10 Things Not to Miss in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

​Out of all the Disney Parks, Animal Kingdom is certainly unique and one of a kind. When you step into the park, you are transported to a land filled with greenery, animals, and the great outdoors. It is as if you are taken to a different world all together. From the floors to the buildings and the music, there is nothing you won’t enjoy in Animal Kingdom! But what are Animal Kingdom’s top elements? Here is a list of what you cannot miss!

1. Flight of Passage

If you are a big fan of Pandora, or you have always wanted to know how it would feel to ride a creature that fly’s, then you do not want to miss Flight of Passage. Flight of Passage is a 3D flying simulator ride located in Pandora World of Animal Kingdom. On the ride, you take flight across Pandora on a Banshee creature from the movies. This ride is one of the newer ones and is incredibly popular, so be sure to scope out the map so you know where to go, arrive at the park an hour before it opens,  and go directly towards the ride as soon as you get in. Oftentimes the wait in line is over 3 hours long! So get out of bed and get moving!

2. Expedition Everest

If you like thrill and speed, then definitely go on Expedition Everest! The ride is a fast paced, thrilling journey through Mount Everest! However, in this section of the mountains, beware because the Yeti is protecting his home from intruders. This ride is a wonderful ride to experience with your friends and family; however, it also offers single riders, which is a separate line for those who are okay with sitting next to someone they do not know. This option is a great way to have short wait times and to get on the ride more often and faster!

3. Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King is a 30-minute family-friendly Broadway style live musical preformed in Animal Kingdom. The show is filled with fascinating colors, visual effects, dance, and larger-than-life puppetry showing a tribal celebration in Africa. There are also many different animals that are represented in the show, including lions, birds, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, and elephants.

4. Dinosaur

If you want to be thrilled and maybe a bit scared, then hop on the Dinosaur ride on Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom. On this ride you will be taken back in time and will travel into the Cretaceous period right before the mass extinction during the meteor shower. On your rover tour you will see dinosaurs of different breads. This lively and animated ride is filled with audio-animatronics which bring the dinosaurs to life in a realistic way! This is not a ride you want to miss!

5. Up – A Great Bird Adventure

In this show, visitors will be able to meet Russell and Dug from the movie Up, as they travel through the village of Anandapur. In the village, they meet Troop Leader Jones who shows and teaches about birds from all over the world! This show is truly breathtaking while you see these birds in person as they fly all around you. A family friendly spectacular, sit back and enjoy the show!

6. Kilimanjaro Safaris

On this ride, you will explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve! Hop on a Safari Vehicle driven by an expert guide and learn all about the 34 species that live on the 110-acre reserve. This ride is such a beautiful ride because you are able to enjoy these animals and see them up close. The guides are always so friendly, kind, and knowledgeable. You are even able to ask them questions about your favorite safari animal and they will happily give you everything they know. On this ride you will see lions, rhinos, cheetahs, alligators and more! So, bring your binoculars and explore the safaris.

7. Bollywood Beats

If you get that urge to dance in the middle of your Animal Kingdom adventure, then head over to Asia for Bollywood Beats! These professional dancers will get you up and moving along to the classic melodies of Kathak which is the folk style of Bhagra. Get moving and grooving to some Bollywood sounds!

8. Tiffins Restaurant

Tiffins Restaurant is an African, Asian, and Latin fine dining restaurant located in Animal Kingdom. When you walk into the restaurant you immediately feel the theme of travel all around you. There are 3 dining rooms that are meant to honor Africa and Asia and some of the exotic animals of the world. You are able to enjoy a nice meal in a lovely setting.

9. Unique Shops

In Animal Kingdom there are some shops that are super unique that you won’t find anywhere else. You can explore the dinosaur themed shop Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, Pandora themed merchandise at Windtraders, and tons of animal themed merchandise at Zawadi Marketplace! Animal Kingdom shops are certainly a place to get a unique present for a loved one, or a souvenir for you!

10. Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light is the first night-time show at Animal Kingdom! The show takes place at the lagoon by Asia and Discovery Island. This show is unique from other Disney Shows, because it uses screens, lasers, floats, fountains, music, boats and fire to show off the world and all the wonderful colors of nature and animals! Grab a seat early so you can truly take in all the breathtaking scenery.

Now that you know some amazing things to see in Animal Kingdom, lets get planning on your Disney trip so you can enjoy each one of them! Fill out our Disney Travel Request Form by clicking the button below, and we will happily start planning all the details of your vacation for you! Talk about a stress-free experience!

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