Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind theme park filled with thrilling rides, awe-inspiring shows, and incredible animal encounters.
If you want to make the most of your time, a strategic morning plan is essential—especially during busy seasons. This updated guide will help maximize your visit while keeping your experience fun and stress-free.
Touring Priorities and Goals
To optimize our morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we set clear goals:
- Prioritize Must-Do Attractions Early: Ride Avatar Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safaris before crowds peak.
- Utilize Lightning Lane Wisely: Purchase Individual Lightning Lane for Avatar Flight of Passage and secure a Lightning Lane selection for Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Explore Additional Attractions: Enjoy Dinosaur, Na’vi River Journey, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
- Savor a Delicious Lunch: Take a well-earned break at Flame Tree Barbecue before moving on with our day.
Essential Information for Your Visit
- Park Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Early Entry for Disney Resort Guests: 7:30 AM
- Resort Stay: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Bus Departure from Resort: 6:50 AM
- Arrival at Park Entrance: 7:10 AM
- Security Check: Smooth and efficient with the walk-through system
Guests staying at a Disney Resort receive Early theme park Entry, granting a 30-minute head start over non-resort guests.
Step-By-Step Touring Plan
Rope Drop: Start Your Morning Right
- 7:10 AM: Arrived at the park entrance and swiftly moved through security.
- 7:30 AM: Scanned into the park and headed straight for Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
- 7:45 AM: Rode Avatar Flight of Passage with minimal wait, avoiding the long queues that build later in the day.
Mid-Morning: Keep the Momentum Going
- 8:00 AM: We walked to Na’vi River Journey and experienced a beautiful, immersive ride with only a 10-minute wait.
- 8:30 AM: Used our Lightning Lane selection for Kilimanjaro Safaris, where we saw active animals, including elephants and giraffes.
- 9:15 AM: Headed to DINOSAUR, a thrilling time-travel adventure with only a 5-minute wait.
By 9:30 AM, we had checked off the park’s major attractions with minimal wait times.
Late Morning: Explore and Enjoy the Park
With major rides out of the way, we slowed down to explore other experiences:
- I walked the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to see gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds.
- I caught a performance of Feathered Friends in Flight!, a fascinating bird show perfect for animal lovers.
Note: It’s Tough to Be a Bug! is closing in 2025 to make way for the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! attraction, so check for updates on whether you plan to visit later this year.
Lunch Break at Flame Tree Barbecue
- 11:30 AM: Placed a mobile order at Flame Tree Barbecue to avoid long waits.
- 11:45 AM: Enjoyed a delicious meal featuring the Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork Sampler with baked beans and coleslaw.
Outdoor seating at Flame Tree Barbecue provides fantastic views and a relaxing atmosphere—perfect for recharging before more adventures.
Wrapping Up the Morning & Final Thoughts
12:30 PM: Finished lunch and took time to stroll through the park.
Reflection:
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- We accomplished all major rides with short waits.
- We enjoyed a mix of attractions, trails, and entertainment.
- Staying updated on upcoming park changes helped us make informed decisions.
Tips for a Successful Morning at Animal Kingdom
- Arrive Early: Taking advantage of Early Entry can significantly reduce wait times.
- Use Lightning Lane Strategically: Prioritize selections for Kilimanjaro Safaris and, if possible, purchase Individual Lightning Lane for Avatar Flight of Passage.
- Check for Attraction Updates: Keep an eye on upcoming closures and new show debuts.
- Plan for Weather Changes: Florida weather can be unpredictable, so be ready for sudden rain showers.
Following this optimized touring plan, you can experience the best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in just a few short hours, leaving the rest of your day open for relaxation or more Disney magic!
