Disney's Animal Kingdom - Photo Journal

Looks like it's Christmas time at Disney's Animal Kingdom... even though it's not yet Thanksgiving.

Disney's Animal Kingdom was the final park I'd visit at Disney World, and probably the one I was most anticipating.

Incidentally, once I passed through these gates I could lay claim to having visited every Disney theme park worldwide, at least until Shanghai Disneyland opens, and not including the water parks or other Disney properties like DisneyQuest.

Relief sculptures over the entrance set the tone for the rest of the park's themes.

Animal Kingdom begins in The Oasis, a lush jungle paradise with winding trails past various animal exhibits.

The distinction between the real and the fake almost ceases to exist.

Pair of Scarlet Macaws preening each other.

White Ibis, native to Florida.

Rhinoceros Iguana

Great green macaw

Roseate spoonbill

After walking through the densely forested winding trails of the Oasis, the treeline quickly recedes and reveals the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life, Animal Kingdom's centerpiece.

The hub of Animal Kingdom is given it's own area known as Discovery Island.

Some of Discovery Island is maybe a little too cartoony and colorful.

Discovery Island detail.

Wilderness Explorers, some tie-in to the movie Up.

More of Discovery Island, kinda silly design.

I'm not as big a fan of the architecture on Discovery Island, but I'll admit this part is pretty cool.

"Viva Gaia", roughly translates to "Long Live the Goddess of Earth", an esoteric blessing best presented in bright pastels.

Tree of Life, with its slightly unnatural looking leaves.

It's Tough to be a Bug!

Tree of Life detail from the queue to It's Tough to Be a Bug, partially obscured by a canopy pole.

These canopies take a lot out of Discovery Island.

Tree of Life detail from the queue

Tree of Life detail from the queue

"Now Playing... It's Tough to Be a Bug!"

Waiting room area for It's Tough to Be a Bug, filled with punny movie and musical posters.

Dung ball

The Dung and I