A MALE lion lies atop a rocky outcrop while zebra, elephants, giraffes and a host of other creatures roam the savannah below.

The jeep transport of Kilimanjaro Safaris splashes through fords and negotiates rough tracks as its passengers join in the hunt for evil poachers. At times it's hard to believe you're in Florida and not deepest Africa.

The 500-acre Animal Kingdom, which opened in April 1998, and is the newest and fourth major Disney theme park, is one of Walt Disney's best examples of pure escapism and entertainment - with an added pinch of conservation.

It's a great tribute to the ingenuity of Walt Disney World that visitors planning to spend just a few days here can easily be seduced into staying much longer.

And that's not even taking into account the area's other main attractions of Universal Orlando, Seaworld Orlando, and the many factory shopping outlets - such as Beltz - a must for bargain-hunting Brits.

You will experience more extreme rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach or Alton Towers but, for sheer entertainment and an eye for detail, Walt Disney World in Orlando is hard to beat.

They even manage to make queuing rather less tedious than it might be in the four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney MGM Studios.

While there are rides and attractions to suit all ages and tastes, don't get the idea there is nothing to cater for the white-knuckle fiend. In Epcot I emerged from Mission Space - a simulated mission to Mars - a ghoulish shade of green, wishing I'd taken more notice of the motion sickness warnings.

Another great ride is Test Track, where you can experience what it's like to be a test driver in a high performance car. But the most spectacular of Epcot's attractions is reserved for the evening, when the 40-acre lagoon, around which is built a World Showcase of 11 nations, bursts into life for Illuminations - an awesome combination of fireworks, music and lasers.

The Magic Kingdom, with the magnificent Cinderella's Castle at the end of Main Street, remains the image of Disney. Main rides here are Space Mountain, a roller coaster in the dark, Splash Mountain, a log flume which ends in a 52ft waterfall plunge, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Other highlights are the Share a Dream Come True Parade with favourite Disney characters and, on selected nights, the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular - as the castle becomes the backdrop to yet another fantastic musical fireworks display.

Apart from Kilimanjaro Safaris, the pick of Animal Kingdom is the walk-through Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, home to a troop of gorillas, hippos and other exotic animals, and Maharajah Jungle Trek, complete with Bengal tigers and giant bats amidst 'ancient' Asian ruins. Favourite ride was Kali River Rapids - if you don't mind a good soaking.

For pure entertainment, head for a performance of the Festival of the Lion King, a musical show based on the film, complete with magnificent animatronics, tribal costumes and amazing acrobatic monkeys.

One of the best Disney World rides is at Disney-MGM Studios. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror allows you to experience elevator failure from thirteen floors up. As well as The Great Movie Ride - a journey through the classic films - there's also The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, which demonstrates stunts from Spielberg films.

Further special effects can be seen on the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour while Fantasmic should not be missed. Here, sorcerer Mickey Mouse battles various Disney villains amidst a spectacle of fire, water, music and light.

The parks open from 9am - apart from Animal Kingdom which opens at 8am - and an early start is recommended. There's at least a good day's entertainment in each park and by judicious use of the free Fastpass system you can ensure you don't waste valuable time in line. Place your park ticket into a special machine and it prints a Fastpass, which reserves a return time for a VIP line which ensures you are on the ride within minutes.

A one-day, one-park ticket at the entrance costs $54.75 (£29.79) for over tens and $43.75 (£16.19) for three to nine-year-olds. Under threes are free.

You can spread your visit over several days by buying a Park Hopper Plus pass before you go. This allows you to visit as many theme parks as many times as you like, as well as the water parks, Downtown Disney and the Wide World of Sports.

Prices for a pre-booked five-day Park Hopper Plus are £164 (adult) £130 (child); seven-day, £197 (adult) £157 (child) and ten-day, £248 (adult), £198 (child).

And for those on a tight budget beware. Each theme park is packed with well-stocked gift stores with an array of Disney wares - ranging from a sun visor for your dog to limited edition prints.

And as for a pair of Mickey Mouse ears... yeah, of course you'll still be able to wear them when you get home without looking silly!

TRAVELFACTS

* Andrew booked with Airtours and flew MyTravel from Newcastle to Orlando Sanford, returning to Glasgow. The fly-drive deal seemed a bargain at around £165 per person for 12 days but beware - read the small print when it comes to car insurance. The cost of providing adequate cover and various state/airport taxes can come as quite a shock.

The MyTravel flight was delayed by three hours on the outward flight and had been brought forward by about 45 minutes on the return leg. There's an extra cost to book your seat and an even bigger cost for the longer legged to secure a seat with more leg room. Don't bother paying for the inflight meals - pack your own.