Theme Parks · Our pick in Florida
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s largest park, 1998
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Jedi94 · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on 22 April 1998 and is, at 500 acres, Disney’s largest park. It is part zoo, part theme park, built around live animals and wild landscapes.
A park about animals
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened as part of Walt Disney World on 22 April 1998. At 500 acres it is Disney’s largest park, and much of that space is given over to habitats for live animals rather than rides.
The Tree of Life
At the centre stands the giant Tree of Life, intricately carved, in the words of the Disney Archives, with more than 300 animal images. Walk the paths around its roots and new creatures keep appearing in the bark.
The Tree of Life is carved with more than 300 animal images (Disney Archives).
Asia, 1999
The park kept growing after opening day. An Asia area, with the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Kali River Rapids, opened on 1 March 1999.
Planning your day
The animals are most active in the cool of the morning, so go early and head for the safari and the trails first. The park often closes earlier than the others, so check the hours.
Our advice: walk slowly around the Tree of Life before you queue for anything. The carvings are the best show in the park, and there is no queue.
Why it's on our list
- Opened 1998
- The Tree of Life
- Safari and animal trails
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Disney’s Animal Kingdom before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Disney’s Animal Kingdom are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Magic Kingdom4.1 miCycle 26 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Universal Studios Florida11 miCar or taxi 23 min