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Why Adults Will Love Disney’s Animal Kingdom

tree of life
Credit: Matthew Cooper - www.thetimethespace.com

We have looked at what adults will enjoy in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom while they are on Walt Disney World vacation, but what about Disney’s Animal Kingdom? It might not seem like there is much for adults to enjoy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; however, we have a great list below to help you plan a fantastic adult trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Flight of Passage

Right away, we would recommend that adults head to Pandora to enjoy a ride on Flight of Passage. This outstanding ride allows Guests to fly over the gorgeous landscape of Pandora on the back of a banshee. Adults will love their experience on this ride.

Expedition Everest

Another thrill that adults will enjoy while in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest over in Asia. This thrilling roller coaster is one of the best in Disney World. Guests will climb high into the mountains before being sent backward and through the mountains in the dark. Expedition Everest will have adults screaming like little kids as they enjoy the thrill.

Kilimanjaro Safari

One of the unique ride experiences in Disney World is Kilimanjaro Safari, located in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will board an open-air vehicle that will take them through the 110 acres of the Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is home to around 34 living species and is cared for by the Disney conservation team. Giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and flamingos are just a few of the magnificent animals that Guests could have the opportunity to see during this ride. Consider riding Kilimanjaro Safari a few times as every ride is so different.

Dinosaur

If adults are looking for thrills, they can head to Dinoland and take a Dinosaur trek on Dinosaur. This highly intense ride takes Guests back in time to capture a dino. The excitement comes as a meteor gets closer and things get even rockier. Make sure you are strapped in because this is a bumpy ride.

Walking Trails

Adults will love all the natural walking trails offered throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are three major walking trails that Guests can enjoy throughout the Park. Discovery Island Trails are located right at the front of the Park and around the Tree of Life. These trails are an excellent way to see the Tree of Life close up in all its detail and glory. Back in Africa and Asia, there are two other trails that Guests can explore. Maharajah Jungle Trek provides a great look at the tigers as well as a Komodo Dragon. Gorilla Trails provides an up close look at, you guessed it- Gorillas. As these trails are self paced, adults will love being able to stroll through them at their own pace slowly.

Animation Experience

Jump on board the Wildlife Express Train back to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can enjoy the Animation Experience. This 25-minute experience with Disney animators is truly one of a kind. Guests are taught how to sketch one of their favorite Disney characters and take the paper home with them. This is an excellent way to get out of the afternoon crowds and provides a great souvenir.

Nomad Lounge

Adults will find Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom a fantastic location to relax and have an adult beverage. Located on the way to Pandora, Nomad Lounge is a fantastic, low-key lounge that is a perfect get-away. They have a variety of specialty drinks as well as food choices from the next door Tiffins. Adults will want to take time to visit Nomad Lounge while in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Tiffins

Even though Nomad Lounge is a fantastic place for adults to get a beverage and snack, Tiffins next door is a wonderful option if you are looking for a high-end dining experience. It is hard to believe that this type of dining is available in a Theme Park, but Tiffins is a great example food that is available. This dining experience will feel like an adventure in every way. Three dining rooms honor the spirit of both Africa and Asia, along with the world’s most exotic animals. Adults should consider setting some time aside to enjoy this elegant dining option.

Flame Tree Barbecue / Sal’tuli Canteen

Disney’s Animal Kingdom also has fantastic quick service dining locations if Tiffins isn’t what you are looking for. Adults will find a variety of great meal options at both Flame Tree Barbecue and Sal’tuli Canteen. At Flame Tree Barbecue, adults can enjoy smokehouse meats such as chicken and baked beans and coleslaw. These are large portions that don’t cost a lot. Over in Pandora, Sal’tuli Canteen offers fresh bowls allowing Guests to choose their protein, base, and sauce. This is a fantastic option for adults as everyone can choose their meal. Adults will love that Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers some great food options allowing them to move away from the standard hamburger and chicken nugget theme Park food.

Disney KiteTails

A new show has come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and adults will find it entertaining. Disney KiteTails is a 10-minute show that alternates between one about Jungle Book and Lion King. Larger than life kites fly through the sky to the music that celebrates the movie. It is a fun addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a great way to have a midday break.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great place for adults to visit during their Walt Disney World vacation. It has so much to see, ride and, of course, great food and drink options. Although some might skip this Theme Park, we highly recommend you head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your next vacation.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.