Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park has a lot to offer guests! Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of your hectic trip to Disney World? This is the park where you can relax, unwind and step away from the big crowds. Take in the beauty of nature!
Animal Kingdom Park has fewer “rides” than the other 3 parks. But it may have more to see and do overall. This is where you can really tap into that vacation feeling. Here are 6 “must do” activities to check off your list to get the best of this theme park.
Explore More Walt Disney World
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Lightning Lane at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Personally, I don’t believe it is necessary to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your visit to Animal Kingdom Park. However, I do think your money would be well spent on a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Flight of Passage. This attraction is extremely popular! The stand-by line see wait times of over an hour most days. Something to note, this attraction has a 44-inch height requirement.
Purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage 7 days before checking in (Disney resort guests). Non-Disney resort guests can make the purchase 3 days before visiting the park.
Related Article: Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Tips: Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Wildest Park
Relax and Unwind at Animal Kingdom Park
To relax and unwind at a theme park, you must slow down! In this park, you will find an easy pace among pathways and trails. Surround yourself with lush greenery, soft music, and beautiful animals. That is the focus of this heavily themed land.
First, grab a coffee at Creature Comforts. This is the Starbucks location at the front of the park on Discovery Island. Then you can stroll among the roots and branches of The Tree of Life. Take a seat! There are many sitting areas along the waterway so you can watch the character flotillas go by.
Most importantly, take time to notice the details around you! This park and its attractions are exquisitely detailed! It is highly immersive! The landscape, buildings, music, live entertainment and cast members are integral pieces. That is what brings the beauty of Disney’s Animal Kingdom to you.
Slow Down to Enjoy Some Great Food
Enjoy a meal or even a snack at any one of the amazing food service locations. Animal Kingdom Park has some of the best food in Disney World! More importantly, you can take your time to enjoy it. Some of my favorites include:
- Tusker House: Enjoy breakfast or dinner at this table service character meal featuring Mickey and friends in their safari gear.
- Mr. Kamal’s: This food kiosk, between Asia and Africa, serves seasoned fries. Honestly it serves some of the best falafel I’ve ever had.
- The Smiling Crocodile: a food kiosk on Discovery Island that serves street tacos (amazing!)
- Flame Tree Barbecue: This is a quick service location where you can get all things smoked and sauced. Try the pulled pork mac & cheese!
- Yak & Yeti: a table service restaurant in the Asia section with Pan/Asian cuisine
- Satu’li Canteen: A quick service restaurant. You can even mobile order ahead of time! Enjoy “create your own” bowls with grains, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. You can also get a craft beer made specifically for this location- The Hawkes’ Grog Ale!
- Nomad Lounge: This lounge, just outside of Pandora, offers beautiful views while you enjoy small bites and cocktails.
Those are just a few!
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Wander Among the Majestic Animals at Animal Kingdom Park
Venture to Africa and stroll through the Gorilla Falls Trail. This trail leads you past aquariums of exotic fish first. Then, witness the whimsy of the meerkats and of course a family of Gorillas.
In Asia you can wander through Maharaja Jungle Trek. View tigers, Komodo dragons, elds deer and water buffalo along the way. These beautiful peaceful trails are often overlooked and not crowded.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Take a safari truck ride through the African Savannah on Kilimanjaro Safari. This 110-acre trip among 35 different species of wildlife.
This attraction is best done first thing in the morning or later in the evening. The animals are more active at those times. However, the attraction does close earlier than the park. So, keep an eye on those wait times and closing time.
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
This is a fan favorite rollercoaster at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park! Expedition Everest brings all the thrills and chills and is one of the most popular attractions in Disney World! Ascend the highest peaks of the Tibetan Mountains, then plummet back again after an encounter with the mythical Yeti.
This ride has a 44-inch height requirement. The line moves quickly, so wait times are generally bearable. Better yet- there is a “single rider” line available. If you don’t mind riding separate from your family/friends, you can get on faster.
Related Article: Rides You Can Not Skip at Disney World
More to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Want more of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? More experiences include:
- Navi River Journey: Ride a boat through the bioluminescent forest of Pandora
- Winged Encounters: Watch beautiful Macaw’s free fly in a show around the Tree of Life
- Feathered Friends in Flight: Get a “behind the scenes look at the birds of Animal Kingdom
- Wilderness Explorers: Join an adventure on this fun and educational scavenger hunt. One of the many free magical activities in Disney World
and much more!
Use this information as a tool to help experience the best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I’ve listed some of the big hitters for you so you can make the most of your time at the park.
The Future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A New Era of Exploration
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is always evolving, and there are some exciting changes coming to this incredible park! While many guests have great memories of DinoLand U.S.A., that area is now being transformed into Tropical Americas, a new land celebrating the beauty, wildlife, and cultures of Central and South America.
Guests can look forward to a new Encanto-inspired attraction where you’ll step into the world of the Madrigal family. The former DINOSAUR attraction is also getting a new story as it becomes an Indiana Jones-themed adventure filled with exploration and excitement.
But the changes aren’t just happening in the former DinoLand area. Earlier this year, Bluey’s Wild World opened at Conservation Station, giving families another fun reason to take the Wildlife Express Train and explore this often-overlooked area of the park.
Animal lovers will also want to check out the updated animal experiences near Conservation Station, including the opportunity to see kangaroos and other Australian wildlife. These additions continue Animal Kingdom’s mission of helping guests connect with animals and learn more about the natural world.
While some of these new experiences are still on the horizon, there is already so much to love at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From incredible animal encounters to one-of-a-kind attractions, this park continues to offer something truly unique at Walt Disney World!
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Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
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