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Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of the four Disney Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and immerses Guests in the beauty and diversity of nature through several themed lands and many unforgettable experiences. There are plenty of popular and busy corners of Disney’s Animal Kingdom like Pandora – The World of Avatar and the pathways near the front of Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, but there are also several serene and quiet corners.
One of the best ways to truly appreciate the beauty and ambiance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is by slowing down and stopping to just enjoy the theming and surroundings. Guests who seek out these quiet corners of the Park can enjoy a few moments of serenity and truly enjoy the beauty and incredible detailing that can be found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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The Oasis
When first entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom, many Guests quickly move through the Oasis on their way further into the Disney Park to get to other wonderful experiences waiting, but this is a missed opportunity to enjoy some beautiful spots. The Oasis is filled with lush vegetation, winding pathways, quiet corners and caves, and gently flowing streams and waterfalls.
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Guests who take the time to wander through the Oasis can stumble upon trails that they probably had never noticed before, and even check out a slew of animal exhibits with species that can’t be found elsewhere in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Many corners of the Oasis are only steps off the main pathway, but literally feel like worlds away as they are quiet, cool, and completely filled with serene beauty.
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Discovery Island Trails
Like the Oasis, another spot on Discovery Island is filled with wonderful trails and quiet areas to explore but is often overlooked. The Tree of Life is the focal point of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but many Guests simply stop to take a few photos with the icon and then continue on their way to other experiences in the Disney Park without even realizing that there is a whole area waiting for them to explore!
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The Discovery Island Trails can be found all around the base of the Tree of Life and allow Guests to get close to the beautiful icon and check out the craftsmanship of the intricately carved animals on the trunk and roots. There are several winding pathways that offer beautiful views of the Tree of Life and Discovery Island. Guests can enjoy stumbling upon often overlooked details, flowing waterfalls, and quiet spots that allow them to soak in the ambiance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
The Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to the always busy village of Harambe, where Guests can enjoy popular attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris and eateries like Tusker House Restaurant. Just steps away from the busy main pathways is another attraction that offers Guests the opportunity to enjoy some calm and quiet corners while being immersed in nature.
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The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a self-guided walking trail found near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris that invites Guests to wander quiet and winding paths through the beauty of nature and several animal habitats. Along the way, Guests can check out Grevy’s zebras, meerkats, and a massive habitat that is home to gorillas who can be found enjoying lush rolling hills, massive trees, and flowing waterfalls. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is a fantastic place to spend time enjoying the beauty and quiet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Another often overlooked location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is accessible only by the Wildlife Express Train, which departs from the village of Harambe near the entrance to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is home to many wonderful experiences that always have relatively low crowds, allowing for some quiet exploration.
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Guests who take the time to travel to Rafiki’s Planet Watch can spend time exploring the Conservation Station, which offers up interactive and educational experiences with several exhibits. There’s even the chance for Guests to observe a live procedure in a veterinary care room. One of the quietest areas of Rafiki’s Planet Watch that Guests should absolutely take the time to enjoy is the Affection Section where they can have the opportunity to pet and interact with different types of animals including goats.
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Discovery River Amphitheater
The Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is always bustling thanks to popular attractions like Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Kali River Rapids, but there is one spot where Guests can enjoy some stunning views in relative quiet. The Discovery River Amphitheater is an outdoor theater that is home to several performances of the new Disney KiteTails show, which features larger-than-life kites in the form of beloved characters like Simba and Baloo.
While the show is a great experience to enjoy, Guests should also actively avoid showtimes and visit the Discovery River Amphitheater when nothing is happening. Guests who plan accordingly can sit and relax in the open-air theater and enjoy beautiful views of Discovery River and the Tree of Life while soaking in the sun and quiet ambiance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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Maharajah Jungle Trek
The Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also home to another self-guided walking trail that offers up some of the most secluded and quiet corners of the Disney Park. The Maharajah Jungle Trail can be found near the exit of Kali River Rapids and invites Guests to wander and become lost in the beauty of the Anandapur Royal Forest.
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While exploring the winding and quiet pathways, Guests can come across animals including water buffaloes, Elds deer, Komodo dragons, and over fifty species of birds in a large and lush aviary. The highlight of the Maharajah Jungle Trek are the Asian tigers who have made their home in crumbling palace ruins, and Guests can enjoy incredibly themed walkways and viewing areas that feel as though they are on the other side of the world from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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