The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom

The Best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you can visit on your trip.  Sounds crazy, I know!  A theme park that is peaceful?  It’s true!  While this theme park is home to exciting thrill rides like Expedition Everest: Journey of the Forbidden Mountain, guests are often amazed by the natural and living beauty surrounding them. 

If you would like ideas on how to make the most of your visit to this park, you can find them at 6 Things You Must Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.

Waterfall at Animal Kingdom
The waterfall among the roots of the Tree of Life. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

The imagineers of Animal Kingdom built a park that focuses primarily on the appreciation and conservation of our natural global beauty.  It is far different than the hustle and bustle of the other theme parks.  In this article you will find out how and what makes Animal Kingdom the calmest and most relaxing theme park you may visit EVER!

Disney's Animal kingdom park entrance
The gates of Animal Kingdom Theme Park. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

As you walk toward the gates to the park your senses make you aware of an inviting atmosphere.   From the sounds of wind instruments and soft spa like music, to the lush greenery beyond the gates, you will get the sense it is time to dial it down a notch. Get away from the go, go, go environment of say Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios

The Entrance to Animal Kingdom Park

From the entrance you won’t see any attractions or crowds.  What you will see is the beginning of Oasis! 

Disney's Animal Kingdom Oasis
Oasis at Animal Kingdom Park. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Oasis is the first “section” of the park and as mentioned, begins at the turnstiles.  Beyond the gates, you are led by pathways through a labyrinth of trees, plant life, and smaller animals and birds.  There are no cages or glass walls.  This place is a natural habitat for many species of the wild world.

Oasis at Animal Kingdom

There are 2 directions (1 to the right and 1 to the left) to take through the Oasis and both will lead you on different paths through this island of serenity.  From both sides you will end your stroll facing the majestic Tree of Life.

tree of life at Disney's animal kingdom
The Tree of Life. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Discovery Island is the next section of Animal Kingdom Theme Park and is home to the awe inducing “Tree of Life”.  This 145ft. sculpture of a “baobab tree” is magnificent!  A tree of life in many cultures is representative of the circle of life, social well-being, community despite diversity, and the connection of Heaven to Earth.

The Tree of Life on Discovery Island

As you get closer to the tree itself, you will notice that the roots, trunk, and branches are created by intricate carvings of 325 species of animals both existing and extinct.  Surrounding the tree base is the “Garden of The Tree of Life” where you can wander the pathways beneath the canopy of its branches getting the best view of all the details. 

Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom

Discovery Island and the Tree of Life is the center of the theme park.  The park itself is designed like a wheel with each spoke of the wheel leading to a different land.  In addition to the park’s center piece, on Discovery Island you will find merchant locations, and character meet and greets.  Some of those include:

Character Floatilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Character flotillas cruising the waterway to greet guests. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn
  • Safari Mickey and Minnie: Adventurers Outpost
  • Kevin from “Up”
  • Divine: an artist camouflaged among the forest…see if you can find her!

Other character meet and greets have yet to return in person, but when they do, you will also be able to hug Chip and Dale and well as others. Also, try an adventure and join the Wilderness Explorers at the entrance. This educational scavenger hunt is one of the free magical experiences offered inside Disney World.

character meet with chip and dale at animal kingdom park
Meeting Chip at Animal Kingdom Park. photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Dinoland USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

*This area of the park will undergo a transformation and become re-themed to the Southern Tropical Americas per announcements at D23 2024. Find out all the details HERE!

You will wander into Dinoland USA if you take the path to your right from Discovery Island.  Dinoland is created under the pretense that archeologist discovered dinosaur remains in this spot and set up camp.  Chester and Hester, 2 locals, cashed in on that discovery and built a dinosaur themed carnival in the parking lot of their gas station turned gift shop.

Entrance to Dino Land at Animal Kingdom
Walking into Dinoland USA photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

This is where you can ride “Dinosaur” an indoor adventure ride back in time to help paleontologists capture an iguanodon from the prehistoric age.  Of course, you will run into trouble.  This attraction is bumpy, dark and a little scary, so be aware before boarding.  If you enjoy that thrill, hang on tight.

Dinosaur attraction at Animal Kingdom
Outside Dinosaur the ride at AK photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Much of Dinoland is essentially under renovation now with new plans for expansion.  For more information on that you can read: D23 Teases Expansion for Disney World Parks.

Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The fictional village of Anandapur is the section of Animal Kingdom known as Asia.  The feature most noticeable in this area is the giant recreation of the mountain range in the real-life village of Nepal.  This mountain range built with the help of forced perspective is home to Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. 

While Everest is a fan favorite rollercoaster, and delivers on the scream factor, it is well worth noting that the entire section of Asia is undoubtedly just as impressive.  Disney Imagineers have done an excellent job recreating every detail from the prayer flags hung overhead to the to the landscape, music and sounds that surround you.  No detail was left out. 

Asia at Animal Kingdom
Strolling through Asia at Animal Kingdom Park photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The Africa Section of this park is just as heavily detailed. Harambe village is a fictional place imagineers created to bring Africa to Florida.  The flood of grace and culture of this land can’t be missed.

Africa at Animal Kingdom
Harambe Village at Animal Kingdom photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

In Africa you can take a trip on safari through the savannah and forests and see 34 different species of amazing animals over 110 acres.  Most importantly, the theme to this attraction and all of Animal Kingdom Park is education and conservation. 

Harambe is also home to one of the best live shows on property- “Festival of The Lion King”.  This indoor, Broadway like performance will have you dancing and singing and feeling the love!  It’s remarkable. 

Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom
Festival of The Lion King photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Pandora-the World of Avatar is a land at Animal Kingdom Park created by Imagineer Joe Rhode with the help of James Cameron.  It is based on the popular movie Avatar released in 2009.  By far, it spectacularly brings to life the fictional planet of Pandora as it would be after the events of the movie. 

Floating Mountains at Animal Kingdom
Pandora- The World of Avatar photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

This section of the park is filled with floating mountains..yes FLOATING, bioluminescent plant life, immaculate detail, and imagination.  Furthermore, Pandora is home to one of the most popular attractions on property. “Flight of Passage” is a simlated flight on a fictional beast over the beautiful planet of Pandora. It’s likened to “Soarin’ Around the World” at Epcot but with a little more kick. More importantly, guests are able to skip the standby line by purchasing as Individual Lightning Lane through Disney Genie. It is not included with Disney Genie+.

*Update: On July 24, 2024, Disney Genie+ will transition to Lightning Lane Multi Pass allowing guests to pre-schedule Lightning Lane reservations ahead of their vacation.

Floating Mountains at Animal Kingdom
Floating mountains in Pandora photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Let’s Not Forget the Food at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

The food selection and table service restaurants at Animal Kingdom Park are incredible.  I’m not exaggerating!  Second maybe only to Epcot for unique and delicious options, Animal Kingdom offers guests the chance to enjoy cuisine from around the planet as well as off planet in the case of Pandora.  Additionally, check out Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Snacks That are Worth Your Money.

Ultimately, the peaceful environments available around the park to dine, such as Nomad Lounge, allow you to recharge and appreciate the food and drinks.  Animal Kingdom has many locations along the waterway to sit, enjoy the view, relax, eat, drink, converse or nap-if you need.  Who would imagine that at Disney World?

Waterway at Animal Kingdom
Enjoying a view of the waterway photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Wrapping it up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World is the theme park for peace, relaxation, less crowding, as well as to appreciate the world’s natural beauty.  You will also enjoy some of the best food and drinks around property.  So, if you need down time from the hustle and bustle of your vacation to Disney World, this is where you want to be!

Savanah at Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safari photo: @bizzy.runninganddizn

Visit the links below for a closer look at each of the other 3 Disney World Theme Parks as well as Disney Springs. In addition to highlights of each theme park, you can also check out A Simple Way to Use Disney Genie, Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Purchases.

Why Epcot is a Hidden Gem

All The Magic in Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The Best Way to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Springs- Beyond the Theme Parks

If you are considering a vacation to Disney World or any Disney destination, please reach out to DizN Vacations. They have expert advice and personal travel planning skills to help you make the most of your trip! You can also choose to submit a free no obligation quote request.

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Me with Tigger

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  1. Pingback: All The Magic in Disney's Magic Kingdom - DizN Vacations at CS Elements Travel -Jessica Yashin

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