Leave the hustle and bustle of the other Orlando vacation theme parks behind as you enter this lush tropical area called The Oasis. It’s the entryway to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and offers a sneak peek of what is to come in the rest of the park. The tropical canopy of plants and trees that line the paths that branch off in different directions all ultimately end at the same place - Discovery Island at the Tree of Life. Remember; however, that it’s not always the destination, but the journey that got you there that’s sometimes the thing that is treasured most.

Be sure to see the small waterfall leading to a pond that is home to a multitude of brightly colored Flamingos and don’t be in too big a hurry to rush through this area on your way to the rest of the park or you will miss all kinds of exotic wildlife. African Spoonbills, Black Necked Swans, Scarlet Macaws and Hooded Mergansers are among the more than a dozen varieties of bird species that can be found down the various paths. In addition, reptiles and other mammals abound, including the Two-Toed Sloth, Yellow-Bellied Sliders, a Giant Anteater, Tree Kangaroos and the odd-looking Babirusa.

One of Walt Disney World’s favorite dining establishments is located in this area - The Rainforest Cafe. In addition to the fabulous pasta, fish, chicken and meat dishes offered, Orlando vacationers will experience tropical thunderstorms and a variety of Audio-animatronic wildlife scenes including a mother elephant with her baby flapping their ears, a playful monkey swinging from a vine and a menacing crocodile who is all too willing to show his impressive teeth. The restaurant, itself is an excellent place to snap a few pictures for your Orlando vacation photo album!

Did You Know?

• Although the plants and animals are certainly real, there are rocks and termite mounds strategically placed throughout the foliage that are not. These are actually well disguised containers that help to provide water and food for the various animals in the park.