Animal Kingdom

This is what happens when you mix a zoo, an amusement park and Disney Imagineering. Animal Kingdom is a wonderful experience. Everything in the park is beautiful and screams of nature. The entrance, the Tree of Life, the bridges, the trees, the plants and the walkways, they are all magnificent. There are some really exciting rides mixed in as well. Wilderness Explorers is a fun scavenger hunt and learning experience that kids really enjoy. The dining options are the most limited of all the parks. My usual plan for Animal Kingdom is to get there for park open and we can see and do everything by 5 pm or so. Then we usually head back to the resort. We will eat dinner and have a night of swimming in the hotel pool.

Animal Kingdom Layout

Animal Kingdom opens to the Oasis. It is Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom but with nature and wildlife. Don’t rush through this area. In Animal Kingdom, there is something to see everywhere. There are so many exhibits and interesting animals you don’t want to miss. This Oasis opens into the center of the park and Discovery Island. Much like Magic Kingdom’s layout, the lands of Animal Kingdom encircle the center. Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia and DinoLand U.S.A are the worlds of Animal Kingdom.

A river encircles Discovery Island. Keep an eye out for boats moving by with different Disney Friends. Kite Tails is performed on the water and can be viewed from seating in Asia and Dinoland, USA

Discovery Island

Attractions

It’s Tough to be a Bug is a great show starring the characters from A Bug’s Life. It is a 3D movie with some added Disney magic. It usually has little wait and should not be skipped. It’s my Dad’s Pick.There is a live action bird show in the small theater in front of the tree of life. It is a funny and entertaining performance.

Dining

  • Quick Service
    • Flame Tree Barbecue
    • Pizzafari
    • Nomad Lounge
  • Table Service
    • Tiffins Restaurant
    • Rainforest Cafe (Located at Park Entrance)

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Honestly, I must say I am not a big fan of Avatar. That said, the World of Avatar is amazing. The landscape and design is Disney Imagineering at its best. It looks and feels like being on another planet.

Attractions

There are 2 rides in Avatar. And be prepared to wait as they are some of the busiest. Na’vi River Journey is for all ages and is a relaxing and beautiful boat ride. Avatar Flight of Passage is my wife’s favorite in all of Disney World. Kids must be at least 44 inches tall, making it one of the higher requirements in Disney World. Flight of Passage takes you on a banshee flying through another world.

Dining

  • Quick Service
    • Pongu Pongu
    • Satu’li Canteen

Africa

In the center of Africa in Animal Kingdom is Harambe Market. There are shops and snacks and unique souvenirs available. Guests can also find street performers here from time to time. Check the My Disney Experience App for details.

Attractions

A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King is an absolutely wonderful Broadway caliber show with singing, dancing and circus style entertainment. Kilamanjaro Safaris is the Animal Kingdom signature attraction. I recommend an early arrival time as it is the best time to see the most animals at the height of their activity. Gorilla Falls is a walking trail with animal exhibits. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is accessible by a short train ride. There guests can learn about conservation and animal care provided at Animal Kingdom. The Animation Experience is a cool presentation where guests can learn how to draw a Disney character and practice. Affection Section is a petting zoo. The kids love playing in there with the animals.

Dining

  • Quick Service
    • Harambe Market
  • Table Service
    • Tusker House Restaurant

Asia

This land is more spread out than Africa and doesn’t have the central market like Africa does. Intentional or not, Asia is much shadier and cooler than Africa. Asia is the best place to get adult beverages in Animal Kingdom.

Attractions

Maharajah Jungle Trek is a walking trail featuring animals from Asia. Kali River Rapids is a raft ride and you will get wet. Some on the raft will get really wet. Expedition Everest is a top notch coaster. It requires guests to be 44 inches, like Flight of Passage.

Dining

  • Table Service
    • Yak & Yeti

Dinoland USA

There is a playground here and carnival games for prizes. It’s a fun atmosphere for the little ones. There are dinosaur exhibits and a seating area to view Kite Tails on the water.

Attractions

The Finding Nemo musical has been redesigned. TriceraTop Spin is a kids ride on flying dinosaurs. Dinosaur is an awesome ride back in time to visit the dinosaurs. It is just scary enough for the little ones and only requires riders to be 40 inches tall. Everyone should enjoy this ride. The ride car never leaves the ground and does have some jerky movement and acceleration, but it should be tolerable for anyone.

Dining