As long time Disney lover’s, we have definite favorites at every park. Thanks to being annual passholders, I don’t feel the pressure to see “everything” each time we visit as I know we’ll be back. However, there are certain “Must-Do’s” at each park. Even if we miss everything else, if we enjoy these favorites, it was a successful park day! So, here are our top 5 Must-Do’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Top Must-Do Rides
Kiliminjaro Safaris. How can you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and not enjoy the animals? Right? The safari is the best way to do this. I’ve always found the guides to be informative and great about sharing their love of the animals. It’s also wonderful that every safari ride is a little bit different. You’ll see different animals doing different things throughout the day. Sometimes you’ll even have to stop and wait for an antelope or ostrich to walk in front of you! This is definitely a ride you’ll want to fast pass as the wait can be pretty long.
Insider Tip: Have your camera ready – you can get some really amazing pictures during this ride!
Flight of Passage. Although all of Pandora is pretty amazing, the ride Flight of Passage is truly amazing. During this ride you’ll get to ride on the back of a banshee – and it truly feels like you are flying. The first time we rode Flight of Passage, we hadn’t even seen Avatar and still loved it! Definitely either get a fast pass or head to this ride as soon as the park opens.
Expedition Everest. If you love roller coasters, Expedition Everest is for sure a must-do! It was the first fast roller coaster my son tried and it gave him the courage to try Rock n Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. I love that it’s pretty smooth and a longer ride! The theming throughout the queue is so well done and actually pretty interesting to read. This ride also has a single rider line (it’s not open right now during COVID), so if there is only one roller coaster lover in your family, that’s a great option.
Insider tip: if you have fast passes to Flight of Passage and the Safari, and arrive at the park at opening, head over to Expedition Everest first. You can probably ride it twice in a row.
A few more Must-Do’s!
Nomad Lounge. Overall, the food at Animal Kindgom is pretty darn good. There are a lot of great options, but for the atmosphere and quality of food, the Nomad Lounge is always our favorite. We’ve found that by taking a break here for a snack and drink we will be fully recharged to finish out a fun day! The Nomad Lounge is tucked next to Tiffins (also a wonderful restaurant) on the way to Pandora.
Insider tip: There aren’t a lot of tables (after all it’s a lounge), so put your name in an hour or so before you want to stop for a break.
Enjoy the atmosphere. It’s really hard to narrow this down to 5 must-do’s as there are many other wonderful things to do at Animal Kingdom, but I think one of the best parts about this park is the theming. Disney has done a brilliant job of creating a feeling of being far away from central Florida. Take some time to admire the many details of this park. If you are lucky, you’ll also encounter random dance parties and characters walking through the park. If you do – participate fully! It’s those special moments that make lasting memories.
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Great insider tips. Yes, these are must-dos.
Thanks!
One of our favorite restaurants is in Animal Kingdom. We love Tusker House.
It is a good one! I love the Jamba Juice at the character breakfast!
It’s been far too long since I’ve visited Animal Kingdom…thanks for the virtual must-do tour!
Happy to share!
Interesting tips! We do not live near disney, and usually pick trips to the ocean over theme parks and crowds, but it does look entertaining!
We like to mix it up – in fact, our next trip to FL is a combination of the beach and Disney!
We love Disney. At the Animal Kingdom our top 5 is the character breakfast at Tusker House, the night show in Asia, the safari is a must do, turkey legs to eat, enjoying the ambiance, and the calm of the Oasis.
That is a great character breakfast!
Disney tops the list of places our 7 year old asks us to go, so we are planning a trip for whentravelling opens back up a bit. I have to say Animal Kingdom was a place I really wanted to visit.Not much of a roller coaster lover, but the safari and the flight of passage is on my list 🙂
You will love them both!!!
I totally agree with all your must-dos. I love the safari ride the most I think.
It’s definitely a favorite in our household!
Wonderful tips! I’m hoping to visit the animal kingdom when we take our Disney trip.
You should – it’s a very unique park!
It’s been a while since my last Disney visit. I really need to plan a trip. It all looks so fun!
We love Disney and visit as often as we can!