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.
In addition, find more information at The Best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
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.
*Update: See information on Lightning Lane Multi Pass to help plan your visit.
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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.
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.
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
More to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Want more of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? More experiences include:
- Dinosaur: dark ride through the prehistoric age to help capture an iguanodon
- 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
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Take a train ride to learn more about Disney’s Animals. You can even learn to draw Disney Characters and visit a petting zoo
- 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!
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
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.
New Plans for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
At the 2024 D23 Expo, it was announced that Animal Kingdom Theme Park would see some big changes. Plans include the closure of Dinoland USA. The area will be rethemed to the Tropical Americas where guests can experience an Encanto space as well as an Indiana Jones themed ride. In addition, It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be reimagined into a Zootopia show in the near future. You’ll find all the details HERE.
If you would like highlights of the other Disney Theme Parks to help plan your vacation, please visit:
Disney Springs- Beyond the Theme Parks
How to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
The Best Way to Maximize Your Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Why Epcot in Disney World is a Hidden Gem
Need help booking and planning a vacation to Disney World? Reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel planners will book and build you a bigger and better adventure. Also, join our private travel planning group at Destination DizN & Beyond for more tips and planning tools.
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