Our regular readers know we are big Disney fans. Even as teens and tweens our kids usually choose to start their Disney vacation at the Animal Kingdom. Although the main attraction may be the Expedition Everest roller coaster, the African Kilimanjaro Safari ride is a must do. Walking tours of the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see tigers and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to view gorillas are also high on the list. For this Photo Friday, we are sharing some pictures of our favorite Animal Kingdom natives including:
Gorillas
The park’s silverback gorilla tribe can be found on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. There is a family group that in recent years has featured younger animals while a group of bachelors shares a separate section of the reserve.
Gorillas at Disney Animal Kingdom
Elephants
Elephants are usually seen from the Safari ride, often covered in mud to keep cool in the hot sun. We love the babies!
Elephants on parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Zebras
Another safari ride favorite is the zebra herd. Try searching online for the name of a group of zebras, depending on where you look they are called a zeal, a dazzle, a cohort or a crossing. We’ll just call them a group as we drive by.
Zebras show their stripes at Disney World
Meerkats
Although they are one of the smaller animals at Disney, the Meerkat colony located on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail seems to always hold our attention the longest. There is usually an interpreter nearby to explain about meerkat behavior and the presence of vultures overhead often lends a sense of realism to their behaviors. We can watch them for hours.
Our favorite - the meerkat
The Disney Animal Kingdom offers a full day of exploration and awesome rides for teens and tweens. Check out our Disney Days with Teens and Tweens post to learn more about our recommendations for your visit to this magical World. Thanks to Delicious Baby for hosting Photo Friday
Cool shots interesting posting! thanks
I remember being thuroughly impressed by how close we could get to the animals and what great photo opportunities there were. I really did love Animal Kingdom!
I LOVE Disney, and so does my 14 year old daughter. I have 2 boys who would rather golf, so a Disney day is always a fun girls day.
Whenever I see photos, I want to head back, but it’s a haul from Minnesota so we usually have to plan a little more than that!
Debbie Ferm
The secret is to go early and get on the safari first thing in the morning! Right after that, go grab Everest fast passes, then walk the trails until it is time for your ride. We are usually out of the park and back to the pool by mid afternoon.
Great pictures of the animals. We have no such luck in Animal Kingdom with our visits. Either it’s too hot to enjoy them or we got rained on.
But I still love that park and want to go back again. We have yet to ride the Everest ride.