Top 10 Things You Must Do First At Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is often mistakenly thought of by many as low on attractions, needless to say that there’s still more than enough to do! Here are the top ten things you should try and do upon arriving at Animal Kingdom

10. TriceraTop Spin

Despite just being a spinner, like Dumbo and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, this ride can get busy at peak times and is arguably not worth a long wait. If you’re desperate for another spinner, or keen to tick off all the Animal Kingdom attractions, hit this one earlier in the day before queues build up. Furthermore, this ride doesn’t offer much in the way of shade in the queue so an earlier visit will prevent you having to stand around for a long time in the blazing sun.

9. Primeval Whirl

This wild mouse style coaster in DinoLand USA is, like TriceraTop Spin, a ride that could possibly be skipped if visiting on a tight schedule due to its more generic nature. Nevertheless, it is greatly enjoyable and can build up sizable queues at peak times – don’t waste a Fastpass+ slot on this but try and reach it before 11am to minimize time queuing.

8. Wilderness Explorers

Wilderness Explorers field guides can be picked up on the way into the park and contains dozens of self-guided activities that can be completed in order to gain over 30 badges. By picking one of these up on your way into the park at the start of your day you will be able to tick these off alongside your adventures around the park which will save time and, more crucially, miles.

7. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is a must do – a high octane thrill ride thought the Forbidden Mountain, guarded by the Yeti, which can get very busy. You should definitely used Fastpass+ on this ride, but if you want to ride multiple times then take advantage of the standby line before it gets too long! Single rider is also an option for re-riding but skips a lot of the gorgeously themed queue, so try and get in at least one ride through the standard queue. “See what it is like to ride Expedition Everest from the front car!”

6. Oasis Exhibits

These shady pathways wander amongst multiple animal exhibits on the way into the park. Arguably the least ‘exciting’ of the animal trails, there still many interesting exhibits including Wallabies and the Giant Anteater. Catch these on your way into the park, especially if you’re heading in for a breakfast reservation when this will be at its quietest.

5. Discovery Island Trails

These are easy to miss but are worth a visit, allowing a close up view of the Tree of Life with its beautiful carvings and even more amazing animals. The winding paths take you past animals such as Kangaroos and the giant Galapagos Tortoise. Like with all the animals in the park, they tend to be more active in the cooler parts of the day – especially the African Crested Porcupine, which is nocturnal so the best time to try and see it will be either early in the day or just before park closing.

4. Maharajah Jungle Trek

One of two longer animal tours you should try and reach earlier in the day. Found in Asia, the Maharajah Jungle Trek is a gorgeously themed trail, complete with a ruined palace with some fantastic animals along the way including tigers and bats and concluding in a fantastic aviary containing over fifty types of bird!

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3. Pangani Forest Exploration

The African counterpart to the Maharajah Jungle Trek takes you though more luscious landscapes and winding paths full of African plants and animals including Hippopotamus and Gorillas. Also, make sure to look out for the huge hidden Jafar in the rocks as you cross the suspension bridge over the gorillas!

2. Tusker House Breakfast

Tusker House offers character breakfasts with Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Mickey and is available on Disney Dining Plan. Not only is this a rare opportunity to dine with Daisy Duck but also allows you access into the park before the official opening, giving you a head start ahead of all those scrambling to get through the gates at rope drop. You may also like our article “The Tusker House Restaurant – 5 Reasons This Is The Best Food in Animal Kingdom’s Africa.”

1. Kilimanjaro Safari

Instead of using a Fastpass on this head straight here at opening, not only will the line be shorter but the weather will be cooler which will increase the chances of you seeing more animals. As with all the animal attractions in Animal Kingdom, the animals will be harder to spot and less active in the heat of the day, preferring to sleep in the shade, so the earlier you can get there the better! Check out “12 Mind Blowing Facts About Kilimanjaro Safari.”

Animal Kingdom is a fantastic park, with so much to offer and a fantastic array of animals. It is best to visit these early in the day before the Florida heat sends many of the animals to doze in the shade, often out of view. If you don’t get round all the animals before 10am, make sure to take advantage of the cooler temperatures a rain shower may bring or head for them near to park closing.

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Photo courtesy of Disney Photo Snapper