bestillandwrite My absolute favorite park in all of Walt Disney World is Animal Kingdom. There’s so much to see and do it can be overwhelming, so I made a list of our favorite things. If you haven’t seen to Animal Kingdom or haven’t been in awhile, this list is for you! Learn What to Do When You Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom below.
1. Become a Wilderness Explorer
The very first thing you need to do when you enter Animal Kingdom is become a wilderness explorer (a la the movie Up). There is a booth to the right as you walk down the hill toward the tree of life. Anyone of any age can become an explorer and earn badges all over the park. My sister and I had a blast learning about conservation, different animals and their environment. 10/10 recommend.
2. Ride the Wildlife Express
Riding the Wildlife Express gives you a peek behind the scenes of Animal Kingdom while also transferring you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This area of Animal Kingdom has a petting zoo, the Animation Experience and other animal encounters (as well as spots to earn more badges).
3. Try the Animation Experience
Speaking of the Animation Experience, you can learn to draw your favorite Disney characters at Rafiki’s Planet Watch! The cast members will have a list of the animations for the day, so be sure to choose your favorite and give it a go! My sister and I drew Todd from Fox and the Hound and it was so incredibly fun. It’s also a good break from the heat.
4. Ride Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage
My whole family loves to ride Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. Na’vi River is toddler friendly, soothing and one of the most beautiful rides at Disney. Both Na’vi and Flight of Passage make you feel as though you are a part of the Avatar movies. It’s just magical.
5. Eat at Satu’li Canteen
Speaking of Avatar, I highly recommend eating at Satu’li Canteen while you are in Pandora. The food and ambience are absolutely amazing. You can mobile order to save time and sit down for a nice meal together in the park.
6. Experience a Live Show
The live shows are where it’s at in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Regrettably, we have not seen them all, but it is certainly on the bucket list for the next time we visit. I’ve heard great things about the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows especially.
7. Go on a Safari
You can’t go to Animal Kingdom and not go on a safari, am I right? Never in my life have I been able to be so close to things like rhinos, giraffes, zebra and ostriches. Every safari is different and worth the ride.
8. Appreciate the Tree of Life
The tree of life is a magnificent work of art. The more you stare at it the more animals you can see carved into the trunk. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate it’s beauty, or catch the evening light show if available.
9. Meet Characters
There are dozens of Disney characters inside Animal Kingdom. You can meet Moana, Mickey and Minnie, Kevin from Up and many many more. Meeting characters might seem like it’s just for kids, but it’s fun no matter what your age.
10. Enjoy DinoLand USA
I’m a massive Dino fan, so DinoLand USA is my jam. There’s a carnival area with lots of games, a play ground and several rides. Be sure to take some time to explore that area of Animal Kingdom and maybe learn some new Dino facts!
Thank you for reading What to Do When You Visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I hope they will help you on your next trip to Disney. For more travel tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
Why You Should Eat at the Crystal Palace in Disney’s Magic Kingdom
My Best Advice for Disney with a Toddler
Our Favorite Snacks at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
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Safe Travels,
