Your Guide to Animal Kingdom at Night
Since opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been given the stigma of being a half a day park. By the time the sun would set across Animal Kingdom, guests would be flocking to the exit. With its recent updates, Animal Kingdom has become one of the most beautiful night parks Walt Disney World has to offer. Between the bright lights of outdoor attractions, the new night time shows added to the queue of excitement, and the awe-inspiring vision that is Pandora at night provides more opportunities for guests to experience this beautiful park once the moon shines bright above.
Outdoor Attractions at Night
I must say, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is my favorite out of all the theme parks. Though I love Magic Kingdom because it provides amazing memories as a child and Epcot gets me excited about technology advancement and world travel, Animal Kingdom allows me to show my love for Animals! Not to mention their amazing attractions.
My favorite ride happens to be Primeval Whirl located in Dinoland U.S.A. This attraction looks like it was designed to operate at night. The beautiful lights almost provides a completely different experience at night compared to the same attraction during the day. TriceraTop Spin, also located in Dinoland U.S.A. is a Dumbo-type ride that provides a beautiful view of the surrounding land at night.
One of the best thrill rides across Disney property is Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. With aspects of the roller coaster located outside, the first incline shows you the beautiful landscape and even surrounding lit theme parks. (Epcot can be seen from this location). Without the sun casting light, the intense drops can be difficult to spot as the darkness from outside makes it difficult to determine inside from outside. This creates a more intense and thrilling experience compared to that of riding this same attraction during the day.
Depending on temperature, Kali River Rapids provides a ride through a scenic river that is absolutely stunning at night. However, you are bound to get soaked on this attraction. That being said, without the sun to assist in drying you off, it is best to keep an eye on the temperature that evening to make sure you will not be freezing. Everyone walks away soaked, no one is safe!
Having the park opened later than it has been in the past, one of the best nighttime experiences is the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Though this ride is amazing during the day or night, many of the animals are becoming accustomed to the later in-time and without the sun are able to roam more freely. The cooler weather makes it easier for the animals to not seek shade from the sun and gives the riders a better view of all the animals that reside in the Safari.
Nighttime Shows
The extended park hours have provided more opportunities for guests to experience the new shows throughout the park. Of the new offerings, Tree of Life Awakenings is one of the most visually stunning and technologically inspiring shows. Casted upon the Tree of Life, projections are bringing the animals sculpted in the tree to life. Telling a beautiful story of animals in the wild. This happens intermittingly through the night, beginning at 6:00 PM until park close.
Rivers of Light is also one of the newer night time offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This experience is all about the beautiful in nature with special effects and music with other amazing elements shown throughout water. This show is the Fantasmic for animals. The captivating light display is something that should not be missed.
Dining and Drinking
Of all the new additions to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, their food and drink selections are some of the absolute best. For a specialty dining experience, Tiffins provides a luxurious atmosphere along with a menu just as lavish. Selections include: Marinated grilled octopus, Pan-seared duck breast, grilled swordfish, and Duo of venison. If you are looking for something different and grand, Tiffins provides the perfect setting.
Just off of Tippins lies Nomad Lounge, a unique bar with specialty cocktails and appetizers. Of the appetizers, here are a few of their selections: Florida lionfish tacos, Asian barbecue chicken wings, and African-spiced wagyu beef sliders. Their specialty cocktail menu contains 13 different selections:
Lamu Libation
Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, Guava Purée, with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Gosling’s 151 Rum
Spice Trader Classic
Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, Lemon Juice, and Strawberries topped with Soda Water
Annapurna Zing
Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Passion Fruit Purée, Mint, Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice topped with Ginger Beer
Dalang’s Delight
Starr African Rum, Batavia-Arrack van Oosten, Vander Hum Tangerine Liqueur, Mountain Berry Tea, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice
Tempting Tigress
Russell’s Reserve 10yr Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Tamarind Syrup, and Lime Juice
Night Monkey
Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro Rum, Guava Purée, Mint, Coffee Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice with a hint of Cilantro
Mustang Coffee
Crown Royal, Brown Sugar, and Butter with hot Coffee
Leaping Lizard
Malibu Pineapple Rum and Augusta Cachaça with Orange, Passion Fruit, and Mango Juices
Sinaloa Sangria
A South American Sangria made with Miquel Torres Rosé Wine, Barsol Quebranta Pisco, and fresh Fruit
Boto-Rita
Zignum Reposado Mezcal, Combier Grapefruit Liqueur, Guava Purée, and Lime Juice
Hightower Rocks
Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Watermelon, Sweet-and-Sour, and Lime Juice
Snow Leopard Salvation
Snow Leopard Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, Mint, and Lime Juice topped with Ginger Beer
Jenn’s Tattoo
Ketel One Vodka, Watermelon, Hibiscus, and Lime Juice
Pandora – World of Avatar
Created as a night experience, Pandora – World of Avatar is a land that completely transforms the moment the sun goes down. The illuminated land gives you the feeling of being on another planet. From the ground, to the plants, to the sounds, and even the beverages, this area is one to take advantage of Photopass. Though a picture cannot completely do this land justice, their cameras can capture some of the essence of the land.
Experience the tastes of Pandora by eating at Satu’li Canteen or grabbing a bioluminescent drink at Pongu Pongu. Check out both of the menu offerings below:
Pongu Pongu
Beverages
Night Blossom – Non-Alcoholic Specialty Beverage
Mixture of Limeade with Apple and Desert Pear flavors topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls
Night Blossom with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Mixture of Limeade with Apple and Desert Pear flavors topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls with glowing Unadelta Seed
Night Blossom in a Souvenir Mug with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Mixture of Limeade with Apple and Desert Pear flavors topped with Passion Fruit Boba Balls served in a souvenir Pongu Mug with glowing Unadelta Seed
Alcoholic Beverages
Mo’ara Margarita
Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with Strawberry and Blood Orange flavors topped with Strawberry Boba Balls
Mo’ara Margarita with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with Strawberry and Blood Orange flavors topped with Strawberry Boba Balls with glowing Unadelta Seed
Mo’ara Margarita in a Souvenir Mug with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with Strawberry and Blood Orange flavors topped with Strawberry Boba Balls and served in a souvenir Pongu Mug with glowing Unadelta Seed
Mo’ara High Country Ale
Draft Beer 16oz. Rich amber color with a spicy Hop aroma and notes of Caramel, Toffee and Nuts
Mo’ara High Country Ale
Draft Beer 22oz. Rich amber color with a spicy Hop aroma and notes of Caramel, Toffee and Nuts
Hawkes’ Grog Ale
Draft Beer 16oz. Golden Ale with a brilliant green color and flavors of Wheat and Citrus followed by a creamy finish
Hawkes’ Grog Ale
Draft Beer 22oz. Golden Ale with a brilliant green color and flavors of Wheat and Citrus followed by a creamy finish
Draft Beer (16 oz) with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Draft Beer (22 oz) with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Draft Beer in a Souvenir Mug with Glowing Unadelta Seed
Satu’li Canteen
(Lunch and Dinner Menu)
Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl
Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef marinated in a blend of Garlic, Herbs, Red Pepper Spice, and Red Wine Vinegar topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce.
Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl
Wood-Grilled Chicken Thighs marinated with Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce
Sustainable Fish Bowl
Panko Breaded Sustainable Fish topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce
Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl
Crispy Fried Tofu seasoned with Chili-Spice topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce
Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns
Steamed Cheeseburger Pod stuffed with Ground Beef, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle, and Cheddar Cheese served with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Vegetable Chips
Vegetable Steamed Curry Pods – Bao Buns
Steamed Vegetable Curry Pod with Eggplant, Cauliflower, Sweet Potato, Carrots, and Shallot Cilantro Cream served with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Vegetable Chips
Satu’li Sampler Platter
Choice of four Proteins and a sampling of each of our Bases and Sauces, served with Vegetable Slaw and Four Non-Specialty Beverages. *Please note that this offering is only available from 5:00 PM until close
One of the best tips for attempting to ride the new attractions would of course be obtaining a Fastpass. With the Fastpass system, only one of the attractions (if available) is able to be booked. My advice would be: obtain a Fastpass for Na’vi River Journey and just before park close, get in line for Avatar Flight of Passage.
Avatar Flight of Passage is worth a 2-hour wait (I have waited twice now because the attraction is so amazing). That being said, once the park closes, Fastpasses are no longer offered and the only line would be the stand-by. The stand-by line closes at park close no matter how long the actual wait it. To avoid losing a day in the theme park to waiting in a two-hour line, use that time by waiting when the park is already closed. That and the line will be moving more quickly since there will no longer be a Fastpass line! (Remember that this statement will also be true for Na’vi River Journey if you are able to obtain a Fastpass for Avatar Flight of Passage!)
Take the time during your trip to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night and experience all the beauty within this park! If you need help planning your trip, MickeyTravels will be happy to do it for free! Get a free quote below!