Florida Ridge Villa

Animal Kingdom is very keen to keep the young members of your family entertained. The shows and entertainment is in the form of stage shows ‘Finding NEMO’ and the ‘LION KING’ being the biggest ones. Where ever you look there are lots to do for the younger ones and the entertainers really get them involved in the activities.

 

Animal Kingdom is not really angled towards the roller coaster fans, however EXPEDITION EVEREST should keep these happy. The ride is located in Nepal part of the park and takes people into the depths of the Himalayas where you come up close and personal with the famous YETI. Can you make a hasty exit or will you be caught? What stands this ride out from other Florida coasters is the ride goes backwards as well as forwards. If you have never done this before it is a strange sensation.

 

As I have said earlier the shows are first rate. Finding NEMO is really well put together and really engages the audience with the characters (especially the younger members of the family). For a Disney Show it is also quite long at around 35 minutes, but doesn’t feel over long. Don’t worry about not getting a seat either because there are plenty of them. We thought we would not get in, but as the people went inside it was only ¾ full. Obviously they could cater for more if the park was very busy in peak season. Throughout the show you are kept entertained by all the performers on stage and your main characters.

 

Another of the shows was the LION KING. This was our little boy’s favourite show and really did bring the film to life. Each side of the auditorium was up dancing at some stage of the show. The show is more like a musical than a stage show and really gets people involved. Those that have seen the LION KING film and cartoons will love like the LION KING show at Animal Kingdom.

 

The only water ride at the park is the 12 person Kali River Rapids, here you take a trip through the park and along the Chakrandi River in the heart of Asia. As you wind down the mountain things might not go as first planned and you may get a little wet along the way. Having been to Universal Islands of Adventure the day before and rode Popeye and Bluto’s Barges we were a bit disappointed with this ride, but I suppose nothing gets you as wet as that ride!!. The Kali River Rapids are good, but you just don’t get as wet!

 

A trip to Animal Kingdom would not be complete without a visit to see some animals. Here you can take a trip on the Kilamanjaro Safari tour, get up close and personal with Lions, Tigers, elephants and other African animals. Why not take a tour round the Maharajah jungle trek and see more animals on foot. If your children like zoo’s and wild animals this is certainly a great part to the park.

 

Finally at the end of the day (or around 4pm) there is the fantastic Disney Africa parade. The parade has all the Disney Characters in and winds its way through the park towards the main entrance. You will see Mickey, Minnie and all the Disney Characters along with those from the Lion King and Nemo. The theme of the parade is Africa.

 

In summary Animal Kingdom is a good day out as a bolt on to the other three main Disney parks. Yes it is not as packed as the others ride wise, but the children do like it and it is certainly worth a visit to see the parade, animals and shows on offer. Finding Nemo is very entertaining and worth watching. Expedition Everest is also quite good in its own way. Yes Animal Kingdom is not a first choice park, however as part of the 7 or 14 day Disney hopper it is certainly worth looking at. Why not bolt it on to another day as a hopper option.