Animal Kingdom 101
Did you know that Animal Kingdom is the second most visited Disney park, after the Magic Kingdom? It’s because there’s no better way to spend a day then immersed in the fantastic theming of the lands and learning about animals in their habitats, the importance of conservation and being part of nature. Ready to be an explorer? There are 6 areas to wander through:
Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora-World of Avatar, Africa, Asia & Dinoland USA (soon to be rethemed).
Here is a quick breakdown of what to find in Animal Kingdom:
Oasis:
The Oasis is the Main gate to Animal Kingdom. Here visitors can rent lockers & strollers, visit the Rainforest Cafe and explore pathways with animals, vegetation and waterfalls. Also see if you can spot DiVine, a camouflaged forest dweller.
Discovery Island:
After going through the Oasis guests arrive in Discovery Island. This is the main hub of Animal Kingdom. Straight ahead you can see the Tree of Life, an intricately carved tree with hundreds of animals. Under the tree of life is the interactive 3D show, It’s Tough To Be a Bug. There’s also some great shopping options as well as dining like Flame Tree Barbecue, Tiffins or Nomad Lounge.
Also be sure to sign up to be a “Wilderness Explorer” to complete challenges, learn about animals and the wilderness and earn badges as you explore the park.
Pandora - The World of Avatar:
The lush and alien landscape of Pandora provides a stunning environment for exploration. Guests can admire the floating mountains, colorful plant life, and the bioluminescent glow that really comes to life at night. Ride on one of Walt Disney World’s best attractions Avatar Flight of Passage, relax down the Na’vi River, pick up a quick meal at Satu'li Canteen, or just explore all the pathways and details in Pandora.
Africa:
This themed area is home to some of the best of what Animal Kingdom has to offer. Grab a quick bite at Harambe Market, or relax at Tusker House. Don’t miss the Festival of the Lion King show, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, or Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can enjoy close up encounters with elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and more. Take a quick train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you can interact and pet some animals, learn about conservation and veterinary services or join a daily Disney illustration class.
Asia:
Asia is home to two of Animal Kingdoms biggest attractions Kali River Rapids a soaking (no, really - you WILL get wet) adventure on the Chakranadi River and Expedition Everest a thrilling rollercoaster up the Forbidden Mountain to escape from the Yeti. Best food location in this area is Yak & Yeti.
Dinoland U.S.A.:
A fun area for the kids, Dinoland USA has Finding Nemo The Musical, The Boneyard - playground and a fossil dig site, TriceraTop Spin, DINOSAUR, fun arcade games, and quirky shopping like Hester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. Check out Restaurantosaurus Lounge for some cocktails & snacks, be sure to ask for the secret menu drinks!
Fast Tips:
• Closes earliest of all four parks. Park hours can change, be sure to check park hours prior to visiting here.
• Arrive by bus or car
• Generally less crowded in the afternoons
• Can be a half day park
• Serves alcoholic drinks
• No firework show for the safety of the animals - Tree of Light projections show
• Lockers are available. There are also lockers located near Ka’li River Rapids for dry clothes.
• Stroller & wheelchair rental is available at all Walt Disney World Parks
Rides & Attractions
Disney's Animal Kingdom offers a variety of rides that immerse guests in the wonders of nature, wildlife, and thrilling adventures. Catch a show, a rollercoaster or surround yourself with animals. Check out ride height requirements here!
Most Popular Rides:
• Avatar Flight Of Passage (average wait 92 mins) - 3D flying simulator
• Expedition Everest (28 mins) - Roller coaster, goes backwards at times, frightening moments
• Kilimanjaro Safaris (36 mins) - Animal Safari
• Na’vi River Journey (65 mins) - Gentle boat ride through bioluminescence rainforest of Pandora
• DINOSAUR (23 min) - Loud & dark thrill ride. Scheduled to be rethemed.
• Tough to be a Bug (10 min) - 3D show special effects. Scheduled to be changed
• Kali River Rapids (25 mins) - Water Rapids ride. You will get wet!
Rope Drop Priorities:
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Expedition Everest
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
Most Popular Show:
• Festival of The Lion King - Vibrant show with puppets, acrobats, your favorite characters and music
Best Rides and Attractions for Little Ones:
• Kilimanjaro Safaris - Animal Safari
• Na’vi River Journey - Gentle boat ride through bioluminescence rainforest of Pandora
• TriceraTop Spin - Kinda like Dumbo, but Dino’s!
• The Boneyard - Kids playground with excavation dig site
• Festival of the Lion King - Musical stage show
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! - Musical stage show
• Wildlife Express Train - Short train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch:
Conservation Station - Educational Area
Affection Station- Petting Zoo
• Gorilla Falls Trail - Exploration trail with African animals
• Maharajah Jungle Trek - Exploration Trails
• Feathered Friends in Flight! - 35 minute educational free flying bird show
Dining
Disney's Animal Kingdom has some of the best dining in all of the Disney parks. There are lots of flavors, cuisines, and fun foods to try!
★ Check out our Favorites!
Best Table Service Dining:
• Yak & Yeti - Pan Asian Cuisine
• Tiffins - International Asian, Latin & African Cuisine
★ Nomad Lounge - Small Bites & Cocktails
• Tusker House (Character Dining Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy in safari attire) - African Cuisine
Nomad Lounge - Churros, Korean Barbecue Mushroom Bao Buns; Tamu Tamu Pineapple Crisp Sundae
Character Dining:
• Tusker House (Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy in safari attire) - African Cuisine
Best Quick Service:
• Satu'li Canteen - Create Your Own Bowl or try the famous Cheeseburger Pods!
★ Flame tree BBQ - Barbecue Dishes
★ Harambe Market - African Inspired Counter Service
• Mr Kamal’s - Fries, falafels, drinks
• DrinkWallah - coffee’s, drinks, snacks
• Terra Treats - Pizza!
• Kusafiri - Flatbreads, pita & wraps – Try the Marinated Chicken Flatbread
• Tamu Tamu - Go for the Pineapple Crisp Sundae!
• The Smiling Crocodile - Tacos – Try the Street Corn Tacos
• Thirsty River Bar - Cocktails
• Pongu Pongu - If you like sweet drinks, try the Night Blossom and the Pongu Lumpia dessert
• Eight Spoon Cafe - Mac ‘n Cheeses & a crazy Pulled Pork Jelly Doughnut Sandwich!
Where to Meet Characters!
Check the My Disney Experience App daily to see who is in the park & where!
• Mickey & Minnie at Adventurers Outpost - Discovery Island
• Moana - Discovery Island
• Dug from Up - Discovery Island
• Russell from Up - Discovery Island
• Dino Donald Duck, Daisy Duck - DinoLand USA
• Chip & Dale - DinoLand USA
• Kevin from Up - Wandering around DinoLand USA & Discovery Island
• Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack - River Lagoon
• Pocahontas - River Lagoon
• Rafiki - River Lagoon
• Timon - River Lagoon
• Goofy & Pluto - River Lagoon
• Character Dining: Mickey, Donald, Daisy & Goofy in safari attire!) - Tusker House
Our Top PickS:
• Kilimanjaro Safari's should not be missed!
• Catch the nighttime Tree of Life Awakenings Light Show!
• Nomad Lounge is a great place to take a break and relax.
• Pandora is bioluminescent and really cool to see at night.
• *Main Street 101 Fact: Did you know that Animal Kingdom was once supposed to include mythical and magical creatures? There are still some easter eggs around the park! Look for the Unicorn section in the parking lot, the dragon on the front entrance, the dragon waterfall in the River Lagoon outside Nomad Lounge or the dragon silhouette by front security.
• Make your own Avatar action figure at ACE Avatar Maker inside Windtraders in Pandora.
• Sign up to be a Wilderness Explorer right when you enter Discovery Island. There are kiosks and stations throughout the entire park where kids can learn about nature, conservation and more and receive ‘badges’ along the way.
• For a place to cool down on super hot days with great AC and yummy drinks, pop into the Restaurantosaurus Lounge just to the side of the restaurant.
