This, the newest of Disney's theme parks, is completely different to what you have experienced so far. This 500 acre park is a complete change of pace to the other three and has it's emphasis on nature and conservation, allowing you to explore the unpredictable world of animals on safari, in a prehistoric world and in Disney's superb stage shows.

Although there are a couple of thrill rides here, the pace is generally much more relaxed. Disney has managed to merge it's own commercial style and ecological theme quite well and most of the family will find the park not only fun but educational as well.

The park does open earlier than all the others 8 - 9am depending on how busy it is. On it's very first day it opened at 6am because of the crowds and closed it's gates just 75 minutes later when capacity had been reached.

This early opening allows visitors to see the animals properly before they disappear to seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. So if you like to see the animals, visit these parts of the park first, because the first few hours are the best.

The park also closes earlier than the others. Off peak can be as early as 5pm so you need to get here as early as possible to get a full day in. There are no fireworks here at closing time, so you can still visit another Disney park and catch their evening displays, if you have a multi-day pass.

The Animal Kingdom is divided into six Lands. Let's look at each in more detail:-