When going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park a great stop is the Wildlife Express Train. It is something fun to do whether it is raining or not and is often overlooked. It is found toward the back of the park in the Africa area behind the Tree of Life.

If you want to get out of the sun or someone in your group loves animals consider this option. If anyone in your party is not interested  in rides or is ready for a break this is the place to go. If you have a little one that’s not quite ready for rides then this is a perfect location. Catching a ride on the train usually doesn’t take long. The seats are designed for guests a look straight to the land beside them as they travel. It is something for the whole family with the train ride lasting about seven minutes.

During your journey you will be able to see animal housing as well as animal care units while Disney magic transports passengers to the African Savanna. You travel to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the train ride is the only way there. This location is dedicated to animal conservation and preservation complete with educational activities.

Habitat Habit!

This is a wildlife trail presenting guests, while on the walk, the opportunity of observing the cotton-top tamarin, which are South American monkeys.

Affection Section

Is more than a petting zoo  — it is a Disney World petting zoo. Various animals include sheep, llamas, donkeys, goats, and chickens. Actually, this is the only location in Animal Kingdom that gives guests this opportunity. Just keep in mind flash photography is not permitted. Don’t worry either about petting all those animals because sanitation stations are available for hand washing.

Conservation Station

This is an air-conditioned building that gives guests a chance to see animals and learn more about them. It is an open area with various activities including a self-guided tour backstage with video cameras  for real time animal viewing. Adults and children can also find it interesting when learning about how the animals are cared for with a look at the working veterinary clinic. Visiting the Conservation Station is good any time of day, but if you are really interested in seeing animal care consider venturing here in the morning. Most care happens before Noon with a schedule generally posted. If you have questions Cast Members are available to provide answers too.

Another benefit of this location are character greetings. Various characters have made appearances including Pocahontas, Terk, Lilo and Stitch. Many guests have been disappointed to learn Jiminy Cricket will no longer be appearing as it was the only location throughout Disney World to find him. The main character continues to be Rafiki though. Since this is often an area less traveled you can usually catch characters with little or no waiting, giving you quality time with the character. Check with cast members when entering the park and ask about who is appearing and when they will be available.

The Avatar expansion is beginning preparation with the idea of closing the train and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Nevertheless, part of the charm of this area is you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the park’s bigger elements. This is really more than a train ride. When leaving this area it is a five minute train ride back to the rest of what Animal Kingdom has to offer.

This guest post was written by the C&C Fan Charity. Thanks for the article!

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