5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could do at Animal Kingdom

There is a HUGE misconception when it comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park! People tend to think it’s only a “half day” park or “just a zoo”.

There are so many things to see, do and explore at Animal Kingdom – I still haven’t done it all! The trick to this park is that there are so many hidden nooks and crannies that it’s easy to miss them if you’re trying to speed along. Not to mention Animal Kingdom is 3x the size of Magic Kingdom, so you’ve got a lot of ground to cover!

From the Savannah in Africa, to the bioluminescence and fantastic rides of Pandora, the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, exploring dinosaurs in Dinoland U.S.A., to the Conservation Station and more… there’s so much to do that you will definitely want to take the entire day here.

While a lot of character meetings and the special presentations end early in the evening, the rides are still going and there is some fun live entertainment that only gets started after dark.

1. Drawing lessons straight from Disney animators

In a hidden little area of Animal Kingdom, you’ll find the Conservation Station. It’s easy to miss – or dismiss – this building because it could sound boring to some guests, but there are actually some really fun experiences waiting inside.

One of our favorites is the animation class. Using the animals from Animal Kingdom and from Disney classics as inspiration, you’ll take a lesson from a Disney animator. They’ll show you how to draw your own animated animal character, which makes for a fun free keepsake.

This is an amazing activity if you have a little artist in your family.

2. Wilderness Explorers

If you have kids, this is one activity you don’t want to miss – but, hey, it’s pretty fun for adults, too!

Named for the Wilderness Explorers in the movie UP!, you earn your very own Wilderness Explorer badges by completing a variety of activities throughout the park.

To participate, pick up the map at the bridge by the Oasis and follow the map to find activities to complete. It’s fun, it helps you explore the entire park, and best of all, it’s free!

3. Observe veterinary procedures and operations 

Going back to the Conservation Station, one of the biggest draws is the animal care center. This is where the animals of Animal Kingdom receive veterinary care and check ups. You can view from the windows and may even get to see animal surgeries and procedures. 

Definitely something not to miss if your party is interested in animal care – and it’s a great way to get an even closer look at these magnificent animals.

4. Walk through the Tree of Life

One of my absolute favorite things about Animal Kingdom is the Tree of Life. There are over 300 animals carved within the tree, and I’ve literally spent hours just looking and trying to find them all.

But what you might not know is that there are trails that walk through and around the base of the tree. You can see the tree up close and personal from all angles. Plus, there are tons of hidden animal exhibits within the trails around the tree. Go in the early morning when it’s least crowded, and you’ll have stunning photos all to yourself. And there’s nothing like the early morning sun lighting up the Tree of Life.

5. Soak Your Fellow Guests!

On the bridge over Kali River Rapids, there is a industrial-looking box with two buttons. Pushing the green button will cause the elephant statues to spray water…. And if you wait until a raft is going under the bridge, the elephants will spray water on the raft riders!

It’s a little bit of naughty fun that Disney fully encourages.

One More Bonus Thing You Didn’t Know You Could Do

Did you know that you can walk through the Rainforest Cafe to a “secret entrance” to Animal Kingdom? 

While most people are lining up at the very front, you can walk through Rainforest Cafe and find a much less crowded entrance.

Don’t miss out on all that Animal Kingdom has to offer and plan for an entire day to explore the parks. We believe in this so much, we wrote an entire blog post on why Animal Kingdom is more than a one day park.

There’s so much to do at Animal Kingdom besides just the big name rides like Flights of Passage and Everest. Hopefully this list helps you to think outside the box to find the hidden gems inside the Animal Kingdom! Join our Facebook group over at DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Avoid

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is a great place to brush up on looking down and working on your ROAR! You can explore the 8th largest zoo in the country on the same day that you explore Pandora- World of Avatar and ride a banshee!

In today’s blog post you’ll find out how to set yourself apart from other Disney World newbies and you’ll also find out what those of us who have been a considerable amount of times, absolutely love about Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

Let’s go sightseeing the majestic creatures located within the park and find out what rookie mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to avoid.

7. Thinking It’s a “Half-Day” Park

This is the biggest misconception people have about Animal Kingdom – and I actually fell for this rookie mistake on our first visit years ago.

While it may have less rides and character experiences than the other parks, there is so much to explore that we still haven’t done it all – and we’ve been going to the parks for years!

Also, because of the sheer size of Animal Kingdom (it’s 3x the size of Magic Kingdom), it takes a lot longer to navigate your way between attractions.

6. Ignoring Pandora

It’s so easy to write off the land of Pandora as just a few rides or something that’s only for Avatar fans.

Once you enter this absolute masterwork of imagineering, you’ll understand why so many of us keep going back to Disney World. The second you walk into this foreign land you’re engulfed into a place where you can ride a banshee, or even bring one home with you!

Flight of Passage is like an enhanced version of Soarin’ (my favorite Epcot ride). I also love the Navi River Journey located inside the land of Pandora. It’s a very enthralling dark ride that is just breathtaking.

I recommend going to Pandora as soon as the park opens since Fight of Passage is one of the few rides at Animal Kingdom that has a line that can get out of hand, fairly quickly. However, don’t forget to go back after nightfall to see this land completely transform into a bioluminescent wonderland.

5. Not Planning to Get Wet

While at many of the other parks, you can quickly nip into a store or find shelter during Florida’s sudden downpours, at Animal Kingdom this isn’t as easy to do.

But the rain isn’t all that’s going to get you wet at Animal Kingdom!

If you plan to ride Kali River Rapids, chances are you’re going to get at least a little bit wet – and I’ve seen people emerge from this ride absolutely soaked!

So not only should you bring an umbrella or poncho – you should also wear clothes that dry quickly. That means this is not the park for your favorite wool sweater or jeans. Walking around the parks in wet jeans all day can lead to some serious blisters.

4. Rushing in Between Attractions

Animal Kingdom has so many hidden nooks and crannies that most guests just walk past – there is so much to explore if you take your time. Walk around the base of the Tree of Life, take the boat ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, pop into Oasis and don’t ignore all those little detours from the main path.

Not to mention, if you’re rushing you probably will miss one of Animal Kingdom’s “hidden character” – Devine.

3. Thinking Dinosaur is a Kid Ride

If you have a timid child (like mine was), this might not be the best ride for them – even if they love all things dinosaurs.

That said, don’t assume that the adults in your party won’t love this ride! It also features a fun ride photo opportunity.

2. Riding Kilimanjaro Safari at the Wrong Time

Kilimanjaro Safari is a pretty unique experience that brings you up close to real wildlife. You get to see roaming the landscape of the Animal Kingdom.

However, if you go at the wrong time of day, the animals could all be asleep or if it’s a particularly sunny day, they could be hiding within the shade. We made the mistake of riding in the early afternoon once and it was pretty disappointing to not see many of the animals and only get to see others sleeping.

The best times to take your safari is either first thing in the morning or right after sundown, when the animals are usually at their most active. 

Also, plan to sit on the outside of the vehicle if you have little ones. This is both a safety precaution and it’s also the best spot if you want to grab some pictures.

1. Not Having After Plans

You should absolutely stay at Animal Kingdom until nighttime if for nothing else, than to view Pandora at night. It is even better at night than during the day.

That being said, Animal Kingdom closes earlier than the other parks and is the park that gets rented out the most frequently for corporate events. So your day at the park may end at 7pm, or it may end at 5pm.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as I’m usually pretty wiped after a day at this park (again – so much walking) but I always like to make the most of my vacation time so we tend to book a nice sit-down dinner at one of the resorts or Disney Springs to head to after Animal Kingdom. 

(Of course, you can just head back to your resort and enjoy all of its amenities, too!)

BONUS TIPS:

It’s also really important to keep in mind that several Animal Kingdom rides and attractions end hours before the park closes. This is a departure from the other parks where you can enjoy rides or meet characters right up until closing time.

Double check the times for the attractions and experiences you want to prioritize and have a rough itinerary planned. (You can do this using the Genie in your My Disney Experience app or just the notes section in your phone.)

If you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t skip Expedition Everest! It’s one of the most thrilling rides at the parks and it often has a shorter wait-time compared to other coaster rides at the parks.

Avoid these mistakes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I hope this article helps you in avoiding these rookie mistakes. Click here for more info on Pandora within Animal Kingdom! Also, join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, here!

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Your Animal Kingdom Questions

Magic Kingdom usually gets all the glory of being the must-do park for families, but I think Animal Kingdom comes in a very close second! While Animal Kingdom has so much to offer people of all ages, it does an especially incredible job of catering to those with little ones. It is no longer considered a half-day park with the additions of new lands and night time entertainment. The following are the questions I get often concerning if Animal Kingdom is worth investing a great deal of time and why you need to make sure Animal Kingdom is at the top of your list for your next vacation.

Isn’t Animal Kingdom just a zoo?

I get this question a lot. The only semblance to any zoos I have been to is that there are animals. Apart from that Animal Kingdom is SO MUCH MORE. Disney imagineering really put a great deal of thought into making the guest experience completely immersive while simultaneously making sure they keep the best interest of the animals in mind. There are some stand alone animal exhibits but they try lead guests organically from one experience to another.

• Kilimanjaro Safari is the premiere attraction for viewing animals in as natural a habitat as possible. Guests ride in open air trucks with a driver and guide. Overhead you can see pictorials of all the animals you may see on the journey. As you go through the safari you will see everything from flamingos to elephants to rhinos and lions. Giraffes may graze your vehicle as you drive through the Savannah and the best part is, no matter how many times you ride it, every experience will be different.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek is self-guided trail where you can see Asian Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Water buffalo, Gibbon primates and more. You can go at your own speed and really dive deep into different animal species of Asia.
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch recently reopened and is an excellent way to get up close to see how the animals are cared for by Disney’s experts. Board the Wildlife Express Train in Africa and then you can see the animals receiving veterinary care and having their food prepared at Conservation Station. The Affection Section allows guests to brush, pet and feed goats, sheep, cows, pigs and donkeys in a giant enclosure! They recently added an animation class where guests can learn how to draw their favorite Lion King characters just like the pros!

In addition to these there are stand alone exhibits spread throughout the park with highly knowledgeable cast members scattered amongst them to give more information!

I heard Animal Kingdom is a half-day park.

Time allowing, I think Animal Kingdom warrants a full day or a couple half-days to really take it all in. They have some of the best thrill attractions on property with Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage. Add in the shows, safari, dining and other animal experiences and you will not be able to fit it all in. I think the animals are more lively in the morning so I like to go early but I also think a late afternoon/evening visit should be in the plan as well to see how the park comes alive at night, especially with Pandora and Rivers of Light, their night time show on the water.

There is not a lot for little kids to do.

Animal Kingdom, I think, is a very close second to Magic Kingdom in being the best park for toting around little humans. Apart from all the animals they can see and learn about there are so many opportunities that they will truly enjoy. They have excellent character meet and greets and fantastic live shows like Festival of the Lion King and Nemo The Musical. There are rides and attractions for the entire family like Na’vi River Journey in Pandora, and It’s Tough To Be a Bug! Rafiki’s Planet Watch as mentioned earlier, caters to little ones having a hands on experience where they can really engage with the animals and The Boneyard play area is the perfect place for dinosaur loving kiddos to harness their paleontology skills and let out some energy!

We love Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has so much to see and do and really needs to be at the top (if not, make it close!) of your to-do list for your next trip to Disney World. Your Disney travel planner can help you plan the perfect day at Animal Kingdom and incorporate some of these experiences! Animal Kingdom is not just a half day park anymore!

Did you know we have a Facebook Group dedicated to all things Disney? We sure do and would love to have you join us! DISNEY EXPRESS LANE.

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Kids know Disney World and Disney World knows kids. We have a Disney Pro with us today letting us in on a few Animal Kingdom favorites from a 10 year old’s perspective. We think this specialist is right on the money with this one!

Animal Kingdom For Kids

What is there to do in Animal Kingdom for kids? Will they get “bored” at Animal Kingdom? Isn’t it like a regular zoo? Yes, people really ask these questions! The short answer to these questions is a big fat NO! Your children WILL NOT get bored and it’s NOT like a “regular” zoo AND there is literally TONS to do at Animal Kingdom. Let’s see what the expert says about this!

Our 10 year old professional gives us her top attractions in Animal Kingdom and WHY your 10 year old may love them too! Grown up “10 year olds” will also LOVE these attractions as well! We are pretty sure of that!

1. EXPEDITION EVEREST: This is the perfect spot to see ALL of Animal Kingdom and it’s a beautiful site! Watch out for the broken tracks and the Yeti that is waiting for you.  EEEKKKKK!!!!
2. AVATAR FLIGHT OF PASSAGE: “It’s just awesome”. I think that pretty much sums up this attraction! You will ride on the back on the banshee for a terrific view and some very interesting encounters. You will want to try to grab a fast pass for this one, the standby line gets pretty long! Yes, it’s still THAT popular!
3. NA’VI RIVER JOURNEY: This journey takes you through a bright and colorful world while learning all about the Na’vi and the inhabitants of Pandora.
4. KALI RIVER RAPIDS: You will get wet and we are hoping it’s from the wet seats and not an “accident”! HA! PRO TIP: Bring a poncho to sit on!
5. KILIMANJARO SAFARI: If you love animals like our pro does, then don’t miss this attraction. Our pro tells us that the best time to visit the safari is at “dusk”, or later in the evening. This is when the animals are most active.
6. ADVENTURE OUTPOST, MEET AND GREET: At this meet and greet, you will get to visit Safari Mickey and Minnie! This is a real treat. The only other spot you will find Safari Mickey and Minnie is at Tusker House restaurant!

BONUS: Kevin from the movie, UP! is sometimes wandering around the park. “Go with the feathers” and you may just catch a sneak peek of this interactive character. He is pretty fun to hang around.

Some of these attractions do have a HEIGHT RESTRICTION. Remember, these restrictions are for the protection of your children. Know before you go by clicking the link.

We hope you have enjoyed Animal Kingdom for kids! Stay tuned as our specialist keeps us in the “Disney know” with more kid friendly favorites for each park at Disney World!

Did you know we have a dedicated Facebook Group where we talk about all things Disney and have lots of fun? We sure do and would love to have you with us! DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Why Animal Kingdom Is MORE Than Just A Half Day Park

Animal Kingdom has been considered a half-day park for quite some time. You are truly missing out if you think the same way. Now that Pandora has opened, you may possibly need two days for the complete Animal Kingdom experience! Let’s get right to why we think Animal Kingdom is more that just a half day park!

Most Loved Attractions

Kilimanjaro Safari-In Africa

The main attraction for the park is, of course, the animals. One of the most popular rides and the best way to see some of those amazing creatures is the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. You and your fellow passengers will be taken on a trek through the Savannah’s of Africa in an open-air vehicle which is driven by a knowledgeable tour guide. As you travel across the hundreds of acres, your guide will point out all the animals that roam throughout the area and maybe even teach you a little something along the way. I would recommend the Safari ride either first thing in the morning or later in the evening because that is when the animals are most likely to be out and active.

Avatar Flight of Passage-in Pandora

This new attraction is STILL extremely popular. In fact, there is usually over a 2 hour wait and fast passes go very quick!

Expedition Everest-in Asia

The forbidden mountain is calling…are you up for the challenge?

Dinoland and Dinosaur

Dinosaur fans in your traveling party? Be prepared to stay in Dinoland at least for a few hours. The kids do not like to stop when they are digging for fossils! Hey, it makes a great resting spot for tired moms and dads, too! And for the “not so faint at heart” Dino fan, you will find Dinosaur, the attraction!

Tip For Attractions

Be sure to check the height requirements. Some of the rides and attractions in this park will have one!

Culture

Of course, Animal Kingdom is not just animals. It’s also a great place to submerge yourself in the atmospheres of Africa and Asia. We thoroughly enjoy taking in ALL of the culture here. Throughout the day, you can see and hear some amazing, authentic shows in both areas of the park. We especially like the Tam Tam drummers of Harambe.  You can even get in on the action and learn some cultural dances yourself! Our favorite is Muziki!

If you are looking for a great show, there are currently two shows with a third one on the way! The Festival of The Lion King is very popular for obvious reasons so you might consider using one of your Fast Pass options on this. The other show that my kids love is Finding Nemo, the Musical. It is located in Dinoland U.S.A.

Check out NEW IN ANIMAL KINGDOM at the bottom of this blog for details of the third show that is coming very soon!

Dining

One of my family’s favorite things to do is EAT! Animal Kingdom is home to some pretty amazing restaurants such as: TUSKER HOUSE, The SATU’LI CANTEEN and FLAME TREE BBQ!

For a great list of snacks in Animal Kingdom, check out: TOP 5 SNACKS IN ANIMAL KINGDOM!

New In Animal Kingdom

• Opening last year, is Animal Kingdom’s newest land, PANDORA! You will be completely immersed in the World of Avatar.
• A brand new show opened on April 22, 2018: UP! A GREAT BIRD ADVENTURE!

Character Interactions

Each park has great characters all around. Animal Kingdom is home to some pretty “rare” characters and some that you will ONLY find in Animal Kingdom. For example, the only place you will find Safari Mickey and friends is at the delicious Tusker House restaurant!

Nightlife In Animal Kingdom

In the past, Animal Kingdom closed it’s doors fairly early. That is not the case anymore. Animal Kingdom has joined in with the other parks offering some nighttime fun!

• Rivers of Light is now a part of this parks nighttime show!

I hope all of you consider taking advantage of ALL Animal Kingdom has to offer. It truly IS a wonderful place to spend a full day, or possibly even two days.

Looking for more Disney fun? We have a fabulous Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, that offers tons of Disney information and fun!!

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