Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! Visit Orlando's Animal Attractions

There is certainly no lack of things to do while visiting Orlando. If you enjoy interacting with and learning about animals, take a walk on the wild side when you pay a visit to:

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM has it all - and then some! Hop aboard an open-sided vehicle for a safari ride that will leave you feeling like you've visited Africa. Spot elephants, giraffes, hippos and many other jungle animals up close and personal aboard the Kilimanjaro Safari. For the little ones in the group, be sure to pay a visit to the Affection Section; a petting zoo with sheep, pigs, chickens, horses and more. The park also offers two great thrill rides; Dinosaur - venture back to prehistoric times as you race aboard this wild ride amidst dinosaurs - some are pretty scary, so this ride may not be appropriate for some young riders. Expedition Everest takes visitors speeding down icy slopes until they come face to face with the Abominable Snowman!

The entire family will enjoy "Festival of the Lion King" which features all of your favorites from the hit movie. Music and dancing will entertain even the smallest of visitors. "Finding Nemo - The Musical" is another event suitable for all - puppetry, music and interactive songs are sure to put a smile on everyone's face (editor note: be sure to get your Fast Pass early in the day for this one, the show fills up very quickly). Kali River Rapids is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day! Ride a raft down treacherous rapids and be prepared to be soaked. After all of this, there is still more to experience; please click here for more details.

DISCOVERY COVE - Customize your visit to suit your individual interests. You can be as passive or as active as you like when you visit beautiful Discovery Cove. There are a variety of fascinating adventures awaiting visitors, perhaps the most popular being the ability to swim with dolphins. The Dolphin Swim begins with an introductory video, along with instructions from trained staff to ensure you have the best time possible. Guests wade into the lovely waters at the Dolphin Lagoon where the adventure truly begins. Visitors are invited to play and swim right along side these magnificent animals. A visit to the Coral Reef is an experience you are not likely to forget. Snorkel amidst the beautiful coral reef, shipwreck remains and charming grottos. You may spend as much time as you like exploring countless species of exotic fish. You might even get a peek at a barracuda or shark as they swim by behind safety glass.

The Tropical River affords visitors the ability to wind their way through an array of spectacular landscapes, including breathtaking waterfalls; here, you can enter an underwater cave or float past the immense rainforest, relax in the freshwater lagoon or catch some sun while you kick back at the island beach. One of the most surprising discoveries you'll make at Discovery Cove is the broad range of wildlife you will be able to observe. The Free-Flight Aviary features more than 250 tropical birds, some of which will eat directly out of the palm of your hand. At any time during the day, you can relax or take a swim in the clear, warm waters of the Resort Pool.

Please visit the official website for pricing, hours of operation and other important details.

GATORLAND - A visit to this classic Orlando area attraction is sure to entertain; adventures truly do exist around every corner. Gatorland is known as the 'Alligator Capital of the World" and for good reason! Located at the head of the Florida Everglades, this 110-acre theme park and nature observatory is filled with fun, excitement and learning. A "must see" is Alligator Island; home to hundreds of alligators - the largest reptiles in the park. View them and crocodiles as they pop up from the surface of Gator Lake. Enjoy a stroll through Gatorland's Swamp Walk, a self-guided tour through a true Cypress Swamp. You'll walk along a raised wooden walkway and feel as though you've stepped back in time, before the area's population grew and took over much of the swampland for building homes and farms. Allie's Barnyard is a definite favorite for all animal lovers. Here, you will meet "Dolly Llama", "Gracie" the friendly goat and "Harley" the talking macaw. Guests are permitted to pet and interact with these cuddly critters.

More places to spot creatures of every variety include: Flamingo Lagoon - See American Flamingos who stand more than five feet tall and can live more than 40 years in captivity. Very Merry Aviary is home to a variety of majestic birds, including the friendly Lorikeets - a brightly-colored and entertaining group of parrots. If you're into the "creepy crawly" critters, you'll want to visit Snakes of Florida which features many different species of snakes and interesting information about each of them.

Do not miss out on Gator Gully Splash Park where you will be doused by a row of giant egrets (carefully crafted to resemble the 'real thing'), dueling water guns, a bucket tree and Grandma's Wet Shack. You are certain to be entertained at any of Gatorland's exciting and educational shows. Watch professional gator wrestlers interact with these huge predators or watch as crocs and gators jump into the air to capture tempting treats.

Gatorland provides a uniquely interesting and enjoyable adventure for everyone in the family. For a detailed list of attractions, hours of operations, pricing, etc., please click here.