Animal Kingdom is a great park, even if it is not what most people would consider a full day park. It does have shorter hours than Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studios, so keep that in mind when planning a trip. I have tried to cover all the must see’s, do’s and places to eat, in order of the land they fall in.
From the beginning
- 28. The Oasis – Check out the many paths and explore the animals in each of the exhibits. Each of the paths will lead you Discovery Island.
- 27.Wilderness Explorers – While you are adventuring all over you can collect 32 badges for completing puzzles and activities
- 26. DeVine – Can be found sometimes near The Oasis, but can usually be found between Africa and Asia – she is a must see. You can be standing a few feet from her and not ever know she is there until she moves.
Africa
- 25. Ride Kilimanjaro Safari – 18 minutes through the Wildlife reserve. 34 different species of African animals can be found including: Lions, Hippos, Thompson’s Gazelle, Impalas, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffes and Rhinos
- 24. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – Walk through zoological exhibit where you will see gorillas, hippos and an aviary exhibit. Easily accessed right after you exit Kilimanjaro Safari.
- 23. Festival of the Lion King – Located in the Harambe Theater – One of the more popular shows, your best bet is to go first thing in the morning or one of the last shows of the day.
- 22. Wildlife Express Train – Africa Station – 7-minute ride that lets you have a backstage look through areas of the park on the way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
- 21. Tusker House – Character dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner– table service – all you can eat buffet.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- 20. Wildlife Express Train – Rafiki’s Planet Watch Station – 5-minute ride that lets you have a backstage look through areas of the park coming back to the Africa Station.
- 19. Habitat Habit! – Self-guided tour with exhibits about animal conservation.
- 18. Conservation Station – Check out the interactive exhibits and onsite facilities, there are more than 10 areas to explore and see what Disney is doing to help.
- 17. Affection section – Petting zoo for the little ones.
Asia
- 16. Kali River Rapids – Water raft ride through a forest, temples, waterfalls. Every time is different so beware, you can get drenched on this ride. Ponchos would be helpful if you do not want to be soaking wet.
- 15. Ride Expedition Everest – Travel through the Himalayans and take a tour and a trip through the museum about the Yeti, to board a train to the top of the world. On the way up, there is a break in the rail and you go hurling back in the other direction. Will you survive?
- 14. Yak & Yeti – for table service – Chinese fusion – located in Asia.
- 13. Watch Flights of Wonder – It is covered but not air conditioned, so you most likely want to go early morning or late afternoon if heat is a factor
- 12. Maharaja Jungle Trek – Walkthrough zoological exhibit in Asia – Similar to Pangani Forest Walk but the animals here are Asian, such as Komodo dragons, Bengal Tigers and Blackbuck Antelope.
DinoLand USA
- 11. Triceratops Spin – Spin around above the ground (Closed for refurbishment until May 23, 2015 tentatively)
- 10. Dinosaur – Travel back in time to rescue a dinosaur with Bill Nye the Science Guy.
- 9. The Boneyard – Open air playground for the kids.
- 8.rimeval Whirl – Check out this dinosaur themed roller coaster, in DinoLand USA.
- 7. Finding Nemo – Musical with dancing, special effects and more – located in DinoLand USA
- 6. Dino-Sue – Check out the replica of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found.
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Discovery Island
- 5. It’s Tough to be a Bug – Inside the Tree of Life, catch this “Off-Off Bugway” Show, 3-d glasses provided for an enjoyable trip inside A Bug’s Life.
- 4. Wildlife Express Train – 7-minute ride that lets you have a backstage look through areas of the park on the way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
- 3. Discovery Island Trails – Located at the base of the Tree of Life – self-guided tour, with the potential of seeing several animals including: White Stork, Asian Small-Clawed Otter, Red Kangaroo, West African Crowned Crane, African Crested Porcupine, Galapagos Tortoise, Lesser Flamingo, Macaw, Red Kangaroo, Ring-Tailed Lemur, Saddle-Billed Stork, and Lappet Face Vulture
- 2. Flame Tree BBQ – for counter service – Yummy BBQ for lunch or dinner, no breakfast offered at this time. Tables are outside but covered. (Closed until June 3 tentatively for refurbishment)
- 1. Check out the Tree of Life – How many animals do you recognize?
Notable:
- Rainforest Café – Right outside the park entrance – reservations available – Standard American themed food but you are completely going there for the theme.
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