Guide to Walt Disney World Part 2: Animal Kingdom
Let’s Go to Animal Kingdom!
We are back this week with Part 2 of my Guide to Walt Disney World! I’m so excited to continue to share my favorite parts of Disney World with you. I wrote this in Part 1, but Disney World holds so many special memories and family moments that I want to remember forever and I know a lot of you feel the same! I loved hearing about your upcoming trips and favorite parts of Magic Kingdom so definitely keep them coming! Getting to help you all plan fun memories has been one of my favorite parts of starting this blog.
Let’s get into it, shall we? I should mention right at the top that Animal Kingdom is Brian’s favorite park. So, of course, I asked him what I should mention and all he wants you to know is that it’s his favorite. *shrug*
Food/Drinks:
Satu'li Canteen: This is BY FAR my favorite place to eat in Animal Kingdom. We tend to only spend one day at this park when we go to Disney, and this is the must-eat. You can also order on the My Disney Experience app when you’re in line for Avatar Flight of Passage so that your food is ready to be picked up when you get off the ride. There are also plenty of tables, all either under shade or indoors.
Flame Tree BBQ: I haven’t actually tried this place, but it’s always on my list! The mac n cheese looks incredible and I’ve heard great things about it! It’s actually a food stand, rather than a sit-down restaurant, so it would be great for a quick bite.
Starbucks: Yes… I’m going to mention the Starbs in every park. I can’t help it. There is a really cute, Animal Kingdom-themed, Starbucks right near the Tree of Life.
Rides:
Kilimanjaro Safaris: As my dad says, the safari is The Superbowl of Animal Kingdom. This is definitely the ride you want to make a run for as soon as you get into the park in the morning. Every safari ride sees a huge variety of wildlife, gets amazing photo ops, and it’s so much fun!
Avatar Flight of Passage: One of the newest rides in Animal Kingdom, this is my favorite in the park. Before the ride, you wait in a winding line through Pandora, so the entire wait is pretty and entertaining. On the ride, you board a banshee and are immersed in the world from the movie Avatar. You can feel the wind, smell the surroundings, and it really feels like you’re flying around. 10/10 recommend!
Na’vi River Journey: The river journey is the other ride in Pandora. While it’s not an action-packed one, it’s still a really cool experience. You float in a boat with your group down a river through the forest scene in Pandora. There are lights, sounds, and it’s very relaxing.
Expedition Everest: If you roller coaster lovers are still with me- this one is for you! Expedition Everest is the big roller coaster in the park, and it’s a fun one.
Shows:
Finding Nemo The Musical: There are two shows at Animal Kingdom that, in my opinion, you can’t miss. Not only are they great excuses to sit down inside and cool off, but they are also done really well. Finding Nemo The Musical is a short, 30-40 minute show, in an indoor theater. The songs are beautiful and tell the whole story of Finding Nemo.
Festival of the Lion King: The Festival of the Lion King is exactly what it sounds like: a festival! There’s music, dancing, and audience involvement. It’s super entertaining and like Finding Nemo The Musical, it’s a great chance to get inside and take a break.
Other Things to Do:
Tree of Life Night Show: At night, the Tree of Life in the center of Animal Kingdom “comes to life” with projections of characters and wildlife in an incredible light show.
Visit Pandora at Night: Once it’s dark, Pandora becomes an interactive, glow in the dark world. The sidewalk lights up, you can press rocks and different lights come on… it’s a totally different experience compared to daytime.
Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge: If you’re looking for a change of scenery or something to do nearby Animal Kingdom, you can take the bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s fun to check out the resorts on Disney’s property and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is actually situated on an animal sanctuary. I haven’t seen animals there, but I believe there are viewing areas. The resort is gorgeous and a very short bus ride away.
Tips:
Animal Kingdom is the hottest park. I’m not making that up, it actually has the highest temperature. Because of that, I recommend heading over first thing in the morning until lunch or around dinner time until close. It also doesn’t take that long to hit the highlights, so you can do it in one or two half-days easily.
There is usually a night show at Animal Kingdom on the river. If you’re going to be there at night, see if you can get a fast-pass for a good seat to the show!
I hope you’re enjoying this series so far! I can’t wait for Part 3 next month… until then, let me know what your favorite thing to do at Animal Kingdom is and if you’re planning to visit Disney this year!