We visit Walt Disney World quite a bit and we’ve found a lot of people are focused on the main rides and are not aware of the other options of entertainment available in the parks. I will start this series with Animal Kingdom and the many different things you can do in the park.
We like to call the front of the park the landing area. This area consists of Oasis and Discovery Island.
Oasis is the area you arrive when you get off the tram or walk in from the buses or parking area. Here you will find Rain Forest Cafe and Garden Gate Gifts. You will also find the security check to get to the ticket booths and into the park. They do like to keep the line moving as quickly as possible at the security check, so if you have your bags off your back, shoulder, or from under your stroller out and open it makes the check much quicker. If you are not carrying a bag, and others in your party are not carrying bags, you can proceed through the center area, designated for no bags, and wait for your party on the other side. Keep in mind, bag or not, you could be pulled for a random check.
Once through security check you can move on to get your tickets if you do not already have them. If so proceed to the entrance, scan your ticket or magic band and head in to roam the Oasis exhibits which are tropical garden pathways and many different exotic animals.
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Just past the tropical garden paths is Discovery Island. Here you will want to let your children sign up to be Wilderness Explorers. They can complete challenges and earn badges while you work your way around the park. Next have one of the Disney photographers take your family photo in front of the Tree Of Life.
You will want to take the trails around The Tree of Life so you can discover all of the animals around it. It is quite spectacular. Don’t forget to come back at night so you can see the light/animation show they display on The Tree of Life.
Go inside The Tree of Life and see what it’s like from a bugs perspective through a 3D film called, It’s Tough to be a Bug. If you or your children are afraid of the dark then take precaution, because it does get dark and there are a few surprises.
If your children ( or you) are wanting to meet Mickey and Minnie then you won’t want to miss Adventures Outpost. This is Mickey and Minnie’s exploration headquarters. Take candid shots with some the worlds favorite characters.
There are several places to eat in the Discovery Island area, with many varieties of food, and shopping areas that have Animal Kingdom merchandise as well as character merchandise.
Stay tuned for more on Animal Kingdom.
