Animal Kingdom Overview
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the largest of the Walt Disney World theme parks, sprawls over 500 acres, offering a unique blend of adventure, nature, and entertainment. Opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, this park immerses guests in the wonders of the natural world, celebrating the magic of animals, both real and imagined. Visitors can expect to explore diverse themed areas such as Africa, Asia, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Dinoland U.S.A., each brimming with captivating attractions, live shows, and up-close animal encounters.
Navigating this expansive park can be a thrilling yet daunting task. From the awe-inspiring Expedition Everest roller coaster and the enchanting Na’vi River Journey to the educational Kilimanjaro Safaris, there’s something for every adventurer. Guests will also marvel at the park’s dedication to conservation and education, with numerous opportunities to learn about wildlife and the environment. Be prepared to walk long distances and spend a full day, if not more, to truly experience all that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer.
Animal Kingdom Attractions
- Avatar Flight of Passage: An exhilarating 3D ride that simulates flying on the back of a banshee over the stunning landscape of Pandora.
- Na’vi River Journey: A serene boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora, showcasing the beauty and mysticism of the Na’vi world.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: A guided tour through the African savanna, where guests can see free-roaming wildlife such as elephants, lions, and giraffes.
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: A thrilling roller coaster adventure through the Himalayas, featuring an encounter with the legendary Yeti.
- Dinosaur: A time-traveling adventure that takes guests back to the age of dinosaurs to rescue a stray dinosaur before a meteor strikes.
- Kali River Rapids: A white-water rafting expedition through the lush jungles of Asia, with plenty of splashes and surprises along the way.
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!: A 3D show located inside the Tree of Life, offering a humorous and enlightening look at the world from a bug’s perspective.
- Maharajah Jungle Trek: A walking trail in the Asia section where guests can encounter tigers, bats, and other exotic animals in beautifully themed habitats.
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: A walking trail in the Africa section where visitors can observe gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds in a lush, natural environment.
- Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch: A scenic train ride that takes guests to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an area dedicated to animal care and conservation education.
Animal Kingdom Entertainment
- Festival of the Lion King: An energetic live show that brings the world of Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa to life with vibrant music, acrobatics, and puppetry inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.” This spectacular performance features beloved songs and stunning visual effects that captivate audiences of all ages.
- Finding Nemo – The Big Blue… and Beyond!: A musical stage show that transports guests into the ocean world of “Finding Nemo.” Using puppetry, live performers, and innovative special effects, this production retells the heartwarming story of Marlin, Dory, and Nemo with unforgettable songs and visually stunning scenes.
- Tree of Life Awakenings: As night falls, the iconic Tree of Life comes to life with vibrant projections and an enchanting light show. The tree’s carvings of animals appear to move and tell their stories, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates all who watch.
- Feathered Friends in Flight!: An entertaining and educational bird show set in the Asia section of the park. Guests can learn about and see a variety of exotic birds, including parrots, hawks, and owls, as they showcase their natural behaviors and impressive skills.
- Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe: Located in the Africa section, these talented musicians engage guests with their high-energy drumming, singing, and dancing, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere that celebrates African culture and traditions.
Dining at Animal Kingdom
Quick Service
Satu’li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar): This quick-service restaurant offers a unique menu inspired by the culture of Pandora, featuring build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients and delicious cheeseburger pods.
Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island): Known for its mouth-watering smoked meats, this outdoor eatery serves up BBQ ribs, chicken, and pulled pork sandwiches, along with tasty sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
Harambe Market (Africa): A vibrant outdoor market offering a variety of quick-service options, including grilled meats, flatbreads, and salads, all with African flavors.
Pizzafari (Discovery Island): A quick-service restaurant serving up family favorites like pizza, pasta, and salads in a whimsical, animal-themed setting.
Restaurantosaurus (Dinoland U.S.A.): A casual dining spot offering classic American fare, such as burgers, chicken nuggets, and sandwiches, with a fun, dinosaur-themed décor.
Table Service
Tiffins Restaurant (Discovery Island – Signature): This fine dining experience features a diverse menu inspired by the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and South America, with an elegant atmosphere and beautiful artwork.
Tusker House Restaurant (Africa): A character dining experience featuring Donald Duck and friends, this buffet-style restaurant offers a variety of African-inspired dishes, perfect for families.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Asia): A table-service restaurant offering Asian-inspired dishes such as honey chicken, lo mein, and Korean beef. There’s also a quick-service option, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes, for faster meals.
Rainforest Cafe (Park Entrance): Located at the park’s entrance, this immersive restaurant features a jungle atmosphere with animatronic animals and serves a diverse menu that includes seafood, steaks, burgers, and pasta, perfect for a unique dining experience.
Animal Kingdom Fireworks, Parades, and Night Shows
Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks due to its close proximity to animals. Therefore, the park closes earlier than the other parks on most nights. Staying late provides some great opportunities to experience rides with low weights and cooler temperatures. One unique nighttime attraction is the safari, as portions of it are lit, but be sure to check the attraction’s closing time.
The park also stopped offering nighttime shows except for the brief Tree of Life Awakenings. Similarly, there are no longer any parades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom Transportation
Unlike the other three parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers only one method of transportation: busses. Even guests staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge will have to take a bus from the resort to the park.
Busses are also available to take guests to all of the onsite hotels and to the other theme parks.
Fortunately, Animal Kingdom is the easiest park to park your car at. The lots are very close to the entrance, so you may not need to take a tram if you arrive early. However, it is the most remote park, so prepare for a 20-minute drive if you are staying on the other side of property (Magic Kingdom resort area).
Animal Kingdom Strategies
Animal kingdom is a great park for exploration. I highly recommend knocking out all of the rides early in the day and spend the afternoon checking out all of the animals and watching shows. Here are some general plans for your next trip to Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom for Toddlers
Morning:
1. Na’vi River Journey: Start your day with this gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora, perfect for little ones to marvel at the glowing flora and fauna.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Head over to Africa for a guided tour of the savanna, where toddlers can see elephants, giraffes, and other animals up close.
3. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: After the safari, explore this walking trail where toddlers can watch gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds in a lush setting.
Midday:
4. The Boneyard: Let your toddlers burn off some energy at this dinosaur-themed playground in Dinoland U.S.A., featuring slides, climbing areas, and interactive exhibits.
5. Lunch: Enjoy a family-friendly meal at Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland U.S.A. or Pizzafari in Discovery Island.
6. Finding Nemo – The Big Blue… and Beyond!: After lunch, take in this engaging musical stage show that will captivate young children with its colorful puppetry and familiar characters.
Afternoon:
7. TriceraTop Spin: Stay in Dinoland U.S.A. for this mild, spinning ride that lets toddlers soar through the air on a friendly dinosaur.
8. Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Take a relaxing train ride to this dedicated area, where kids can learn about animal care and enjoy the Affection Section petting zoo.
9. Affection Section: At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, let your toddlers interact with friendly goats, sheep, and other small animals in the petting zoo.
Evening:
10. Tree of Life Awakenings: As the day winds down, find a spot near the Tree of Life to watch this enchanting light and projection show that brings the tree’s carvings to life. If no one in your party wants to do thrill rides, you will likely be done several hours before Tree of Life Awakenings begins.
Throughout the day, take advantage of shaded rest areas, baby care centers, and stroller rental services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both parents and toddlers.
Animal Kingdom for Kids
Morning:
1. Avatar Flight of Passage: Start your day in Pandora with this exhilarating 3D ride that simulates flying on the back of a banshee. Check height requirements to see if your child can ride.
It is very important to use early park admission if you are a hotel guest and arrive about 45 minutes before park opening. If you get there after the turnstiles open, skip Flight of Passage and come back to it later in the day.
2. Na’vi River Journey: Follow up with this gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora, perfect for everyone to enjoy.
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Head to Africa for a guided tour of the savanna, where kids can see elephants, giraffes, and other animals up close.
Midday:
4. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: Make your way to Asia for this thrilling roller coaster. For those not tall enough, explore the nearby areas or enjoy a snack break.
5. Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island or Satu’li Canteen in Pandora for a unique dining experience.
6. Festival of the Lion King: After lunch, enjoy this vibrant and energetic live show featuring music, acrobatics, and puppetry inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Afternoon:
7. Kali River Rapids: Stay in Asia for a fun and refreshing white-water rafting adventure. Be prepared to get wet!
8. Maharajah Jungle Trek: Explore this walking trail to see tigers, bats, and other exotic animals in beautifully themed habitats.
9. Finding Nemo – The Big Blue… and Beyond!: After lunch, take in this engaging musical stage show that will captivate kids with its colorful puppetry and familiar characters.
10. Dinosaur: Head over to Dinoland U.S.A. for a thrilling time-traveling adventure that takes guests back to the age of dinosaurs.
Evening:
11. Tree of Life Awakenings: As the day winds down, find a spot near the Tree of Life to watch this enchanting light and projection show that brings the tree’s carvings to life.
Animal Kingdom for Adults
Morning:
1. Avatar Flight of Passage: Start your day in Pandora with this exhilarating 3D ride that simulates flying on the back of a banshee, a must-do for thrill-seekers.
2. Na’vi River Journey: Follow up with this gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora, offering a relaxing yet visually stunning experience.
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Head to Africa for a guided tour of the savanna, where you can see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife up close.
Midday:
4. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: Make your way to Asia for this thrilling roller coaster adventure through the Himalayas, featuring an encounter with the legendary Yeti.
5. Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island or Satu’li Canteen in Pandora for a unique dining experience.
6. Festival of the Lion King: After lunch, take in this vibrant live show featuring music, acrobatics, and puppetry inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Afternoon:
7. Kali River Rapids: Stay in Asia for a fun and refreshing white-water rafting adventure. Be prepared to get wet!
8. Dinosaur: Head over to Dinoland U.S.A. for a thrilling time-traveling adventure that takes you back to the age of dinosaurs.
9. Maharajah Jungle Trek: Explore this walking trail to see tigers, bats, and other exotic animals in beautifully themed habitats.
Evening:
10. Tree of Life Awakenings: As the day winds down, find a spot near the Tree of Life to watch this enchanting light and projection show that brings the tree’s carvings to life.
Animal Kingdom for Seniors
Morning:
1. Na’vi River Journey: Start your day in Pandora with this gentle boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest, offering a relaxing and visually stunning experience.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Head to Africa for a guided tour of the savanna, where you can see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife up close from the comfort of a shaded safari vehicle.
3. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: After the safari, take a leisurely stroll through this trail to observe gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds. There are plenty of shaded areas to rest.
Midday:
4. Festival of the Lion King: Enjoy this vibrant and energetic live show featuring music, acrobatics, and puppetry inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.” The indoor venue offers a nice break from the heat.
5. Lunch: Dine at the Flame Tree Barbecue on Discovery Island or Satu’li Canteen in Pandora for a relaxed, family-friendly meal.
6. Finding Nemo – The Big Blue… and Beyond!: After lunch, take in this engaging musical stage show that will captivate both seniors and grandchildren with its colorful puppetry and familiar characters.
Afternoon:
7. TriceraTop Spin: Head over to Dinoland U.S.A. for this mild, spinning ride that lets grandparents and grandchildren enjoy together.
8. Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Take a relaxing train ride to this area dedicated to animal care and conservation education.
9. Affection Section: At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, let grandchildren interact with friendly goats, sheep, and other small animals in the petting zoo. Seniors can rest and watch from shaded areas.
Evening:
10. Tree of Life Awakenings: As the day winds down, find a spot near the Tree of Life to watch this enchanting light and projection show that brings the tree’s carvings to life.
Animal Kingdom Rope Drop
Rope drop at Animal Kingdom is one of the most valuable because of the massive crowds that quickly fill up Flight of Passage’s queue. Just like Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, you have to get to the park at least 30-45 minutes before the early hours begin to beat the crowd.
If you find yourself in the back of the crowd, you will likely wait over an hour. That is when you should make the decision to skip Flight of Passage and heat to River Journey. Similarly, if you don’t have early admission, Expedition Everest and Dinosaur will have a very short queue.
Kilimanjaro Safari usually doesn’t open during the extra 30 minutes, though its line can get long early, so you will want to ride as soon as possible. Finally, head back over to Flight of Passage around lunchtime, as the wait will usually drop a little later in the day. Not to mention, it has one of the few air-conditioned queues.
Animal Kingdom Genie Plus
Genie Plus may be worth it if you really want to maximize your time at the park, or plan on visiting one park per day. However, I typically opt to arrive extra early so I can quickly knock out the rides with the longest waits.
The problem with Genie Plus at Animal Kingdom is that there are only four rides that it would come in handy for. Because there are so few options, the only available return times may be later than you plan to stay in the park.
If you have some extra money to spare, I would opt for a Flight of Passage individual Lightning Lane. Then, go straight to River Journey at park opening, followed by Kilimanjaro Safari and Expedition Everest.
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios in One Day
It is possible to do both Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on the same day with some planning. However, you will not be able to do everything in both parks. You will also need a park hopper add-on and should factor in at least one hour of travel time between parks.
If you want to do two parks in a day, you will need to make a list of the most important attractions and shows. Both parks have a lot of shows that can take a ton of time. Not to mention, many of the rides at Hollywood Studios get extremely long waits.
To get the most out of your day, I would highly recommend getting Genie Plus and stacking return times in the afternoon for Hollywood Studios. It is important to go to Animal Kingdom first since it opens earlier than the other parks on most days. Additionally, Hollywood Studios will be open much later than Animal Kingdom.
I would try to leave Animal Kingdom by noon, that way you have enough time to wait out Rise of the Resistance, Runaway Railway, and Tower of Terror early in the day. Smugglers Run usually has short waits at night. I would consider skipping Slinky altogether unless you have a return time or ride it late in the evening to avoid the heat.
Animal Kingdom Tickets
Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers several ticket options to suit different needs and preferences:
- Standard Theme Park Ticket: This ticket grants you access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for one day. You can enjoy all the attractions, shows, and entertainment available in the park.
- Park Hopper Option: This add-on allows you to visit more than one Disney park in a single day. You can start your day at Animal Kingdom and then hop to another park like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios after 2 PM.
- Park Hopper Plus Option: In addition to park hopping, this option includes admission to Disney’s water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and other entertainment venues like the Oak Trail Golf Course and miniature golf.
- Multi-Day Tickets: If you’re planning an extended visit, multi-day tickets offer admission to one park per day for a specified number of days (2 to 10 days). The more days you purchase, the lower the cost per day.
- Annual Passes: For frequent visitors, an annual pass provides unlimited access to all four Disney theme parks throughout the year, along with additional perks like free parking, discounts on dining and merchandise, and special event access.
- Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane: These add-ons enhance your experience by allowing you to reserve access to select attractions, shows, and character meet and greets. Genie+ covers many attractions, while Individual Lightning Lane allows for separate purchases of access to the most popular rides.
Animal Kingdom Map
We are working to get a map up soon. In the meantime, check out the park map on Disney’s website: Here
FAQs
Can Animal Kingdom Be Done in One Day?
Animal Kingdom can easily be done in one day. In fact, I would plan to visit one of the other parks later in the day. The amount of time spent at Animal Kingdom really varies by person. I often stay until around 1 PM, but I often skip the Nemo show, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the river rapids, and one of the walking trails.
Can I Buy Animal Kingdom Tickets at the Gate?
Animal Kingdom tickets are available at the gate, but you should purchase them online in advance. Tickets at the gate are subject to availability depending on crowds. That normally isn’t a problem at Animal Kingdom, but the prices are often much higher than they are online.
Is it Worth Going to Animal Kingdom Without Rides?
Many people visit Disney parks, including Animal Kingdom, and never set foot on a ride. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is like a massive zoo with plenty of exhibits to entertain everyone. Kilimanjaro Safari is a must-see for everyone visiting the park, and it is perfect for people of all ages and abilities.
Is There an Animal Kingdom TV Show?
Animal Kingdom is the central focus of the Disney Plus show Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The show provides a behind-the-scenes look at many of the animals housed at Animal Kingdom and their trainers.
Are Animal Kingdom Animals Real?
Yes, nearly all of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are real. It’s pretty common for people who have never been to the park to question the animals since the popular Jungle Cruise ride at the Magic Kingdom uses audio-animatronics. However, all of the animals on the safari and nearly all of the other animals around the park are real.
Are Animal Kingdom Animals Rescues?
Some of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are rescued or endangered, while others were bred in captivity. There is, understandably, a lot of concern about where animals come from.
Animal Kingdom is AZA accredited and offers exceptional care for the animals. While Animal Kingdom is a great park with some epic rides, it may be best to skip it if you are uncomfortable with animals in captivity.
