Top 3 Ways to Stay Cool at Animal Kingdom This Summer!
Trekking through the dense foliage of the Discovery Island foot trails and safariing across the African savannah are two of the most serene and truly organic experiences you can have at a Disney Park. They- and many other activities at Animal Kingdom- are also two of the hottest adventures you can partake in when the temperatures soar during summer at Walt Disney World.
As we’re heading into the warmest months of the year, staying cool should be at the top of every WDW vacationer’s itinerary. When you’re visiting Animal Kingdom, check out these top three ways to beat the Florida heat!
3- Na’vi River Journey
Although you don’t actually get wet, this leisurely water ride is one of the best ways to get out of the sun and enjoy some much-earned shade and air conditioning! The entirety of the queue line for Na’vi River Journey is located under a giant canopy, making it the perfect queue to take a break.
The ride itself is a slow-moving (air-conditioned) boat ride that takes us into the heart of the (air conditioned) Mo’ara Valley and culminated with an (air-conditioned) encounter with the Shaman Of Song. See where I’m going with this one? Na’vi River Journey guarantees a nice long break from the sun!
Photo: TouringPlans.com
The line can be one of the longest in the Park- but in this case that’s exactly what we want! Speaking from years of experience, I know first hand that those extra few minutes of being stationary in the shade can make or break a Park day!
2- It’s Tough to be a Bug
If you’ve never experienced ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug’, you’re missing out on an Animal Kingdom classic! Not only is the attraction one of the oldest and most nostalgic in the Park, it is also the only attraction whose queue stretches around the trunk of the Tree of Life!
After you’ve taken in the astounding detail work that went into creating the Park’s icon, you’ll be ready to head inside the theatre that is housed in the Tree of Life itself!
“It’s Tough to be a Bug” combines 3D technology with 4D effects. It’s funny, lighthearted, and even has a few creepy moments too! Best of all, this 10-minute show is complete with plenty of seating and nice cold AC!
1- Kali River Rapids
Just this past February, I walked past the Asia section of Animal Kingdom and wonder who in their right mind would be queuing for this attraction on a 50-degree day. I wondered if the poor unfortunate souls queueing up knew just how wet they were about to get…or if Kali would take them by complete surprise!
On a June day that’s approaching 90 on the temperature radar though, Kali River Rapids is the ride that you are going to want to make time for! When it’s 50 outside, the last thing you want is to walk around a Park drenched. When it’s 90, a nice dose of cool water soaking you to the skin is exactly what the doctor orders!
Keep in mind, you will likely be completely soaked when the Kali River is done with you!
Honorable Mentions
If you feel your energy dropping mid-day Tamu Tamu in Africa is serving up both classic pineapple Dole whips and flavor twists on the original concoction. Check out their offerings and grab a table in the shade to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up!
Right now, Pizzafari is closed. The good news is, it’s being used as a Relaxation Station! Guests are welcome to head inside for a break from the summer sun! This is the perfect area to look through the day’s photos or check out some quick serve menus.
One of my favorite things to do when the heat overwhelms me at Disney is to catch a show! The theatrical productions are slowly starting to make a comeback at WDW, as Festival of the Lion King was one of the first to return! The 20-minute show offers live entertainment at its finest paired with a super engaging and fun break from the summer heat!
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