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Mom And Daughter; Animal Kingdom
  • On Jul 31, 2009
    Melissa from MA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I went to Animal Kingdom a few years ago, but didn't stay very long, partially because I have quite an odd fear of birds. I get nervous that around the park the birds are more free than caged in at a zoo. At AK, are there a lot of free roaming birds?

    Hi Melissa,

    I actually have several friends with bird phobias and traveled to WDW with her several years ago. Her biggest problem was with the seagulls begging for scraps out side the Boardwalk Bakery, but I think that issue has dissipated recently.

    As far as the Animal Kingdom goes, there are a number of bird displays. There are parrots along the oasis path as you walk from the entrance to the main part of the park. There are flamingos at the base of the Tree of Life, etc. You are correct that the Animal Kingdom is not a zoo with lots of big cages. The enclosures are more natural and closely simulate what the animals will find in their native habitat. However, that doesn't mean that the animals are free to roam around. Instead, Disney uses a number of concealed measures to keep the animals where they should be.

    At the Animal Kingdom, the only "free roaming birds" I've ever seen are the same ones that you would find in the other parks and the resorts: ducks in the water areas, sparrows scavenging near food service areas, and so on.

    It is easily possible to avoid the main bird areas at the AK if you'd like to do so. You'll want to steer clear of the Flights of Wonder Show in which large birds do fly directly over the heads of guests. There is also a large bird enclosure along the Pangani Forest Trail exhibit, which guests are allowed to enter. The birds stay in the enclosure and you can skip this part of the Trail if it make you more comfortable.

    I think if you avoid just that little bit of the park, you'll find many other wonderful attractions at the AK that have no bird factor at all. I'd hate for you to miss all the fun.

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Meet the Panelist: Erin, New York

I have three teenage daughters. We're DVC members obsessed with Disney travel. We've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have visited Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. We've taken several Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise trips. Learn More About Erin

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