Animal Kingdom

This parks centerpiece is The Tree of Life, rising 14 stories into the sky with its leafy canopy spreading over 100 feet. This man-made tree tells the story of all of the animals and all living things. Carved into the tree's bark is a tapestry of animals, from the lion to flamingo. The tree of life is surrounded by pools, meadows and exotic plants with tortoises, otters, flamingos and other exotic animals throughout. This in itself could take a whole day to explore...then you enter the doorway in the trees trunk and enjoy the thrills of the 3D film 'a bugs life' its scary, its funny...you'll love it.

In the park you find gardens galore, with an array of exotic plants and winding pathways. The thick vegetation is home to a wonderful selection of wildlife including sloths, deer, birds of all kinds and reptiles. There are no vendors here trying to sell you souvenirs and the stores are kept to a minimum, so as not to ruin the conservation theme.

Carvings at the park were hand carved by artisans from Bali and Zulu tribesmen thatched the roofs on the huts in the African village. Africa is where the animals roam free...if you plan your trip in advance make sure to leave time for the Kilimanjaro Safari. This wildlife reserve is alongside a coastal village with a bustling marketplace & Swahili architecture. You start the safari at the baobab tree and climb aboard a canopied safari 4x4 for a trek across the savanna filled with lions, elephants, antelope, rhinos, hippopotamus, zebra, warthogs, giraffes and other wildlife. The story unfolds when the vehicle narrowly escapes a fall from the rickety bridge you are crossing and you hear a tale of poachers killing elephants for their ivory. This ride covers 2 miles of winding dirt road through a beautiful savanna, beyond natural barriers (not obvious to visitors) are the animals.

Driving directions from locations within Florida

From I-95, U.S. Highway 1 or southbound on the Florida Turnpike: take I-4 West to Walt Disney World Exits

From southbound I-75: take the Florida Turnpike South to I-4 West to Walt Disney World Resort Exits

From northbound on the Florida Turnpike: take Osceola Parkway which connects with U.S. Highway 192 and the Walt Disney World Resort

From the Daytona area: take I-4 West to Walt Disney World Exits

From the Tampa area: take I-4 East to Walt Disney World Exits

From Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: take the Florida Turnpike North to Osceola Parkway West (Exit 249) to Walt Disney World Exits

From Northeast Florida: take I-95 South to I-4 West (Exit 260B, old 86) to Walt Disney World Exits

From Northwest Florida: take I-75 South to Florida Turnpike South (Exit 328, old 65), to I-4 West (Exit 259) to Walt Disney World Exits

From the Ocala Welcome Centre — located at I-75 (Exit 350, old 68): take I-75 South to Florida Turnpike South (Exit 65), to I-4 West (Exit 259) to Walt Disney World Exits