, if the little ones starts to fuss, it mostly blends in to the music and pomp. The level of vocal talent is very high, as is the athletic ability of the Tumble-Monkeys, flying through the air on a trapeze and trampoline. And that opening theme is always quite moving.
There are plenty of quick-service options for dining in Africa, like the Kusafari Coffee Shop Bakery, or the recently opened, Zuri's Sweets Shop, but there is also a full-service restaurant, The Tusker House, offering a very popular Donald Duck themed character breakfast, and a buffet lunch/dinner service throughout the afternoon and evening. The Tusker House is a fantasically detailed restaurant, with a visually stunning architecture and artful African masks and shields that guard the entryway. The cuisine is very similar to that of Boma, at Animal Kingdom Lodge, offering a variety of African-inspired dishes like Kenyan coffee-roasted pork loin, and Cape Malay curried chicken, but it also has more pedestrian options like macaroni and cheese or corn dog nuggets, for the little ones or less adventurous eaters.
The big draw in this land is of course, the Kilimanjaro Safari, which takes guests on a rocky and adventurous, open-air bus trek across miles of grassland full of grazing giraffe, zebra, African hoofstock, and ostriches. There are also elephant herds, rhinos, sun-bathing crocodiles, lions lazing on high cliffs, and cheetahs stalking in the shadows. There are plenty of photo opportunities, especially when a giraffe feels like munching some leaves in the path of the safari vehicle, as most of the animals are freely roaming the savanna. The safari guides/drivers pepper the trip with various facts and tips, as well as playing out a story-line about uncovering poachers in the reserve. It depends on the guide, but when they really sell it, it is quite fun. I think it is an authentic a safari experience one can get without having to travel half-way around the world.
A fun detour while waiting for your Fastpass ticket time, is to wander through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. There is prime viewing of okapi, hippos, and most sensitive-eyed silverback lowland gorilla you'd ever care to gaze upon. He's sitting in the same exact spot, every time I visit, like a dear, old friend. He's either taking an afternoon snooze, or looking intently upon the crowd that gathers round the glass to glimpse him. There is something so magnificent about habitats such as this one, because you really get to feel you're interacting with the gorillas instead of just witnessing them.
The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, is probably my favorite section of the entire park. The animals are graceful, and majestic, and their habitats are expansive and natural, to denote the utmost care the animal receive at Disney's Animal Kingdom. But I think it's the lowland silverback gorilla that steals the show.
Stay tuned for Part II, where I explore the lands of Asia, Rafiki's Planet Watch, and DinoLand U.S.A.
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