Tips about Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Resorts and Souvenirs

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Rafiki's Planet Watch - While aboard the Wildlife Express train, pay close attention as you pass the first animal housing area. Pride Rock (home of Animal Kingdom's lions) can sometimes be seen in the distance.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - - Rafiki's Planet Watch - Regarding the train ride to Conservation Station -- great accessibility for the wheelchair, my son simply rolled right on in his power chair, but if you have a stroller you must park it at the train station (TIP: if you have your own collapsible stroller you are allowed to bring it along... a good idea since the hike in Conservation Station is a long one with a few hills). After the train ride, we looked around and started the hike to Conservation Station, but turned around since we no longer had our strollers (carrying two 40 lb boys in 100 degree heat depleted our energy!). (The Belcher Family)

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - Be sure to ask the Guides any questions you might have about the animals you encounter during your trek. Many of the guides are native to Africa. There are plenty of viewing areas for kids and lots of educational opportunities too.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kilimanjaro Safari - The ride is very bumpy and even though our driver took care to avoid some of the bigger bumps, our son was still jostled around quite a bit in his wheelchair. Smaller children will actually come out of their seats on some of the bumps. (The Belcher Family)

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kilimanjaro Safari - If you don't want a bumpy ride, ask to sit in the front of the truck. The ride feels bumpiest in the back. Some drivers will hit EVERY pothole in the road, but most will warn you before you leave the dock.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kilimanjaro Safari - If you get a driver from Africa, ask them questions. Many are very happy to talk about their homeland! If you have questions about the animals, ASK. Though there is an assigned script, every safari really is different depending on where the animals are and who your driver is. So ride as much as you want! You will also find Cast Members representing countries in Africa and Asia around the park who are also wonderful to talk to.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Festival of the Lion King - Best times to see this are the first or last show of the day. If you show up half an hour before the next show, chances are you will be waiting for the show that follows to be seated!

ANIMAL KINGDOM - When the park opens in the morning, take time to explore the area and watch the animals, especially at the Discovery Island Trails. Everyone else is rushing off to ride the Safari or Expedition Everest....you'll have a wonderful quiet time all to yourself!

ANIMAL KINGDOM - It's Tough to be a Bug - To lessen your child's experience, try sitting them on your lap. By doing so, they will miss a couple of the potential scary effects.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - It's Tough to be a Bug - If you have small children who might be scared, sit in the back of the theater. When the show grows intense, the special effects are less harsh in the back. The most intense seats are forward on the right side. (Sammantha)

ANIMAL KINGDOM - At It's Tough to be a Bug, don't miss the creative movie posters in the waiting area: "A Stinkbug Named Desire," "Web Side Story," "Beauty and the Bee" and "My Fair Lady Bug."

ANIMAL KINGDOM - At Conservation Station, be sure to stop in at the listening booths to hear Grandmother Willow's presentation of the Sounds of the Rainforest. Slip on the earphones and the cool, dark room almost convinces you to take a snooze --until you hear the eerily realistic rain, booming thunder and the buzzing insects.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - After getting drenched on the Kali River Rapids, be sure to stop on the bridge after exiting the ride. You'll find two elephants whose trunks will spout water at the unsuspecting riders below if you push their buttons.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kali River Rapids - is actually one of the BEST places in all Animal Kingdom to linger! The details and thought that went into designing the queue are evident. Be sure to note the Kali Tiger Temple, the Balinese puppets, the prayer wheel and the brass gongs as you meander through the various chambers. And don't miss Mr. Panika's office -- the owner of the "business" may be "out to temple" as the signs indicate, but the two resident geckos who reside in his gecko cabinet are in all the time.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Across from the Dawa Bar in Harambe is what appears to be an old fort. Don't assume that the area's off limits -- there are actually tables and chairs in there! It's the perfect quiet spot to take a cool drink or a snack and get out of the flow of traffic.