7 Reasons We Absolutely Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I am definitely a huge Animal Kingdom fan. What used to be a half-day park for us has turned into a full day – and really a two-day park if we want to see it all! Here are seven reasons we absolutely love Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

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7. The Attractions

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has amazing attractions. Festival of the Lion King and the Finding Nemo show are among the best shows on property (I, personally, give the nod to Festival of the Lion King). There are thrill rides, family rides, a water ride and even a petting and animal interaction area where you can also learn more about the care for animals and their environment. Wilderness Explorers are also big at the park where you can earn badges at the different stations. This really is a family park with lots for everyone to see and do while they are there. If shopping is your thing, this park is definitely one where you should visit all of the shops. There are markets in Asia and Africa that look like what you might expect to see in quiet villages. You can also find items for sale, especially regional clothing, that you won’t be able to find anywhere else on Disney property. This can be an attraction all in itself.

6. Music and Street Entertainment

The performers at Animal Kingdom get you pumped up unlike any other. You have amazing musical talents with lots of drums and fun instruments that really get you to dancing. There is usually a crowd around the different areas dancing along and getting into the show, we always love to stop, listen and watch. You also have DiVine, a real life vine who moves ever so slowly and blends in with her surroundings. You have to keep your eyes peeled if you want to find her! Everything about the various performances and street entertainment is amazing, and it really helps you to feel like you have traveled to another land are a part of the village.

5. The Food (and Drinks)

Animal Kingdom has amazing quick service and table service options. You can enjoy Asian-inspired meals at Yak & Yeti as a table service and quick service location, depending on what works best for your schedule. Tiffins is an excellent table service option if you are looking for that upscale and unique dining experience in Animal Kingdom. In Africa, you can enjoy Tusker House, which has unique and delicious options for you to try. Flame Tree Barbeque is the classic go-to quick service location with St. Louis style barbeque ribs, and delicious sides, but you don’t want to miss the newest quick service location called Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Delicious bowls and pods! The meals there definitely don’t taste like quick service food. There are so many great options that are completely unique to Animal Kingdom, that foodies definitely keep this park on their list of stops. Don’t forget about the drinks, too! There are several drink spots to get your hands on delicious, unique alcoholic beverages as well. The Dawa bar in Africa has many different creations exclusive to this location, and you will want to try them all! Enjoy a drink and the music!

4. A Land That Glows!

Pandora – The World of Avatar is the newest land in the Animal Kingdom theme park. Besides the floating mountains and cascading waterfalls, you will find two extremely popular attractions known as Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Outside of these two attractions, the land is almost like an attraction itself with stunning beauty and ability to interact with guests… especially as it glows at night with glowing walkways and on the unbelievable glowing Pandoran plants.

3. Kilimanjaro Safaris

There many wonderful attractions at Animal Kingdom, but Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of the best! You board your large excursion vehicle with your family (and several other guests) to venture on a real African safari in the savanna. You get the opportunity to see several different species in their habitats and interacting with each other. It is not uncommon to experience animals like giraffes, zebras, rhinos, etc. crossing the path or standing right beside your vehicle. It is the type of view and animal encounter that definitely cannot be compared to a “zoo” experience. The best thing is that you always see something different every time you enjoy the attraction since different animals will be moving around and may be out and about depending on the time of day.

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2. Amazing Walking Trails and Sights

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is stunning. There are so many beautiful views, backdrops and resting spots that you can’t help but feel a little more relaxed than you may feel at other Disney parks. This is a park that is so much more than rides and shows (which don’t get me wrong, we do love), this is an opportunity to really explore for yourself. There are many trails that remove you from the busier paths going from land to land and allow you to experience nature and the animal residents of the park. You can see tigers, monkeys, birds, bats, etc. You can even walk through a huge bird habitat where you are inside with the birds. The tigers are one of my favorites, especially if they are close to the glass toward the bottom of their area and you get the opportunity to see them up close. It’s a great time to take in the scenery, learn about the animals and learn about how you can help preserve their natural habitats.

1. Awesome Evening Hours

You don’t want to skip out early from Animal Kingdom! Now coming to life at night, guest have the opportunity to enjoy an amphitheater style show called Rivers of Light where nature is celebrated in an incredibly beautiful way! The Tree of Life Awakenings is a perfect way to cap off the evening with its projections and music lighting up the iconic Animal Kingdom symbol. And finally, the perfect evening experience is a visit to Pandora – World of Avatar to see this beautiful land glow at night! Truly remarkable.