bestillandwrite Animal Kingdom is our favorite Disney World park. There’s so much to see and do and explore that I’m always surprised when people say it’s their least favorite park or that they like to skip it. How is that possible? Learn more about Why You Can’t Skip Animal Kingdom in Disney World below.
1. The Atmosphere
In my opinion, Animal Kingdom is the most relaxing park on Disney property. The foliage and water features and landscape… it’s all simply breathtaking. I feel more at ease in this park, and therefore we can’t skip it!
2. Shorter Hours
Animal Kingdom is open for a shorter number of hours than other parks in Disney World. Now, you might think that this makes it easier to skip, but I as a mom I disagree. I love that the park closes at a decent time so that we can easily have a good evening routine and bedtime. It’s tempting to stay out late when parks are open, but Animal Kingdom simply isn’t. That makes my decision easier.
3. Incredible Shows
There are some incredible shows in DAK (Disney’s Animal Kingdom). Our favorite is Festival of the Lion King, but there is also a Finding Nemo show and various smaller performances throughout the park. It’s a great way to take a break from the heat!
4. An Animation Experience
My absolute favorite part of Animal Kingdom is the Animation Experience in Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Learning from a Disney animator is such a fun experience, and I love getting to learn more about Disney while also trying my hand at animating. It’s also a great group activity and fun for kids.
5. Delicious Food
There is delicious food throughout all the Disney parks, but I particularly love Animal Kingdom. My favorite location is Satu’li Canteen in Pandora, but I’m also a sucker for pulled pork Mac n cheese at Flame Tree BBQ.
6. Educational Opportunities
Animal Kingdom is saturated in opportunities to learn. You can discover more about your favorite animals, plants and conservation almost everywhere you go. I love listening to cast members on the Safari or on various trails, and I always learn something new each time we visit Animal Kingdom.
7. Fun Rides
Speaking of the Safari, there are several fun rides to try in Animal Kingdom! Some of our favorites include Navi River Journey, Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest.
8. Becoming a Wilderness Explorer
Did you know you can become a Wilderness Explorer when you visit Animal Kingdom? Yup. Just like Russell from the movie Up. You get a booklet to take around the park and collect stickers as you learn about animals and nature. It’s so much fun for kids (and even adults).
9. The Characters
You can meet all sorts of fun characters in DAK, including Moana, Kevin from Up, Mickey and Minnie, Donald, Chip and Dale (as dinosaurs… which is absolutely precious) and many more!
10. The Animals!
The final and most obvious reason you cannot skip Animal Kingdom is because of the animals. Everywhere you look there is another animal to watch and learn more about. I live in the middle of Kansas, so I’m always in awe when I see a tiger or elephant or giraffe, but even the smallest of creatures can be fun to see.
Thank you for reading about my Why You Can’t Skip Animal Kingdom in Disney World. I hope they will help you on your next family vacation. For more helpful tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
4 Overrated Things at Walt Disney World
How to Entertain a Preschooler at Hollywood Studios
5 Things I Never Forget to Pack for Vacation
If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message on Instagram. Follow @gentryjourneys on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and don’t forget to subscribe below for new content every week!
Safe Travels,
