Quick Do’s and Don’ts of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a lot of magic for Guests to experience during their visit to Walt Disney World. We have a few dos and don’ts for Disney’s Animal Kingdom to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. Use these tips to have the best time possible.

DO:  Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris- Africa

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the first experience we will make sure you don’t miss when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This ride is a once in a life time experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

Around 34 species make the Harambe Wildlife Reserve home, and Guests can see so many of them during their safari adventure. Every trip is different and unique. Get an up close experience with giraffes, rhinos, lions, zebras, and many other amazing animals.

No matter how many times you ride the safari, it is a difference experience. You never know what animal you will spot or what new knowledge you will have.  Do not miss out on this ride when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Don’t: Ride Kali River Rapids- Asia

On the flip side, we won’t recommend Kali River Rapids. Part of this recommendation is bcause we hate getting wet. Not only do you have the chance of getting wet, you could even get soaked on this ride. We prefer not to walk around all day with wet clothes. Because of this, we always skip Kali River Rapids.

The other reason we skip Kali Rvier Rapids is that the ride leaves something to be desired. There isn’t a huge storyline, making it feel like the only goal of the ride is to get Guests wet.

If you like water rides, consider bringing extra clothes or ponchos to stay somewhat dry.

Do: Ride Avatar Flight of Passage- Pandora

Avatar Flight of Passdage continues to be one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World. Guests are connected to their banshee as they soar over Pandora’s outstanding landscapes.

The ride is thrilling and breathtaking. You feel immersed in the world of Avatar as you soar throughout the land. Each time we ride, we find new beauty in the ride. It never stops being amazing.

Don’t: Ride Na’vi River Journey- Pandora

The other ride found in Pandora is one that we often skip. Na’vi River Journey is a slow moving boat ride through the mysterious iver of Pandora. It is beautiful, but the storytelling isn’t as good as Avatar Flight of Passage.

Even though it is a nice ride for little ones, the wait times are often extremely long. Because of this, we usually skip over it in favor of other experiences throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Do See Festival of the Lion King- Africa

It is unique to us that such an outstanding performance can be found inside of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This Broadway level show is 40 minutes and brings the story of the Lion King to life through outstanding singing, puppetry and more.

Guests can enjoy beautifully performed favorites such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by extremely talented performers.

This is one show we make sure we schedule into our Disney’s Animal Kingdom day as it leaves us breathless every time we see it.

Don’t See It’s Tough to be a Bug- Discovery Island

Where we always make sure to visit Festival of the Lion, we never have It’s Tough to Be a Bug on our list of experience to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The 3D film and live show It’s Tough to be a Bug is hidden within the Tree of Life. Featuring the characters from A Bug’s Life, this show tries to teach the audience about the importance of bugs and how they live.

We skip this one because we don’t like bugs, and some parts are dark, scary and super intense.  It can be super funny, but we prefer not to feel stressed during our vacation, so we skip this one.

Do Enjoy Quick Service Meals

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has fantastic quick service options for Guests to enjoy throughout the Park. Choose Sat’uli Canteen, Flame Tree Barbecue, or Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafe. All three quick service locations offer outstanding, fresh entress with excellent flavor.

The hardest part is choosing which location to dine at during the day. Make sure to usem mobile ordering, though, as these areas are popular.

Don’t Worry About Reservations

Because there are so many quick service dining options at Disney’s Animal Kingodm, we don’t recommend worrying about making reservations at table service locations. You can find some great options with Tusker House, Yak and Yeti and Tiffins, but you don’t need to eat at these locations to have a good meal.

Table service is a good option if you want some time out of the sun and a longer meal time. Otherwise, stick to the quick service options throughout the Park.

Do Experience the Trails

Don’t visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom without slowing down and enjoying the trails. Some trails take Guests on great discoveries of what makes this Park so unique. It can be easy to get caught up in the rush of Avatar Flight of Passage or Expedition Everest, but these hidden gems are what make Disney’s Animal Kingdom so unique. Make time during your day to enjoy the trails.

Those are some of our top dos and don’ts of visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There is such magic to experience throughout the Park that we hope this helps you have a wonderful time.