How to Plan the Perfect Day at Animal Kingdom
Not all Disney theme parks are created equally.
Some of them come with benefits that are impossible to top.
For example, a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom marries a theme park experience with a trip to the zoo!
You’ll love spending your day here, but you’ll need a strategy!
So, let’s plan the perfect at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Rope Dropping with the Crowd
I’m someone who tries not to do the obvious thing, even if it’s also clearly the smart approach.
Even I accept that Rope Drop should work the same for everyone at Animal Kingdom.
What you should do the moment you enter the park is walk toward Pandora – The World of Avatar.
There’s simply no other strategy that can match this one, and I’m saying that as someone who has tried.
You’ll have no trouble finding Pandora, as that’s where most park guests are heading.
Everyone knows that the line queues at Avatar Flight of Passage grow outrageous within an hour of the park’s opening.
So, while I’d never recommend running in a Disney park – you’re not supposed to do that! – I will say that you should walk with purpose.
You won’t beat all the other people heading in the same direction, but it’s like being chased by a bear.
You don’t have to be faster than the bear, just the other people standing between you and the bear.
At Animal Kingdom, you want to be among the first few hundred guests on Avatar Flight of Passage. That’s when you save the most time!
Once you’re done, you should again do the obvious thing and ride Na’vi River Journey since you’re right there.
An approach you can take involves a Disney Genie+ purchase. Presuming you do that, you can try to book Na’vi River Journey first.
Your schedule will work more smoothly this way. However, I don’t view Disney Genie+ as a necessity at Animal Kingdom.
You should experience both Pandora attractions within your first two hours anyway, presuming Rope Drop goes smoothly.
Discovering the Animals
Your best two options at this point require walking to either Port of Harambe/Africa or Discovery Island.
Let’s save the brilliance of Harambe for this afternoon.
Instead, we’ll take this opportunity to play with the animals! At Discovery Island, you’ll enjoy several zoo-like options.
The Discovery Island Trail provides a home to several exotic species. Also, you’ll find two character interactions here.
Adventurers Outpost hosts Mickey & Minnie Mouse in an explorer setting.
Meanwhile, you can visit Wilderness Explorers to find fun ways to earn badges, ones that would make Russell jealous.
When you need a break from the sun, sit down for a showing of It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Afterward, you should eat lunch, and I highly recommend Flame Tree Barbecue, which is in this area.
You can eat outdoors in a lovely, oddly forested area and bask in the beauty of your surroundings.
Sometimes, vacationers are too “Go! Go! Go!” during Animal Kingdom visits.
At this park, you definitely want to take in the sights. I consider it the most beautiful of the Walt Disney World parks.
Once you’re done with your meal, you visit any of the three remaining themed lands.
Since you should be cooled down at this point after sitting, you don’t need Kali River Rapids yet. So, now is the time for…
Harambe in the Afternoon
THE most essential attraction at Animal Kingdom resides in the African-themed village known as Harambe.
Yes, I mean Kilimanjaro Safaris, which I consider the heart and soul of Animal Kingdom.
On this 20-minute ride, you’ll explore the various rivers, savannahs, and jungles where the residents of Animal Kingdom live.
You should never forget during your visit that you’re the invited guest. The animals live here.
During Kilimanjaro Safaris, you’ll discover that these majestic creatures perceive you as little more than an idle curiosity.
Many of them won’t even stop what they’re doing as you approach, and they may not even look up to acknowledge you.
Even in those circumstances, you’ll still admire the beauty of these animals as you relish a rare opportunity.
You’re watching them in their natural habitats, and since they’re used to humans, nothing you do will disrupt them.
A safari experience legitimately rivals the most magical moments at Walt Disney World.
Once your safari ends, you should visit Gorilla Falls Trail and then take in a show at Festival of the Lion King, but I have a suggestion first.
Grab some Street Corn at Harambe Market first. It’s the nectar of the gods.
After you’re done, presuming you have the time, energy, and willingness, take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
At Affection Section, you can visit the petting zoo, which should delight you as an adult.
If you’re traveling with a child, it will be their EVERYTHING!
Africa and Discovery Island for the Win
You start the day with rides, but we’ve largely moved away from that strategy…until now.
Once you’ve finished everything at Africa, it’s time to head East to Asia, home of two classic Animal Kingdom attractions.
If you’re hot, you should prioritize Kali River Rapids, which is a raft ride with 90 percent certainty of drenching guests. The only debate is how wet you get.
Afterward, you can experience one of Walt Disney World’s best roller coasters, Expedition Everest.
I should warn you that the intensity of this attraction isn’t for everyone. It’ll put a song in the hearts of all guests starving for an adrenaline rush.
While you’re here, you should explore the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Also, if it’s late enough in the day, I’d suggest dinner at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes.
This place serves many of the same foods as the glorious Yak & Yeti Restaurant, but you don’t need an Advanced Dining Reservation here.
The cuisine is legitimately in the conversation for best at Walt Disney World, too.
After you’re done, you can finally visit DinoLand, U.S.A. I’ve saved it for last due to the park layout.
However, you should know that this place includes a children’s playground, The Boneyard.
If you’re traveling with kids, you may need to visit here earlier in the day.
As an adult, your main interest would be the Finding Nemo show, followed by DINOSAUR. You can also ride TriceraTop Spin while you’re here.
The ride isn’t high-end, but the lines are almost always short.
As for DINOSAUR, it’s one of Disney’s hidden gems but may get replaced soon.
Enjoy DINOSAUR while you can…just in case!
Final Thoughts
Animal Kingdom visits come with a different flow than the other parks. So, you should keep a couple more strategies in mind.
First, should you notice a flotilla or photo op where you are, take the time to experience it!
Animal Kingdom doesn’t operate as many rides as the other parks, and that’s by design. You’re supposed to explore and engage more!
Similarly, you’ll want to take pictures at the Tree of Life and generally hang out here some. It’s an action spot at the park.
Also, you should choose animal interactions as much as possible. Don’t forget the name of the park while you’re there!
You’d be shocked how many people end their Disney vacations by saying, “I wish we’d spent more time seeing the animals.”
Speaking of which, if you want to try something a bit unusual at the park, take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
You’ll discover a savannah past the lobby. It hosts countless animal residents as well.
I wouldn’t recommend this strategy during a first visit. It’s more of a pro tip for Disney veterans on a crowded park day.
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Feature Photo: Disney