Last week I posted the above picture and asked for guesses as to where it is located. One person was able to correctly identify where the giraffe is located.
Congratulations to Caroline, who knew that the giraffe is located on the entrance gate to Africa in Animal Kingdom. This entrance gate has multiple animals represented on it and they look like they have been carved into the gate. The Africa section of Animal Kingdom has some great attractions and shows. There are also some good spots to grab some food.
Attractions
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fun ride around the savanna that Disney created in the park. Guests will see lots of different animals during the ride and you never know what you will see or experience. We’ve had white rhinos trotting next to the vehicle, had to pause for a bit for a giraffe in the road, and during our last visit we saw an ostrich at the window of a cast member’s truck looking for snacks. A lot of times the animals are more active in the morning, so I would suggest heading over there not too long after the park opens.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a go-at-your-own-pace trail where guests can see gorillas (obviously), hippos, zebras, meerkats, and more. Attractions like these are nice, because you are not waiting in line and you can linger at any of the viewing areas for as long as you would like. Plus, there’s always some fun facts to learn about the animals along the way.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is accessible by train from the Africa station and it has a few different areas for guests to explore. Conservation Station is an area located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch where guests can learn about the care of the animals in the park and meet Timon and Rafiki from the Lion King. Affection Section is the only petting zoo at Disney World and it allows guests to meet domesticated animals, as well as interact with Disney’s animal care experts. Also at Rafiki’s Planet Watch is The Animation Experience where guests can learn to draw one of Disney’s animal characters. These lessons are taught by a real Disney animator and you will be surprised at your drawing abilities.
Shows
My favorite show on property is in Animal Kingdom and is located in Africa. It’s called Festival of the Lion King and it’s a Broadway style show. The performers are fantastic and there voices are beautiful. Throughout the course of the show different songs from the Lion King movie are sung by the performers while dancing, and sometimes there are some acrobatics involved too. The big floats that are stationed in the four different seating sections really add to the show as well. Each float has a big animatronic animal on it (including Simba and Pumbaa) and they interact with the performers throughout the show. I highly recommend making time for this show the next time you are in Animal Kingdom. The show lasts about 40 minutes, so it’s a great break from walking around the park too.
Guests can also catch entertainment outside, from the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe. This is a fun and upbeat performance, and they sometimes look for audience participation. If you hear the drummers while you are walking around, I definitely recommend stopping and enjoying the show.
Dining
The Tusker House Restaurant is one of Disney’s character dining experiences. At this buffet, guests will be able to meet safari Donald, Mickey and their friends. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each dining experience is buffet style, so there is plenty to choose from here. It tends to be a pretty popular restaurant, because of the characters, so reservations are highly recommended.
Quick service options in the Africa section include Harambe Market, Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery, Harambe Fruit Market, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and Zuri’s Sweets Shop.
Congratulations again to Caroline, and thanks to everyone who played along! Another Where is it Wednesday picture will be up soon.
Thanks for reading!
Liz
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Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)