Top 20 Attractions at Animal Kingdom Disney World
Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is more than just a theme park and home to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Out of the four very different parks, Animal Kingdom is the most recent addition, as it opened in 1998. It combines traditional elements of other parks, such as rides and Disney characters, with the added component of live animals. Disney's Animal Kingdom, along with Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. There are many attractions throughout the park you'll love experiencing.
01 Na'vi River Journey
You'll find the Na'vi River Journey in the Pandora - The World of Avatar section of Animal Kingdom. It's one of the most captivating rides as you'll float in a boat through a bioluminescent rainforest in search of the Na'vi Shaman of Songs. Be sure to pay close attention to the unbelievable finale.
02 Expedition Everest
Perhaps the most classic and iconic ride at Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest, is a thrilling ride featuring excitement and big drops. This Mount Everest-themed roller coaster goes both forward and backward and even encounters a life-sized yeti. Make sure to hit up this ride early, as the line to get on tends to be one of the longest in the park.
03 Avatar Flight of Passage
This Avatar-themed experience will take your breath away. Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora – The World of Avatar is a 3D adventure you won't want to miss. It activates all your senses as you hear the noises of Pandora and feel a light mist on your face. Visitors must be at least 44 inches tall.
04 Festival of the Lion King
Animal Kingdom isn't just about its detailed and thrilling rides. It's also home to some fantastic live performances. One such show is the Festival of the Lion King. Acrobats, singers, and other performers will wow you in this 40-minute Lion King-inspired theatrical show. This is a great option for the little ones who aren't yet tall enough for some of the rides.
05 Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!
The beloved animated film Finding Nemo takes to the stage in Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! at Animal Kingdom. While the acting is amazing in this show, the real stars are the puppets. The show is 25 minutes long, but it's so enjoyable you'll wish it lasted longer.
06 It's Tough to Be A Bug
Disney World has perfected the art of making education fun. It's Tough to be a Bug is a 3D film and live show that teaches visitors about insects. It was inspired by the charming A Bug's Life movie. Although it's a delightful option for children too young to go on the big-kid rides, it's wonderful for all ages. Keep an eye out for surprise interactive moments.
07 Gorilla Falls exploration trail
If you've spent your morning sitting at shows or on rides, get your steps in at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. This self-guided walking trail features beautiful greenery and incredible animals, including gorillas and zebras. It's a great opportunity to learn about conservation efforts for these remarkable animals.
08 Dinosaur
Head over to DinoLand U.S.A. where animatronic dinosaurs dot the track as you make your way through the DINOSAUR attraction. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the ride. Note that this ride has a height requirement of 40 inches minimum. DINOSAUR is one of the more popular rides at Animal Kingdom, so be sure to get there early.
09 Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris is another extremely popular stop in Animal Kingdom. Guests sit in a tram as a guide takes them through an inspired African safari with views of majestic live animals, including rhinos and giraffes. You'll learn plenty of fascinating facts during your journey. The animals tend to be more active when it's a bit cooler out, so avoid the ride during the middle of the day.
10 Wildlife Express Train
The Wildlife Express Train gives visitors a rare glimpse into Disney's elusive backstage. Guests board the train at Harambe Station for a 7-minute trek. You'll get a view of plenty of lush Florida greenery and the veterinary facilities where heroes treat the animals. Patrons can disembark at Rafiki's Planet Watch, which contains various fun activity options, including a trail and drawing lessons from Disney artists. The train runs every day, with the last one departing at 4:30 pm.
11 Conservation Station
Conservation Station offers a fascinating insight into the science behind Disney's Animal Kingdom. Watch Disney veterinarians at work! Experts at the nutrition and science centers teach guests how Disney's animals are fed and answer any questions to give visitors a better understanding of the care.
Visitors can also explore exhibits to see snakes, spiders, and scorpions up close. These exhibits are carefully chosen to foster a love of science and the natural world.
12 The Boneyard
A particular favorite of youngsters, the Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A. allows young paleontologists to dig, play, and explore. Children can climb across rope bridges, hurtle down slides, and sift through the sand in search of long-forgotten bone fragments.
The Boneyard is a great place for children to play without worrying about the wait or height requirements in other areas of the park. It also provides an opportunity to teach children about paleontology, extinct creatures, and the importance of protecting the animals they see around them today.
13 Kali River Rapids
Head to Asia in Animal Kingdom for the Kali River Rapids experience. It's a chance for thrill-seeking guests to hop in a raft and grab a seat as they make their way over a 20-foot slope, a geyser, and more.
Water splashes in through the sides of the raft, soaking some guests and almost sparing others. It's a favorite attraction on hot days. If you're particularly brave, you can enjoy the attraction on chillier days when wait times drop significantly. It's exciting for many ages, but riders must be at least 38 inches or taller.
14 Feathered Friends in Flight!: A soaring spectacle
Feathered Friends in Flight! is a show that will leave you in awe of the beauty and intelligence of our avian companions. This live performance showcases a variety of birds from around the world, demonstrating their unique skills and behaviors.
The show is both entertaining and educational, teaching guests about the importance of conservation. Birds swoop, soar, and even interact with the audience, making this a truly immersive experience. It's a testament to the magic of nature and is a spectacle that shouldn't be missed. Each show is 35 minutes long and is ideal for all ages.
15 Rafiki’s Planet Watch: A journey of discovery
Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural world and the efforts being made to protect it. This area of the park is accessible by the Wildlife Express Train, adding an element of adventure to your journey. Once there, you can explore interactive exhibits, meet some of the resident animals, and even watch veterinary procedures in action. It's a place where fun meets education, and where guests can gain a deeper appreciation for the world we share with animals. It's a must-visit for those with a thirst for knowledge and a love for animals.
16 TriceraTop Spin: Prehistoric fun for all ages
For those looking for a fun, family-friendly ride, TriceraTop Spin is the perfect choice. This dinosaur-themed ride takes guests on a gentle spin above DinoLand U.S.A., offering great views and plenty of laughs. The ride's colorful design and playful atmosphere make it a hit with younger guests, while the nostalgic charm of traditional carnival rides will appeal to adults. It's a light-hearted and enjoyable experience that adds a touch of whimsy to your Animal Kingdom visit.
17 Various animal encounters and trail at Animal Kingdom
The Animal Kingdom is all about celebrating the natural world, and what better way to do that than through its various animal encounters and trails? These experiences allow guests to come face-to-face with a variety of animals, from gorillas to kangaroos.
Each trail offers a unique environment and a chance to learn about the animals that inhabit it. These encounters are not only fascinating but also serve as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our planet. They're the heart of what the Animal Kingdom is all about, making them an essential part of any visit.
18 Tree of Life
Your trip to Animal Kingdom in Disney World isn't complete without a visit to the Tree of Life. This exquisite tree stands 145 feet tall, but its most jaw-dropping feature is the hundreds of animals carved into it. It's a beautiful homage to the animals who roam this earth.
19 Fossil Fun Games
Head over to DinoLand U.S.A. to play – you guessed it – dinosaur-themed games. The carnival-style games and activities range from a picture booth to shooting hoops. They're perfect to enjoy after riding the TriceraTop Spin.
20 Affection Section
This adorable petting zoo is wonderful for anyone who loves animals. The Affection Section features domesticated animals ranging from goats to pigs, making it a great experience for visitors who want to gently meet these charming creatures. Animal care experts are also on site to offer invaluable knowledge.
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