Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Disney’s largest park, at 500 acres, opened as part of the Walt Disney World complex on April 22, 1998. Filled with thrilling rides, lush landscaping, and dramatic animal encounters, the park entertains and educates guests about creatures ranging from live animals to dinosaurs. As part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, guests view at close range a multitude of animals including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, and elephants roaming a savanna larger than the entire Disneyland Park. Lowland gorillas can be viewed on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. In all, there are appoximately 1,000 animals, representing 200 species. The hub of the park contains Safari Village, with the giant Tree of Life, intricately carved with more than 300 animal images and including a special effects show about insects, It’s Tough to Be a Bug. Guests can take the Wildlife Express train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, to learn about animal conservation and become aware of animal issues. To view animals of the past, guests can visit DinoLand U.S.A., with its Dinosaur! attraction. An Asia area, featuring the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Kali River Rapids, opened March 1, 1999.
