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Mistakes You Won’t Want To Make At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is full of nature and magic. There is so much to explore; we can often miss out on some of the Park’s significant experiences.

We want to make sure that you have a magical time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so we want to share some of the top mistakes that Guests make when visiting this Disney Park.

These tips are meant to help you as you plan and navigate through your tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Festival of the Lion King
Credit: Disney

Skipping the Shows

When people think of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, animals and Pandora typically come to mind. What they don’t always think about are the fantastic shows that are offered.

Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway-style show that brings the fantastic songs of this film to the Theme Park. During the show, Guests are treated to performances by outstanding singers that create a breathtaking atmosphere. Combine the talent of the singers with the performers, such as the tumble monkeys; this is a not to miss show.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue.. and Beyond has recently reopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This show got an update and came back better than ever. This show brings the fantastic story of Nemo and his friends to the stage using larger-than-life puppets. The original music and the beautiful puppets create an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Enjoy these incredible shows during your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They bring joy, magic, and beauty to the Park.

Animal Kingdom Floats
Credit: Disney

Missing the Entertainment

Throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there are a variety of live performances that are so much fun. Right at the front of the Park at different times throughout the day, Winged Encounters- The Kingdom Takes Flight happens. The majestic macaws fly free during this performance and are a sight to see.

The Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe is also a fun, energetic experience that brings smiles and dancing to the Park. Don’t forget to catch the many flotillas that travel on the waterways of the Park. You can see various beloved Disney characters such as Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQauck, Russell, Dug, and even Pocahontas.

It can be easy to miss the outstanding entertainment as you travel throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but by doing so, you are missing a big part of the magic it offers Guests.

Satuli Canteen
Photo Credit: Disney

Eating Table Service Meals

Even though we enjoy some of the table service meals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, such as Tusker House and Yak & Yeti, a mistake would be to skip out on all the available quick service options.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a lot of quick service options that are fantastic. We enjoy the large barbecue platters at Flame Tree Barbecue and the barbecue fries. Over in Pandora, the fresh bowls and cheeseburger pods found at Sat’uli Canteen are fantastic.

Because of all the excellent quick survive locations offered, it would be a mistake to skip out on them for the table service locations. Enjoy the well-made quick-service entrees.

up close with rhinos
Credit: Disney

Avoiding the Animals

Something that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom special is the animals that make this Disney Park home. Guests make a big mistake when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom: they miss seeing these animals.

Don’t assume you saw all the animals since you went on Kilimanarjo Safari. There are many other areas throughout the Park where you can see animals. Looking around the Tree of Life, you can find so many fun animals. We love taking time to visit the otters as well as the flamingos that are in this area.

The Oasis, the entrance to the Park, also has animals tucked away that so many Guests rush right past. Take time to look at the app to see where all the animals are located throughout the Park. Take time to see them as you won’t be sorry.

tree-of-life-2-620x330
Credit: Disney Tips

Missing the Trails

Three trails are located throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most Guests are focused on Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, so these three trails are often missed.

The Discovery Trail is one of our favorites. This allows Guests to get up close to the Tree of Life, giving them a great view of all the fantastic animals carved into the tree. Walking around this trail takes you to parts of the tree that aren’t always visible from the front of the Park.

We also enjoy strolling along the Gorilla Tails and Maharajah Jungle Trek. These two trails are home to gorillas and tigers and are stunning trails. There is so much to see along the trails that you can spend a lot of time exploring.

Boneyard
Credit: Disney

Not Visiting the Boneyard

Finally, if you are traveling with little ones, don’t skip out on the Boneyard. This is located in Dinoland and is a fantastic play area. With a climbing area, slides, and a dig pit, kids will love running and exploring.

Don’t skip out on this play area, but be prepared to spend some time there. Kids won’t want to leave.

There is much to see and do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but you can make some big mistakes. We hope to bring these mistakes to your attention; you will be more prepared and ready to have a magical time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your Walt Disney World vacation. Explore the hidden gems, enjoy the food, and have a magical time.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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