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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Fact Sheet

The fourth Walt Disney World theme park celebrates one amazing adventure after another with wild animals, exciting attractions, lavish stage shows and lovable characters! Highlights include an authentic African safari, a whirling white-water raft ride and a thrilling race back in time to prehistoric worlds.

Location: From Walt Disney World property: take World Drive to Osceola Parkway West. From off Disney property: take I-4 to Exit 64B (U.S. 192 West), to World Drive North, to Osceola Parkway West, to Disney’s Animal Kingdom parking plaza
Size: More than 500 acres
Parking: For 6,000 cars
Project Announced: June 5th, 1995
Construction Began: August 1995
Grand Opening: April 22nd, 1995
Employees: More than 4,500 cast members to date
Animals: About 1,500, representing 250 species -- most acquired from zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association
Landscaping: More than 4 million (3,000 species) trees, plants, shrubs, vines, grasses, ferns, etc.
Entry Garden: The Oasis -- A lush botanical garden designed for guests to explore habitats of fascinating creatures including iguanas, a giant anteater, several species of colorful birds and other animals
Major “Lands”:

Africa -- Journey through the “wild” savannah on Kilimanjaro Safaris that seems to put you in the heart of Africa with lions, zebra, giraffes and other magnificent animals roaming freely. An authentic African village is filled with sights and sounds of the mysterious continent.

Camp Minnie-Mickey -- The site to meet many of the lovable Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and friends from classic Disney films. Live shows include “Festival of the Lion King” and “Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends.”

DinoLand U.S.A. -- Here’s where the world’s fascination with dinosaurs comes to life: race back in time to save the last dinosaur on the thrill ride DINOSAUR; enjoy time-warp adventures on the Primeval Whirl coaster and a whimsical whirl on TriceraTop Spin; let kids dig, swing and giggle through The Boneyard dig site and prehistoric playground. At the edge of this land, see the live stage show “Tarzan Rocks!” Presented by McDonald’s.

Discovery Island -- The park hub and home of the towering icon, The Tree of Life, which houses within its trunk “It’s Tough to be a Bug,” a humorous 3-D and special-effects show in The Tree of Life Theater. Discovery Island also features gifts and food emporiums and the bright tropical colors of hand-carved animal architecture.

Asia -- Home of Kali River Rapids, a white-water raft adventure through a threatened rainforest; Maharajah Jungle Trek, a surprising walking journey past Asian ruins and live exotic animals including tigers and giant fruit bats; and the thrilling “Flights of Wonder” exotic bird show.

Attractions: The Boneyard (DinoLand U.S.A.)
DINOSAUR (DinoLand U.S.A.)
Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin (DinoLand U.S.A.)
Character Greetings (Camp Minnie-Mickey)
Kali River Rapids (Asia)
Maharajah Jungle Trek (Asia)
Kilimanjaro Safaris (Africa)
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (Africa)
Wildlife Express (Africa/Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
Rafiki’s Planet Watch (near Africa)
“It’s Tough to be a Bug!” (Discovery Island)
The Tree of Life (Discovery Island)
Shows: “Festival of the Lion King” (at 1,375-seat theater/Camp Minnie-Mickey)
“Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends” (at 350-seat Grandmother Willow’s Grove/Camp Minnie-Mickey)
“Tarzan Rocks!” (at 1,500-seat Theater in the Wild/DinoLand U.S.A.)
“Flights of Wonder” (at 1000-seat Caravan Stage/Asia)
Parade: “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle” parade features Disney characters on safari (Africa and Discovery Island) See Video
Where to Eat: Flame Tree Barbecue (quick dining, outdoor seating/Discovery Island)
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (quick-service counter/Africa)
Pizzafari (quick dining/Discovery Island)
Rainforest Cafe (full-service/Entrance Plaza)
Restaurantosaurus (quick dining/character breakfast/DinoLand U.S.A.)
Dawa Bar (cocktails/Africa)
Tamu Tamu Refreshments (snack shop/Africa)
Tusker House Restaurant (quick dining/Africa)
Other Services: Baby Care Center (Discovery Island)
Banking ATM (Entrance Plaza)
First Aid (Discovery Island)
Guest Services; Kennel; Lockers (Entrance Plaza)
Lost children; Lost and Found (Discovery Island)
Package pickup; stroller and wheelchair rental (Entrance Plaza)