How to Navigate Disney's Animal Kingdom's Oasis

When you enter Disney's Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, you find yourself immediately in the entry area known as the Oasis. Full of useful information about the park, animal exhibits, character greeting areas and souvenir shops, this area contains a variety of things to enhance your stay in Animal Kingdom, despite it's small size.

Instructions

1. Pick up a park map and check the times guide insert for character greeting times. The Oasis is the perfect place to meet and greet some of your favorite Disney animals upon entering and exiting the park. Familiar faces at the Oasis include (but are not limited to) Terk from "Tarzan," Timone from "The Lion King," Friar Tuck from "Robin Hood," Baloo from "The Jungle Book" and of course Mickey's best pup, Pluto.

2. Stop and take a look at the Oasis Exhibits. Here's a chance for you to view some real wild animals up close, such as an anteater, boar, macaw and more. Look for Animal Kingdom cast members along the pathways on your way in and out of the park for a chance to have a hands-on experiences with bugs, snakes and small rodents.

3. Eat (or make a reservation to eat later) at The Rainforest Cafe. This chain is well-known for being "a wild place to shop and eat," and in Disney's Animal Kingdom, this motto is even more true. With a traditional menu of burgers, salads, steak, chicken and pasta, there's something to please everyone. Be sure to stop in the gift shop on the way out to pick up a souvenir from the rain forest experience.

4. Pick up some souvenirs at Garden Gate Gifts and/or the Outpost. Look for merchandise with your favorite Disney characters dressed in their safari gear as you browse.