Opened in 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom introduced a new concept for Disney World, an animal park with rides and attractions for the whole family. With a focus on nature and conservation, this theme park is way more than a typical zoo. With over 1700 animals, it is the largest animal-themed park in the entire world!

The park is divided into seven separate areas they call lands. The Oasis is just as it sounds, an area packed with lush tropical trees and plants. Many interesting animals can be found in the Oasis, such as sloths, flamingos, exotic birds, and even kangaroos. This land provides many educational opportunities, with Animal Kingdom staff on hand to answer questions about the wildlife found there.

The name says it all. The next land at Animal Kingdom is called Dinoland. You will find a giant dinosaur skeleton and a digging site where kids can excavate dinosaur bones. There are rides for small children here and also a ride for the whole family- called simply, Dinosaur. It's a ride where you get into a car and go zooming back in time on the hunt for an unusual dinosaur before it becomes extinct. It's a pretty wild ride, so try it at your own risk.

Camp Minnie-Mickey is another fun land at Animal Kingdom. Besides the character greetings, one of the favorite attractions in this land is the show The Festival of the Lion. Based on the movie The Lion King, this short musical production is very well done and entertaining. You'll want to add it to your list of must-do activities while you're at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Borrowing architecture and animal life from nations such as Mongolia, Indonesia, and Thailand, the next land is aptly named- Asia. Disney did a great job of recreating some of the most famous lands in Asia in this part of Animal Kingdom. Tall bamboo trees are scattered about the grounds, as well as rickshaws, old bicycles, and other transportation means that you would find commonly in rural and urban parts of Asian countries. The Kali River Rapids ride takes you down a raging river through some beautiful Asia-inspired scenery. You'll also find many exotic animals and birds in this land. If you're feeling especially brave and adventurous, take a ride on Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom's wild roller coaster.

Rafiki's Planet Watch allows you to view veterinary practices in action. You may be able to watch actual surgeries or other medical procedures being carried out by Disney's highly trained staff. Ride the Wildlife Express Train around this land to learn all about the animals and plant life at the park. This land provides lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with animals. You can even feed many of them.

Finally, you will want to be sure to visit Africa. If you've ever fantasized about going on an African safari, here is your chance. Sure you're not really in Africa, but it is the next best thing. Ride in safari vehicles (picture extended Jeeps) with several other visitors, through the savannah. You will encounter live animals such as zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, and elephants! You will also want to be sure to take the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to view silverback gorillas. Some days they don't do much- eat, scratch, walk, but other days they are quite entertaining. No matter what mood they are in when you visit- how many times are you going to get to see live Silverbacks?

All in all, Animal Kingdom is an amazing animal park complete with rides and lots of educational opportunities. You need to visit this park at least once to experience the wildlife. It's a really good park for mixed-age groups of travelers.