Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
252
Did You Know?
Fun Facts
Tobacco products aren't the only things unavailable in the theme parks. You can't
buy chewing or bubble gum either. It seems too many guests stuck it under
tables, benches, and chairs—or tossed it on sidewalks, where it often hitched a
ride on the soles of the unsuspecting.
Central Florida. The production celebrates nature's diversity with a talented, colorfully
attired cast of singers, dancers, and life-size critters leading the way to an inspiring sing-
along that gets the entire audience caught up in the fun. Based loosely on the animated
film, this stage show blends the pageantry of a parade with a tribal celebration. The
action is on stage as well as moving around the audience. Even though the pavilion has
1,000 seats, it's best to arrive at least 20 minutes early.
AFRICA
Enter through the town of Harambe, a worn and weathered African coastal village poised
on the edge of the 21st century. (It actually took a great deal of effort to create the run-
down appearance.) Costumed employees will greet you as you enter the buildings. The
whitewashed structures, built of coral stone and thatched with reed by African craftspeo-
ple, surround a central marketplace rich with local wares and colors.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Frommer's Rating:
A+ early or late, B+ other times
Recommended Ages:
All ages
Animal Kingdom doesn't have many rides, but the animals you'll see on this one make it
a winner as long as your timing is right. They're scarce at midday during most times of
year (cooler months being the exception), so I recommend you ride it as close to park
opening or closing as possible. If you don't make it in time for one of the first or last
journeys, the lines can be horrific, so a FASTPASS is almost a must.
A large, rugged truck takes you through the African landscape (though a decade ago
it was a cow pasture). The animals usually seen along the way include giraffes, black
rhinos, hippos, antelopes, Nile crocodiles, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and a pair of
lions that may offer half-hearted roars toward some gazelles that are safely out of reach.
Early on, a shifting bridge gives riders a brief thrill; later, you get a bit of drama (a la
Disney) as you help catch some poachers. While everyone has a good view, photogra-
phers may get a few more shots when sitting on the left side of their row.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Finds
Frommer's Rating:
B+, A if you're lucky enough to see the gorillas
Recommended Ages:
All ages
The hippos put on quite a display (and draw a riotous crowd reaction) when they do
what comes naturally and use their tails to scatter it over everything above and below the
surface. There are other animals here, including ever-active mole rats, but the
lowland
gorillas
are the main event. The trail has two gorilla-viewing areas: One sports a family,
including a 500-pound silverback, his ladies, and his children; the other has bachelors.
Guests who are unaware of the treasures that lie herein often skip or rush through it,
missing a chance to see some magnificent creatures. That said, the gorillas are not always
cooperative, especially in hot weather, when they spend most of the day in shady areas
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