Covering nearly 500 acres, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the smallest Disney theme park that can be toured in less than a single day. Unlike in other venues, like Busch Gardens, you won't see animals displayed throughout it, since animal habitats at the park are recreated in the natural manner. That means you'll have to take pains to find them. The majority of animals can be found in close proximity to the Pangani Forest Expedition Trail and the Kilimanjaro Safari.
 
The animal theme prevails in the park's architecture, attractions, shows, and rides. In addition, guests are offered one of the best Disney's shows, the Festival of the Lion King, which must be, by all means, put on your to-do list. Generally, the park boasts more than 1,700 animals, representing 250 various species.
 
Disney's Animal Kingdom is comprised of seven themed lands, including the Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia, and DinoLand USA.
 
Located near the entrance, the Oasis is a shopping area, which has limited animal viewing. Available here are exhibits of such live animals as anteaters, macaws, muntjac, and babirusa.
 
Originally Safari Village, Discovery Island is now the center of the park, and the place from which all other theme lands can be reached. It is also home to the Tree of Life, a 145 feet-tall artificial tree, recognized as the icon of Animal Kingdom. Carved on the tree are images of 325 animals. The Tree of Life is also famous for the 3-D show with special effects, It's Tough to be a Bug!, located beneath it. Among animals, which can be found on Discovery Island, are flamingos, lemurs, kangaroos, otters, deer, cranes, and storks.
 
The Animal Kingdom equivalent of Toontown Fair at the Magic Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey features several prominent shows, including Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends, designed for children, about the significance of nature, and the Festival of the Lion King, rated by many as the best live show on the property.
 
The major animal viewing area dedicated to African wildlife, Africa is known for its Kilimanjaro Safaris, which takes guests through the area, designed to resemble an African savannah. You'll enjoy the view of giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, rhinoceroses, impala, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles, among others. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail can be also found here, displaying exhibits of fish, birds, hippopotamuses, gorillas, okapis, naked mole rats, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
 
Rafiki's Planet Watch is one of seven theme lands, which contains a petting zoo with small animals and exhibits educating on the importance of conservation and preservation.
 
While visiting Asia, one of Animal Kingdom's prominent theme lands, take advantage of Kali River Rapids, a white water rafting ride, which will take you to the area of the abandoned illegal camp and burning forest, teaching in such a way about the impact of rainforest destruction. During the walking tour, Maharajah Jungle Trek, you'll enjoy the view of dragons, tigers, bats, tapirs, exotic birds, and other animals. The theme land features the playground, Boneyard, enjoying wide popularity with kids, and a thrill ride, called Dinosaur, which uses ride technology similar to that of Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure. Located on the premises is Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, featuring all modern amenities and facilities for fun and recreation.