✈️Animal Kingdom – Tips for making the most of the park

Animal Kingdom, the park that has a dose of adventure, the magic of nature day and night, shows with our favorite characters and the newest and most fantastic area of Pandora from the movie Avatar. Stay on top of all the tips to enjoy this Disney park in Orlando like never before.

Animal Kingdom is the newest of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Opened on May 1, 1998, when Earth Day is celebrated, it is a tribute to Walt Disney's love for animals and brings awareness of the preservation of the environment.

Animal Kingdom has an area of 202 hectares, five times larger than the Magic Kingdom, being the largest park in the complex. Within it live more than a thousand species of animals living together, as in national parks found in Africa and Asia.

The symbol of Animal Kingdom is the imposing Tree of Life (Tree of Life), which in its trunk has about 325 carved animals. It is a wonderful place, where art and the grandeur of nature complement each other.

When stepping into the park, you will have the feeling of being transported into different natural environments. O Animal Kingdom engages all five senses: colors, sounds, smells and the sight of animals and flora complement the experience. Add that to extreme attractions and Broadway-style shows, with beautiful nightly shows, and we have a park that can't be missed on your visit to Orlando.

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Directions
park map
main attractions
Suggested Itinerary for adults and children
Tickets and FastPass
Where to eat inside the Park
Important Tips to Write Down
Where to stay

Animal Kingdom – Tips for making the most of the park — A Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom – mandatory to have your photo taken at this attraction.

How to get to Animal Kingdom

As with the other parks in the Walt Disney World Resort complex, to get to Animal Kingdom there are a few options, which vary if you are staying inside or outside the complex.

>> Read more in our post Disney Parks Around the World – Your Complete Guide

Disney bus

If you are staying at a Disney hotel, the easiest way is to take one of the free buses that run around the complex. All Disney hotels, from budget to luxury, have this option.

The buses have their queue according to each park and pass in small intervals of time. At the hotel reception you can find out more about opening hours.

Car rental

Those staying in Disney hotels or even outside the complex can also drive to Animal Kingdom. Parking costs 25 dollars a day and you only pay once, if you want to leave and return to the park on the same day. #StayTip: save the parking paper so you don't pay twice!

Click Here and rent your car with Rent Cars. Payment in real, without IOF and can still be divided into 12 installments. It is worth it!

The roads are very well signposted, just follow the signs to Animal Kingdom. For those who have a GPS or Waze, it is super easy to locate, just put the name of the park and that's it. Already leave España with a travel chip to have unlimited internet in Orlando.

However, it is worth the tip: in Orlando renting a car is essential. Distances are great and public transport is impractical.

Uber or Lyft

For those who do not want to drive and are not staying in Disney hotels, the most viable option is to use Uber or Lyft, since within the Disney parks there is no public transport.

Lyft is usually cheaper, but the price varies depending on where you're leaving. If you're going to use these transports, don't forget to download their app.

Uber works with the same app as España, with the difference that payment can only be made with a registered credit card – for this you will need an unlocked international card.

Don't forget Travel Insurance! Make a budget with Seguros Promo, rest assured with the best prices!

Map Animal Kingdom

To find your way around before your trip, see the Animal Kingdom map and where its areas, attractions and shows are.

Animal Kingdom Main Attractions

Animal Kingdom is divided into seven areas, each with its own theme and attractions. The most popular attractions are the simulator Flight of Passage, the roller coaster Expedition EverestAnd boat ride through the forest from the movie Avatar, Na'vi River Journey. In summer, the rapids of the Kali River Rapids are very competitive.

We have separated the main attractions and shows in each area:

Oasis

The entrance to the park has an immense green garden with a mist. Keep an eye out, as some animals roam around here. I myself have come across a giant anteater walking by my side freely! It has no attractions.

Discovery Island

It is in this park where the Tree of Life is located. Enjoy and take lots of pictures during the day and then at night on the way out, as the tree lights up coming to life and sensational vibrant colors.

Discovery Island Trails – A trail where you can see various animals around the Tree of Life. Recommended if you have time. Minimum height: No restrictions.
It’s Tough To Be a Bug – 3D movie with the characters from the movie “A Bug's Life”. It's inside the Tree of Life, and the view from the queue is beautiful, with the animals carved in the wood. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Tree of Life Awakenings – The Tree of Life awakening show takes place at various times during dusk. See the tree light up with lights and colors. Beautiful and fascinating!

Pandora (World of Avatar)

Pandora is a new area of the Park, opened in 2017. Enter the world of Pandora and find a bioluminescent forest, exotic animals, sounds and many colors that dazzle. The perfection of this area is impressive.

Pay attention to every detail and take lots of pictures of the magnificent floating stones. The tip is to go to this area during the day and at night to see how it transforms at sunset. Trust me, it's amazing!

Flight of Passage (FP+*) – Simulator of a flight on a Banshee (animal from the movie Avatar). Realism really impresses and excites. It is considered by many to be the best simulator of Orlando parks. Minimum height: 1,12 m.
Na’vi River Journey (FP+*) – Soak up all the details on all sides on this boat tour through Pandora's Bioluminescent Forest. Quiet toy for the whole family. Minimum height: No restrictions.

Asia

Feel yourself in Asian countries, the decoration of the area surprises!

Expedition Everest (FP+*) – Roller coaster without loops, with a surprise at the end. Cross a mountain and face the giant Yeti! Get ready for emotions at this meeting, lol. Minimum height: 1,12 m.
Kali River Rapids (FP+) – Attraction in a rapid inside large boats. It gets very wet and is popular in the summer. Minimum height: 0,97 m.
Up! A Great Bird Adventure – Bird show with characters from the movie “Up! Altas Aventuras” making a fun participation. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Maharajah Jungle Trek – Mini zoo with Asian animals such as the Komodo dragon. Go if you have time or if you like to see these animals. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Rivers of Light: We are One (FP+) – Night show on the lake at Animal Kingdom. It mixes projections of Lion King scenes and lights. Get there early as good seats are limited.

DinoLand USA

Area of Animal Kingdom dedicated to the passion for these extinct giants, the dinosaurs.

Dinosaur (FP+*) – Dark ride (attraction in the dark). Inside a cart you go back to prehistory in search of a species of dinosaur. It shakes a lot, so avoid it if you feel sick or have any restrictions. Minimum height: 1,02 m.
Finding Nemo the Musical (FP+) – 40-minute musical theater, which tells the story of the movie “Finding Nemo”. Super fun and colorful, kids love it. Schedule with the Time Guide and see the show times. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Tricera Top Spin – For kids, twirling and flying dinosaurs, Dumbo style at Magic Kingdom. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Primeval Whril (FP+) – Roller coaster for older children. She spins and moves around a lot. Minimum height: 1,22m.
Since 2018, the Animal Kingdom celebrates this area through Donald’s Dino-Bash, in which we find Donald and his friends in costume. Great photo opportunity with rare characters like Scrooge McDuck, Captain Boing, Tico and Teco, all in dinosaur clothes!

Africa

With lots of music, partying and colouring, the Africa area is playfully charming.

Due to the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Lion King movie and the release of the live action movie in July/19, Animal Kingdom offers in the area the Hakuna Matata Dance Party At the party, beloved characters such as Timão and Rafiki invite him to dance and play to the sound of African music.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (FP+*) – Real safari with animals and landscapes of African biomes. The tour is done in a kind of truck as in traditional safaris. As I've been in one safari in south africa and I can say that despite being reduced, it resembles well. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Festival of the Lion King (FP+) – Show of the movie “The Lion King”, one of the most beautiful in the park, lasting 30 minutes. Acrobatic performers join the film's characters in this magical spectacle. Schedule with the Time Guide and see show times during the day. Minimum height: No restrictions.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – See gorillas on a walking tour. An attraction for those who have time or really like to see these animals. Minimum height: No restrictions.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Animal conservation station. Here you can get in touch with some of them on a train ride. The tour takes approximately seven minutes.

In space Affection Section, children can interact with farm animals, feed and pet them.

Itinerary Suggestion No. Animal Kingdom

Set aside a full day of your schedule to enjoy Animal Kingdom.

To get started, look at Animal Kingdom's opening and closing times on the website or app My disney experience to make your schedule.

If you're staying at Disney hotels, see what day you have Extra Magic Hours (see in the app) in the park. This is an advantage that guests have at Disney Parks, as they can enter 1 hour before or leave a few hours after the official closing time.

#StayTip: If you are not staying at Disney resorts, escape the day with Extra Magic Hours, as you will get the park already full when you enter.

Regardless of your choice, the tip is to arrive early and calculate a travel time of 15/20 minutes from the parking lot to the entrance to the park. The suggestion is to schedule yourself to arrive 30 minutes in advance or 1 hour before the official opening time. This makes it easier to take emptier attractions, such as Flight of Passage, and get more out of the park.

As a reminder, book your Fast Passes 30 days in advance if you are staying outside the complex and 60 days in advance if you are a Disney guest.

Suggested itinerary for adult group

Morning:

When you arrive, head to the left side and head straight to the Pandora area. Do the attraction on which you failed to book the Fast Pass. It will probably be the Flight of Passage (because it is very popular, it is very difficult to get a Fast Pass for it).

Therefore, I suggest that you do it as soon as you enter the park, as you will have arrived early. If you got a Fast Pass for the Flight of Passage, make the attraction Na'Vi River Journey. Take lots of pictures of the area which is beautiful!

From there go to Africa area. If you can book the Fast Pass for the Kilimanjaro, try to schedule between 10 am and 11 am the Fast Pass window. The safari lasts 20 minutes and, despite having the night tour, it is in the morning when we see most of the animals.

O lion king show It's right next to the Kilimanjaro exit, so I recommend you check the schedules (on the Disney app) for the day and plan to watch it soon after. The show lasts 30 minutes.

Leaving it, go to the area of the Asia to use the Fast Pass in Expedition Everest, and schedule for a window between 11:45 am and 12:45 pm. If it's summer, enjoy and make the Kali River Rapids. In winter this attraction may be closed.

Late:

At the lunch stop, we suggest the Yak e Yeti Foods, a cafe with Asian options located in the Everest area. If you prefer American-style barbecue, head to the Discovery Island area and eat at Flame Tree BBQ.

After lunch, run there to the Tree of Life and take the opportunity to take lots of pictures. #StayTip: Park photographers are scattered around the photo spots and they take them with their cell phone or camera without any problem.

A tip, if you like professional photos with magical effects, is to buy the Memory Maker. With it, all your photos of the attractions and how many photos you and your group take at Disney parks will be included! Some videos with effects are produced by surprise and it is a great souvenir of the trip.

Enjoy and head to the attraction inside the Tree of Life, the It’s Tough to be a Bug, a 3D movie theater based on the movie A Bug's Life, which is so cute.

Leaving the attraction, go to Dinoland USA and make the attraction Dinosaur, or if you prefer something quieter, check the musical schedule Finding Nemo, from the movie Finding Nemo.

Night

Around 17:18 pm or XNUMX:XNUMX pm, schedule your Fast Pass for the attraction you can get at Pandora. On the way out, see the impressive bioluminescent forest from the movie Avatar and take lots of pictures!

If you want to have dinner, Satu'li Canteen It is a great option, with healthy and delicious dishes. After dinner go to the lake to watch the show Rivers of Light – We are One. Arrive 40 or 30 minutes in advance, and on your way out, admire the Tree of Life with projections of the show Tree of Life Awakenings.

Suggested itinerary for groups with children

Morning:

To start, take pictures of the Tree of Life with the whole family. Then go to the area of Africa and use the Fast Pass for the Kilimanjaro Safari (we recommend that you schedule the Fast Pass for 30 minutes after the time you intend to arrive at Animal Kingdom).

Also, check the opening hours beforehand. lion king show, scheduling to arrive 15 minutes before the queue. If you prefer, book the Fast Pass for the show to get a better seat.

If your child likes animals, join the attraction Gorila Falls Exploration Trail to see the huge primates and other African animals.

Head to Asia and watch the show Up! A Great Bird Adventure. Check the times on the My Disney Experience app, on the Disney website or in the park's Time Guide. This area also has a trail with animals such as the Siberian Tiger, the Mahajah Jungle Trek.

Late:

Leaving Asia, head to the area Dinoland USA and stop for lunch at the restaurant Restaurantossauros, with American Fast Food food that appeals to children – for more options, see our tips on where to eat in this post further down.

In this area several characters such as Donald and Tico and Teco are for photos, in addition to having a playground that imitates dinosaur fossils that children love, the The Boneyard Dig Site.

After playing, check the show times Finding Nemo the Musical. It's worth watching, because the kids love to see Nemo and his friends!

Night

Leaving the show go to the Pandora and make the Fast Pass (which we suggest to schedule for the end of the afternoon) of the attraction Na'vi River Journey. Take lots of pictures of the illuminated Pandora area! If you want to dine at the restaurant Satu'li Canteen, with its healthy and diverse options.

After eating very well, get ready to watch the show River of Light: We are One. Arrive 30 minutes early. If the kids are really tired, this is the least popular show, so head back to your hotel if you need to.

Another option is – after lunch, return to the hotel to rest, skip the Up! Rivers of Light. The ideal is to respect the rhythm of the children!

Animal Kingdom tickets

Tickets for Walt Disney World Resort parks in Orlando are per park days, that is, you choose how many days you will visit and buy the equivalent number of days.

There are three ticket options:

Basic where you can visit one park per day
Park hopper where you can visit more than one park per day
Park Hopper Plus in which you can visit more than one park per day and includes a visit to the water parks.

As of October 2018, tickets vary in price by day and season, depending on demand. The validity also varies according to the number of days purchased.

Basic park day admission starts at $109 per person. Park Hopper starts at $169 per person and Park Hopper Plus starts at $189 per person.

Tickets are sold at licensed agencies in España, through Disney's official website or at the parks' ticket offices.

I think it's more advantageous to buy in advance here at España, so you can use the benefit of booking the free Fast Passes, in addition to splitting the price of your tickets.

If you buy on the website or at the box office, you will have to include the IOF on your credit card plus 6,5% Florida tax in the final price.

Our Fast Pass Tips

A golden tip is always to book your Fast Passes through the Disney website or the My Disney Experience app, 30 days in advance (guests outside the Disney complex) or 60 days in advance (guests at Disney hotels).

Both on the website and in the app, it is necessary to register in advance, put the family/friends who will be joining you and link the tickets in order to schedule the Fast Pass.

At Animal Kingdom, Fast Passes are divided into two groups of attractions. In Group 1 you can schedule an attraction. In Group 2, 2 attractions per day are possible.

No group 1 do fast pass We have the following attractions:

Flight of Passage
Na'vi River Journey

No group 2 do fast pass We have the following attractions:

Expedition Everest
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kali River Rapids
Dinosaur
Primeval Whirl
Adventurers Outpost
Finding Nemo – The Musical
Festival of the Lion King
It’s Tough to be a Bug

Is it worth using the fast pass at which attractions?

Do Group 1 I suggest you book the Flight of Passage if you can get it, otherwise book the Na'vi River Journey.

Do Group 2 the most popular attractions are: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur and Kali River Rapids in summer. If you have children or those who don't like more extreme attractions, marque o Kilimanjaro Safaris e Festival of the Lion King.

If you are going with adults or older children For thrill seekers, I recommend booking Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids during the summer or Kilimanjaro Safari in the morning to see most of the animals.

Where to eat no Animal Kingdom

Table service with characters

Tusker House – Buffet style meal, located in the Africa area. Breakfast, lunch and dinner with Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy and Goofy in safari outfits. Varied food with many options.

Breakfast: $29,99 for adults and $16,99 for children ages 3-9
Lunch: $34,99 adults and $17,99 children ages 3-9
Dinner: $41,99 adults and $19,99 children ages 3-9

*Reservation required – through the My Disney Experience app or the Disney website. Opens 180 days in advance. Included in the buffet – starter, main course, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks.

Table service without characters

Yak and Yeti Restaurant – Located in the Asia area. American and Asian cuisine, with fish, chicken and shrimp on the menu.

Rainforest Café – Located at the entrance to the park. Imitates a rainforest. Varied and hearty dishes.

Tiffins – Located in the Discovery Island area. It is one of the new restaurants in the park. More expensive restaurant with dishes with Asian and African influences.

*Reservation required – through the My Disney Experience app or the Disney website. Opens 180 days in advance

Fast food or counter service

Yak and Yeti Foods Cafe – Asian-inspired food. Rice, chicken and spring rolls.

Satu'li Canteen – Located in the Pandora area. They serve bowls (bowls) with different combinations of proteins, rice, grains and vegetables.

Restaurantossauros – Located in Dinoland USA area Serves American fast food like cheeseburger, chicken fingers and hot dogs. It has a table of toppings (complements) to put in the sandwiches at will.

Flame Tree BBQ – Located in Discovery Island area. It serves meats like baby ribs, roast chicken and pork sandwiches.

Snacks and treats

Pongu pongu – Located in the Pandora area. In it you will find alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as the famous Night Blossom (colorful drink made with lemonade and apple and pear juice). In addition to the pongu lumpia snack, a pineapple spring roll with cream cheese that is a hit.

Harambe Fruit Market – Located in the Africa area. Options with fruits already cut for snack.

More Tips Important Animal Kingdom - Write it down:

1) Download the App and schedule your Fast Passes

Before the trip, download the mobile app My disney experience. Register, link your tickets and book your three Fast Passes for free. Start researching attractions and places to eat, and also check maps to see how the average queue times are.

There are many characters scattered throughout Animal Kingdom. Here Mickey and Minnie are wearing a beautiful Safari outfit and taking pictures together! Look through the app or on the park map for their location.

2) Pay attention to the times to enter Animal Kingdom

Arrive early and get yours map and the Time Guide with show times. This park has two shows (Finding Nemo the Musical and Festival of the Lion King) that can last from 30 to 40 minutes. Schedule to watch them during your day.

If you didn't get the Fast Pass for Avatar area attractions, arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before the park opens and head straight to Pandora to see the Flight of Passage and Na'vi river Journey. The Flight of Passage queue can average two to three hours during the day.

If you can't get there early, the tip is to get in line for the Flight of Passage 10 minutes before the park closes.

3) Ensure Unlimited internet while traveling

Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?

Just ask for an international cell phone chip through AMERICA CHIP. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.

#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet?

4) Travel Insurance is ESSENTIAL

Although travel insurance is not mandatory to enter the United States, hiring a plan is highly recommended. Travel Insurance is cheap and a necessary investment to get rid of bigger problems that can happen during the holidays.

>> Read more in our post Orlando Travel Insurance – EVERYTHING you need to know before hiring

To find good travel insurance, compare prices and coverage on Promo insurance.

#StayHip: Save 10% on your travel insurance. use the coupon FORTRAVELOVERS to get 5% off and pay with boleto to guarantee an additional 5% OFF.

5) Tips for those traveling with children

If you have small children or babies, all parks have the Baby Care Center. In them, you can heat the baby food and get products such as diapers, tissues and even some medicine. Look at the location on the map or seek help from a cast member.

Rent from companies outside the parks or buy a stroller at Walmart for children as young as seven or eight. In the parks the rent per day is 50 dollars and the strollers are uncomfortable. Even if your child is older, the park is tiring to walk around all day.

6) What to bring to Animal Kingdom

We walked an average of 15 km through Animal Kingdom. So prepare yourself physically before and wear comfortable shoes.

Water throughout Orlando is drinkable, you can order it for free at restaurants.

Bring changing clothes for children and adults, and a pair of flip-flops if you go to the Kali River Rapids attraction, as it gets very wet.

Bring snacks, fruit and cookies to eat when you get hungry, especially for children. In case you forget, in several stalls in the park, pieces of fruit are sold.

7) For those who like photos for Instagram

If you like professional photos with magical effects, buy in advance, on the Disney website, the Memory Maker. It costs $169 three days in advance and if purchased after that period it costs $199.

With the Memory Card, all your ride photos, no matter how many photos you take at Disney Parks, are included! Some videos with effects are produced by surprise and it is a great souvenir of the trip.

8) What is prohibited

Inside the Walt Disney World Resort parks, smoking is now prohibited. Selfie sticks are also not allowed

Where to stay when going to Animal Kingdom

The Walt Disney World complex is located in Lake Buena Vista, near Kissimee. Preferably look for hotels in this region – Lake Buena Vista or Kissimee.

In the Animal Kingdom area there are a luxury Disney hotel and a moderate one, in addition to three budget hotels.

Those who stay in the hotels of the complete have some advantages, among them:

Free transport throughout the complex and from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
Extra Magic Hours (an extra hour when parks open or close)
Entertainment such as a cinema in the pool and games room;
Delivery of your purchases at the parks and Disney Springs to your hotel room
Each guest gets a magic band, the bracelet that can be used for everything: from the room key, to the entrance to the parks, entrance to the Fast Pass queue or as a means of payment for purchases if you add a credit card to your account.

To help you, we list some options for all pockets and tastes.

>> Read also Cheap Hotels in Orlando – Our Tips for Savings

Disney Resorts Near Animal Kingdom

Disney’s All Star Resorts ($$)

They are the most sought after budget hotels by Brazilians in the Orlando Disney complex. Daily rates range from R$550 to R$900 depending on the season. They offer free transportation to the parks and the airport.

They have swimming pools, restaurants, parking included, games room, laundry and a store with Disney products. Rooms are equipped with TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and bathroom amenities. In addition to a safe, minibar, ironing board and iron and free WiFi.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge ($$$)

Disney luxury category hotel, with daily rates from R$1600 to R$3300 that vary throughout the year.

It has some great restaurants and shops, such as Boma, with a buffet-style breakfast, super hearty. It has outdoor pools with water slides, spa, gym, game room and store with Disney products.

The animals of the African jungle can be seen from the rooms, they also have free WiFi, bathroom with hairdryer and amenities, air conditioning, TV, minibar and iron.

Hotels near Walt Disney World Resort

* Changes may occur in the reported values of the daily rates. Always check the Booking.com website for updated prices.

>> Also read about Magic Village Resort – a great option to stay with the family close to Disney

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista ($$)

O Fairfield Inn by Marriott is one of the budget hotels near the Disney parks in Lake Buena Vista, with great value for money.

It has a swimming pool, restaurants, free parking, games room, gym, hairdresser and laundry. The rooms are equipped with TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and bathroom amenities. In addition to a safe, microwave, minibar, coffee maker and free WiFi.

Rates for couples from R$270 to R$500* with breakfast.

Click Here to make your reservation and learn more about the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress ($$$)

O Hyatt Regency is a 4 star hotel close to the Disney parks in Lake Buena Vista. It has a swimming pool with toboggan, private lake with kayak and pedal boat, six restaurants, parking included in the rate, games room, gym, tennis court and laundry.

The rooms are equipped with a balcony, TV, air conditioning, hairdryer and bathroom amenities, as well as a safe, microwave, minibar, coffee maker and free WiFi.

Rates for couples with breakfast from R$800 to R$1400*, depending on the season.

Click Here make your reservation and learn more about Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress