Disney Animal Kingdom Tips for Families
Get Ready for a Roarin’ Good Time at Animal Kingdom!
Hakuna Matata, fellow adventurers! Get ready to swing into action and go wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From breathtaking landscapes to attractions that will leave you lion (Disney pun on track) for more, this park is the ultimate safari adventure. Don’t worry, we’ve packed this post with our top 10 tips to make sure your day is smooth sailing—no monkey business here! So, grab your Target Hakuna Matata dad shirt (we make a game to see how many we see in the wild), and let’s explore the top ten tips to make your visit un-forgetable (unlike Dory).
1. Arrive Early (Rope Drop)
Be there before the park opens to enjoy cooler weather and shorter lines for popular attractions. Consider purchasing an Individual lightning lane for Flight of passage if you are short on days in the park as it has some of the longest wait times. We generally don’t purchase multi pass for this park.
2. Use the Single rider line for Expedition Everest
Also an attraction that generally has a longer wait, but is AWESOME. So do what we do- use the single ride line! It’s tucked in to the left of the gift shop. You must be 7 years old and be willing to separate your party, but wait times usually are around 10 minutes instead of 45-60, so well worth it!
3. Plan Your Day Around Shows
Don’t miss Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond. Plan for these during the heat of the day to stay cool in that great Florida air conditioning!
But also check out Animal Encounters:Winged Encounter in front of the tree of life and Feathered Friends in Flight! Check showtimes and plan your schedule to fit them in.
4. Visit Pandora at Night
Pandora – The World of Avatar transforms into a glowing, bioluminescent wonderland after dark. It’s breathtaking and perfect for photos. So many leave this park early and miss it!
5. Prioritize Kilimanjaro Safaris
The animals are often more active in the morning or late afternoon, so plan your safari for these times. Bonus time is anytime during a rainstorm.
6. Best food choices
Animal Kingdom has some of Disney’s best food options. If you are looking for something lighter than the usual Burger and fries amusement park fare, try Satu’li Canteen for a protein bowl and blueberry cream cheese mousse. Another great quick option is Flame Tree Barbecue (definitely best bang for your buck). If you want to sit and relax a minute, we love Tusker house for their buffet and classic characters dressed for Safari, or Yak and Yeti for a fun atmosphere and chinese fare.
7.Explore the Wilderness!
Become a wilderness explorer (pick up your booklet and pencil at the front of the park on the bridge to the tree of life). Spend the day trying to see and learn all about different animals and ecosystems.
8. Take a walk on the wild side
Don’t miss the Maharajah Jungle Trek (tigers) and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. They’re great for slowing down and enjoying the wildlife. You can also trek out to the conservation station and learn about how Disney cares for the animals in the park and learn to draw a character while you are there.
9. I spy on the tree of life
Did you know that there are 337 animals carved on the tree of life at the center of the park? See how many you can find! (Don’t forget to walk on the path behind too!
10. Kid quiet area
Need a minute to either decompress or have a quieter area for a stroller napping baby? Then take the path that connects lion king theater to Pandora. It’s generally A LOT quieter and can be good for overstimulated toddlers too.
What did we miss?
