When you spend a day (or two!) at the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, you are immersed in both the magic of Disney and the magic of Mother Nature. At this park, you can take a safari through Africa and observe animals in their some-what natural habitat (Disney does their best to make it as realistic to Africa’s plains as they can) followed by a wild ride through the Himalayas where you might even come face to face with the Yeti. There is something for every guest at the Animal Kingdom.
Each park has it’s own icon. At the Magic Kingdom, it’s Cinderella’s Castle. At Animal Kingdom, it’s the Tree of Life. A stunning, man-made, 145 foot, 50 foot wide tree that features over 300 carved animals along it’s trunk. You have to see it to truly appreciate it.
When you enter the Animal Kingdom, stop by the map display and pick up a map of the parks, a Times Guide (a listing of the times for attractions, shows, parades, character meets, etc) and the Animal Kingdom Animal Guide. This guide details the animals you will spot around the park.
As you journey into the Animal Kingdom, you must first go through the Oasis. There are 2 path choices, a path to the left and a path to the right. I have discovered that many people take the left path, so we take the right and experience
Off the main path are many smaller paths that you can take to visit multiple animal habitats. These paths take you across bridges, through caverns and up the oasis until you journey onto Discovery Island, home of the Tree of Life.
Animals of the Oasis:
- African Spoonbills
- Australian White Ibis
- Babirusas
- Bronze-winged Ducks
- Buffleheads
- Chiloe Wigeons
- Elenora Cockatoos
- Florida Cooters
- Giant Anteaters
- Hooded Mergansers
- Hyacinth Macaws
- Lesser Whistling Ducks
- Military Macaws
- Puna Teals
- Raja Shelduck
- Reeve’s Muntjacs
- Rhinoceros Iguanas
- Ringed Teals
- Rosy-billed Pochards
- Ruddy Ducks
- Scarlet Macaws
- Spot-billed Ducks
- Swamp Wallabies
- Whited-cheeked Pintails
- Yellow-pilled Teals
Take a moment to read the informational plaque for each animal. It is a great learning opportunity for the kids.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.