1. General - A fun thing for kids to do in AK (similar to passport stamps at Epcot), is to receive conservation stamps at interactive areas throughout the park. It encourages kids to think, look, listen and appreciate the surroundings. It's just another fun way to learn at Disney, keeps the kids engaged, and is included in the price of admission. It's easy to miss as you're rushing to the next "big" attraction.
2. General - You will not find straws, cup lids or balloons in AK. This is to protect the animals!
3. General - One of the most enchanting, yet most overlooked, experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom occurs about 15 minutes before the park even opens -- The Awakening. Rafiki, the wise old baboon from The Lion King, rewards early risers with a greeting of the new day and is soon joined by many costumed characters, such as Terk, Timon and King Louie, as well as real creatures and their handlers. All that this great start to the day costs you is a little early morning sleep!
4. General - Cast Members (except those in Rafiki's Planet Watch) have developed stories about how and why they are working in their Animal Kingdom Land. Ask them about their lives and you may hear about how they are students of the Dino Institute or came to live in Harambe village. They are great at improv!
5. Lady DeVine - This is an ivy girl. She walks among the trees about 8 feet tall on stilts (with branch stilts on her arms too). It is easy to walk right by her and never see her. To find her, you may be able to ask a Cast Member where she will be during the day. She usually rests unobtrusively against a tree or a wall, suddenly springing to life to tease an unsuspecting passerby or chase down disrespectful teenagers or others who dare make light of her art.
6. Oasil - Before the park opens (as well as during the day) you may stumble upon a talking Palm Tree. The trees's name is Wes Palm. He is an eccentric and entertaining Palm Tree that teases guests throughout the morning in the Oasis.
7. The Oasis - As you walk to the front entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom and into the Oasis, look down at the pavement. You'll notice that certain sections of the ground are painted a darker color. When seen from above (or on the park map), this painted section is actually a tree, resembling the Tree of Life. The brown painted sections are the branches and the green parts are the leaves.
8. Discovery Island - If you walk up the path to the left, toward Harambe, you'll pass by the counter service restaurant, Pizzafari. This is one of the most brilliantly decorated buildings in the Animal Kingdom. The bright colors are eye-catching, of course. But, stop in *before* the lunch crowds gather so that you can study the different rooms with their ornate murals, walls and ceilings. Can you identify which room is which? The Home Room, Nocturnal Room, Upside-Down Room, Camouflage Room, Four Seasons Room, and Bug Room.
