People often underestimate Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll hear things like “It’s just a half-day park!” or “It’s basically a zoo!” but we are here to tell you there is MUCH more to Animal Kingdom than that! You can discover so much throughout the park, with plenty of rides, entertainment, dining, and exploration, you won’t want to miss. Here is our guide to the Animal Kingdom must dos to add to your next Walt Disney World vacation itinerary!

Animal Kingdom Overview

Disney’s Animal Kingdom was the fourth theme park to open in Walt Disney World, first welcoming guests on April 22nd, 1998. With its primary goal being to promote the natural environment and animal conservation, an Earth Day opening only seemed fitting. Additionally, Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, sprawling over 500 acres!

Animal Kingdom is split into seven themed areas, including: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and DinoLand U.S.A. (which will be replaced with Tropical Americas in 2027). So, whether you’re looking to take on a thrill ride, check out the animal exhibits, or step inside some of your favorite Disney movies, there’s a lot to keep you busy here.

Let’s dive into the Animal Kingdom must dos!

Animal Kingdom Must Dos: Rides

Disney’s Animal Kingdom might have the fewest rides of all four Disney World theme parks, but it certainly packs a punch! While they all offer quality entertainment, these three rides are part of our must dos every time we go:

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris sits in the back part of Africa and often earns the title of best ride at Animal Kingdom for all ages — and I have to agree! This ride has no height requirement, so the whole family can join for a full-on safari ride.

Guests will board an open-air vehicle driven by a knowledgeable tour guide and spend the next twenty minutes exploring the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The Reserve is home to over 30 different animal species, and its terrains range from wetlands to open plains. The animals roam free throughout the reserve, so you never know what animals you might encounter!

Though you can see the animals throughout the day, they tend to be most active first thing in the morning. If you have a specific animal or species you want to see (like the regal lion lounging on the rocks, perhaps), head here as early as possible for your best shot at catching them out and about!

Avatar Flight of Passage

Hop on a Banshee and experience the most sought-after ride at Animal Kingdom! Guests embark on a 3D journey through Pandora (from the popular movie franchise) and gorgeous landscapes. As a Na’vi hunter, one of the primary missions is to bond with the banshees, and you’ll accomplish that on this ride. In fact, your seat even “breathes” like a banshee!

There is a 44-inch height requirement for this ride, so you may need to use Disney’s rider switch service if you’re traveling with smaller children. You may also want to consider purchasing the attraction through Lightning Lane Single Pass if you want to bypass the line, as this one can get long.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Head over to Asia and hop on a high-speed train through the icy Himalayas, but watch out for the Yeti! Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster that sends guests on a journey through mountains with flashing lights, sudden drops, and high speeds—and it even goes backwards!

There is a 44-inch height requirement for this attraction; however, rider switch and a single rider line are available.

Animal Kingdom Must Dos: Entertainment

The entertainment at Animal Kingdom is unique. From musical extravaganzas to petting zoos and animal trails, you can spend hours exploring the offerings without even hitting all of them! Here are a few of our favorites:

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa is the Wildlife Express Train. Guests can board this train, which departs continuously throughout the day, and head back to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There, you’ll encounter the Affection Section and Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

The Affection Section is a petting zoo full of domesticated animals and animal care experts that your littles will love. And, inside the Conservation Station, you can learn to draw your favorite Disney characters at The Animation Experience. This free 25-minute class has an instructor to take you through the steps of drawing Disney characters, and you even get to take your drawing home! Plus, you might even get to see Disney’s veterinary team working on animals inside the building as well.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is one of the most overlooked places in Animal Kingdom, so be sure to explore!

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

This self-guided walking trail is where you can get up close and personal with the friendly gorillas — but that’s not all you’ll encounter!

Guests can expect to encounter gorillas, hippos, zebras, birds, monkeys, and more throughout their adventure on this trail. Get your cameras ready, as you’ll have the opportunity for some close-ups!

This trail will take approximately 30 minutes at a leisurely pace, so plan accordingly.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

Similar to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, the Jungle Trek is a self-guided animal walking trail, but with different species! While it’s mostly known for its Asian tigers, the trek also has Komodo dragons, water buffalo, deer, and over 50 species of birds in an aviary!

This trail will take approximately 20 minutes at a leisurely pace, so plan accordingly.

Festival of the Lion King

This 40-minute show dedicated to The Lion King brings one of the most popular Disney classics to life with songs, puppetry, and acrobatics. The show runs on the hour multiple times daily, with varying hours depending on the season.

Seating is limited for this show, and Lightning Lanes are available with Multi Pass if you’d like to guarantee yourself seating. Otherwise, be sure to arrive early!

Animal Kingdom Must Dos: Eats

Animal Kingdom offers a variety of dining options. From fine dining to popular snacks, you’ll never go hungry! You may have heard of a few of these popular spots, but there are a few hidden gems you won’t want to pass on. Here are some must try eats to add to your list:

Nomad Lounge

Nomad Lounge is one of the most popular lounges in all of Disney World, and you can find it nestled away inside Animal Kingdom just before you get to Pandora — The World of Avatar (attached to Tiffins Restaurant). There is a reason that the walk-up list is frequently full by 11AM — the food, drinks, and view are simply unmatched!

The lounge does not accept reservations and operates on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. There is a to-go counter at the bar, where you can order drinks if you wish.

Small bites include a bread service (which is also served inside Tiffins), house-made churros (with delicious dipping sauces!), poke bowls, and sliders. Handcrafted cocktails, as well as a variety of African beers and wines, are available for purchase.

If the walk-up list is full when you first try, fear not! Keep checking throughout the day, as many people get on the list and never end up returning.

Pongu Pongu

Over in Pandora — The World of Avatar, the Pongu Pongu walk-up window invites guests to enjoy quick refreshments, specialty beers, and frozen concoctions.

Travelers can refuel with a giant pretzel or Pongu Lumpa (a pineapple cream cheese spring roll) or refresh with a specialty beer native to Pandora! Frozen rum and tequila cocktails are also available, and even a mocktail is available for those who would prefer not to indulge. These drinks are tasty and some of the most aesthetically pleasing in Disney World!

Don’t let the lines fool you; Pongu Pongu has two working sides, and they move quickly.

Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen is frequently praised for its health-conscious menu and the quality of its ingredients. And, I can confirm that it’s good! The menu may seem a little out there at first glance, but when you take a closer look, it has a similar feel to what you might find at Chipotle. Home to create-your-own bowl combinations and the famous Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns, Satu’li Canteen puts a different and much-welcomed spin on standard theme park fare.

Mobile ordering and walk-up service are available here.

Mr. Kamal’s

On your journey between Asia and Africa, a small side shack is home to a whole lot of flavor. Easily passed by to the naked eye, Mr. Kamal’s is home to two very popular on-the-go snacks, including the seasoned fries with sriracha mayo and the chicken dumplings with ponzu sauce.

These are both must-tries if you like a punch of flavor!

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is another popular quick service dining location, but just past the main counter, through the seating area, is a lesser-known walk-up window with faster access to some yummy treats!

Grab-and-go items (including draft beers, frozen beverages, parfaits, and chips) are available, but the best item on the menu (in my opinion, at least) is the chicken fried rice and the pork egg rolls. These items can be enjoyed on the go or at a nearby table, giving options depending on the pace of the day!

Comments

Did your Animal Kingdom must dos make our list? Let us know in the comments what you would add to the list!