Gorilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World is home to 4 wonderful theme parks: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Although not the most popular, Animal Kingdom is definitely worthy of a one day visit during your Disney vacation. It is one of the world’s largest theme parks, with a variety of attractions, shows, and even a 3 hour safari tour (extra fees apply). It’s Disney’s largest park with more than 1700 animals inhabiting 500 acres.  It also happens to be the newest addition to the Disney park, with an opening date in 1998.

Expedition Everest

There are plenty of great attractions to be found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially the 2 major thrill rides: Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. Expedition Everest is an exciting, special effects filled roller-coaster ride with an exhilarating final drop. Kali River Rapids is an exciting water ride similar to Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This exciting ride features a circular shaped raft large enough for 12 passengers. As you twist and turn down the river you will get absolutely soaked, which is great because most days at the park are insanely hot and humid.

Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur is another thrill ride which takes you through an exciting journey through a dark forest in search of a dinosaur. Avatar: Flight of Passage is a 3D ride based on the popular film. All ages rides include TriceraTo Spin, a flying dinosaur ride and the Wildlife Express Train, a scenic train ride which winds through the park.

Kilimanjaro Safari

Kilimanjaro Safari ride is the highlight of Animal Kingdom. This relaxing 20 minute safari ride takes you through the beautifully landscaped Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You will see all different sorts of African animals including: Elephants, Giraffes, and Zebras. The setting mimics the animals’ real life wildlife habitat, hence, giving you less the feeling of being at a zoo and more the opportunity to experience a true safari ride. The animals have plenty of space to roam as they would in the wild.

Elephant seen from the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Close up of an elephant seen on Disney's Animal Kingdom safari ride
Rhino seen on the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Close up of a rhino on the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Flamingos seen on the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Crockodiles seen on the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Antelopes seen on the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Antelope relaxing at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Great natural setting along the safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom safari ride

Exhibits

Animal Kingdom is split up into several different sections. In Discovery Island, you can see small animals such as ring tailed lemurs and red kangaroos. Maharajah Jungle Trek takes you to Southeast Asia where you will see tigers, fruit bats, and 50+ species of birds.  The Oasis Exhibit is a tropical exhibit featuring anteaters, wallabys, and spoonbills. The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is one of the best areas in the park with plenty of opportunities for up close views of gorillas and monkeys.

Tiger at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Lion sleeping at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Birds at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Monkey at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Gorilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Up close view of a gorilla at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Live shows & entertainment

Entertainment at Animal Kingdom includes a variety of special shows: Finding Nemo the Musical, Flights of Wonder, and Festival of the Lion King are a few great options. As with all the Disney parks, there are plenty of opportunities for meeting all your favorite characters: Pocahontas, Donald Duck, and Rafiki from The Lion King to name a few. It’s Tough to Be a Bug is a combination 3D and live show based on “A Bug’s Life.”

An expanded safari ride

You also have the option of purchasing admission to a separate 3 hour safari tour. A complimentary photographer takes pictures for you so you can sit back and relax. The tour is quite pricey at a starting rate of $199, however, if you are looking for a more in depth tour it may be worth the splurge.

Dining at the Park

Dining choices within the park include casual choices like The Smiling Crocodile and Creature Comforts Bakery to unique themed restaurants like the Rainforest Cafe, a popular tropical themed restaurant and Tusker House Restaurant, an African themed buffet.

Why you should visit Animal Kingdom

The park is beautifully landscaped and well-maintained. Waking around viewing the animals is a peaceful experience, quite different from the hustle and bustle of the other parks. This is a great park to visit after 2 or 3 fun filled, yet exhausting days of all day rides and attractions at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. Besides the popular Expedition Everest ride, this park tends to get a bit less crowded than the others.

Where to Stay

Christmas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
All Disney resorts look spectacular for the holidays!

The best budget option is Windsor Hills Condo Rentals in Kissimmee. You will need to rent a car, however, the rates are extremely affordable (starting at ~100 for a 2/3 bedroom), a full kitchen is included, and plenty of extra amenities are there to enjoy after a long day at the park (pool, spa, and game room).

If you are looking for more of that Disney experience, you can check out one of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Rates start around $300 per night and include transportation to the parks. The resort is located on a preserve which is home to more than 30 species, including: giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.

You will be available to view the animals throughout the large glass windows of the resort, or by sitting on your personal hotel room balcony (select rooms). Staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect addition to your Animal Kingdom theme park adventure. While quite pricey, the resort is beautiful with lots of attractive amenities. Definitely try out Sanaa and order the amazing Indian Bread service! It is one of the best restaurants and Orlando.

Salad sampler at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Veggie curry at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Indian Bread service at Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Tips for a Great Park Day!

  • Bring with plenty of water. A hydration water backpack is perfect for hot summer afternoons.
  • Bring with snacks. Park food is pricey.
  • Bring with a camera. There are plenty of excellent wildlife photography opportunities, especially on the safari ride.
  • Skip Kail River Rapids if you do not want to get wet. On the other hand, if you want to cool down for the day, ride it in the middle of the afternoon. This will cool you down for several hours!
  • Visit during the early weeks of September or November for the fewest crowds.
  • Plan at least half a day for your visit to give yourself enough time to enjoy all the attractions, shows & animals.

Location & Pricing Information:

Address: Animal Kingdom is located at: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

Parking: It is free for resort guests. If driving from another hotel, prices are $25 for the entire day for all Disney theme parks. The parking lots are enormous, however, there is a complimentary tram to the entrance.

Pricing: Theme park tickets vary based on the number of days you buy and the number of people in your party. A one day ticket starts at $109. Check out all the pricing options on the Walt Disney World theme park tickets page.

Hours: Animal Kingdom is open everyday from 9:00am-7:00pm (closing times vary during the winter season).