Animal Kingdom

If I had to pick a least favorite of all the parks I would say this one although I think some of my family would disagree. Let me first explain I like AK it is just in my opinion the least Disneyfied (my made up word I am going to send to Webster's :))of the four parks. AK is the largest of the four parks which makes sense because of all the animals that call this place home. There are lions and tigers and bears (well at least there is Pooh) oh my! There are many birds, bats, monkeys and reptiles of all sorts. Elephants, giraffes, rhinos and others just to name a few.

I said it could be my least favorite however, as a photographer it offers many opportunities to capture photos you couldn't capture anywhere else. Besides Cinderella's Castle, AK offers the neatest (IN MY OPINION) park landmark which is called the Tree of Life. It is a tree (duh) that has carved into it all different sorts of animals. SPOILER ALERT (it is not a real tree) it is Disney created but it is a very impressive site, even more impressive than the giant golf ball at EPCOT (again IMO). There is also one of the most realistic looking mountains from a distance called Expedition Everest.

Expedition Everest is a must for the roller-coaster enthusiasts (possibly one of the most thrilling in all of WDW) then again you know how I feel about thrill rides if you have read my DHS post:) That leads us to what I feel are the two major reasons to visit Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Kali River Rapids ride, make sure you utilize your Fast Passes on these attractions. You want to hit the Kilimanjaro Safaris early because the animals are more awake than in the heat of the Central Florida afternoons (especially during the summer months). I know this might seem funny coming from me but I should tell you the ride is bumpy and photos reflect that, every once in awhile the driver stops for people to snap off a few but I always find myself on the wrong side to get the good photo.  The Kali River Rapids is a ride in which you WILL get wet, you MIGHT get soaked. You are put into a circular float tube (with seats and seat belts of course) and taken on a journey where you will as I said get wet and someone or some people in your tube get soaked. It is a great way to beat the heat of the day and it won't take long to dry off in the sun.

This should take me to my tips for the Animal Kingdom:
1. COMFORTABLE SHOES and a change of shoes are necessary in this park (especially if you plan on doing Kali River Rapids:))
2. I'd put an extra t-shirt and shorts if you have room in your park bag to change into (see Kali River Rapids) this is not necessary but it might make your time a bit more comfortable...
3. For the photographers out there this is where I suggest you take a good zoom lens and I'd invest in a monopod. Again have multiple memory cards and fresh batteries available.
4. HAVE FUN which is easy to do you are after all at Disney...

I know I said that this park is the least Disneyfied but I don't want you to believe it is totally void of Disney it is not. I just think sometimes it has another aspect to it, the animals, that you can overlook some of the other things it has to offer. As I speak the AK is going through renovations and moving some things around. One of my favorite places to visit, to get that Disney feel, was/is a place called Camp Minnie, Mickey. Camp Minnie Mickey was an area to meet and greet the characters. As far as I know it still is however, there has been a shift in the meeting places this is something you might have to contact the Disney World website to figure out. More kid friendly areas are Dinoland and Rafiki's Planetwatch.

One of the neatest experiences is the Lion King Spectacular which used to show near Camp Minnie Mickey but is getting a new home as we speak. Plus there is a Finding Nemo stage play done with puppets and live actors which is a must see.

In closing I should tell you that one of the best ways to see and photograph the animals are on the two walking trails one in Asia and the other in Africa. This is where you can get some good photos also. As far as food goes there are some good restaurants that you will want to explore but I am fond of a little stand that sells frozen Cokes. Animal Kingdom does not have a firework show but does put on a cool Jammin' Jungle Parade in the afternoon.