Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Guests who enjoy a vacation at Walt Disney World will surely be amazed by the first attraction and the last glimpse of Cinderella Castle. With four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, and over two dozen Disney Resorts to explore, there are countless ways for guests to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Many guests love to spend most of their vacations in theme parks, and of the four, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest and youngest. It opened on Earth Day in 1998 and has been amazing guests ever since by sharing its important message of conservation and preservation.
Guests who spend time in the park can enjoy learning about the beauty and importance of nature through thrilling experiences, including attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping. While there are plenty of great attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, some are so amazing that they cannot be missed.
From big thrills to amazing live shows, the top six attractions guests must experience at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
One of the most popular attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is found in the heart of the village of Harambe in the Africa section of the park. Kilimanjaro Safaris invites guests to embark on an authentic African safari in the Harambe Reserve. Throughout the journey, guests find themselves close and personal with many animals in the forests and savannahs, including giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, and lions.
Credit: Disney
Since the animals can roam their areas freely, guests are sure to have a unique experience each time on Kilimanjaro Safaris, making them want to return time and time again. While Kilimanjaro Safaris is amazing during the day, it takes on a whole new beauty after nightfall when the savannah is lit to look like a beautiful sunset.
2. Avatar Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage is one of the two attractions located in Pandora – The World of Avatar area within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Prepare to straddle what feels somewhat like one of those motorcycles at an arcade, be secured in, and then, using 3D screen technology, awesome 4D effects, and motion simulation, feel like you are literally flying on the back of a mountain banshee in the most exhilarating way.
Your banshee (somewhat like a flying dragon) will soar through the sky as it takes you on the ride of a lifetime through Pandora – The World of Avatar.
3. Kali River Rapids
Hot days in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are made bearable by a thrilling attraction that will leave guests soaked. Kali River Rapids is found in the Asia section of the park and has guests board family-style rafts and set off down the Chakranadi River. What starts off as a serene journey soon takes a thrilling and serious turn as guests discover illegal deforestation and some steep plunges and bumpy rapids.
Guests looking for a thrilling and soaking experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom should ride on Kali River Rapids.
4. Expedition Everest
The Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also home to a second thrilling attraction that puts guests face to face with a mythical beast. Expedition Everest is a soaring mountain range with guests starting on a serene tea train tour in the foothills of the mountains. As guests climb higher and higher, they discover a broken track that forces them to plunge deep inside the mountain, where the Yeti serves as a protector.
With plenty of thrilling moments along the way, Expedition Everest is an amazing attraction to enjoy in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
5. Festival of the Lion King
The village of Harambe is home to both Kilimanjaro Safaris and a live show that is sure to amaze guests. The Harambe Theater features the Festival of the Lion King, which brings the classic Disney animated film to life. Guests who enjoy the show can check out familiar characters and music, acrobatics, aerial ballet, fire dancing, and more.
The Festival of the Lion King is one of the most amazing shows in Walt Disney World, and guests definitely can’t miss it when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
6. Na’vi River Journey
Navi River Journey is one of the two incredible attractions that opened in Pandora – The World of Avatar area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in 2017. Climb aboard a small boat and feel the slow river push you along. The space around you glows like bioluminescent lighting has struck the rainforest beautifully! The sights and sounds appeal to the senses as you drift downriver.
Credit: Disney
Pass caves, exotic plants, and interesting animals to reach a very important member of the Na’vi tribe. This is one family-friendly journey downriver not to miss!
Upcoming Attractions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is continually evolving, with exciting new attractions on the horizon:
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!: Set to open in Winter 2025, this new show will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” in the Tree of Life Theater. Guests will join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters as they explore Zootopia’s different biomes.
- Tropical Americas Land: Construction began in January 2025 to transform DinoLand U.S.A. into a new area inspired by the Tropical Americas, featuring attractions based on Disney’s “Encanto” and the “Indiana Jones” franchise. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
These upcoming additions promise to bring even more magic and adventure to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the coming years.
