1997: Animal Kingdom - Part 1

Discovery Island

Discovery Islands is an 11-acre wildlife sanctuary just a few minutes by boat from the Magic Kingdom. It is home to more than 130 species of animals (mainly birds, but also including small mammals and some reptiles) and 250 species of plants. The island and its attractions are worth at least a 1/2-day visit. From the boat landing, you take a lush jungle trail past large cages housing small birds or animals and areas where larger birds congregate in the wild. A special highlight is an entertaining 30-minute Feathered Friends show during which two of Discovery Island's staff show some of the more unusual winged residents, including a cute little owl named "Gizmo," a parrot who shows off some of his learned sounds, and a hawk that swoops down over the audience. The reptiles also get to show their stuff in another 30-minute show called Reptile Relations. [Please note that Discovery Island was closed as a visitor attraction when the Animal Kingdom theme park opened. The name Discovery Island now belongs to a section of Animial Kingdom.]

Discovery Island is a wildlife sanctuary in the
shadow of the Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom

In keeping with the wildlife theme, the newest addition to WDW opened in April 1998. The expansive Animal Kingdom, which is larger than than Epcot Center, has five themed "lands" -- Discovery Island, Safari Village, Asia, Africa, and DinoLand U.S.A.. The signature structure is the Tree of Life, a 14-story man-made banyan tree with a 450-seat auditorium inside for wildlife-related films. Each "land" features vegitation, animals, and other attractions keyed to the "land's" theme. Some 1,000 animals make Animal Kingdom their home. Look for a detailed virtual tour of Animal Kingdom in the near future. In the meantime, below are a few pictures of Animal Kingdom borrowed from the "100 Years of Magic" Walt Disney World vacation planning video.

The Tree of Life is located on the new
"Discovery Island"

"It's Tough to Be a Bug" is a 3D show staged
inside the Tree of Life.

The Kilamanjaro Safari ride is a highlight of an
Animal Kingdom visit.

The Kali River Rapids ride is located in the Asia
section of the park.

"The Legend of the Lion King" is one of several
shows you'll find in Animal Kingdom.

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Last Updated: January 1, 2003