Why is it that we are usually the last to take our own advice? For years I have insisted that our own Pacific coast is as beautiful as any I have seen, or that our expansive Alaskan wilderness is unrivaled. What place could be more delightful than New England in full fall plumage? Or our capitol, transformed by cherry blossoms in the spring? And now, for those of us who dream of seeing wild animals or experiencing exotic, exciting safaris, it's not necessary to take that exhausting trip halfway around the world to Africa.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the biggest, boldest, and most unique park ever attempted. This is not just another theme park. There are all sorts of animals, live or imaginary, domestic or wild. The expressed aim of the park, according to the director of animal programs, is to "immerse our guests in nature and emphasize man's partnership with it."

That it does. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes visitors in open-air vehicles through 110 acres filled with over 1,000 free-roaming birds and mammals, from more than 200 species including antelope, rhino, zebra, baboons, hippopotamus, crocodiles, lions, gorillas, and elephants. There are not only forests and grasslands and rivers, but some unique settings as well, including one where hippos can be observed swimming underwater.

Harambe is modeled after a small coastal East African village with thatched roofs created by South African Zulu craftsmen, hand-lettered signs, winding streets and African music ­ even the cracks in the sidewalks were modeled after the real thing! The town is the starting point for nature walks, and also near the boarding point for the old South African-inspired British train to the Conservation Station.

The Animal Kingdom represents a totally new concept, combining traditional theme park elements with reality. Perhaps it is best summed up by the incredible Tree of Life. At first glimpse it is like any other tree, but this huge tree is over 14 stories high and 50 feet wide, and is carved with over 350 animals. One branch may look like a bear, another a lion or monkey or deer. It represents the incredible diversity and richness of our world and aims to promote our understanding of the relationship between man and nature.

So come on down to Florida and enjoy. Africa is waiting.