The fourth of the four major Walt Disney World theme parks, Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. From the very beginning, its focus has been on animals and conservation.

"But why should I spend time at Animal Kingdom when I have a great zoo at home?" you may ask yourself. I mean, if your zoo at home is the world's largest theme park (which it's not, because Animal Kingdom holds that distinction), has a roller coaster that was voted the Best New Theme Park Attraction by Theme Park Insider in 2006 and is consistently still rated one of the top 100 steel track coasters in the world, has two Broadway caliiber stage shows, a roadside attraction carnival devoted to dinosaurs, and a wide variety of animals from all over the world then by all means, skip it.

Except you shouldn't, because Animal Kingdom is really cool.

You can bus from:

• All Disney resorts; and
• All Disney theme parks.

Unlike all three of the other theme parks, Animal Kingdom is only accessible by bus. I could spout off a theory about safety because of the proximity to animals, but it would only be conjecture. So factor the bus ride into your travel plans!

As with all Disney Parks, you will go through Bag Check (and possibly a randomly selected metal detector check as well), and then scan your Magic Band or ticket to enter the park.

Your first stop on the way in should be to pick up a Guidemap and Times Guide. The map will help you get around (I find Animal Kingdom a somewhat confusing park to navigate, mainly because of its size), and the Times Guide will give that day's schedule for parades, nighttime shows, other entertainment, and character meet and greets.

Epcot has a normal FP+ system. FP+ attractions include:

This is a very small list of attractions, three of which are shows that you probably don't need to use a FP+ for at any time. But don't overlook attractions that do not have FP+, and take time to see the animals and soak in the music and dancing and your surroundings!

Pro Tip: People often complain that Animal Kingdom feels much hotter than the other theme parks. They aren't wrong. Because of the thick vegetation that surrounds the perimeter as well as the park itself, this acts to trap the heat and humidity in that area. Not what you need to hear in Florida. Plus there are not very many indoor attractions with the exception of the shows and a couple restaurants. If you or any of your travel companions begin to feel dehydrated or sick from the heat, take a break. Which might mean traveling to another park or resort for awhile. Since Animal Kingdom's hours tend to be shorter than the other parks, this is another great reason to have park hopper and just plan to spend parts of a couple different days in Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom is segmented into six "lands," each with its own flair and charm.

Oasis

When you first enter Animal Kingdom, you will find yourself in the Oasis, where along with the usual guest services (lockers, stroller rental, guest relations), you will also be met with animal exhibits, including butterflies, anteaters, and barking deer (among others). Most people zip right through the Oasis, but it's fun to slow down and begin to soak it all in.

Discovery Island

Named after the now deserted park in the middle of Bay Lake, Discovery Island is dominated by The Tree of Life, a replica baobob tree that not only houses It's Tough To Be A Bug! but is an attraction all on its own - the "trunk" is carved with a variety of animal figures! How many can you spot?

There are also a number of restaurants, including Walt Disney World Resort's newest signature restaurant, Tiffins throughout Discovery Island, as well as character meet and greets, a variety of shops, and another walking trail that brings you closest to the Tree of Life and another walking trail with more aniamls.

Pro Tip: You might say to yourself, "My little kids love Bug's Life! I'm definitley taking them to It's Tough to Be a Bug!" This attraction, possibly more than any others across all parks, has parents running their screaming scared children out as fast as they can. The attraction is a 4D movie (3D plus special effects) that takes us into the bug world. Including spiders dangling from the ceiling in front of your face and insect closeups, including a simulated effect that beetles are running around your ankles. If your party is fearless or enjoys being scared, then go for it! If you are unsure, there are YouTube videos available to preview.

Africa

Moving to the left around the Tree of Life, guests will reach Africa. Themed as an African Village called Harambe, this area is dominated by three standout attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, and Tusker House Restaurant. My personal favorite quick serve in Animal Kingdom, Harambe Market, and Tamu Tamu Refreshments, home to Dole Whip with Rum, are also in this section of the park.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

The only area of the park not accessible by foot, just outside the exit to Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa is the Wildlife Express Train, a narrow-gauge railroad that takes guests past many of the animal night facilities and up to Rafiki's Planet Watch. This area has many smaller educational exhibits on conservation, you can watch the Animal Kingdom vets checking up on the animals, and there's also a petting zoo area out back. Never underestimate a toddler's fascination with goats!

Because this area is often overlooked, it is normally the least crowded and also has plenty of seats in an air conditioned building to rest and escape the heat.

Asia

Asia stretches from Africa all the way to Dinoland, U.S.A. along more than a half the length of the lake. Be prepared to do some walking! You know you're in Asia as you hear the music changing along the walkway from Africa. Here you can see the live bird show Flights of Wonder, take a soggy tour on Kali River Rapids, encounter the Disco Yeti on one of the world's best steel coatsers, Expedition Everest, and spend time wandering the Maharajah Trail to see tigers and the like. At the end of Asia you'll find the theater housing Finding Nemo - The Musical.

Pro Tip: I'm not kidding that Kali River Rapids is a potentially very soggy river raft ride. To the left of the entrance you will find storage lockers that are free for the first 90 minutes. A locker attendant will assist you in opening them. Stick all your gear in there and, if you've been smart, switch out your shoes for flip flops that you packed in your park bag that day while you ride!

Dinoland, U.S.A.

Nearly back to the beginning of the park, you can make a detour through Dinoland, U.S.A. This area has the reputation of being "garish, cheap, and un-Disney."

Well, Dinoland's critics have missed the point.

Themed to resemble the cheesey roadside attractions that used to dot the highways of the United States, Dinoland, U.S.A. brings us a Mighty Mouse ride called Primeval Whirl, carnival games (note: these do cost extra), and a large play area for younger kids, The Boneyard. There are also replica fossil digs and dino relics, including a cast replica of Sue the tyrannosaurs rex, the most complete dinossaur skeleton ever found. Just a little further past the lights and sounds of the carnival is the Dino Institute, home to possibly Walt Disney World's scariest attraction, DINOSAUR. You know it's scary because it's in all caps.

Two major attractions are coming soon to Animal Kingdom.

Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light will be a new nighttime amphitheater show at Animal Kingdom, not unlike Fantasmic! over in Hollywood Studios. Originally slated to open in April 2016, this show will encompass water projection, lit floats, and who knows what else? The show did not open as planned due to technology issues, but as of this writing is back in dress rehearsals and should open sometime late 2016.

Pandora: The World of Avatar

In the space formerly occupied by Camp Minnie-Mickey, a new immersive land themed to James Cameron's conservation-focused film, Avatar, should open sometime in 2017. We know there will be one major thrill ride and one dark ride through the world of Pandora, but Disney has thus far kept fairly tight-lipped on the rest of the attractions.