Disney's Animal Kingdom
[Disney Vacation Planner]
At A Glance |
Disney's Animal Kingdom opened
on April 22nd 1998, and is over 500 acres in size.
Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, the park opens and closes earlier
than the other Disney parks because of the animals. There
is no early opening programme. |
Overview
The Animal Kingdom was scheduled to open in May 1998, however
building work was well ahead of schedule, and so Disney's newest
park eventually opened on the 22nd of April 1998, with various
preview days being scheduled for Disney cast members from March.
It features an enormouse new theme park with live animals and
thrill rides, dominated by the 14-story tree of life in which
a short animated presentation is shown in a subterranean cinema.
Originally WDW was looking at calling it Wild Animal Kingdom,
they soon realized that it was in conflict with Wild Kingdom
a TV show that's name is copyrighted. So Disney quickly dropped
the Wild and it is known as Animal Kingdom. Technically
its full name is Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Lights or Fireworks ?
In deference to the wellbeing of the many Animals at The Animal
Kingdom Disney haven't contracted to anyone to supply fireworks
for a close of day show at the Animal Kingdom.
Access for the Disabled
Disney's Animal Kingdom is fairly well laid out as far as access
goes, especially for those guests that need to use Wheelchairs.
Generally the aisles and pathways are plenty wide enough to acommodate
any of the electric mobility vehicles that can be rented within
the park, although many of the paths are uneven with small hills
and dips, which could make pushing a wheelchair bound guest very
tiring for a family member.
Generally if the disabled person has some experience maneuvering
electric vehicles in tight spaces there should be no problem whatsoever
at the Animal Kingdom. All of the boats and trains are also readily
accessible which is nice to see.
Directions
Disney's Animal Kingdom is located at the end of the Osceola
Parkway on the western end of Disney property, between Blizzard
Beach and the Disney All Star resorts. Guests can take the regular
Magic Kingdom entrance (exit 25B off Interstate 4) and follow
the signs for Blizzard Beach.
Parking
All-day parking at Disney's Animal Kingdom costs $6 for day visitors,
and is free to resort guests on presentation of the guest's resort
ID card. Transportation from the parking lot to the theme park
entrance is provided as with the other Disney theme parks in the
form of free trams, which run every few minutes.
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