Walt Disney World Resort is the most well-known of any of the theme parks. It is a "must-do" for “kids” of all ages. Within Walt Disney World Resort, there are six separate parks. Each of them is very different and targets different interest groups, but they all serve up a full dose of Disney magic.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is the theme park for animal lovers and adventurers, no Avatar fan will want to miss a visit to this vast park. Animal Kingdom covers 580 acres, is the world's largest theme park, and hosts over 12 million guests per year.
They do an amazing job of combining elements of a theme park with the characteristics of an exotic zoo. You'll see hundreds of species of live animals along with dozens of theme park rides and attractions. Animal Kingdom is one of the best parks for visitors of all ages. You'll have the chance to explore some of the world's more remote locations, take thrilling Animal Kingdom rides, and be immersed in a fantastic wildlife experience. Within Disney's Animal Kingdom, you will explore seven themed lands, each offering a different experience that will take you across the globe.
The lands include Pandora - The World of Avatar, Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A. and Rafiki's Planet Watch
Within these exciting and diverse "lands" you find plenty of exciting rides and experiences, themed dining, and some great shopping to bring a bit of the Animal Kingdom home.
Our favorite Animal Kingdom Disney rides are Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. We'll dig into those and lots more. Animal Kingdom includes over 40 attractions and experiences and we have included some of the top experiences of the park in our guide to the best rides in Animal Kingdom.
Africa - Get ready to be transported to the African continent and its wildlife. You'll visit the village of Harambe, complete with weathered buildings, handspun decorations, and authentic music.
Kilimanjaro Safaris - Hop into an open-air all-terrain safari vehicle for a visit to the Harambe Wildlife Preserve to see cheetahs, gazelles, and lots more. Your guide will point out the wildlife and keep you entertained, while you may be interrupted by "dangers," rutted trails, shallow waterways, and heavy vegetation before reaching the spectacular view of the savannah. You'll dodge geysers and capture poachers. This is a must-do and one of the favorite Animal Kingdom rides.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail - This is one of two zoo-like animal trails and features gorillas, birds, zebras, and other animals on this relaxing 30-minute trail.
Festival of the Lion King - This live performance "Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King" is an amazing 30-minute musical and acrobatic Lion King show.
Asia - Wander the paths of Asia with prayer flags flapping in the breeze as you encounter creatures from across Asia.
Kali River Rapids - This river ride down the Kali River Rapids is the perfect way to beat the heat in summer as you may very well get drenched. Your journey passes lush jungles, a barren wasteland razed by loggers, and lots more. This is exhilarating and fun! Great for all ages including teens and tweens.
Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. You'll set out on a roller coaster journey to the Himalayan mountains in this favorite of all Animal Kingdom rides. The ride voyages through snowy peaks and dark caves, and you'll even encounter The Abominable Snowman. There are exciting loops and curves and the coaster does go backward for a bit. There is a height restriction of 44" on this one.
Maharajah Jungle Trek - This wildlife trail features animals from Southeast Asia. You'll stroll past "palace ruins'' and creatures like tigers, Komodo dragons, exotic birds, and more. This trek is out of the way and so is usually not as busy. It's a great place to relax and dry off from the Kali River Rapids Ride.
UP! A Great Bird Adventure - This is a stage show that shows Russell trying to earn his Bird Badge for the Wilderness Explorers. He and his dog, Doug, end up in the village of Anandapur and learn about birds from across the world.
Discovery Island - This is the heart of Animal Kingdom. This is the place to escape the crowds and take in some amazing views as you stroll the trails and pathways.
It's Tough to Be A Bug - This is a fun 4D film-meets-stage show that helps you think about how hard it is to be a bug. It features Hopper, from “A Bug's Life” for a scary visit. This show may be too scary for some of the little ones, but it is loads of fun.
Discovery Island Trails - The Trails are lush pathways that wind around the Tree of Life and provide great views and photo opportunities of the Tree and lots of other live animals wandering about.
The Tree of Life - Be sure to visit the iconic Tree of Live that features hundreds of carvings of animals and a secret hidden in the tree. It is inspired by the African baobab tree or upside-down tree. The trunk is covered with over 300 detailed animal carvings. At night, the carvings burst into life for the tree's awakening. These “awakenings” start after dark and continue for every 10 minutes until the park closes.
DinoLand USA - This is the place for all things dinosaurs!
DINOSAUR - Board a Time Rover and blast into the past to see lightning bursts, thunder booms, and menacing dinosaurs. The ride is dark and can be bumpy and jerky so may be scary for some of the little ones or those prone to motion sickness.
The Boneyard - This is the perfect spot when the kids need a break. It is a sprawling, open-air playground packed with dino-related activities. They can be a junior paleontologist at the dig site, a sandpit filled with "bones" and "fossils." Wander through the caves and play on the ropes course, slide and swings.
Oasis - This is the first area you'll enter and it is a tropical paradise of foliage and interesting animals.
Oasis Exhibits are a rich forest area of exotic animal exhibits with a collection of animal exhibits meant to relax you and encourage contemplation. You'll view wildlife like otters, storks, and porcupines in a natural setting.
Pandora - The World of Avatar - This land is based on the hit movie. Float on the Na'vi River or soar on the wings of a banshee in this creative and fun land.
Na'vi River Journey - This is known to be one of the most visually beautiful rides in the park. The Avatar-themed dark ride on a reed boat on the Na'vi River takes you on a search for the Shaman of Songs. You'll pass amazing caves, bioluminescent rainforests, glowing rivers, and mysterious creatures.
Avatar Flight of Passage - This ride takes you on a winged flight on the wings of a banshee through an exciting and imaginary world. Flight of Passage may be one of the best rides at Disney. The details complete the immersive experience with the "breathing" on the sides of the ride vehicle, so you feel like you are on a live animal, along with the breathtaking views.
Rafiki's Planet Watch - You'll jump on the Wildlife Express train and head to Rafiki's Planet Watch for great close-up animal encounters and some learning.
The Animal Experience at the Conservation Station - Watch the Disney animators bring Disney characters to life before your eyes. You'll learn how to draw too, in the 25-minute class with real-life animals for inspiration. The animators use basic shapes and simple instructions so even the most artistically challenged can create something fun.
Affection Section - The little ones love to get hands-on with soft and fluffy friends. Imagine you are Snow White as you play with the domestic creatures at the Affection Section in Disney's only petting zoo. Clean up at the sanitation station, and then visit with goats, pigs, and sheep. They love affection. Animal care experts will answer any questions for the kids.
For more on rides at the other parks, see Your Guide to Theme Parks in Orlando and Guide to Disney Rides.
Tips Before You Go
Before you go, make sure you download the My Disney Experience app. It will provide wait times for the attractions, showtimes for fireworks and parades, and updates on character greeting locations. It has lots of other features that will help you get the most out of your Disney visit, like browsing restaurant menus, making dining reservations, and placing a mobile order at the quick-service restaurants. And the "Get Directions" function will save you lots of steps across the parks.
Some Animal Kingdom Disney rides have a minimum height requirement but most of the rides are appropriate for all ages.