10 Things You Won’t Want To Miss at Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of the parks at Disney World Resort. Divided into 7 themed areas including the Oasis, the park’s main entrance, Discovery Island which contains the Tree of Life, Africa with its’animal exhibits, Rafiki’s Planet Watch that focuses on animal exhibits and conservation, and Asia where you’ll find Kali River Rapids, DinoLand U.S.A with the TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl. Animal Kingdom is a must-see during your visit to Disney World. Among our favorites are:

10. Rainforest Cafe

Great food, Amazon rainforest decor and animatronic animals… there’s even a thunderstorm (no parkas needed) here and there throughout your meal. You can also enjoy the huge salt water aquarium teeming with fish. Restaurant serves American fare include burgers, seafood, sandwiches, pasta and steaks. A kids menu is also available. Tip: Rainforest Cafe isn’t part of the Disney Dining Plan.

9. Finding Nemo-The Musical

Dive into Nemo’s world under the sea at “Theater in the Wild” where live actors, acrobats, and puppets tell the the story of Nemo and his friends. Shows last 30 minutes and occur around 5 times a day.

8. Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails

Visit with Minnie- Mickey, Thumper and more of your favorite Disney pals in a lush shady greeting trail. Located in Camp Minnie-Mickey greeting trails allow up-close and personal visits for hugs, autographs and photo ops.

7. DINOSAUR

Climb aboard a “time rover” and take a turbulent journey through the Cretaceous period where you’ll see animatronic dinosaurs. Based on the 2000 movie “Dinosaur”, this ride is the only “dark” ride at Animal Kingdom and is very intense for small children.Riders must be 40″ or taller.

6. It’s Tough to Be A Bug

Experience a 3D film and live show of “a bug’s life” at “It’s Tough to be a Bug”! Flick and his friends teach us that bugs can be friends and not just pests. This is a great way to start your day at Animal Kingdom as the attraction is actually inside the “Tree of Life.”

5. The Festival of the Lion King

Extraordinary costuming, acrobatics and men on stilts and dance tell the story of the Lion King. Characters from the movie are also there for the show. Little one’s might find the action and the fire baton act a little scary but for the most part, it’s appropriate for all ages.

4. The Tree of Life

Visible from many places in the park, the Tree of Life is the center of Animal Kingdom. With over 300 animals carved into its’ trunk, it is truly a sight to see. Get up-close as you stand in line for “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” 3D show.

3. Kali River Rapids

Take a peaceful raft ride that turns turbulent on the Chakranadi River when you come upon illegal loggers. The main feature of this ride is a 30 foot waterfall so if you don’t want to get wet, wear a rain parka! Riders must be 38 inches or taller.

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2. Kilimanjaro Safari

Take a safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in an open-aired jeep. Glimpse elephants, giraffes, antelope, gazelles, crocodiles, monkeys,hippos, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, ostriches, rhinos, storks, pelicans, flamingos, wildebeests, zebras and more as they freely roam the area. Your tour guide will tell you about the many animals you encounter during your journey. Fast Passes are available on this ride and are highly recommended. Take this ride in the early morning or closer to park closing as animals sleep in the heat of the afternoon.

1. Expedition Everest

Guinness book of World Records records Expedition Everest as the most expensive roller coaster in the world in 2011. Situated inside the tallest of man-made mountains in Disney World, this steel roller coaster treks through the Himalayas to reach the base camp at Mount Everest. Your journey takes a shortcut through the forbidden mountain protected by the fabled Yeti. This ride gets booked up quickly so FastPass is an absolute must!