Disney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t necessarily a traditional theme park at Walt Disney World. Yes, it has thrill rides, meet-and-greets with Mickey Mouse, and iconic Disney entertainment…but, it’s also basically a zoo! Throughout the park, you’ll have the chance to encounter (and even interact!) with animals while still being immersed in the Disney magic. But, there’s still something for all the thrill seekers, stage show lovers, and classic Disney fans here. So, to be sure you hit all your must-do’s we’re bringing you everything you need to know about Animal Kingdom rides and attractions!

Overview of Animal Kingdom Rides & Attractions

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the most nature-oriented park with 3 dedicated walking trails where you can see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats and learn about Disney’s conservation efforts. And, on top of that, there are also many more animal exhibits throughout the park. But, Animal Kingdom is far more than a zoo.

The park features a total of 8 rides, including thrill rides, a water ride, 3D show, and more. Plus, you can see 3 live stage shows that are considered some of the best in Walt Disney World. With fewer rides, lines can be longer, even when the park isn’t necessarily crowded. Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass are offered here, which can help you skip the line and make the most of your day. Just note that these are an additional cost on top of your park ticket.

Animal Kingdom is divided into several themed lands, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. These lands include:

• Oasis
• Discovery Island
• Pandora – The World of Avatar
• Africa
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• Asia
• DinoLand U.S.A.

You’ll likely want to visit them all during your day, but you may find that you spend more time in one or two depending on your family’s interests. And, that’s okay!

It’s also worth noting that there are some major changes happening in the next few years at Animal Kingdom, including a complete overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A., a new Zootopia-themed attraction, and more. Learn more about the construction timeline and what’s coming here!

Top 5 Rides & Attractions in Animal Kingdom

With so many Animal Kingdom rides and attractions, it’s best to know which rides are must-dos for your family and which ones you don’t mind skipping before you visit. This will help you plan your day and walk away feeling like you accomplished everything you wanted to, even if it’s not all of the attractions in the park! It can also help you prioritize which rides you book Lighting Lanes for if you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

So, here are the 5 most popular Animal Kingdom rides and attractions:

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Expedition Everest
• Na’vi River Journey
• DINOSAUR

We recommend doing these rides early in the day or right before the park closes to avoid long wait times.

Now, let’s get into ALL of the rides and attractions you can find in Animal Kingdom including their height requirements and how to ride!

Discover Island Rides and Attractions

When you first enter the park, you’ll be closest to Discovery Island. This area is best known for being the home of the park icon – the Tree of Life. However, there’s more to do than just take in the views here!

It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: 3D Show

“It’s Tough to be a Bug!” is an immersive 3D show that takes you on a journey into the world of the Disney movie, A Bug’s Life, complete with special effects that make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

The attraction is located inside the Tree of Life, so you’ll have an up-close view of all the carvings on the park icon as you make your way through the line. The show was created for all ages, but be aware that some of the special effects can be a bit scary for young children.

Note that “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” will be closing to make way for a new Zootopia-inspired show in 2025. Be sure to check Disney’s website for details on when this attraction will permanently close and when the new one will open!

Discovery Island Trails

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Walking Trail

If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, the Discovery Island Trails is a great option. This is the shortest scenic walking trail in Animal Kingdom and features animal exhibits including White Storks, Asian Small-Clawed Otters, Red Kangaroos, West African Crowned Cranes, African Crested Porcupines, the Galapagos Tortoise, Lesser Flamingo, and Macaws.

There are benches along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the view. And, you’ll be close to the Tree of Life, which makes for great photo ops.

Pandora – The World of Avatar

If you’re a fan of the movies Avatar and Avatar 2, you’ll be thrilled to know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought the world of Pandora to life. And, even if you haven’t seen the movies, this immersive land is a must-visit and features two of the most popular rides in the park.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Height Requirement: 44” (113cm) or Taller

Ride Type: 3D Flying Simulator

One of the main attractions in Pandora is Avatar Flight of Passage. This thrilling ride takes you on a ride through the skies of Pandora on the back of a banshee. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the rush of adrenaline as you soar through the stunning landscapes of this alien world. Plus, your seat even “breathes,” making it feel like you really are riding on a banshee!

The Avatar Flight of Passage is a 3D ride that uses innovative technology to simulate flight. The ride is not recommended for those who are prone to motion sickness or have a fear of heights. However, if you’re up for an adventure, this ride is definitely worth the wait.

Na’vi River Journey

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Slow Boat Ride

Na’vi River Journey is another ride that immerses you in the world of Pandora. This slow-moving boat ride takes you through a bioluminescent rainforest, where you’ll encounter the flora and fauna of Pandora. The ride ends with an impressive encounter with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, one of Disney’s most complex animatronics.

The Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly ride that is suitable for all ages. It’s a great way to experience the beauty and wonder of Pandora without the adrenaline rush of the Avatar Flight of Passage.

Africa Rides and Attractions

The Africa section at Animal Kingdom immerses you in Africa’s unique culture and wildlife. Here you can see a live retelling of Disney’s The Lion King, see Disney’s large wildlife exhibits, and even go on a safari. Let’s take a closer look at the Animal Kingdom rides and attractions that await you in Africa.

Festival of the Lion King

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Stage Show

Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway-style show that features live performances, acrobatics, and puppetry. The show is a 30-minute retelling of The Lion King, and it features some of the most iconic songs from the movie. The show takes place in a massive theater, but it can fill up fast, so we recommend getting in line about 20-30 minutes before your preferred showtime. The performers are incredibly talented, and the show is full of energy and excitement. If you are a fan of the Lion King movie, then this show is a must-see.

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Walking Trail

The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is the largest walking trail in Animal Kingdom. It takes you through a lush jungle filled with exotic plants and animals and is home to several species of primates, including (of course) gorillas. The trail is also home to several bird species that you can see up close as you walk through the aviary. And, you’ll also encounter meerkats, zebras, hippos, and more.

The trail takes about 20-25 minutes to walk through.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Slow Ride, Safari

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride that takes you on an 18-22 minute long tour through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The ride is a great way to see some of Africa’s most iconic animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. It is incredibly realistic, and the animals are free to roam around the reserve, so you never know what you might see. The ride is also educational, and you will learn about the animals and their habitats as you travel through the reserve.

The best time to ride is usually in the morning when the park first opens. The animals tend to be most active at this time. However, the unique nature of the ride makes it so that it’s a little different every time you go on it. So, feel free to go on it multiple times throughout your day to see if you can spot any new animals!

Asia Rides and Attractions

If you’re looking for thrill rides, Asia is the place to be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This section of the park is home to some of the most adrenaline-inducing rides and attractions in the park. Here are some of the must-see Animal Kingdom rides and attractions in Asia:

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Height Requirement: 44” (113cm) or Taller

Ride Type: Roller Coaster, Trill Ride

Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster that takes you on an expedition through the “Himalayan mountains” to find the legendary Yeti. This ride is not for the faint of heart, as it features a steep drop and plenty of twists and turns. The ride also features an encounter with the legendary Yeti and goes backward at high speeds.

Feathered Friends in Flight

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Stage Show

Feathered Friends in Flight is a live show that features a variety of performing birds, including parrots, macaws, and eagles. You’ll be amazed by the birds’ agility and intelligence as they perform a variety of tricks and stunts. Plus, it’s also pretty funny!

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Stage Show

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! is a Broadway-style live stage show that retells Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. You’ll see some of your favorite characters from the movie including Nemo, Dory, Crush, and Bruce, all singing original music. The show is entertaining for all ages (especially young kids!) and is a great way to cool off on a hot day. It is approximately 40 minutes long.

Kali River Rapids

Height Requirement: 38” (97cm) or Taller

Ride Type: Water Ride, Thrill Ride

Kali River Rapids is a white-water rafting ride that takes you through the sights of the jungles of Asia. You’ll encounter a variety of obstacles along the way that almost guarantee you’ll get drenched, including waterfalls and rapids. Of course, be prepared to get wet if you choose to go on this ride, as it’s sure to soak you!

Maharajah Jungle Trek

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Walking Trail

If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek. This walking tour makes you feel like you’re exploring the ruins of an ancient palace, where you’ll encounter a variety of exotic animals, including tigers, bats, and birds. The tour is a great way to learn about the wildlife of Asia and take a break from the bigger rides and attractions in the park.

DinoLand U.S.A.

If you’re a fan of dinosaurs (or traveling with a dino-lover), you’ll definitely want to check out DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom. This section of the park is dedicated to all things prehistoric, with thrilling rides and attractions that transport you back in time. But, there’s not much more time to enjoy the attractions here before Disney rethemes the area to become a new Tropical Americas-inspired land! Here’s everything you can ride before the transformation:

DINOSAUR

Height Requirement: 40” (102cm) or Taller

Ride Type: Dark Ride

One of the most popular rides in DinoLand U.S.A. is DINOSAUR. It is a fast-paced attraction that takes you on a wild ride through time to rescue a dinosaur from extinction. This ride isn’t necessarily for young kids, however, as it is a dark ride that includes sudden drops, sharp turns, and some jump-scares.

As you board your time rover vehicle, you’ll be transported back to the Cretaceous period, where you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome dinosaurs that ever roamed the earth. Your mission is to find a specific dinosaur and bring it back to the present day, but things quickly go awry as you encounter obstacles and challenges at every turn. If you’re a thrill-seeker, DINOSAUR is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride!

Note that Disney has shared that DINOSAUR will remain open through 2025 and close permanently sometime in 2026 to make way for the Tropical Americas land opening in 2027.

TriceraTop Spin

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Slow Spinning Ride

If you’re traveling with young children, TriceraTop Spin is likely their speed! This ride is similar to the classic Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom but with a prehistoric twist. Instead of a flying elephant, you’ll board a triceratops and soar through the skies, taking in the sights of DinoLand U.S.A. from above.

TriceraTop Spin is a great option for families with young children or anyone looking for a more laid-back experience. The ride is gentle and offers great views of the park, making it a fun way to take a break from the excitement of the other rides and attractions.

Note that TriceraTop Spin will permanently close on January 13th, 2025 to make way for the Tropical Americas land opening in 2027.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch Rides and Attractions

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is easy to skip when you’re visiting Animal Kingdom because it’s a bit out of the way. However, if you’re up for a short train ride, there are some really unique things to do here, including a petting zoo and the chance to see Disney veterinarians performing surgery on wildlife! Here are the other two main attractions in this area of the park:

Wildlife Express Train

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Slow Train Ride

The Wildlife Express Train is a scenic train ride that takes you from Harambe Market (a.k.a. The Africa section of the park) to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Along the way, you’ll pass by animal habitats and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the park’s operations.

The train ride is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park and enjoy some beautiful scenery. It’s also the only way to get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch if you want to check out this part of the park.

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Height Requirement: Any Height

Ride Type: Drawing Class

At the Animation Experience, you’ll have the chance to learn how Disney animators bring some of your favorite animal characters to life…and draw one for yourself! The 25-minute class takes place inside Conservation Station, where you’ll watch a short film about the animation process and then draw your own character with the help of a Disney artist.

This attraction is perfect for families with young children, but it’s also a lot of fun for adults. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy the Animation Experience – it’s all about having fun and learning something new. The featured characters change periodically, so you might end up learning how to draw multiple Disney characters if you visit more than once!

Character Meet and Greets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you are a fan of Disney characters, then you will be happy to know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers several opportunities to meet your favorite characters. Here are all of the current character meet and greet locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Location: Adventurers Outpost

Meet and Greet Times: Daily during park hours

Adventurers Outpost is located in the Discovery Island area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And, this is the place to go if you want to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their safari outfits! This is the only location in all four parks where you can meet Mickey and Minnie together as a couple so the wait times for this meet and greet can be long.

Meet Moana at Character Landing

Location: Character Landing

Meet and Greet Times: 8:45AM to 12:15PM and 1:45PM to 3:45PM

If you are a fan of Moana, then head on over to Character Landing in Discovery Island, near the entrance to Pandora – The World of Avatar. Moana is available for meet and greets throughout the day, but the times are subject to change, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.

Donald’s Dino-Bash!

Location: DinoLand U.S.A.

Meet and Greet Times: Check the My Disney Experience app for times

Donald’s Dino-Bash! is a character meet-and-greet experience in DinoLand U.S.A. Here, you can meet Donald Duck and his friends (usually Chip ‘n’ Dale) in their dinosaur-themed outfits. You can also dance with the characters and enjoy other fun activities. This experience is available throughout the day, but the times are subject to change, so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information.

Comments

What is your favorite Animal Kingdom ride or attraction? Are there any that you skip? What are your best strategies for tackling all the rides and attractions you want to see in one day? Let us know in the comments!