Are you planning a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, the magical theme park at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida? There are multiple Disney theme parks in Orlando, and this is one that you definitely want to see. So, what are the best rides and attractions at Animal Kingdom?
Every family's magical journey at Animal Kingdom will look different, but here are some experiences you don't want to miss.
Best Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park features many beautiful, majestic locations, animals, and wildlife.
You can see a breathtaking Sumatran tiger if you stop by the Maharajah Jungle Trek® Attraction, venture inside the iconic Tree of Life® Awakenings, and watch It's Tough to be a Bug! 3D film and live show. Or you can take a train ride to the conservation station to learn more about your favorite animals and even how to draw animals from Disney films.
If you have a Genie or Genie+, you may want to take advantage of it at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Let’s jump into the experiences you shouldn't miss!
Na'vi River Journey
The Na'vi River Journey is a boat ride through the nighttime Pandora rainforest from James Cameron's movie Avatar. You drift through the bright bioluminescent jungle full of wildlife and plants. The Disney Imagineers used various techniques to make this immersive experience very much like the movie.
The ride is slow, so visitors of all ages can easily take in the countless incredible details of Pandora, it's dark night sky, and many exotic animals. As you progress, the music begins, the shaman starts singing, and you are plunged into the Na'vi jungle and way of life. The ride lasts a little over four minutes.
Kali River Rapids
Suppose you have been at the park for a while, and the sun is sweltering. It is Florida, after all. Kali River Rapids® Attraction is the ride for you if you want to cool off. This water ride will ensure you get wet, so it's best to have a waterproof bag or some other way to protect phones or other electronics while you're on this ride.
Kali River Rapids will send you splashing around in a river raft with water shooting from geysers and hoses. There is a 20-foot drop for the thrill-seekers in your group. This ride is a fun way to cool down while you're at the park, and you can always ride it again when you get too hot.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Another exciting adventure you can't miss is joining a Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition. This attraction is in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. You will ride an all-terrain vehicle with a guide through the homes of over 30 different animal species in a savannah-like natural habitat. Thanks to the park's conservation efforts, zebras, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, lions, and more can be seen.
When you leave the safari, you venture down the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. This is a walk-through instead of a ride. Throughout the trail, you will also see various animals, including gorillas, hippos, birds, and monkeys.
While in this part of the park, you can have a nice sit-down meal at the Tusker House restaurant. You will need to make reservations if you want to eat here, but they offer a bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet. And you'll get to see Donald Duck and other Disney characters while you're there.
Satu'li Canteen
You can also grab a bite to eat at Satu'li Canteen in Pandora, the World of Avatar. This restaurant offers a healthier fast-casual dining experience inspired by Pandora's food. You can get vegetarian and gluten-free options as well as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu bowls with vegetables.
You can build your bowl or bun. Plus, Satu'li Canteen offers adult guests beer and wine choices from "Earth." And the prices won't break the bank, so if you're looking for a good meal for the family that will keep you on budget in Animal Kingdom, the Satu'li is an excellent choice.
Expedition Everest
You must ride Expedition Everest Attraction even if the idea of roller coasters usually makes your stomach turn upside down. This ride is not a traditional looping coaster. Instead, it has a steep hill or two and drops you into the darkness several times. To ride, a child must be at least 44 inches tall.
In the Asia area of the park, Expedition Everest goes backward and plummets you into the darkness, where you can see the great Yeti of the mountain. If nothing else, this iconic Animal Kingdom ride is a fun and scenic adventure for you to try.
The Boneyard
If you have younger children, don't miss out on a visit to the Boneyard, located in the DinoLand U.S.A.® Area of the park. This playground has a ropes course, traditional slides, and swings. There is also a giant sand pit where kids can dig around, looking for fossils or bones, plus some caves for the kids to explore.
The Boneyard is centrally located, so you can drop by for a few minutes to let the kids run around while the adults take a break from all of the walking.
Have a Magical Experience and Save Money at Orlando Disney Theme Parks
Animal Kingdom offers so much to do that you may want to stay longer than originally planned. So if you think you'll want to stay overnight, consider the Animal Kingdom Resort, also called the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort hotel offers views of the savannah animals and a pool with a waterslide. There's fun for the whole crew.
When you visit Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, you can save money if you bundle with CityPASS® tickets. Orlando CityPASS® tickets offer various options based on how many days you will be staying and include all the Disney theme parks in Orlando. You can also add tickets to other major theme parks and attractions in Orlando.
Orlando Lodging
Part of a great vacation is finding a great place to stay. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader Image ©Disney