It is wise to arrive early at the Kingdom when the big animals are apt to be up, hungry and visible. Later in the day they tend to disappear for an afternoon nap.

Big field trucks of the KILIMANJARO SAFARIS provide a bumpy ride into the Harambe Wildlife Preserve, where a variety of wild animals can be seen at close range.

The vehicles traverse a large compound, where animals and birds of all kinds roam free.

You are not likely ever to come closer to a lion - with no bars or visible barriers between you, than in this preserve. But there are safety barriers, in the form of deep trenches, which are not easily seen. Photo by Scott Thomas.

THE TREE OF LIFE is an enormous, man-made structure. The "bark" is carved with many images of animals and other wildlife.

The detail in the many, many carvings is noteworthy.

Beneath the tree is the large Tree of Life Theater, presenting a 3-D movie called IT'S TOUGH TO BE A BUG. Physical special effects add to the amusement, as various insect groups appear in a buggy vaudeville. Three-D effects allow the bugs to "fly out" into the audience, "shooting poison venoms" and "stinging." It does not disappoint!

The underground queue is themed as a combination of tree roots and cave rocks, a spooky introduction to the show ahead.

A marquee over the auditorium entrance is lit by "fire-flies."

The audience don's bug-eye 3-D glasses for the show.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tTxSqj4wvY&feature=related

EXPEDITION EVEREST is a high-speed state-of-the-art roller-coaster which wends its way through the mountain, going both forward and backward - often in the dark. Photo by Joe Penniston.

As is customary with Disney, the long queue is meticulously designed with hundreds of genuine explorer maps, camping equipment and African artifacts. Photo by Barry Brewer. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JjnULRsumo&feature=related

The cars are traveling at top speed when they come hurtling in and out of the mountain. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_ABgBTSMm8

FLIGHTS OF WONDER is an remarkable bird show.

Although the birds are trained, the stress is on natural behaviors rather than "putting human behaviors" on the birds. Photo www.onlywdworld.com/

The trainers are well trained themselves, and bring both expertise and humor to the presentation. Photo Disney

The birds often fly over the heads of the audience to the rear of the pavilion. Photo www.onlywdworld.com/

KALI RIVER RAPIDS provides a terrific ride on water. Photo Erik Johnson

Each ride vehicle seats 12, which lowers waiting time. Photo Erik Johnson

Rounding the first bend. Photo Wilmontu

Temple elephants and prayer flags create atmosphere. Photo Derekrx

Forest fire desolation at the top with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Photo Electrik

Around the corner and down the waterfall! Photo Dandaman

You may get wet on the big drop! Photo Electrik

Happy landings! Photo Electrik

THE FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING is an elaborate in-the-round musical show, not to be missed.

A huge Animatronic Simba presides over the ceremonies.

An exciting singing and dancing spectacle is performed by a large and exuberant cast of singers, dancers, with some audience involvement. Bravo and brava! Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZDHG9116t8

There are many other fascinating adventures, parades and performances in this theme park, and it takes at least a day just to to enjoy most of them.