My Favorite Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Today I’m going to finish my series on my favorite attractions in the 4 main theme parks at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an interactive theme park with many things to do. It is often referred to as a “half-day park,” but that is not the case! There are countless animals to see, as well as many terrific shows such as Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo the Musical, and Flights of Wonder. Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Flight of Passage are two of the park’s most popular attractions.

Because I already did a post on my favorite WDW shows, this list is just rides and other things to do and see. Animal Kingdom has some of the best shows in all of Walt Disney World so be sure to take time to see them!

Pandora- Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey

The two attractions in Pandora- The World of Avatar are both spectacular! In Flight of Passage you get to ride on your very own banshee and fly over Pandora. It’s a very unique attraction, kind of a cross between Soarin’ and Star Tours. I won’t spoil it if you haven’t done it yet, but trust me this ride is not like anything you’ve never seen!

Na’vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride through the bioluminescent rainforest in Pandora. It’s breathtakingly beautiful! You’re welcomed into the rainforest by a Na’vi warrior and then head down the river in search of the Shaman of Songs. The Shaman herself is one of the most impressive audio-animatronics that Disney has ever created and is a great way to end this really peaceful ride.

FastPass+ is highly recommended, especially for Flight of Passage. But the queue is incredible so if you can get there very early in the morning it’s worth it to see!
Flight of Passage Height Requirement: 44 inches
Na’vi River Journey Height Requirement: none

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you’ve always wanted to go on an African Safari or to see hippos and gorillas in a natural habitat, then Africa is the area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom you don’t want to miss! The Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail are two of the major attractions in Africa. You can see many animals and learn about them through your Safari rangers or other park guides.

On the Safari ride itself, you board a large safari vehicle and your guide will lead you into the Harambe Reserve. All kinds of African animals are around, including rhinos, hippos, elephants, and giraffes. An animal spotting guide can be found overhead, but generally the safari guides are great at pointing them out.

FastPass+ is available. The animals are generally the most active in the mornings, so that’s a great time to ride! The ride lasts about 25 min, depending on what you see on the route.
Height Requirement: none

Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is accessible only by the Wildlife Express Train. Board the train and in about 5 minutes, you’ll be at the Conservation Station, where you’ll learn about Disney’s efforts to preserve the animals and their environments. You can speak to veterinarians and get up close and personal with goats and pigs! This is a great area for animal lovers and children of all ages. This is also home to certain characters such as Rafiki (of course) and Doc McStuffins. Sometimes other special things can be found here, like if you’re doing Wilderness Explorers or other in-park scavenger hunts you’ll need to make a stop here to complete the tasks.

Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

The world’s most famous mountain, Mount Everest, is featured prominently Asia, another section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Inside this towering “mountain” is Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, a high-speed roller coaster. Asia is also home to Kali River Rapids, a fun raft ride (where you will get wet) as well as Yak and Yeti restaurant.

Expedition Everest is a high-speed train ride coaster, with turns and drops and backwards motion. It’s a really great coaster and if they can fix the Yeti later this year it will be even better!

FastPass+ is available, but the standby queue is fantastic so it’s worth the wait if you don’t have a FP+. The Single Rider line is open most of the time as well.
Height Requirement: 44 inches

DINOSAUR!

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you are not limited to learning about live animals- you can learn about extinct ones, too! Dinoland U.S.A. is the place to learn about fossils, dig sites, and see some still-living relatives of these long-extinct reptiles. DINOSAUR is a must-see attraction, taking you way back in time to capture an iguanodon. Before you board your time rover you’ll see a short pre-show video, which is dated yet still a lot of fun. Then once you’re off traveling back to the tail end of the Cretaceous period. You’ll have to avoid that giant meteor that’s looming and a Carnotaurus too.

FastPass+ is available
Height Requirement: 40 inches, but this ride is dark and loud, so use caution with young children.

So there you have it- my favorites! Disney’s Animal Kingdom has so many great things to do that I haven’t even had a chance to mention, such as Wilderness Explorers or some of the other trails throughout the park. The Tree of Life itself is a remarkable sight, and every time I go I notice new animals on it! What are your favorite rides at Animal Kingdom?