Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Attractions and Experiences

In this guide, we break down some of the best attractions and rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom that you absolutely can’t miss.

Top 6 Attractions, Rides, and Activities at Disney's Animal Kingdom

A trip to Disney World is not complete without visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. With over 300 species of exotic animals hosted here and plenty of animal-themed rides, this vibrant park offers you a unique outdoor adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

While it is not possible to see all attractions at Animal Kingdom on a one-day visit, you’ll want to make sure you catch the following “must-see” attractions:

1.  Kilimanjaro Safari

Hop on board an all-terrain safari vehicle and let Disney whisk you away on the adventure of a lifetime. On Kilimanjaro Safari, you get the opportunity to be up close and personal with some of the signature African animal species including rhinos, zebras, giraffes, lions, and rhinos.

The Kilimanjaro Safari will take you through dirt trails, shallow waterways, and heavy vegetation before settling at the luscious savannah that is teeming with life. Make sure you don’t miss the 20 feet high termite mound and erupting geysers on this nature drive.

2.  Flight of Passage

Ever since the opening of Pandora - The World of Avatar, the Flight of Passage has solidified itself as a popular attraction for visitors of Animal Kingdom, and rightly so. After all, who would turn down an opportunity to ride on a wing-flapped banshee?

Avatar’s Flight of Passage takes you on an airborne tour through a colorful Avatar-themed landscape punctuated with spectacular mountains, ancient caverns, and raging oceans. Be sure to bring a camera with you, as you will want to capture the awe-inspiring sights and sounds on this ride.

3.  Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster ride that takes you on a high-speed adventure through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. The experience begins with a steep ascent up Everest before the train plunges into the dark crevices and canyons of the mountain at adrenaline-pumping speeds. This thrilling ride finally peaks with a spine-chilling encounter of the mythical Yeti (protector of the Himalayas).

It is worth noting that Expedition Everest is currently closed off for routine maintenance. However, the park plans to have it reopen in time for local guests to enjoy before the summer crowds begin to throng in. We would therefore recommend booking early, as the numbers are expected to swell once this attraction reopens.

4.  Na’Vi River Journey

If you’re looking for a dreamy and relaxing ride at Animal Kingdom, the Na’Vi River Journey at Pandora- The World of Avatar is a must- experience. This ride takes you on a relaxing adventure down the mystical Kaspavan river surrounded by lush bioluminescent forests. The journey slowly builds momentum, reaching its conclusion with an encounter with the Shaman of Songs who serenades you with the interesting music of the Na’vi people.

5.  Triceratop Spin

TriceraTop Spin is a prehistoric-themed family-friendly ride at the Dinoland USA section of Disney Animal Kingdom. On this ride, you get to climb onboard a 4-person triceratops-themed gondola vehicle and soar in the air at roaring speeds. The ride also features colorful decor and delightful music, which makes it particularly popular with younger theme-park goers.

Due to its popularity, the queues at TriceraTop Spin can be quite long and they tend to move slowly due to the slow nature of this ride. With that being said, you will have plenty of time to take your toddlers on this fun ride if you make it to the park early.

6.  Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

At the end of your Kilimanjaro Safari adventure, you will find the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. If you can spare a few minutes to advance down this trail you will experience a lush canopy that is inhabited by a wide variety of primate species, including black and white Colobus monkeys and silverback Gorillas.

The Gorilla Falls Exploration trail is also home to many other species such as mole rats, meerkats, yellow-backed duiker, and okapi. You can also enjoy a close-up view of various exotic fish species courtesy of several aquariums on the trail. We recommend visiting this trail in the morning or late in the evening since most animals are active during these hours.

Things To Know Before Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Since its opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has solidified its reputation as one of the most popular family theme parks in the wild. This unique park not only features a plethora of exciting attractions and rides for adults and kids but also hosts a wide range of spectacular shows to keep everyone entertained.

If you are planning to visit Animal Kingdom, having a bit of knowledge about this park can significantly improve your experience and ensure you have a good time. So, here are a couple of things you need to know before you visit this iconic theme park:

Plan to Arrive Early

As highlighted before, Animal Kingdom is a theme park that swells with crowds regularly. Lines for popular attractions like the Flight of Passage can be particularly long during peak season, so if you plan to visit during this time, make a point of arriving early.

Be Aware of Height Limits

We understand how disappointing it can be for kids to check-in at an attraction only to be turned away because they are too short. So, if you are traveling with kids, be sure to look up the height limits for various rides and attractions beforehand so that you know which ones are suitable for your family.

Bring Walking Shoes

As a nature-themed park with plenty of trails, you will certainly be doing a lot of walking at Animal Kingdom. Bringing comfortable walking shoes during your adventure will ensure you don’t strain your feet as you explore the wonders of the outdoor world at Animal Kingdom.

Interested in learning about becoming a resident in Florida or moving there? Read more.