Disney’s Animal Kingdom frequently gets called a “half-day park”. I couldn’t disagree more and want to share all the fantastic things to do at Animal Kingdom. From stimulating rides to background animal experiences, you can fill multiple days at this park.
Animal Kingdom holds a special place in my heart after spending 7 years working at the Walt Disney World park. That is why I feel confident sharing the best activities there.
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27 Best Things to Do at Animal Kingdom
Wild Africa Trek
Head out on a 3-hour safari with a personal guide and a high ropes experience.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (407) 938-1373 | Website | Cost: Approximately $219-$229 per person
If there is one experience that will elevate your day at Animal Kingdom to another level, it’s Wild Africa Trek. This small group tour includes a up-close encounter with hippos and crocodiles, a personalized safari, and snacks at a platform in the center of the savanna.
👉 Local Tip: I suggest afternoon tours for optimal wildlife viewing pleasure – cooler temperatures and livelier animals.
Avatar Flight of Passage
This unique attraction takes you into the world of Avatar as you fly through Pandora on the back of a banshee.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Since opening, Avatar Flight of Passage has been one of the top rides at Walt Disney World. The ride combines aspects of Soarin’ and Tron as guests sit on their own flying banshee to soar over beautiful views of Pandora.
The line for Flight of Passage is typically the longest in the park. Therefore, I recommend going here first thing in the morning, purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane, or using Genie+.
Tiffins Restaurant
Enjoy an elevated dining experience with dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Tiffins Restaurant is the best dining experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The decor and cuisine draw inspiration from around the world. Some of the decors is also influenced by notes and sketches from the Imagineers who designed Animal Kingdom.
Surprisingly, it is fairly simple to secure a meal reservation at Tiffins. With the excellent quality and diversity of food, you should consider this restaurant as a signature dining experience during your Disney vacation.
Animal Walking Trails
Venture away from the main path to see what creatures you can find throughout the park.
📍 Web Mapping Service | Website Link | Cost: Included with park admission
When creating Animal Kingdom, the Imagineers wanted guests to feel the surprise and wonder of unexpectedly discovering an animal. They achieved this by including four walking trails for visitors to explore:
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (Africa)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (Asia)
- Oasis Exhibits (park entrance)
- Discovery Island Trails (Discovery Island)
The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek are single direction trails showing all the animals. The Discovery Island Trails and Oasis Exhibits are more spread out giving a true exploration feeling.
🛎️ In Need of Accommodations? If experiencing nature`s wonders is what draws you to Animal Kingdom most, I propose remaining at Animal Kingdom Lodge for your Disney trip. Lodging with a savanna vista allows daytime and nighttime observation of African wildlife from your balcony.
Wilderness Explorers
Those of all ages can learn and explore while accumulating their Wilderness Explorers badges.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Fans familiar with the movie Up know of the Wilderness Explorers. To become a real Wilderness Explorer, kids (and adults) can fulfill educational activities throughout Animal Kingdom.
A booklet will aid young explorers in tracking their badges and activities. Look for cast members wearing the signature orange neck scarf to get started.
Festival of the Lion King
Join Simba and friends for a colorful, musical demonstration featuring dancers, singers, and acrobats.
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Festival of the Lion King is a classic show that has been running since Animal Kingdom opened. Dancers, singers, and acrobats help the Lion King characters share their stories through music.
Shows can fill up 30-40 minutes before starting on busy days. I advise seeing one of the morning performances or arriving at the entrance well in advance.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Don’t miss this thrilling 20+ minute safari through several African landscapes.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park entrance
When people think of Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris is generally the first attraction that comes to mind. This over 20-minute trip through several African habitats allows guests to see rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and more.
The optimum time to take Kilimanjaro Safaris is in the morning when wildlife tends to be most lively. The second best period is during storms when several creatures display playful behaviors.
Kilimanjaro Safaris even made my list of top Disney World attractions!
Conservation Station
Chat with the animal care team and get up close with the animals at the petting area.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
From Africa, guests are able to take the Wildlife Express Train out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This area is home to the Conservation Station, the Animation Experience, and the Affection Section.
You can wander through small creature exhibits viewing how Disney’s Animal Kingdom team cares for big and small animals. My son always stops at the Affection Section, a petting zoo, to love the goats and sheep.
Spiked Dole Whip
Head to Tamu Tamu Refreshments to try an adult twist on this classic Disney World snack.
- Sydney Mardi Gras (end February to early March) – now one of the world’s premier Gay and Lesbian events, with thousands marching and many more viewing the spectacular parade. Events occur across Sydney, but mainly in the Surry Hills and Oxford Street area, culminating in the parade on the first Saturday in March.
Walt Disney World is known for its snack choices. A spiked Dole Whip is one of my favorites because it is a classic Disney treat with an modern twist.
You can choose to indulge in a pineapple cider float or top your creamy treat with rum. Either way, you’re in for a delectable experience.
Tree of Life
Animal Kingdom’s iconic tree is impressive, but there is even more than initially meets the eye.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Many people fail to realize one can get up close to the Tree of Life. In fact, I advocate for it! The tree’s trunk and roots are painstakingly carved with hundreds of animals, including insects, dinosaurs, and more.
The Discovery Island Trails will guide you around the animal habitats and tree carvings. Additionally, the line for It’s Tough to Be a Bug winds through the beautiful roots.
Up Close with Rhinos Tour
Travel backstage at the wildlife preserve to meet rhinos from Africa face to face.
📍 An online location mapping service | Phone: (407) 938-1373 | Website | Cost: $49 per person
On the off chance that you appreciate seeing the white rhinos meandering the plain on Kilimanjaro Safaris, this visit is ideal for you. You can talk with creature keepers and figure out about the rhino characters, preferences, and day by day propensities.
Additionally, a visit will be made to the white rhino barn where potentially meeting one of the herd members could occur. The rhinos are not obligated to participate if not wanting to, but based on past experience, more often than not they frequently do.
Expedition Everest
Embark on Animal Kingdom’s lone rollercoaster in search of the elusive yeti.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
When people reference the Disney mountains, they are usually referencing the Magic Kingdom rides. Expedition Everest has truly earned its honorary status as a Disney mountain.
This is the best attraction for daredevils at Animal Kingdom. In addition to the sizable drop, part of the ride also travels backward!
The Boneyard
Parents, take a break while your kids play on the playground and search for fossils.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
All parents of young children should add a stop at The Boneyard to their Animal Kingdom itinerary. This area is a vast playground with climbing structures, slides, fossils, and tunnels to explore.
Crossing over the sizable fossil bridge reveals a dig site stocked with all the tools young ones need to unearth enormous dinosaur remnants.
👉 Local Tip: Guardians, grab a coffee at the Isle of Java or an adult beverage at Restaurantosaurus Lounge before heading into The Boneyard. While your children play or dig, you can sit and unwind.
Play Disney Parks – Animal Expeditions
Use the Play Disney Parks app to guide your explorations of the parks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Free of charge
The Play Disney Parks app includes multiple games and immersive experiences that can be played at home or within the theme parks. A number of the experiences are only accessible if you are inside the theme park itself.
There are currently four experiences available at Animal Kingdom:
- Animal Expeditions: Tree of Life
- The ACE Guide to Pandora
- Animal Expeditions: Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Animal Expeditions: Maharajah Jungle Trek
Tusker House
Spend time with your favorite safari characters while dining on an African-inspired buffet.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Tusker House is among the best value prospects for a Disney table-service restaurant. This location offers both a buffet and character dining so you can meet Donald Duck and friends while savoring African-inspired dishes.
👉 Local Tip: I recommend reserving an early morning breakfast at Tusker House. If the park isn’t open yet, you’ll be some of the first guests in and be able to get some fantastic photos.
Winged Encounters
Watching in awe as free-flying macaws circle the symbolically named Tree of Life.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
One of my most beloved things about Animal Kingdom is the magical encounters that can be found throughout the park (and, most significantly, without waiting in line). Winged Encounters is one of the finest animal viewing experiences at the park.
Free-roaming macaws fly from indoor habitats to perch prominently at the Tree of Life entrance. Keepers there share facts about the birds and training with guests before the macaws showcase their skills and fly back home.
DINOSAUR
Travel back to prehistory on this exciting indoor trip before its conclusion.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included in park admission
Disney has announced that the Dinosaur attraction will be re-themed to Indiana Jones, but they have not released a closing date yet. Therefore, you must include Dinosaur on the itinerary for your 2024 visit to Animal Kingdom while you have the chance.
Hop aboard an all-terrain vehicle and be transported back in time to assist scientists retrieving a dinosaur for scholarly research. You are guaranteed shrieks of joy, smiles, and a tight grip!
Flame Tree Barbecue
Enjoy finger-licking good food while taking in views of the water and Expedition Everest mountain coaster.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Flame Tree Barbecue is one of my favorite Disney restaurants for its atmosphere. The waterside seating is calm and tucked from the busy walks of the park. You can even see Disney characters float by on boats throughout the day.
The barbecue was delicious and the portions were generous sizes. My partner and I could easily share one serving and feel satisfied.
Feathered Friends in Flight
Discover more about various bird species and their training at this amusing show.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included in park admission
Feathered Friends in Flight is a fantastic presentation that combines comedy, education, and encounters with animals. Guests can see a variety of bird species and learn more about their training.
The hosts include audience associates in several demonstrations, so sit closer to the front if you’d like to be chosen to participate.
Satu’li Canteen
The food at Satu’li Canteen is far elevated from the cafeteria atmosphere.
📍 Google Maps | Website
For healthy eating on your Walt Disney World holiday, I suggest obtaining nourishment from Satu’li Canteen. This establishment also presents a great choice for individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Most meals involve building your own bowls where proteins, sides, and sauces can be chosen. There are several delicious combinations like chicken, beef, shrimp, and more.
Savor the Savanna
Does this sound pleasing to you? Obtain a cup of coffee / glass of bubbles – this provides an extensive account (but we think it’s a worthwhile one!).
📍 Google Maps | Site | 🅿️ Parking: Self-pay lot | 🐕 Dogs: Not allowed | 🛎️ Best Nearby Hotel: Marina del Rey Marriott
Savor the Savanna is an upscale version of Wild Africa Trek. This experience starts with a personal safari with a guide to answer all your inquiries. From there, guests head to the boma in the center of the savanna for African snacks, beer, and wine.
This unique activity fits well with a Disney date night or Disney World honeymoon. The Savor the Savanna experience typically occurs in mid-afternoon, allowing time to dine at a favorite restaurant afterward.
Kali River Rapids
The best way to cool off on a hot day is with a plunge on this water ride.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
As water attractions go, Kali River Rapids is brief yet satisfying and gets straight to the point. Getting wet is guaranteed, so it is the perfect way to cool off during a hot Florida summer.
Outside of summer, the lines for this attraction are usually fairly reasonable. If you don’t mind getting wet or choose to wear a poncho, you can enjoy a fun ride without waiting too long.
Explore the Ideal Time to Visit Disney World for additional recommendations on finding the best weather and shortest waits.
Nomad Lounge
Dine on worldwide flavors in an elegant but relaxed setting.
Herman Gulch Trail, one of my favorite Colorado treks of all time, is a bit further west past Guanella Pass Roadway. It’s particularly beautiful in the fall, one of the best times to visit Denver. Ascend 1,785 feet of elevation as you take in aspens, meadows, and at the end of the trail, a striking alpine lake.
Nomad Lounge perfectly complements the adjacent Tiffin’s. Where Tiffins offers a more upscale dining experience, Nomad Lounge provides similar international cuisine in a relaxed environment.
I enjoy grabbing a drink and appetizers while seated on the outdoor deck overlooking the water, where the Pandora sounds can be heard over the bridge. You might even see your favorite character float by!
Relax on a scenic boat tour through the vivid world of Avatar.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Covered in park admission
I hesitate to include Na`vi River Journey on this list because the wait time is usually substantial. This experience is superb. The theming, ambient noises, and immersion are beautifully realized. Infants and young children appear enthralled by everything within view.
However, the ride duration is rather brief compared to the often lengthy wait times. Therefore, I recommend accessing it immediately in the morning or just before closing when the line is shortest.
Caring for Giants
Gain behind-the-scenes insights about the efforts required to care for the largest animals at Disney World.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $39 per person
Those viewing Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney`s Animal Kingdom will get only a brief glance at the elephants during the experience, so booking Caring for Giants allows for a better view. Guests are taken to an overlook behind the elephant habitat, providing an unrivaled perspective of the gentle giants.
An expert educates guests about what it takes to care for a herd of elephants at Disney World. Additionally, they share fun tidbits about each elephant’s personality and quirks.
Animation Experience
Bring your art abilities to the park while learning how to draw a beloved Disney character.
📍 The prominent search engineMaps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Many guests miss the old Animation Experience at Hollywood Studios. Luckily, the same expert artists are offering drawing lessons inside the Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom
The characters alternate from day to day, so you can have the chance to draw a new character each time. Implements for drawing, paper, and pencils are provided.
Harambe Market
While dining in open-air seating, delight in African-influenced dishes.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Those seeking a relaxed, al fresco dining option should head to Harambe Market. The aroma of delectable African flavors floats out easily.
While dining, you may be fortunate enough to have one of the rotating musicians passing through. Kids also love watching the Wildlife Express Train pass by every few minutes.
FAQs About What to Do at Animal Kingdom
What are the best things to do at Animal Kingdom?
Some of the best activities at Animal Kingdom are:
– Avatar Flight of Passage: An exhilarating banshee ride through Pandora.
– Wild Africa Trek: A personalized expedition through animal habitats.
– Animal walking trails: Discover unique creatures in each land.
– Kilimanjaro Safaris: A 20-minute tour through several animal home ranges.
What are the best things to do at Animal Kingdom for adults?
Animal Kingdom is a great park for adults. The best things to do at Animal Kingdom for adults are:
– Experiencing the Savanna, a personalized safari experience.
– Nomad Lounge, excellent setting for food and drinks.
– Expedition Everest, a thrilling roller coaster ride.
– Spiked Dole Whip, an grown-up twist on the Disney classic.
If you’re looking for more adult activities at Walt Disney World, I summarize a comprehensive guide here: Disney World for Adults.
What are the best things to do at Animal Kingdom for toddlers?
The best things to do at Animal Kingdom for toddlers include:
– Wilderness Explorers, educational activities throughout the park
– The Boneyard, a play area and dig site
– Kilimanjaro Safaris, the chance to see many African animals
– Festival of the Lion King, a colorful musical presentation
– Na’vi River Journey, a mesmerizing slow boat ride
If you’re looking for more activities for toddlers at Walt Disney World, I`ve compiled a complete guide: A Day at Disney World with Young Children.
Do you need to spend a full day at Animal Kingdom?
There are more than enough attractions, performances, additional experiences, and walking paths to fill an entire day at Animal Kingdom. The more you explore, the more fun you`re bound to find!
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Whether this is your first trip to Animal Kingdom or your 50th, there is always something novel to discover at this constantly progressive park. Before embarking on your trip, be sure to examine this 6-day Disney World schedule that I assembled to facilitate planning!
