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10 Attractions You Should Experience at Animal Kingdom BEFORE Lunch

Kilimanjaro Safari

10. An Early Ride On Kilimanjaro Safari

Kilamanjaro Safaris

Dashing over to Kilimanjaro Safari directly after rope drop will allow you to hop on with minimal or no wait time. The cooler morning weather is sure to result in more animal sightings for the first few safaris of the day. In my experience, the first few safaris of the day see more animal activity due to morning feeding and nice weather.

 

9. Fuel Up for the Day at Kusafiri Coffee Shop

This new coffee shop is the perfect place to get the caffeine fix you need to see it all during your day at Disney. This shop boasts delicious coffees and teas as well as an array of baked goods. The frosted animal sugar cookies are my favorite!

8. A Trip Up the Forbidden Mountain on Expedition Everest.

Brave Expedition Everest early in the morning when wait times are shorter. This ride is such a favorite for me that reserving a morning fast pass for it and walking on the standby line a few times are always on the to do list. Getting this must do ride out of the way in the morning will ensure you do not risk missing it due to afternoon showers or massive wait times.

7. A Visit with Your Insect Friends at Its Tough to Be a Bug.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug is an adorable 3d show inside the Tree of Life. Guests have the opportunity to get an up close look at the tree of life carvings as the ride queue winds around the roots and toward the theatre. Once inside, guests will enjoy the jokes, antics and songs of ants, stink bugs, butterflies, grasshoppers and thousands of tiny insects. Many guests save this air conditioned attraction for the afternoon to escape the heat which results in longer wait times. Knocking this classic Animal Kingdom attraction off the list early in the day is a good idea.

6. Ride A Banshee in Pandora: The World Of Avatar

Flight of Passage

Without question, the hottest ride at Animal Kingdom is Flights of Passage in Pandora: The World Of Avatar.  Guests sit astride a banshee and soar the sometimes unfriendly skies of Pandora.  It’s quite a thrill and highly sought after FastPass if you’re lucky enough to get one.  We recommend getting in line first thing in the morning or late at night while the evening shows are happening to ensure you don’t spend too much time waiting in line.

5. A Wet Ride on Kali River Rapids.

If riding the rapids of Kali River is on your Animal Kingdom to do list, conquering it early in the day is a good idea. This ride is notorious for drenching guests as they ride through the rapids. Not only will this ride have a smaller morning line, you will have the afternoon to dry off as you venture around Animal Kingdom.

4. Explore Maharjah Jungle Trek.

animal kingdom

Maharjah Jungle Trek is a must do for fans of big cats. This trail allows guests to view incredible tigers up close as they interact with each other and enjoy their habitat. Bats, birds and other creatures native to Asia are also on display for guests to enjoy and learn about. Take the time to speak with cast members at the exhibits to ask questions and learn more about the species living in the Maharjah trail.

3. Meet Favorite Characters.

Animal Kingdom is the home to several groups of hard to find characters. Russel and Dug from Up, Pocahontas, and Rafiki are just a few of the characters that meet guests at Animal Kingdom. A full schedule of character meet and greet times and locations is available on the Disney app and near the map guide stand at the front of the park. There are numerous character meeting times in the morning so you can snag great photo memories with the gang before you are too hot and sweaty.

2. Experience Festival of the Lion King.

Festival of the Lion King is an incredible stage show that combines dance, music, acrobatics and a whole lot more to entertain guests while celebrating with the classic gang from The Lion King. The circular theatre comes alive with music and dance as guests sing along and children are selected to participate in the show.

1. Join Nemo and Friends for a Live Stage Show.

The Animal Kingdom stage shows never disappoint. Both The Lion King and Nemo and Friends shows rival Broadway productions with the talent, costuming and music showcased. Be wowed by costumes and songs as you watch expertly constructed puppet sea animals sing and swim across the stage as they search for Nemo.

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About Katie

I love talking and reading and breathing and everything Disney. I am married to an amazing man who also has a love for Disney. I love Walt Disney World and we try to visit as often as we can. I am thankful for a mom who raised me to have such a love for Disney and of course for Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse! My favorite characters are Minnie Mouse and Belle. I have an English Degree and I love to write so I am so excited that I am able to put my love of writing and Disney together. Thank you for reading my articles and sharing in my love for Disney!

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