Is Animal Kingdom Worth it?
Are you wondering if Animal Kingdom is Worth it? Have you heard that there’s not enough to do? Find out why we think Animal Kingdom is still great and why we think you shouldn’t skip it! Continue reading to find out why I think Animal Kingdom is the most underrated park at Disney World.
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Animal Kingdom is the newest Walt Disney World park, opening on April 22, 1998. This park tends to get a bad rap and it is less popular than the other parks at Disney. If I’m honest, I was almost convinced to skip Animal Kingdom when we were planning our first trip. I’m so glad that I was wrong! Animal Kingdom has quickly become one of my favorite parks!
1. The Vibe
I truly think that Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park at Disney World. I said it and I mean it. It’s a great respite from the concrete jungle of Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom.
The 6 lands in Animal Kingdom are called The Oasis, Discovery Island, DinoLand U.S.A., Africa, Asia, and Pandora: The World of Avatar. You will notice the special theming change as you walk through each land.
The music, theming, and street entertainment all give Animal Kingdom a great vibe. You are surrounded by nature and truly feel like you’re in another country at times even another world (Pandora). There is a more relaxed mood which I really love.
2. Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is one of the most iconic attractions at Disney and it’s full of beautiful details and history. Take some time to walk around the Discovery Island Trails and see all angles of the tree, there are some nice hidden areas you can sit and rest. You could spend hours searching for and investigating the different carved animals on the tree. (There are over 300!)
3. Perfect for Your Animal-Loving Kids (and Adults)
You can see animals throughout the park, sometimes you might not even notice they are there. From flamingos to Lions and Tigers and …. Rhinos. (Sorry no bears!), there are dozens of different animals at the park to see.
4. Kilimanjaro Safari
This is usually a highlight of our entire Disney vacation. This 20-minute safari will bring you through Animal Kingdom’s safari. You will see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros, and so much more. I was truly impressed with how close we go to some of the animals and was able to get some great photos! *Tip try to go first thing or in the late afternoon when the animals are more active.
5. Pandora: The World of Avatar
Walking into Pandora is truly like walking into another world. The theming is beyond amazing. I’m not even a big Avatar fan, but this is one of my favorite places in all of Disney World. It is so beautiful.
During one trip, I was having a rough afternoon (hot, tired, and cranky!) so I went into Pandora by myself to “cool down” I was able to truly explore the land taking in all of the gorgeous landscaping and Imagineering. It was a great little escape for a few minutes that I really needed.
If you have a chance to visit at night you will be able to see Pandora’s bioluminescent lights throughout the land. It is especially beautiful!
6. Avatar Flight of Passage
Another top ride for me! Flight of Passage is worth the wait in line (or buy the ILL!). This is a very immersive ride with sights, sounds, feels, and even smells that bring you right into the movie. It’s thrilling and very fun. I’ve never been on another ride like this, the designers did an amazing job with every detail.
7. Wilderness Explorers
Our kids loved collecting the badges throughout the park and learning from the Wilderness troop leaders. They also got to take home the Wilderness Explorer badge book as a free souvenir.
8. You will Run into Unique Characters
You’ll likely run into two unique characters that you won’t find anywhere else in the parks. Kevin and DiVine. We all love seeing Kevin at the parks and sometimes DiVine is hiding among the trees, so keep searching!
9. Rafiki’s Planet Watch
This area of Animal Kingdom is sometimes missed or misunderstood. People often think that this is just a “petting zoo” at the park. It is so much more! The train ride out is always a highlight for little ones too.
10. The Conservation station
The Conservation station is located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you can learn all about the care that the animals receive at the park. Sometimes you’ll catch an animal getting a check-up by the veterinarian.
11. Learn How to Draw a Disney Character at the Animation Experience
This is one of my favorite activities at the parks. An experienced Disney illustrator will teach you how to draw a Disney character, step-by-step. You’ll be surprised how good your character turns out. Plus, you’ll walk away with a free souvenir, your completed drawing!
12. Satuli Canteen
Satuli Canteen’s Cheeseburger Steamed Pods are a fun and delicious treat or meal! I recommend ordering a kid’s meal if you’re not too hungry and looking for a snack! Kid’s meals include one cheeseburger pod, potato chips, fruit, and a drink, The full meal includes two pods with vegetable slaw and potato chips.
13. Cavalcades or Flotillas
These are mini parades on the water! You can usually see one floating along the Discovery River. The characters on board will wave at your family while they float by dancing to the fun music. You will often see the different characters dressed up in safari outfits, which is adorable!
Before you head out to the parks make sure your Disney Park Bag is packed and ready for your big day in the parks. Download my free printable packing list for your park bag so you have everything you need. Read the post here.
14. The Shows
The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond Nemo, and Feathered Friends in Flight are all great shows in Animal Kingdom. Going to see a show will also give you an opportunity to rest and in some cases cool off in the air conditioning.
15. Great Street Entertainment
Be sure to catch one of these fun performances that run throughout the day: The Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, the Harambe Village Acrobats, the Viva Gaia street band, and more!
16. Character Dining
I think that Tusker House is one of the top Character Dining Restaurants in Disney. You’ll get to see the Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy).
The characters are dressed in adorable safari outfits and are great at interacting with your table. The food is beyond outstanding too! Make a reservation the next time you’re in Animal Kingdom.
17. Meet Moana
This is the only place (currently) where you can meet and take photos with Moana! She is usually located on Discovery Island right by the Dinoland U.S.A entrance.
18. DinoLand
While this might not be the most popular part of Animal Kingdom there are still a few great things you don’t want to miss. If you like rides, Dinosaur is a must-ride this is a pretty scary ride, so just be sure your kiddos are ready for a good scare. The Boneyard is a great play area for younger kids with slides, areas for climbing, and more. There are also some great treats to try while you are in DinoLand like the seasonal Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich.
19. Theming
Animal Kingdom has fantastic theming. Africa and Asia are very well themed and lots of research went into the Imagineering of these areas to keep them as close to authentic as possible. Of course, Pandora is also spectacular!
20. Expedition Everest
This was my first thrill ride at Disney and quickly became a favorite. This is a Mt. Everest-themed roller coaster with an 80-foot drop and speeds up to 50 MPH! Just watch out for the Yeti, he may be up to no good!
21. Kali River Rapids
I always like a water ride and this one is a great way to cool down in the park. Kali River Rapids is a raft ride that takes you down a river in the jungle. Just be prepared to get wet! If you’d rather not get completely soaked be sure to pack a poncho or rain jacket.
22. Unique Walks
Enjoy a stroll through Maharaja Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail’ Maharaja Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail while you are at Animal Kingdom. You’ll spot some special animals along your stroll.
23. Nomad Lounge
I’m spilling the best secrets now. Nomad Lounge is an outdoor lounge at Tiffins. We have never had trouble getting a seat. They serve a menu of delicious small plates and the drinks are outstanding. We have met some of the best cast members here!
Nomad Lounge is the perfect spot to get away from the busy park crowds and relax for a while. It overlooks Discovery River and the Bridge to Pandora. It’s lush and peaceful. It’s also a great place for an impromptu date night.
Don’t forget to have the Churros these are the best churros at Disney – a.m.a.z.i.n.g!
24. Yak and Yeti
Yak and Yeti is a popular spot at Animal Kingdom and there is a good reason for it – the food and serving size is outstanding. They have 2 different places where you can get food, the Table Service restaurant and the Quick Service Cafe. We had one of the most delicious meals at Yak and Yeti (the Table service restaurant). The photos above are from our (huge!) lunch at the Table Service Restaurant – we did not need dinner this night!
25. Tree of Life Awakenings
When the sun begins to set you can catch a beautiful light show on the Tree of Life. The show happens every 10 minutes so you’re sure to catch it before you head out of the park for the night.
In Conclusion, Yes Animal Kingdom is worth your time!
I hope this post encourages you to spend some quality time at Animal Kingdom. There are so many fun things that you don’t want to miss!
If you’re traveling with teens be sure to read my post about the Best Disney World Park for Teenagers. Read the post here.
