Best and Worst Attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We will jump into Disney’s Animal Kingdom and look at the best and worst attractions in our opinion. Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day in 1998. Since its opening, it has undergone some upgrades. One of the biggest upgrades that it has gotten is the addition of Pandora.

Let’s look at what we think are the best and worst attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We hope this will help you determine what attractions will be the best for your family.

Avatar Flight of Passage

The top ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Avatar Flight of Passage, located in Pandora.

Flight of Passage is one of the most advanced rides in Walt Disney World and remains one of the most popular even years after it opened.

Guests are connected to their very own banshee and soar through the world of Pandora, taking in the breathtaking views that come to life before you.

This ride is so amazing as you truly feel like you are connected to the banshee as you feel it breathing beneath you. You dip and rise along with the banshee as you see all the different parts of Pandora. The ride plays to all of your senses, so you are completely immersed in the experience.

Not only do we think this is the top ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it is also one of the top rides in all of Walt Disney World.

Kilimanjaro Safari

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the second ride we would put into the best category for attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Again this ride is a one of a kind experience that most of us will only be able to experience in Walt Disney World.
Guests board an open air vehicle before exploring the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, which is home to around 34 different species.

The 110 acres are filled with open plains, wetlands, and even a forest landscape that have become home to different animals.

The around 18-minute journey allows Guests to see wildlife up close and personal as their expert guide shares wildlife facts.

As this is a nature safari, animals have free roam, making every safari different. Guests will want to make sure they have their camera ready to go to capture the magic.

We think Kilimanjaro Safari is definitely in the best category for attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Another top ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the main thrill ride in the Park. Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountain takes Guests through the icy Himalayan mountain while trying to avoid the mythic Yeti.

The queue for Expedition Everest is fantastic, and we highly recommend that Guests take some time to notice the details throughout.

Once they board the train to the “top of the world,” Guests are in for a thrilling ride.

A broken track awaits them at the top of the mountain, and then they are sent backward into total darkness.

When you arrive in the cavern, watch out as the mythical tale of a Yeti living in the mountains might come true.

This roller coaster has so many exciting aspects to it that thrill seekers will surely find it fantastic.

Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King is one of the best attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and performers bring the beautiful story to the audience through song and dance.

This Broadway inspired show is filled with songs, puppetry, and performers who bring the beloved story of Lion King to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Classic songs such as “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and “Circle of Life” are all performed during the show.

Even with the slight modifications that have been made to the show, we still find it to be extremely moving and an excellent experience.

When we look at the worst rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it isn’t that these rides are horrible; it is just that they are ones that we are willing to skip over when we visit for one reason or another.

 

TriceraTop Spin

This classic carnival-inspired ride takes Guests high up on a dinosaur as they fly around Dinoland.

As this ride is exactly like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Magic Carpets of Aladdin, we don’t feel like it is a must do in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It is a fun ride for little ones as they can go up and down and back and forward, but that is about all it does.

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is the other attraction found in Pandora. This slow-moving boat ride takes Guests through a mystical journey through Pandora’s bioluminescent rainforest.

Although this ride is visually stunning, it is lacking in an overall storyline as it leaves Guests questioning the purpose or goal of the ride.

Again, this is a good filler ride, but it isn’t one that we feel needs to be a must experience especially if you have older kids in your party.

Kali River Rapids

If you like being wet or drenched, then you will like Kali River Rapids. We don’t care to be drenched while in the Theme Park, so we skip this ride.

Waterfalls, a raging current, and rapids can all be experienced on this attraction. We feel like a lot more could be done with this storyline to help build the attraction more.

Personally, even on hot days, we skip Kali River Rapids as we prefer to stay dry.

That is our look at the best and worst rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in our opinion. Do you agree with us? We hope the information helps you as you are planning for your Walt Disney World vacation.