For a long time, Animal Kingdom theme park was overlooked as a place to spend a full day and many wondered how to handle Animal Kingdom planning. Guests would wander in after opening, experience a few attractions and leave mid afternoon, forgetting about the reason for the park: the animals.
With the addition of Pandora- the World of Avatar, some of those common misconceptions have changed, but people still have a tendency to focus too much on headliner attractions when visiting Animal Kingdom theme park, missing much of the magic, and animals.
With intricate theming intertwined with live animals, fabulous shows and unique surprises, a visit to Animal Kingdom theme park can be an all day, or even multiple day, experience.
To get the most out of your visit, be sure to avoid these 14 common mistakes and misconceptions that kill the magic when doing your Animal Kingdom planning.
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Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 1: Not Spending Time with the Animals
The ultimate Animal Kingdom planning theme park mistake is not taking the time to see the animals. I mean, is Disney’s Animal Kingdom worth it of you don’t even see the animals? However, many people will miss a large variety of the animal exhibits in the park.
For example, in hot pursuit of a coveted space in line for Avatar, most people rush right by the different animal exhibits scattered around the entrance. The Oasis is home to various species of birds as well as a giant anteater, boar, barking deer and wallabies, but if you don’t take some time to explore the short pathways, you’ll miss seeing these fascinating creatures.
One of the things that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom worth it is the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. It is another often overlooked adventure inside the park. While the trail winds through a self-guided natural enclosure zoo featuring zebras, okapi, hippos and exotic birds, the grand finale is the troop of gorillas.
You’ll find two groups once you cross over a suspension bridge. A family troop is on the right, and this is where you will often find babies and toddlers, as well as a mother and father gorilla. This is a worthwhile experience, and should be considered during your Animal Kingdom planning.
On the left hand-side, is a troop of bachelor gorillas. They occasionally beat on their chests to show each other who is dominant.
On certain days the gorillas are given special objects and toys. One time, we were in the park on blanket day, when the bachelor troop of gorillas were all given blankets to play with. It was a truly amazing experience watching these giants cuddle with their favorite blanket or lay them out to take a nap in the sun.
The Maharajah Jungle Trek is another magical jungle full of ruins that are run by tigers. The tigers live in a lush paradise complete with personal swimming pools. The jungle trek is also home to an aviary of 50 or more species of birds, as well as water buffalo, gibbons, elds deer, blackbucks, Komodo dragons, and Malayan flying foxes.
Along with these commonly known animal treks, Animal Kingdom is full of animal exhibits that are much more private. The Discovery Island Trails wind their way through and under the massive roots of the Tree of Life. The self-guided trail system will take you through peaceful trails, bridges and tunnels as you discover new wildlife at every turn. The animals range from bird species, otters, kangaroos, porcupines, lemurs, and more.
Mistake 2: Not Stopping to Enjoy Street Performers of Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is worth it because it is a unique adventure into animal life with some amazing rides and shows, but it is also a cultural experience. The park is divided into multiple sections, including two themed to Asia and Africa. To complete the illusion, Disney hires cast members from native lands, and it isn’t uncommon to find street performances, especially in Africa.
If you take a few moments to stop and enjoy the performances, you can experience a little of the culture, and you will even have the opportunity to participate. Be sure to save time for these experiences while Animal Kingdom planning.
Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 3: Missing the Subtle Surprises
While street performers put on a loud and engaging show, other performances are more subtle and very easy to miss.
If you ever happen to see a crowd of people just standing around in lush walkways staring at trees, make sure to stop with them. If you look closely, you might see DiVine, a living vine who discreetly makes her way around the park.
DiVine’s appearances are few and far between these days, she is considered a rare character after all. So if you do spot her, make sure you take some time to watch and interact. It’s hard to say if you will ever see her again.
Also, in this area between Asia and Africa, you might spot some drums just hanging around. While these are placed for street performances, you are allowed to use them to put on a performance of your own. You’ll find another set in Pandora Land.
Next, take time to appreciate the theming. More than any other park, great attention and creativity has gone into creating the atmosphere of each land. Some things you won’t want to miss include the carvings on the Tree of Life. Take some time during the queue for It’s a Bug’s Life to really explore the artwork on the tree. Don’t worry, the show rarely has a long wait, so letting others pass you by in line won’t hold you up by much.
Also, spend time with the sights and sounds of Pandora Land. You’ll be surprised at the changing lighting and how seemingly static objects come to life.
If you have the time, consider exploring all the signage around the park. This may seem silly, but hear me out. The signs around Animal Kingdom are intricate, and sometimes comical, especially the ones around Asia and Africa. If things get a bit busy and lines are long, take some time to wander around the park and see where these signs lead you.
Last, pay attention to the many objects in the queue for Expedition Everest. If you have a FastPass for this ride, you’ll miss a lot of this, so go back at another time when the lines are short and just peruse the items and signs. Disney has gone to great lengths to make the wait for your train feel like an authentic mountain expedition, but most people miss out on this immersion by skipping over the queue exhibits.
Mistake 4: Not Taking Time to Experience the Shows
While in hot pursuit of the next ride, many people skip the shows at Animal Kingdom theme park, and they never even consider them while doing their Animal Kingdom planning. This is a mistake as most are on the shorter side and feature some of the brilliant theming and design that make Disney World such a unique and magical experience.
Taking time to see at least one of the headliner show (Finding Nemo or the Lion King) is highly recommended, but we find the smaller experiences more to our liking. One of our favorites has always been Flights of Wonder. You’ll find amazing aviary interactions and have the chance to see and learn about some unique bird specimens.
If you’re thinking this isn’t your things, add it to your Animal Kingdom planning anyways. You are likely to be impressed with the show even if you aren’t necessarily a bird person, plus its a rather short show, so it won’t take up too much of your time.
Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 5: Not Using Genie+ Efficiently
A big mistake in any park, especially the Animal Kingdom theme park, is not using Genie+ efficiently. As we have already mentioned, Animal Kingdom is no longer a low-crowd experience. If you would like to ride your favorite rides, and not wait half a day in line, Genie+ can be a critical tool to consider during your Animal Kingdom planning.
However, if you’re an early riser, you may not find it necessary to purchase a Disney World Genie+ pass. By arriving early, you can ride most of the popular attractions that tend to sport long lines without using the Lightning Lane. This includes the ever-popular Flight of Passage.
On the other hand, if you like to sleep in and mosey on over to the parks after breakfast, Genie+ will make it possible to avoid lines on most of the attractions. Just be sure to purchase an individual lightning lane pass for flight of passage and then book Kilimanjaro Safari or Expedition Everest as your first Genie+ selection of the day, as these rides will often sell out by afternoon.
Mistake 6: Walking Around Wet
When riding Kali River Rapids, many guests don’t feel the need to use the lockers to protect their belongings. Whatever you do, use the lockers! On this ride you will get wet, your family will get wet, and all of your things will get wet.
Also, consider packing rain gear when Animal Kingdom planning and then, be sure to wear it. You may even want to bring an extra pair of socks to change into. Spending a full day in wet socks is no fun at any park.
Mistake 7: Not Spending Enough Time in Animal Kingdom Theme Park
When visiting Disney, many of us are on tight budgets or time constraints that limit the length of a trip. While we always try to spend at least a day and a half in each park, there have been a few times where we have had shorter trips and have had to limit our time. During these visits, we would often only consider half a day for our Animal Kingdom plan.
While that was still a mistake then, it is definitely a mistake today. Animal Kingdom theme park is not a half day or even a one-day park anymore. To be able to experience all it has to offer, we feel you must go back for a second day. Use one day to ride the rides, enjoy the food and take in some shows. Then, on the second day, you can spend time with the animals and catch up on any shows or parades you may have missed.
However, if you only have one day in Animal Kingdom, the must-do attractions are Kilimanjaro Safari, Flight of Passage, and Expedition Everest. For must-try dining, we highly recommend Tusker House, Yak and Yeti restaurant and Satu’li Canteen.
Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 8: Not Making Advanced Dining Reservations for Animal Kingdom Theme Park
By now most Disney fans are aware that you can book dining reservations 60 days prior to the start of your trip, but many people do not see the benefit. If you’re of like mind, we’re going to try to change that opinion.
Unlike the other parks, Animal Kingdom theme park has very few table service restaurants, so tables fill up fast. It is almost impossible to walk up and get a spot. On our last trip we had a reservation for dinner at Tusker House, and even then, we still had to wait a bit.
Especially if your trip is scheduled during a holiday period when attendance is high, advanced dining reservations are a necessity.
Mistake 9: Eating During Peak Times at Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Speaking of dining in the park, a common Animal Kingdom planning mistake is eating during popular dining hours. If you plan to eat lunch at noon for example, reservations are more difficult to come by, and waits are longer for the counter service restaurants.
When you schedule your party to eat during off hours, dining will take less time no matter which restaurant you choose, so you’ll be back to the rides sooner. And with Animal Kingdom’s ever-increasing crowds, ride wait times will reduce while the masses are dining.
We use this strategy in all parks. It helps us to get the dining reservations we desire, and allows us to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds during the lunch time slump.
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Mistake 10: Not Using the App for Counter Service Meals
This is the last food-related Animal Kingdom planning mistake, (we promise!) but it is an important one. A lot of time is wasted waiting in line for counter service meals, especially in Pandora. Everyone is dying to try the delicious and out-of-this-world food, and that leads to endless lines.
To skip these long lines, we use the order ahead feature on the My Disney Experience App. For many counter service restaurants in Animal Kingdom theme park, you can place your order ahead of time and your food will be ready to go when you arrive.
We have all waited in an endless and chaotic line at a counter service restaurant while those ahead of us take their time trying to decide on their order. The new option on the app allows you to skip that not so magical experience. We usually place the order while in line for a ride, so it’s a great way to kill some time while waiting as well.
Using mobile ordering will make Disney’s Animal Kingdom worth it, less time in line!
Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 11: Not Being Prepared for Flight of Passage
Flight of Passage in Pandora in Animal Kingdom theme park takes you on a Banshee ride through Pandora’s breathtaking scenery. The ride is immersive and completely transports you into an entirely different world for four and a half minutes.
The attraction begins in what feels like a private room for about 15 people. You then board the motorcycle style ride vehicle. However, you’re really boarding a simulator ride that magically puts you in front of a screen for the length of the experience.
Unfortunately, many people are not aware that Flight of Passage, while an amazing experience, is not ideal for those with claustrophobia. The ride restraints come up behind you as well as over your legs to hold you securely on your “banshee”. While they are not uncomfortable, they are definitely restricting and will not release as long as the ride is in motion. While most people tolerate this well, the restraints can feeling confining and may be troublesome for anyone who experiences claustrophobia or anxiety in tight situations.
Another Animal Kingdom planning tip is to be prepared for the potential for motion sickness on Flight of Passage. Two members of our group did get sick in varying degrees from this simulator style ride. The simulator is not as choppy and sickening as Star tours, but more jarring than Soarin’. If you have ridden Star Tours in the past and had no issues, you will likely be fine on Flight of Passage.
However, if you feel a little nauseous getting off of Soarin’ in EPCOT, we highly recommend that you skip Flight of Passage. One member of our party who experiences only mild queasiness after riding Soarin’ was sick for the rest of the day after her Flight of Passage ride.
Mistake 12: Leaving Animal Kingdom Theme Park Before Dark
Not too long ago, Animal Kingdom theme park closed every day at 5pm, but typically the park would clear out as early as two or three. The park now stays open as late as eight or nine at night, and we have found that evenings are our favorite time to be in the park.
Evenings in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are worth it! The crowds diminish and the Land of Pandora lights up. Pandora is covered in magically glowing creatures and plant life that you can only experience in the dark. The large waterfall is lit up in shades of purple, blue, and green, and the hovering rock structures give off a mesmerizingly eerie vibe that you will not want to miss.
In the evenings, the streets of Africa are quieter, the shop buildings are dimly lit up with Edison light strings and shopping for souvenirs and snacks is much more peaceful. Expedition Everest is also a whole new experience at night. The cooler nighttime air blasts you in the face, and the lift hill provides incredible nighttime views of the other Disney properties all lit up.
Animal Kingdom Planning Mistake 13: Not Realizing Rides Have Height Requirements
Due to safety concerns, some rides at Animal Kingdom have height requirements. Luckily, all of the animal experiences, including the safari are available for all heights.
But, for safety reasons, the thrill rides do have height requirements that need to be considered during your Animal Kingdom planning. Rides with height requirements are listed below. If they are not listed, that is because they do have height restrictions.
Avatar Flight of Passage: 44 inches
Dinosaur: 40 inches
Expedition Everest: 44 inches
Kali River Rapids: 38 inches
Mistake 14: Not Eating at Yak and Yeti
If you enjoy Asian inspired food and good service, Yak and Yeti is a not-to-be-missed dining experience, so be sure to add it when doing your Animal Kingdom planning.
Yak and Yeti restaurant, (not to be confused with the Yak and Yeti quick service option,) serves up Asian feasts while surrounding you in Nepalese theming. The entire restaurant is delicately littered with Asian artifacts spanning the region.
The food is just as expansive, with ahi tuna nachos, pot stickers, sweet and sour chicken, noodle dishes, and more.
We have eaten at many of the Disney World restaurants, and we have to admit that the Yak and Yeti is in our top 5, and a must do at Animal Kingdom. Also, in our experience, the portions are HUGE, so consider splitting a meal if you can. This will also make it much more cost effective.
For example, the lo mein chicken meal is $22.49, but if you decide to split it, that brings the cost to a little over $11 per person. Plus, let’s be honest, its a bit difficult to bring your leftovers on Expedition Everest with you.
When it comes to Animal Kingdom theme park, don’t let these 14 mistakes will ruin your magical experience. Now that Animal Kingdom is no longer a leisurely empty park, It’s important to be on top of your Animal Kingdom planning.
