7 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Day At Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest park in Walt Disney World, and many guests opt to spend more time there visiting the various animal habitats and exhibits. Home to classic attractions such as Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest, new attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, and home to the Tree of Life, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers so much for guests to experience that it is important to utilize time wisely in order to see it all. Let’s take a look at some tips for getting the most out of your day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Arrive Early for a Wild Start

Rope drop remains a crucial strategy at Animal Kingdom, especially for experiencing the most popular attractions with minimal wait times. The park opens 30 minutes early for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, so take advantage of Early Entry to get a jumpstart on the day.

First… Pandora – The World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar is the newest Animal Kingdom theme park land. This is exactly why you’ll want to head to this part of the park as soon as you arrive in the morning – due to huge crowds!

Here you will find two extremely popular attractions: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. You can expect a thrilling ride on Avatar Flight of Passage as you climb aboard a Banshee and ride through the beautiful World of Avatar. The Na’vi River Journey is a perfect family-friendly attraction as guests boat down river and see just how beautiful the Na’vi tribe’s rainforest is with bioluminescence lighting and the latest animatronics.

Outside of these two attractions, the land is almost like an attraction itself with stunning beauty… especially as it glows at night! Expect large crowds to be flocking to this area for quite some time.

Early Morning or Evening Safaris

One of the signature attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris, which takes guests on a safari through the grasslands of Africa and offers beautiful glimpses of animals such as giraffes and lions. The best times of day to experience a safari are the early mornings and late evenings, as the temperature is not as high, and the animals are more comfortable and more likely to be active. If possible, we recommend heading to Kilimanjaro Safaris after Pandora, before lunch.

Check Show Times

Some of the biggest attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are shows that offer up Broadway-caliber performances. The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical can seat hundreds of guests at a time but only occur at specific times throughout the day and evening. Since these are fantastic shows that shouldn’t be missed, guests should make sure to check the times guide on their My Disney Experience app and check the show times throughout the day to plan around.

Use Mobile Ordering If Possible

Satu’li Canteen is undoubtedly one of the best counter-service restaurants at Animal Kingdom. The inside is themed to a long-ago repurposed RDA (Resources Development Administration) hall, now decked out with a colorful array of Na’vi art and cultural items.

You’ll find a great menu for lunch and dinner. The best part, however, is that Satu’li Canteen was the birthplace of mobile ordering. Order and pay for your food from the My Disney Experience app and pick up your food when you arrive. It’s awesome and available at a few other Animal Kingdom locations, theme parks, and Disney Springs.

From delicious meals to simple planning like booking FastPasses and consulting time guides and Extra Magic Hour schedules, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Immerse Yourself in Unique Experiences

Animal Kingdom isn’t just about rides. After visiting the safari, make sure to take time to explore its incredible animal exhibits and entertainment offerings:

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: Discover gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds on this self-guided walking tour.
• Feathered Friends in Flight: A live bird show featuring majestic eagles, colorful parrots, and Disney’s signature storytelling.
• Discovery Island Trails: Wander around the Tree of Life to spot hidden animal carvings and enjoy serene moments.

Take Your Time and Explore

Unlike other Disney parks, Animal Kingdom is designed for leisurely exploration. Don’t rush from ride to ride—take time to soak in the details, chat with cast members, and enjoy the park’s immersive atmosphere.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2025. From unforgettable attractions to serene animal encounters, this park offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Which Animal Kingdom attraction do you never skip? Are you team Kilimanjaro Safaris or team Expedition Everest?