Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest Disney theme park at the WDW Resort in Orlando, yet it's only in this area of the park where you'll get to meet some of the popular Disney characters, like Mickey and Minnie (dressed in safari attire). This area of the park is also where you'll see several different live shows.

Character Meet-and-Greet Areas

Located across from where the “Festival of the Lion King” stage show is presented are several trails that lead to secluded character meeting areas. Get your camera ready, because throughout the day, this is where you and your kids will get to meet Mickey Mouse and his pals up close and in person. Make sure your kids have their autograph books with them, since young people enjoy collecting the signatures of the Disney characters. (Official Disney autograph books are sold at many of the gift shops for about $6.)

“Festival of the Lion King”

Out of all the shows and parades featured at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the other Disney theme parks, this one is the best! This live show is presented several times throughout the day, and it is one of the most popular attractions at the park for people of all ages (although kids in particular will love this thirty-minute musical show).

“Festival of the Lion King” features human actors along with costumed characters and Audio-Animatronic characters, and includes nonstop singing and dancing. Several of the popular songs from Disney's The Lion King are performed live; however, new music has also been incorporated into this show, which is very different from the animated movie, The Legend of the Lion King Audio-Animatronic puppet show presented at the Magic Kingdom, and “The Lion King: The Broadway Show” (at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway in New York City).

ô This is a must-see attraction.

“Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends”

Unlike “Festival of the Lion King,” which features a large cast of characters, this show stars a human actress who portrays Pocahontas; a life-size Audio-Animatronic tree (Grandmother Willow); and several real-life animals. The show, designed primarily for young guests, talks about the importance of preserving the planet's forests and runs about twelve minutes. It is presented throughout the day in an outdoor theater that holds 350 guests. Be sure to arrive at the theater between thirty and forty-five minutes prior to the posted showtime in order to ensure yourself a seat for the performance of your choice. No food or beverages are allowed in the theater.