Disney’s Animal Kingdom Should Not be Missed
One of the things I hear on a regular basis from prospective Disney guests is that they plan to skip Animal Kingdom. I must admit that I used to put myself in this category. I used to regularly skip Animal Kingdom but now I find myself visiting there every time. These are the reasons you should not miss Animal Kingdom on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
Atmosphere
One of the reasons I’ve been enjoying Animal Kingdom lately is the atmosphere. I love finding space without the crowds to relax and enjoy the scenery. Animal Kingdom is beautiful. The landscaping, animals, music, and live performers provide unique entertainment.


Photo: AllEars.net
Food
I think Animal Kingdom has some of the best quick service locations at Walt Disney World. Flame Tree BBQ and Satu’li Canteen are two of my favorites. Both offer a cut above typical quick service locations and are a reasonable price.
I love finding a spot near the water at Flame Tree BBQ while watching the character cavalcades float by on boats and the new KiteTails show. It is relaxing and the food at Flame Tree is one of the best quick service locations on property.
Tusker House is a unique character meal located at Animal Kingdom as well. Donald and friends wear their adorable safari outfits while guests enjoy Africa inspired food as well as kid friendly favorites. Tiffins provides a signature dining option for guests as well.
Wilderness Explorers
One of our favorite things to enjoy are some of the attractions and activities that do not have a wait. Our kids love to participate in the free Wilderness Explorers program. Kids receive little booklets and can earn badges (stickers) at different booths around the parks.


(David Roark, Photographer).
Kids will learn about protecting the environment, conservation efforts, and information about various animals around the world. This is a great option to keep kids entertained throughout the park.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Another favorite of ours is Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Guests board the Wildlife Express train and travel to the Conversation Station. The Conservation Station provides activities for adults and kids alike. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo: the Affection Section. Kids can pet goats, sheep, and pigs.
The Conversation Station is also home to the popular Animation Experience. Throughout the day guests can participate in a free animation class. This is a really fun experience. We also participated in something similar to this on Disney Cruise Line. Adults and children can both participate in the experience.
Attractions
Animal Kingdom has some of the best attractions. Kilimanjaro Safari is an attraction unlike anything else in the world. Guests enjoy a real Safari and are treated to views of giraffe, elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, hippopotamus, and more. Kids and adults alike love this attraction.
Thrill seekers will love Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest. Kali River Rapids is just what you need on a hot July day.
Live Entertainment
Animal Kingdom is home to one of my favorite shows in Walt Disney World, The Festival of the Lion King. Although the show was modified due to COVID, fan favorites like the flying monkeys will be returning soon. The Festival of the Lion King performers are top notch and it’s a show not to be missed.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond will also be premiering in 2022. I cannot wait to see this show. The Finding Nemo musical was another favorite of mine before it ended in 2020.
Tree of Life
During the 50th Anniversary, the Tree of Life has premiered a new projection called Beacon of Magic. In Disney’s words “a warm and glorious light emanates from the Tree of Life, as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature.”


(David
Roark, photographer)
We also enjoyed the Tree of Life Awakenings. At 8:15 each night the Tree of Life shimmers with various stories. Last month we were able to see the story of the Lion King projected on the Tree of Life. The stories change throughout the seasons.
The Boneyard
Parents of young children will be no stranger to the Boneyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Boneyard is an open-air play space themed to a Dinosaur dig site.
Guests can play on slides, dig for fossils in the sand, climb ropes and much more. Our children said this was the favorite part of their day. The Boneyard is the perfect space for exhausted parents to let their children burn some energy off.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park should not be missed on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
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