Fans of animal-inspired animation are sure to love this park, where guests can explore the wild, meet animals, and even get transported to the fantastical universe of Pandora. Other than Disney’s hi-tech, immersive animation techniques and character costumes donned by cast members, this park distinguishes itself from the rest as the park cares for real life wild animals, who you can visit through a safari ride. In this guide, we recommend the best rides and attractions, food, and entertainment in the wonderful Animal Kingdom!
Best Attractions
Animal Kingdom is made up of five main areas: Pandora, Africa, Asia, DinoLand USA, and Discovery Island, with each having several attractions suitable for both young and old explorers of the wild.
Na’vi River Journey
Come aboard and experience an other-worldly boat ride as you float through a series of caves and into a rainforest that glows with strange creatures and plants, a stunning landscape inspired by Pandora, the setting for the blockbuster film Avatar.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Another Avatar-inspired ride, take on the role of a Na’vi hunter at the Avatar Flight of Passage and fly through the skies of Pandora.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Moving on to Africa and to one of the best attractions in Animal Kingdom, a guided tour at Kilimanjaro Safaris lets you explore the 110 acres home of the African wildlife in a rugged yet safe safari jeep, bringing you up close to wild animals like giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and many more!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Want to get even closer? Head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can meet, stroke and brush domesticated friendly goats, cows, and several other furry creatures.
Expedition Everest
Leave Africa for a climb up the Himalayan peaks in Asia at Expedition Everest, where a speeding train races down the twisted track that tunnels through and around the great mountain. Be careful during your ride, because you might just have an encounter with the infamous Yeti!
Kali River Rapids
Raft down the Kali River Rapids in Asia that drifts guests along lush woodlands and magnificent waterfalls. Hold on tight for that 20-foot drop and be prepared to get drenched!
DINOSAUR
Dry off and head on to DinoLand USA for a secret mission meant for the bravest of them all. Rescue the dinosaurs in time before a deadly meteor leaves them on the brink of extinction! Be warned though, you will meet some of terrifying ancient creatures along your way.
Discovery Island
Take it easy after an intense afternoon of thrilling rides with a walk around the Discovery Island, where you’ll meet other exotic animals like the cute cotton-top tamarins and pink flamingos.
Must-Eats
Try the Honey chicken rice bowl ($19.99) at Yak & Yeti in Asia, or fill up on carbs with French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese ($6.49) at Flame Tree Barbeque in Discovery Island.
Make your own nutritious Satu’li bowl ($12.99) at Satu’li Canteen, break open a sweet pineapple cream cheese Pongo Lumpia ($3.29) spring roll and sip on a cup of Mo’ara margarita ($5.99) from Pongu Pongu in Pandora.
For meat lovers, try the hearty and meaty Gyro Wrap ($11.79) from Harambe Market.
Desserts and all sorts of treats in Disney are taken seriously, so why not relish in a Malva Cake Sundae ($5.99), a Simba Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.99) or the King’s Cooler ($8.50) – a concoction of dole whip, strawberry syrup and coconut rum – all in the land of Africa.
For a highly instagrammable summer dessert shot, go for the Bugs ‘n Grubs ($5.99) waffle cone at the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck and Trilo-Bites. Sweet ice cream, chunky worms, and messy cookie “dirt” all in one great dessert!
Other Entertainment
Bust out some moves, shake and groove at the jungle dance parties in Animal Kingdom. Gather around the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe in Africa as these gleeful dancers make a slew of addictive congo beats that even your feet can’t help but tap along to unknowingly.
Meet iconic characters like Russell and Doug from Up, Baloo from the Jungle Book, Island Pocahontas at Discovery Island for incredible and memorable photos.
If the heat is getting to you, head indoors and grab the best seats for stage shows like Festival of the Lion King in Africa, as well as Finding Nemo and Donald’s Dino-Bash in DinoLand USA.
After the sun sets, catch the night time spectacular Rivers of Light: We are One, a spectacular show set on a lagoon by Asia, where lights, water, fire and music come together in a display of the colourful world of the wild.
Animal Kingdom is sure to raise your expectations for any animal-themed destination, with bountiful attractions and amazing entertainment that clearly sets them apart from the other theme parks and any local zoo.
Getting to Animal Kingdom
Guests can take the Disney shuttle buses, which are provided for guests staying in the resort and partner hotels outside the resort. Guests may also choose to drive and park in Animal Kingdom’s own parking lot, though the parking fees for a full day can be very high. Alternatively, you can consider private hires like Uber or Lyft.
Tips
Celebrate your birthday or other important days of your life here at Disney World! Cast members would love to celebrate the moment with you, so to stop by Guest Relations or an indoor merchandise location and ask for a complimentary celebratory button.
Plan your time efficiently at the theme park with fast passes available to all guests on the Disney World App. Download the handy app and refer to it for information like parade timings and attraction waiting times.
Consider staying at the Disney Resort as hotel guests are entitled to ‘Extra Magic Hours’. Enjoy smaller crowds and shorter waiting times at rides during these special extended hours.
