Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Overall Tips

- It is important to visit the park as soon as they open. The animals are much more active in the morning, while it is still cool out.

- There is also a morning show for those who arrive early before opening, it includes Minnie, Mickey, Pluto and Goofy welcoming you to the park!

- Make sure to spend some time observing the areas around the entrance and Oasis when you first enter the park. There are many animals to see, but they can be somewhat hard to spot when just walking by.

- Disney's Animal Kingdom typically closes around 5 pm for animal care. It is a great park to visit for the morning and afternoon, but then it is a good idea to park hop to Epcot or Magic Kingdom for the evening.

- Make sure not to feed the animals or leave any garbage on the ground in this park.

Character Tips

- There are frequently characters out front of Disney's Animal Kingdom, right before the ticket turnstiles.

- Jiminy Cricket and Rafiki can be found at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

- Lilo and Stitch are frequently seen near the entrance to Camp Minnie Mickey in the afternoon.

- Mickey and Minnie, and other favorites can also be found within Camp Minnie Mickey, and the lines are frequently much shorter than at the Magic Kingdom.

- Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger are ready to meet guests at the Character Landing, located right before the entrance to Dinoland.

Attraction Tips

Expedition Everest * * *

This attractions starts by taking a calming ride through the mountains of the Himalayas, but then something happens. The train that you are on crosses paths with the Yeti and he is not happy about it. The track is ruined and your train has no where to go but backwards down the hill.

Tips: It is important to arrive at the park before opening and visit this attraction first. Ride the rollercoaster and then get a FASTPASS on the way out, if you would like to ride again. The single rider line for this attraction is usually rather quick if there are less than 20 people in the line. Also, ask for row 16 of the train, it is the most intense seat.

Kilimanjaro Safaris * *

Board a battered safari vehicle at this attraction for an experience unlike any other at Disney. This journey will take you on a mission to save a baby elephant from poachers, through the savannahs of Africa. There are endless animals to see along the way, all of which are free roaming. You will witness lions, elephants, leopards, gazelle, hippos and more on this amazing tour. Because the animals are free to roam, guests often are close enough to the animals to almost touch them. The entire family will love this attraction.

Tips: Visit this attraction after Expedition Everest. The animals on the safari are most active in the morning, while it is still cool.

Kali River Rapids * * *

This attraction is best described in the words of Disney, "You will get wet, and you may get soaked!" This ride is all about getting wet, so ride it when it is good and hot out. Guests travel in their raft down a raging river through the jungle of Asia. The highlight of this attraction is the large drop, in the middle of the ride. Riders who's backs are downhill on this drop will be lucky to walk away with an inch of dry clothing!

Tips: This attraction usually opens an hour or two after the rest of the park does. It's a good idea to get a FASTPASS for this early in the day. Once it gets hot, the line gets very long. You will get VERY wet on this ride, so make sure you hold your feet up to prevent wet shoes. Also, ponchos won't protect you on this ride, you'll still get wet.

Dinosaur * * *

A crazy scientist sends you to the Cretaceous period to locate and bring back the Iguanodon dinosaur in his newly created Time Rovers. The only problem is that the famous meteor shower that killed the dinosaurs is in very close range and there are hungry dinos on the loose.

Tips: This is my personal favorite ride at Disney, a must do! The line usually moves quickly, but you can use FASTPASS to prevent waiting. This ride is very dark, loud and jerky...it is sometimes too intense for young children. Also, most guests when entering the pre-ride video room go towards the front by the screen, so walk along the back wall and stand by the door on the other side, you will be quick to exit and save time in line (this also works at Test Track and Rock n Rollercoaster).

Primeval Whirl * * *

Head back to the age of the Dinos in this crazy, out of control rollercoaster. The free-spinning cars zip down sudden drops and around tight corners, offering thrills for the whole family!

Tips: Ride this early in the day when the line is short, or use FASTPASS in the afternoon. The rollercoaster is also somewhat jerky and rough, and may bother some guests. It also spins, so those who have severe motion sickness should not ride.

Triceratops Spin *

Similar to Dumbo and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, this ride takes little ones on a spin in their own friendly dino.

Tips: Let the kids ride this in the middle of the day when the big popular rides have been done.

Finding Nemo The Musical *

Dive into the big blue world with Nemo in friends in this Broadway-style reproduction of the movie. The show features wonderful live music, amazing puppets and a hilarious and forgetful Dori.

Tips: Arrive 30 minutes early (or an hour early if its busy) to the theater, it is large but fills up fast. Do not sit right up front, there are fish and puppets that come out into the crowd that you will miss being too close.

Festival of the Lion King *

This is a live stage show that features floats, dancing, singing and all of the characters from The Lion King. It is one of the best shows at Walt Disney World, and even involves the crowd in the fun!

Tips: Arrive early before show time, the lines can become long. There are more than one line to enter, and some may be shorter than others or totally empty.

It's Tough to be a Bug * *

Venture into the Tree of Life for a wacky 3D show put on by Flick and his insect friends from the Bug's Life movie. This is a hilarious show that is not to be missed.

Tips: Try to sit in the middle of the theater, not right up front. You also do not need to rush into the theater, everyone will get a seat. This attraction may be slightly scary for small children. The line for this should be short throughout the day, use this attraction to escape the heat.

Flights of Wonder *

Witness exotic birds in the jungle of Asia as they demonstrate their natural talents and skills for hunting and defense. Many birds swoop over the crowd flying just inches above heads.

Tips: You should not need to arrive early to this show unless it is crowded at the park. Have a dollar bill close at hand, they sometimes ask for a guest with one to help out with a trick.

Rafiki's Planet Watch *

Hop on the Wildlife Express Train to head out to this remote area of the park. Riders will pass by the animal care facilities and sleeping pens offering a backstage look at how Disney's Animal Kingdom runs behind the scenes. Once at Rafiki's Planet Watch, there are animal exhibits to view, a petting zoo and the main building featuring a sound booth that will make you feel like your sitting right in the jungle among wild animals.

Tips: This attraction is a great way to spend an hour or so of your time to relax. The kids will love the petting zoo, and the sound booth is amazing but may be scary for young kids. If you go earlier in the day, you may catch the vets performing procedures on different animals, which you can view through a glass window.

Maharajah Jungle Trek *

Stroll down this Asian jungle pathway which includes exhibits featuring native exotic animals among waterfalls and lush tropical foliage. Animals such as Tigers, Fruit Bats, and the Komodo Dragon can be seen on this walking tour.

Tips: The fruit bats are amazing to check out, young boys will love it. Spend time in the bird aviary, you have to really look but there are lots of beautiful birds to find.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail *

Found next to Kilimanjaro Safaris, this trail offers sightings of African animals including Gorillas, Meerkats and Hippos.

Tips: They recently welcomed a baby Gorilla, so stop by and see if you can spot her. This trail also has an aviary similar to the Maharajah Jungle Trek that is full of exotic birds to find.


Parade

Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade typically happens in the late afternoon at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It includes African floats and dancers along with everyone's favorite Disney characters dressed in safari gear. It makes a complete loop through Africa, Asia and back around to the entrance. This parade does not get as crowded as the others, so you should seek out a spot around 15 minutes early.