Disney’s Animal Kingdom is full of new adventures to experience around every corner. From thrilling coasters to multi-cultural cuisine—and of course, unforgettable animal encounters—it’s no surprise that this park is the biggest (by far) of any at WDW!
There’s something uniquely special about Disney’s Animal Kingdom that I find particularly difficult to put into words… Of course, at any Disney park, we expect to find “classic Disney” experiences—whether it be enjoying a Mickey Pretzel or adding to your Disney pin collection. But, at Animal Kingdom, the expectations you quickly build as you walk up to the main entrance are quite different (dare I say, “more”).
At this park, we get to initiate or develop our connection to nature. Here, it’s practically innate to heighten our appreciation for animals and feel moved to support conservation efforts—in the most magical way possible. Thanks to Joe Rohde, former Imagineer (and a life-long hero of mine), Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to inspire its millions of guests to take a step (or several) closer to nature… and I don’t know a better environment than Walt Disney World to foster such an important, exceptional theme.
Oasis
I couldn’t imagine a more appropriate area to build the anticipation of our visits to Disney’s Animal Kingdom than the Oasis. This area gives us just a few opportunities to see some different animals and provides a preview of the type of beautiful landscapes we can expect throughout the park—easily making us ready for more!
If you were a fan of The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+, you’ll get to see the Anteater highlighted in this limited series in the Oasis (if you keep to the left-hand side of this area, right after entering the park).
As you browse all Oasis experiences below, please note that 🐭 indicates Danny’s top choices.
Oasis Attractions
- The Oasis Exhibits 🐭
Oasis Dining
- Rainforest Café
Oasis Shopping
- Outpost
- Garden Gate Gifts
Pandora - The World of Avatar
This might be a bold claim—but I’m going to make the following statement and stick by it… I believe Pandora – The World of Avatar is the best land in any theme park at WDW. Unlike anything Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created, Pandora simply surpasses the level of immersion that’s expected at a Disney park and provides some of the best visuals and experiences you can find anywhere.
CAUTION: The following fun fact might uncover a small piece of the magic that makes Pandora – The World of Avatar feel so real. If you’d like to keep the magic of the illusions in this area fully in tact, please skip the remainder of this paragraph. Next time you’re gazing at some of the waterfalls up in the floating mountains of the Valley of Mo’ara, take an extra close look at some of the highest waterfalls… Some of the smallest, highest “waterfalls” in the floating mountains of Pandora aren’t real “waterfalls” – they’re actually just a rotating texturized wheel that’s designed to look like a waterfall from afar.
As you browse all Pandora – The World of Avatar experiences below, please note that 🐭 indicates Danny’s top choices.
Pandora – The World of Avatar Attractions
- Avatar Flight of Passage 🐭
- Na’vi River Journey 🐭
Pandora – The World of Avatar Dining
- Pongu Pongu 🐭
- Satu’li Canteen 🐭
Pandora – The World of Avatar Entertainment
- Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä
- Pandora Rangers
Pandora – The World of Avatar Shopping
- Colors of Mo’ara
- Windtraders 🐭
The Oasis
The Oasis is the entrance area to the park. All of the other Disney World parks have shops right inside the gate. Not here. The Oasis is a buffer between the outside world and the animals on the inside. It’s a great way to begin.Pandora – The World of AVATAR
- Flight of Passage – hop on the back of a banshee and soar through Pandora
- Na’vi’ River Journey – take a boat ride through the bioluminscent forest
Dinoland USA
- DINOSAUR – take a trip back in time to retrieve an authentic dinosaur.
- Finding Nemo – The Musical – See a Magical presentation taken from the original stage show.
- The Boneyard – A play area for the small ones built around dinosaur fossils.
- Fossil Fun Games – Carnival games fun for all ages.
- Primeval Whirl – A spinning roller coaster.
- TriceraTop Spin – An outdoor flying adventure. It spins real fast.
Discovery Island
- It’s Tough to be a Bug! – A 3-D show (yes, you have to put on your “bug” glasses) about life as a bug.
- Discovery Island Trails – Around the Tree of Life you will find several exhibits of different animals.
Africa
- Kilimanjaro Safaris – This is the main attraction in Disney Animal Kingdom. Explore Africa, complete with live animals, on a Safari ride through the savanna.
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – A walking tour where you’ll see birds, fish, gorillas and hippos.
- Festival of the Lion King – Sing and dance with Simba and the gang.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Animation Experience – Learn how to draw characters from the Lion King.
- Conservation Station – See how animals are trained, fed and cared for.
- Affection Section – A petting area for children.
- Wildlife Express Train – The only way to get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Asia
- UP! A Great Bird Adventure – Watch as the most majestic creatures perform wondrous feats.
- Maharajah Jungle Trek – See tigers and bats and other animals in this walk through adventure.
- Kali River Rapids – Take a trip down the raging rainforest river. Caution, you will get wet.
- Expedition Everest – This roller coaster is a thrilling trip into the land of the Yeti.
Animal Kingdom at Night
- Tree of Life Watch as the park’s icon comes alive each night with special projections and lighting.
- Wildlife Parti Harambe village is your destination for a spirited party street party with dance and music.
- Discovery Island Carnivale Celebrate the natural world in this lively free form event.
- The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic For a limited time, enjoy a stage performance inspired by The Jungle Book – complete with music and special effects.
- Rivers of Light – The highly anticipated night time spectacular was set to open this spring but has been delayed. It’s going to have lights, floats, musics, and more. Dad hopes it opens soon.
Dining
Over the last couple of years, Disney has been adding dining options to the parks menus. Check out some of the offerings.- Tusker House – “Awaken the Day” at Donald’s Safari Breakfast buffet. You can also get a unique lunch and dinner buffet here.
- Flame Tree BBQ – quick barbeque in a colorful setting.
- Yak and Yeti – Chinese food in the shadow of Expedition Everest.
- Rainforest Cafe – Dine in a tropical rain forest.
- Pizzafari – track down some pizzas
- Harambe Market – Little booths selling curried corn dogs, BBQ ribs, chicken skewers and little salads are available here.
- Tiffins – A new signature dining location will feature an exotic menu
- Restaurantosaurus – Burgers, salads, and more with a great toppings bar
- Satu’li Canteen – Experience the exotic tastes of Pandora in the RDA mess hall
Dad’s Disney World Restaurants page
Dad’s Top 5 Attractions in Animal Kingdom
Want to know what top’s Dad’s list for fun at Animal Kingdom? Check out the video below:See for yourself
Come and see all the animals for yourself. They are calling your name right now. Just go over to Dad’s Destinations to Travel page and let my partners get you started on a Perfect Vacation. Get started today!Dad’s Destinations to Travel page
Dad’s Bottom Line
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is growing into a great theme park or the best zoo on the planet, I’m still not sure which. What ever it is it’s a great place to spend a day. The Safari is absolutely not to be missed. Where else can take a trip around the World, see exotic animals, and see the culture of parts of the globe that are far away, all without leaving Florida? What a concept.
