Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is the most unique and beautiful of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. Get ready to explore African savannas, Asian jungles, and even other planets, all with breathtaking landscapes and immersive stories without ever leaving Orlando!
Disney World’s most unique and certainly most ambitious park, Animal Kingdom is a wonderful mix of exotic wildlife, thrilling attractions, and some of the most realistic details you will ever find.
The research and care that went into developing Disney’s Animal Kingdom are unmatched, and because of that, it is a place where your imagination can run as wild as the approximately 2,000 animals the park is home to.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, including all the rides and attractions, entertainment, characters, restaurants, tours, and planning tips you need for a visit in 2027.
Though Animal Kingdom has had its share of criticism in the past, it has made many improvements over the years and has quickly risen on our list of best Disney Parks. It has one of Disney World’s best attractions (Flight of Passage) and is a place the entire family will enjoy.
We’ll also share the history of Animal Kingdom, explore each of its themed areas, look at what is coming with Pueblo Esperanza, and share some of our favorite tips and tricks we’ve learned in the decades we’ve been visiting.
Before we get started, make sure to read this other useful resource we’ve put together to help you plan your visit:
Also, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest updates on Disney’s Animal Kingdom as well as vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!
Table of Contents
Overview
- Location: Walt Disney World, Bay Lake, Florida, United States
- Opened: April 22, 1998
- Lands: 5 operating lands, with Pueblo Esperanza expected to become the 6th
- Rides: 6 operating rides
- Attractions & Experiences: Approximately 15–18, depending on how they are counted
- Dining Locations: 32, including restaurants, lounges, kiosks, carts, and seasonal stands
- Status: Operating
- Operated By: Walt Disney World Resort
What is the Animal Kingdom?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the fourth theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake near Orlando, Florida. The park is themed around animals, the environment, and conservation.
The park was known as “Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom” during its development stage.
Animal Kingdom currently has five operating themed lands that explore real-world locations and wildlife, as well as the fictional moon of Pandora. A sixth land, Pueblo Esperanza, is under construction in the former DinoLand U.S.A. area and is expected to open in 2027.
Animal Kingdom is a hybrid of zoological exhibits, animal encounters, live entertainment, detailed environments, and theme park attractions. It is definitely not your everyday theme park, and whatever you do, just don’t call it a zoo!
Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998, and was designed and brought to life by Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, who took the lead on the project.
Depending on how the property is measured, Animal Kingdom covers approximately 500–580 acres. It is the largest theme park in the world and is large enough to fit approximately four Magic Kingdom parks inside its area.
Where is Animal Kingdom Located?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the four Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in the Orlando area. The park is part of a much larger complex of theme parks, water parks, hotels, and entertainment areas.
The official address of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is 2901 W. Osceola Parkway, Orlando, FL 32830.
When looking at a map of Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom is on the far west side of the property. It is the most isolated of the four Disney World theme parks.
Immediately southwest is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the closest resort to the park. To the east are Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. To the southeast are the All-Star Resort hotels.
What is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Known for?
When you think of Animal Kingdom, the first thing that comes to mind is animals and wildlife. Going along with that, one of the park’s most iconic attractions is Kilimanjaro Safaris, the perfect way to see many of those animals.
The park icon is the Tree of Life, located in the center of the park on Discovery Island. It is recognized as the symbol of the park and appears on advertisements, brochures, merchandise, and park maps.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is Avatar Flight of Passage, which brings thousands of guests to Pandora each day to experience what it feels like to fly on the back of a banshee.
Animal Kingdom Logo
If you’ve seen the logo for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you might have noticed the Tree of Life and a group of animals that includes a dragon.
Why is there a dragon in the Animal Kingdom logo if there are no dragons in the park itself?
When Animal Kingdom was designed, it was decided that it would focus on animals that exist today, animals that once existed but are now extinct, and fictional animals brought about through legend and fantasy. The Yeti from Expedition Everest is a good example of this.
The dragon was included in the Animal Kingdom logo because of its presence in one of the originally planned lands, Beastly Kingdom. This area would have included creatures of legend and mythology, including dragons.
Even though the land was never built, the dragon has remained in the Animal Kingdom logo to this day.
Getting Tickets
If you want to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the first thing you need is valid park admission. To choose the right ticket, start by deciding how many days you will spend in the parks.
If you want to see everything Animal Kingdom has to offer, you will need a full day. There are must-do rides, stage shows, animal trails, character experiences, and exhibits you will want to take your time visiting.
Getting a ticket with a Park Hopper option can also be useful because it allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. That way, you can return for part of a second day if you don’t see everything the first time without dedicating another full day to the park.
Both Single and Multi-Day tickets are available for currently released dates through October 2027. Disney had not yet released November and December 2027 ticket prices when this guide was updated.
Disney World uses date-based pricing, which means the cost changes depending on the date you visit. If you are trying to get the lowest price, look at slower travel periods when tickets are typically less expensive. Dates near major holidays and other busy periods usually cost more.
Make sure you buy Walt Disney World tickets from the official Disney World website or a trusted reseller. Don’t waste your time with offers on an unknown third-party website that look too good to be true. Some resellers try to sell unusable tickets, so be careful. Our Discount Disney World Tickets Guide explains what to look for and how much you can save.
Our favorite place to get discounted tickets is Orlando Vacation. Readers of this site will find they usually have some of the best deals, which is never a bad thing! We also highly recommend Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets.
For more information on ticket types, prices, and tips, read our Disney World Tickets Guide.
How Much Does Animal Kingdom Cost?
Spending the day at Animal Kingdom is not cheap, especially if you have a big family.
For currently released dates from January through October 2027, a 1-Day ticket to Disney’s Animal Kingdom costs approximately $119–$189 before tax. Since Disney has not released the final two months of the 2027 ticket calendar yet, $189 is the highest currently published price rather than a guaranteed full-year maximum.
There are other costs to consider. Food is expensive in all the Disney parks, and the amount you spend will vary depending on whether you eat at table-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, or snack stands.
The cost of food at Disney’s Animal Kingdom can be anywhere from approximately $50–$100 per person, per day, so budget accordingly.
If you are taking your vehicle, parking is another expense to factor in. Standard theme park parking currently costs $35 per vehicle, per day for cars and motorcycles.
The bottom line is that these expenses add up, so figure on spending approximately $200–$300+ per person for one day at the park, depending on your ticket date, meals, parking, Lightning Lane purchases, and other extras.
For more information on vacation expenses, read our post on How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World?.
Park Pass Reservations
Theme park reservations are no longer required for most guests using standard date-based tickets. However, Annual Passholders and guests using certain non-date-based tickets, older admission types, or special tickets may still need a reservation.
Always check the requirements attached to your exact ticket before your visit. If a reservation is required, you must also have valid admission before making it.
Read our post on How to Make Disney World Park Reservations for a detailed explanation of how the system works.
Park Hours
Operating hours at all four Disney World theme parks vary depending on the season, crowd levels, and special events. Make sure you check the park hours before making your day-to-day touring schedule.
You can get more detailed information in our Animal Kingdom Park Hours Guide, but here is a short overview.
Normal Schedule – Animal Kingdom typically opens at 8:00 am and closes at either 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm. During busier periods, closing can be extended to 8:00 pm, and earlier openings are sometimes scheduled.
Animal Kingdom generally opens and closes earlier than the other Walt Disney World theme parks. Also keep in mind that Kilimanjaro Safaris, animal trails, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Conservation Station, and stage shows may operate on shorter schedules than the park itself.
Early Theme Park Entry – Eligible Disney Resort hotel guests and guests at other participating hotels can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes before the regular opening each day. On a day when Animal Kingdom opens at 8:00 am, Early Entry generally runs from 7:30 am to 8:00 am.
Current Animal Kingdom Early Entry attractions include:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Na’vi River Journey
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Extended Evening Hours – Animal Kingdom offers Extended Evening Hours on select seasonal dates, although these nights are much less frequent here than at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. The benefit generally allows eligible guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other participating hotels to stay for two hours after the regular park closing.
Current Animal Kingdom Extended Evening Hours attractions include:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Na’vi River Journey
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Dates and participating attractions can change.
Disney After Hours – Animal Kingdom does not currently have a regular ticketed Disney After Hours event. Extended Evening Hours is a separate hotel benefit and should not be confused with a hard-ticket event.
What Time Do the Gates Open? – Guests are usually allowed through the entrance approximately 30 minutes before the posted opening, but that is not guaranteed. Exact procedures and access to internal holding areas can change from day to day.
Always check the official Walt Disney World park calendar and My Disney Experience for the latest hours, attraction schedules, and extra-hours information.
Lands
Disney’s Animal Kingdom currently has five operating themed lands, each with its own look, atmosphere, attractions, animals, entertainment, and dining.
The 5 operating themed lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are:
- The Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Africa
- Asia
- Pandora – The World of Avatar
DinoLand U.S.A. is now closed and is being transformed into Pueblo Esperanza, also known as the Tropical Americas. When the new land opens, Animal Kingdom will once again have six operating lands.
Animal Kingdom uses a similar “wheel and spoke” layout to the Magic Kingdom. Instead of a castle as the central focal point, the Tree of Life acts as the hub, and the other lands branch out from Discovery Island.
The Tree of Life is visible from many areas of the park and helps guests orient themselves. Conservation Station is part of Africa and is reached aboard the Wildlife Express Train.
The Oasis
The Oasis is the first land you enter at Animal Kingdom and is connected to the park entrance. Think of it as Animal Kingdom’s version of Main Street U.S.A., only without the buildings and in the middle of the jungle.
The Oasis is one of the most overlooked areas of the park because people rush through it on their way to one of the E-Ticket attractions. That’s a shame because it has interesting areas to explore and sets the mood for the adventures ahead.
You’ll immediately notice the thick vegetation and plant life that help create the transition from the parking lot. Stop by the Oasis Exhibits to see some of the first animals visible in the park.
Current character appearances in the Oasis can include Pocahontas, Rafiki, Timon, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck, but always check My Disney Experience for that day’s locations and times.
At the end of the Oasis, cross the bridge and head to the park’s central hub, Discovery Island.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the center of Animal Kingdom and the jumping-off point for the rest of the park.
Standing 145 feet tall in the middle of Discovery Island is the Tree of Life. No, the Tree of Life is not a real tree. It is a sculpture of a baobab tree with thousands of artificial branches and more than 100,000 artificial leaves.
The tree also features more than 300 carvings of animal species, both existing and extinct. Some of the animals include elephants, tigers, hippos, kangaroos, lions, turtles, alligators, frogs, rabbits, sharks, and many more.
Inside the tree, don’t miss Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, the current theater show featuring characters and environments from Zootopia. It replaced It’s Tough to Be a Bug! in the Tree of Life theater.
If you are looking for a quiet place away from the crowds, spend some time wandering the Discovery Island Trails, where you can get a closer look at the animal carvings on the Tree of Life.
Discovery Island is also home to Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost, Moana, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and appearances by Russell, Dug, and Kevin. Character availability and exact locations can change.
Africa
Africa is one of the original Animal Kingdom lands and is home to the fictional East African village of Harambe. It is one of the largest areas in the park and the jumping-off point for many of its most popular animal experiences.
Even though Harambe is fictional, it is a realistic representation of a modern African village. The details were inspired by research trips Disney Imagineers made to Africa, and the aged buildings, weathered paint, and other imperfections are intentional.
One of the land’s highlights is Kilimanjaro Safaris, a sprawling safari experience where you can see giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, zebras, and many other animals. Also spend time at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to get a closer look at gorillas and other species.
Festival of the Lion King is a popular live show based on Disney’s animated classic. Africa is also home to Tusker House, Harambe Market, Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and many other dining locations.
Conservation Station is a large area within Africa reached aboard the Wildlife Express Train. The area originally opened under the Conservation Station name in 1998 and returned to that name in 2026 as part of a complete retheming. Here, guests can learn about Disney’s animal-care and conservation work, see veterinary facilities, and explore exhibits featuring a variety of species.
Outside the main building is Jumping Junction, the current animal encounter area that replaced the former Affection Section. Conservation Station is also home to Bluey’s Wild World, an interactive play experience featuring Bluey and Bingo.
Asia
To the right of Africa and across the bridge from Discovery Island is Asia. This was Animal Kingdom’s first expansion land, opening in 1999.
Asia is set in the fictional village of Anandapur, which means “Place of Many Delights” in Sanskrit. Anandapur was inspired by locations in Thailand, Mongolia, Cambodia, Nepal, India, and Indonesia.
The land’s visual centerpiece is Mount Everest. It is home to Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, where guests ride through the Himalayas and encounter the legendary Yeti.
Other attractions include Kali River Rapids and the Maharajah Jungle Trek, where guests can see Komodo dragons, gibbons, water buffalo, and Sumatran tigers.
Dining and beverage locations include Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café, Drinkwallah, Caravan Road, and several carts and seasonal kiosks. Goofy and Pluto may also appear in Asia in special adventure outfits.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Pandora – The World of Avatar is based on the fictional moon of Pandora from James Cameron’s Avatar films. Since opening in 2017, it has become one of the biggest must-see areas in Walt Disney World.
The Valley of Mo’ara is the setting for Pandora. Alpha Centauri Expeditions, or ACE, is an eco-tourism group that educates guests about Pandora and the Na’vi culture.
The first thing you will notice is the land’s thick alien flora and fauna. The soundtrack is amazing, with native species heard throughout the valley. The Floating Mountains are the land’s focal point and a true marvel of Disney Imagineering.
Pandora is home to two rides: Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Both are great, but Flight of Passage is arguably the best attraction at Walt Disney World and should not be missed.
Pandora is also home to one of the best quick-service restaurants at Animal Kingdom, Satu’li Canteen, as well as the Pongu Pongu beverage and snack window.
If park hours and sunset cooperate, return after dark to see Pandora’s bioluminescent lighting. Just keep in mind that Animal Kingdom sometimes closes before it gets fully dark.
The Animal Kingdom’s 6th and newest land is Pandora: The World of Avatar. It’s based on the fictional planetary moon of Pandora, from James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar.” It was the site originally planned for the Beastly Kingdom.
Pueblo Esperanza (“Tropical Americas”)
Pueblo Esperanza, also known as the Tropical Americas, is the new land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. Disney is transforming approximately 11 acres into a lush environment inspired by regions of Central and South America.
The land is expected to open in 2027, although Disney has not announced an exact date or confirmed whether every component will open simultaneously.
Pueblo Esperanza will include three attractions:
- Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent – A new Indiana Jones adventure replacing DINOSAUR. The ride will use the existing ride system but feature an original story involving an ancient Maya temple, a cenote, and the legendary Tsukán.
- Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto – A family attraction set inside Casita and centered on Antonio’s ability to communicate with animals. Disney has said it will have no height requirement.
- El Carrusel de los Animalitos – A detailed carousel featuring hand-carved animals inspired by Disney and Pixar stories.
The land will also feature a large hacienda that Disney says will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, as well as shopping, a central fountain, new pathways, and a Maya-inspired play area for children.
The restaurant’s final name and menu have not been announced. Disney also has not confirmed Lightning Lane eligibility for the new attractions.
For all the latest details, read our complete Pueblo Esperanza and Tropical Americas Guide.
Rides & Attractions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom currently has approximately 15–18 attractions and experiences, depending on whether certain shows, animal encounters, and separately listed experiences are counted. Six of these are operating rides.
The 6 operating rides at Animal Kingdom are:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- Wildlife Express Train
Here is a broader list of current attractions and experiences by area:
Africa and Conservation Station
- Festival of the Lion King
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Conservation Station
- Bluey’s Wild World
- Jumping Junction
- Wildlife Express Train
Asia
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Kali River Rapids
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
Discovery Island
- Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
- Discovery Island Trails
- Tree of Life Awakenings (when scheduled)
- Wilderness Explorers
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
The Oasis
- Oasis Exhibits
Pandora – The World of Avatar
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
Theater in the Wild
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
Animal Kingdom has often been criticized as being only a half-day park. While it cannot compete with Magic Kingdom on sheer ride count, it makes up for that with quality, animal trails, live shows, and some of the most visually stunning attractions in any Disney park. To experience everything without rushing, plan on spending most or all of the day here.
Animal Kingdom Must-Do’s
Avatar Flight of Passage – If there is one ride you must try at Animal Kingdom, this is it. Feel what it’s like to fly over Pandora on the back of a banshee. Think of it as Soarin’ taken to the next level.
This 3D attraction is full of surprises, including the realistic “breathing” of the banshee you can feel beneath you. From the gorgeous visuals to the thrill of soaring over an alien moon, Flight of Passage has it all!
Kilimanjaro Safaris – While Flight of Passage is the park’s most thrilling ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris is its most iconic. If you have ever wanted to take a real safari but haven’t had the chance to go to Africa, this is the next best thing.
Your safari vehicle takes you through an expansive African savanna. Depending on the day and the animals’ activity, you may see giraffes, lions, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, rhinoceroses, and many more.
Expedition Everest – Arguably one of Disney World’s top roller coasters and the best of the Disney mountains, Expedition Everest is a steel roller coaster standing 199.5 feet tall.
The ride takes you through the Himalayan mountains in search of the mythical Yeti. There are no inversions, but there are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Na’vi River Journey – This is the calmer of Pandora’s two rides. Na’vi River Journey is a dark boat ride through a bioluminescent forest featuring one of Disney’s most advanced Audio-Animatronic figures.
Kali River Rapids – This river-rapids attraction takes guests along the Chakranadi River in large circular rafts. You will probably get wet, so save it for a warm part of the day.
Festival of the Lion King – One of the best live shows at Walt Disney World, Festival of the Lion King combines music, acrobatics, dancing, colorful costumes, and characters inspired by the animated film.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! – Located inside the Tree of Life theater, this current show brings the biomes and characters of Zootopia to Animal Kingdom.
Conservation Station – If you like learning about animals and how they are cared for, you will love Conservation Station. This area has animal exhibits, animal-care facilities, Jumping Junction, and Bluey’s Wild World.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – This self-guided trail is one of our favorite areas at Animal Kingdom. While there are many species here, the gorillas are the stars. There are multiple viewing locations, and if you are lucky, they will be in a playful mood.
Maharajah Jungle Trek – Another self-guided trail, this one takes you through former hunting grounds transformed into a nature preserve. You’ll find water buffalo, Komodo dragons, gibbons, and Sumatran tigers.
Make sure to look up the Disney World Height Requirements so you know ahead of time which rides your children can experience.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass & Single Pass
Disney retired FastPass+ and Genie+ and now uses three paid products: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass.
Animal Kingdom does not currently use attraction tiers for Multi Pass. Guests make advance selections from the available participating lineup instead of choosing from Tier 1 and Tier 2 groups.
Disney Resort hotel guests and guests at other eligible hotels can generally purchase and make selections seven days before check-in for the length of their eligible stay, up to 14 days. Other guests generally begin three days before their ticket start date or park visit, depending on their admission type.
Animal Kingdom Multi Pass historically costs approximately $15–$35 per person, plus tax, depending on the date.
Current Multi Pass attractions include:
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
The best Multi Pass priorities are usually Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris, followed by Expedition Everest or another attraction that is important to your group. Availability and operating schedules can change.
Avatar Flight of Passage is Animal Kingdom’s current Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction. It is purchased separately from Multi Pass and historically costs approximately $11–$19 per person, plus tax.
Guests are not required to purchase Multi Pass or Single Pass. Standby queues remain available, and whether the service is worth buying depends on the day, your arrival time, and whether you are combining Animal Kingdom with another park.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides one-time access to participating Lightning Lane attractions in one selected park without requiring guests to choose arrival windows.
At Animal Kingdom, Premier Pass historically costs approximately $119–$199 per person, plus tax. It is significantly more expensive than Multi Pass and is valid only at the park selected when purchased.
For more details, read our complete Lightning Lane Guide at Disney World and our Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Guide.
What’s New Coming to Animal Kingdom?
Animal Kingdom is receiving its biggest expansion since Pandora opened in 2017. DinoLand U.S.A. and its remaining attractions are now closed, and construction is underway on Pueblo Esperanza, also known as the Tropical Americas.
The approximately 11-acre land will include Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, a large hacienda-style quick-service restaurant, shopping, and a children’s play area.
Disney is targeting 2027, but an exact opening date has not been announced. It is also unknown whether every component will open at the same time.
For complete details, read our Pueblo Esperanza Guide, as well as our guides to New Disney World Rides and Walt Disney World Construction Updates.
Animal Kingdom Animals
While the attractions are extremely popular, the animals themselves are the real stars at Animal Kingdom and are what separate it from being just another theme park.
Across the park’s approximately 500–580 acres are roughly 2,000 animals representing more than 250 species, with some counts approaching 300 species. They can be seen on walking trails, safaris, exhibits, and private tours.
Do yourself a favor and don’t rush through the park only going from ride to ride. Take some time to observe and learn more about the animals, and use the many photo spots to bring home lasting memories.
Some of the animal species you may see include lions, giraffes, tigers, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, water buffalo, black and white rhinoceroses, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, ducks, storks, flamingos, kangaroos, macaws, gorillas, monkeys, antelope, ostriches, and pythons.
Entertainment
While Animal Kingdom does not have quite as many rides as the other parks, it offers fantastic entertainment for guests of all ages. The lineup includes stage shows, street performers, character greetings, animal encounters, and nighttime projections.
Nighttime Entertainment
There are no traditional fireworks shows at Animal Kingdom because loud nighttime pyrotechnics could disturb the animals. Instead, Disney uses other types of nighttime entertainment.
Tree of Life Awakenings – This projection-mapping experience brings the Tree of Life to life after dark with luminous fireflies, animals, music, and colorful imagery. It is presented only when the park schedule and sunset allow, so check the day’s entertainment calendar.
Shows & Performers
- Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight – Watch colorful macaws fly around the Tree of Life area while animal-care experts share information about the birds.
- Festival of the Lion King – This Broadway-style show combines talented performers, extravagant costumes, acrobatics, dancing, and songs including “Hakuna Matata,” “Circle of Life,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! – An elaborate musical retelling of Finding Nemo using human performers, large puppets, digital backgrounds, and special effects.
- Feathered Friends in Flight! – Animal behavior specialists offer a live look at the natural abilities and behaviors of birds at Animal Kingdom.
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! – A theater show inside the Tree of Life featuring characters and environments from Zootopia.
- DiVine – A stilt-walking performer covered in vines and leaves who blends into the park’s foliage.
- Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe – A high-energy percussion group performing African rhythms in Harambe.
- Burudika – An Afro-pop band bringing lively marketplace music to Harambe on select days.
- Harambe Village Acrobats – A troupe performing balancing, athletic, and acrobatic routines in Africa.
- Viva Gaia Street Band! – A lively musical group bringing a Caribbean street-party atmosphere to Discovery Island.
- Kora Tinga Tinga – A musician performing traditional African melodies in Harambe.
Street performers, locations, and schedules change frequently, so verify the day’s entertainment lineup in My Disney Experience.
Characters
Animal Kingdom has some of the most unique character experiences at Walt Disney World, including classic characters wearing special safari and adventure outfits.
Current character experiences can include:
- Bluey and Bingo at Bluey’s Wild World in Conservation Station
- Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in safari outfits in the Oasis
- Goofy and Pluto in adventure outfits in Asia
- Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde near the Tree of Life
- Kevin roaming Discovery Island
- Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse together at Adventurers Outpost
- Moana on Discovery Island
- Pocahontas in the Oasis
- Rafiki and Timon in the Oasis
- Russell and Dug on or around Discovery Island
Tusker House offers character dining with Donald, Mickey, Daisy, Goofy, and friends in safari outfits.
Character locations, times, and lineups can change. Use the Characters filter in My Disney Experience for the most accurate schedule during your visit.
Dining
For many people, including us, dining in the Disney World theme parks is just as fun as the attractions themselves. Naturally, you’ll want to try as many different things as the park has to offer.
While EPCOT may get more recognition for food, Animal Kingdom is the hidden gem of Disney theme park dining, with loads of great options and flavors you can’t get in the other parks.
Animal Kingdom currently has approximately 32 named food-and-drink locations. This total includes table-service restaurants, major quick-service restaurants, lounges, snack stands, carts, kiosks, coffee locations, sweets shops, beverage windows, and seasonal locations. That is why some restaurant directories show a lower total.
If you aren’t in the mood for a full meal, check our Animal Kingdom Best Snacks List for all the can’t-miss options.
Table Service Dining
Animal Kingdom has four table-service restaurants:
- Rainforest Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Tiffins Restaurant
- Tusker House
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Tusker House is one of the best Disney buffets, with unique offerings and character appearances from Donald, Mickey, Daisy, Goofy, and friends.
Tiffins is a signature dining location designed for more adventurous eaters and is one of the highest-quality meals in any of the four theme parks.
If you like Asian food as much as we do, Yak & Yeti Restaurant is another great choice, with pot stickers, noodles, curries, seafood, and other Asian-inspired dishes.
Advance dining reservations can generally be made up to 60 days ahead. Tusker House and Yak & Yeti are especially popular, so book them as early as possible.
Major Quick Service Dining
The five major quick-service restaurants are:
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Harambe Market
- Pizzafari
- Satu’li Canteen
- Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café
The variety of quick-service dining at Animal Kingdom is arguably the strongest of any Disney World park. While you can still find classic theme park fare, there are also many dishes you can’t get anywhere else.
Our favorite quick-service restaurants include Satu’li Canteen, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café. Satu’li Canteen is hands-down one of the best, thanks to its customizable bowls and unique setting.
Use Disney Mobile Ordering when available to order food ahead and avoid waiting in the regular ordering line.
Lounges, Kiosks, Carts & Other Locations
The rest of the park’s dining inventory includes lounges, bars, seasonal stands, snack carts, coffee locations, and beverage windows such as:
- Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
- Caravan Road
- Creature Comforts
- Dawa Bar
- Drinkwallah
- Eight Spoon Café
- Harambe Fruit Market
- Isle of Java
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea kiosks
- Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
- Mahindi
- Mr. Kamal’s
- Nomad Lounge
- Pongu Pongu
- Royal Anandapur Tea Company
- The Feeding Ground
- The Smiling Crocodile
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments
- Terra Treats
- Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
- Warung Outpost
- Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop
Some of these locations operate seasonally or have shorter hours, so not every stand will necessarily be open during every visit.
Drinking Alcohol
Finding alcohol at Animal Kingdom is not a problem. Beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic specialty beverages are available at table-service restaurants, many quick-service locations, lounges, and beverage stands.
Dawa Bar is located in Harambe and serves cocktails and a selection of African beers. If you are in the mood for frozen drinks, head to Pongu Pongu in Pandora.
There is no better spot at Animal Kingdom than relaxing on the back porch at Nomad Lounge and looking over Discovery River with a cold drink in your hand. Plus, the food comes from the Tiffins kitchen, so it’s incredible.
READ: Best Bars & Lounges at Disney World
The large hacienda-style quick-service restaurant announced for Pueblo Esperanza is not included in the current total of 32 because it has not opened and Disney has not revealed its final name or menu.
Special Experiences
Animal Kingdom does not currently offer a regular Disney After Hours event, but it has several separately priced experiences and animal tours.
Capture Your Moment – This personalized 20-minute PhotoPass session gives your group time with a Disney photographer at a selected Animal Kingdom location. It is a photography experience rather than an animal tour.
Tours
Animal Kingdom offers several behind-the-scenes tours that are especially interesting for animal lovers. These experiences require a separate reservation and fee, and prices and availability can change.
Caring for Giants – This approximately 60-minute experience gives guests closer views of African elephants and an opportunity to learn about their care from animal specialists.
Savor the Savanna – Head out on a privately guided safari experience and enjoy a selection of African-inspired food and beverages in a setting overlooking the savanna.
Up Close with Rhinos – On this approximately 60-minute tour, guests head backstage to learn about white rhinoceroses alongside members of the team that cares for them.
Wild Africa Trek – Of all the tours at Animal Kingdom, this one is our favorite. During this approximately three-hour experience, guests travel on foot through backstage areas, cross rope bridges above crocodiles, and ride in a private safari vehicle on the savanna.
You’ll also stop to enjoy African-inspired snacks, and photos taken during the experience are typically included.
Tips
Whether it’s your first time at Animal Kingdom or your 100th, here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Best Days to Visit Animal Kingdom
Any day can be a good day to visit Animal Kingdom, but crowd patterns vary according to the season, park hours, holidays, weather, school schedules, and new attraction openings.
Instead of relying only on a fixed day-of-the-week rule, compare park hours and expected crowds for your travel dates. Early weekdays can still be good options, but weekends are not automatically the worst choice in every season.
Read our post on The Best Times to Visit Disney World, which breaks down crowds and other factors month by month.
Have a Plan
Having a good plan is key no matter which Disney theme park you visit, and Animal Kingdom is no exception. Decide which rides, shows, characters, animal trails, and restaurants are most important to your group.
Do your top priorities early. That way, if a ride breaks down or bad weather affects the day, you will already have completed the experiences that matter most.
Look at restaurant menus ahead of time and make reservations for any table-service restaurants you want to visit. Also check showtimes, Conservation Station hours, and animal-trail schedules because they may be shorter than the park’s regular hours.
Go Early
We always recommend getting an early start when visiting the Disney parks, and it is especially important at Animal Kingdom.
Animals can be more active during cooler parts of the day, although their visibility and behavior are never guaranteed. Arriving early also helps you complete popular rides before waits increase.
If you are visiting Animal Kingdom for only one day, make it a full day. Arriving before the park opens gives you the best chance to experience the rides, trails, shows, characters, and dining without rushing.
Go at Night
We love Animal Kingdom at night. The park takes on a completely different look and feel after dark, and temperatures can be more comfortable.
This is especially true in Pandora, where the bioluminescent lighting transforms the Valley of Mo’ara. However, because Animal Kingdom often closes earlier than the other parks, it may close before it gets fully dark during some seasons.
Tree of Life Awakenings, later seasonal hours, and occasional Extended Evening Hours provide the best opportunities to experience the park at night. Check the operating calendar before planning your visit around nighttime entertainment.
Animal Kingdom is the Hottest Park
While all the Walt Disney World theme parks are hot for much of the year, Animal Kingdom often feels even warmer because of its dense vegetation, walking distances, humidity, and limited airflow in certain areas.
Make sure you drink plenty of water. You can request complimentary cups of ice water from quick-service locations, and bringing a refillable bottle is also a good idea.
If possible, avoid the hottest part of the afternoon during the summer. Use stage shows, indoor restaurants, and shaded trails as breaks from the heat.
What Can I Bring With Me Into Animal Kingdom?
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into Animal Kingdom, subject to Disney’s current park rules. Food must be for personal consumption and should not require heating or refrigeration. Glass containers are generally not permitted, with limited exceptions for small baby-food containers.
If you are trying to save money, bring small snacks such as chips, nuts, protein bars, or candy. Bottles of water can also save you money.
We recommend bringing a small backpack for snacks, fans, small towels, sunscreen, and other necessary items. Wear comfortable shoes because Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s largest park and you will be on your feet for most of the day.
Take It Easy
Animal Kingdom is not your typical theme park. A huge mistake is thinking you should run from one attraction to the next. You need to stop and experience this park for what it really is.
Thousands of hours of real-world research by Disney Imagineers went into the creation of Animal Kingdom, and it deserves to be slowly digested rather than rushed through at high speed.
Look at the crumbling buildings, weathered paint, rusted metalwork, carefully arranged vegetation, and even the seemingly haphazard way chairs are placed in Harambe. These details are intentional and help create an environment that feels close to the places that inspired it.
If you take your time, we are sure you will have a fantastic visit!
READ: For more advice, check out our 150+ Best Disney World Tips.
Transportation
Transportation to Animal Kingdom is more limited than at the other three theme parks.
Your options include:
- Disney Bus
- Car
- Ride-Sharing (Uber or Lyft)
- Taxi
- Minnie Van
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, complimentary bus transportation is provided to Animal Kingdom. Minnie Van service is operated through the Lyft app and requires a separate fee.
Buses – The Walt Disney World bus system operates from Disney Resort hotels to the theme parks, including Animal Kingdom. There is no monorail, Disney Skyliner, or guest boat service to Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom is the most remote park at Disney World, so allow enough travel time. The trip and wait can vary significantly according to your starting point, traffic, and time of day.
Car – If you have your own car or a rental vehicle, you can drive to Animal Kingdom and park in its large surface lot. Read our Guide to Renting a Car at Disney World for the pros and cons.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis – Uber, Lyft, and taxis can bring guests to the designated drop-off area near the front entrance. Minnie Vans also serve the park and are especially convenient for families needing Disney-provided child seats.
Parking
Animal Kingdom has a large parking lot for cars, motorcycles, and oversized vehicles. The exact time the lot begins admitting vehicles can vary, so arrive early and follow the directions of Cast Members.
Current theme park parking prices are:
- Standard parking: $35 per day for a car or motorcycle
- Preferred parking: $50–$60 per day for a car or motorcycle, depending on the date
- Oversized vehicle parking: $40 per day
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels currently receive standard theme park parking. Annual Passholder parking benefits depend on the pass and vehicle category.
Parking trams generally help transport guests between the parking area and the front entrance. Read our Disney World Parking Guide for more detailed information.
Best Hotels to Stay at Near Animal Kingdom
It’s possible to stay anywhere on Walt Disney World property and still get to Animal Kingdom, but because the park is relatively isolated, staying nearby can reduce travel time.
Resorts close to Animal Kingdom include:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
If you plan to spend significant time at Animal Kingdom, staying at one of these resorts can save time traveling back and forth. It is also more convenient if you like returning to your room during the afternoon.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the closest Disney Resort to the park and one of our favorite Walt Disney World resorts. However, there is no practical guest walking path between the resort and the park, so you will still need a bus, Minnie Van, rideshare, taxi, or personal vehicle.
Animal Kingdom Lodge has similar theming to the park and its own savannas, where you can watch animals and may even have a view from your room. It also has excellent dining options for a variety of budgets and tastes.
Our ranking of the Best Disney World Resorts will help you understand the pros and cons of each option.
History
After Disney finished building Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, then-CEO Michael Eisner remained focused on expanding the theme parks. During the 1990s, Eisner declared that this period would be called the “Disney Decade,” and the company continued expanding at a rapid pace.
Disney began brainstorming a fourth theme park at Walt Disney World, and up-and-coming Imagineer Joe Rohde was put in charge of the project.
While Disney-MGM Studios was Disney’s answer to Universal Studios Florida, Disney did not have a park that directly competed with Busch Gardens in Tampa. Rohde and the Imagineers eventually settled on animals as the theme of the fourth park.
To help convince the Board of Directors, Joe Rohde famously brought a 400-pound Bengal tiger into a meeting with company executives.
From that, Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom was born. During development, the name was eventually shortened to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Construction began in 1996, including animal holding structures, excavation for the savanna, and the creation of other animal habitats.
The park was designed to be different from a traditional theme park. It would have fewer conventional rides and place much more emphasis on animal exhibits, live experiences, immersive environments, and conservation.
After many months of research abroad, Disney Imagineers created realistic interpretations of African and Asian buildings and towns. Fading paint, rust, crumbling bricks, and other signs of age were all intentional.
The animals were secured in 1997 and initially housed at a temporary facility while the park was being completed. Disney hired animal experts and experienced zoological staff from around the world to care for them.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998.
Since opening, Animal Kingdom has continued to expand. Expedition Everest opened in 2006, Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in 2017, and Pueblo Esperanza is now replacing the closed DinoLand U.S.A. area.
Beastly Kingdom
Beastly Kingdom was a proposed land based on mythical creatures such as dragons and unicorns. Plans included a dragon-themed roller coaster, a unicorn walk-through attraction, and an enchanted Scottish restaurant.
The original plan was for Beastly Kingdom to open with the park in 1998, but the project went over budget and cuts had to be made. Disney ultimately moved forward with DinoLand U.S.A., whose major attraction used a ride system related to Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland.
Beastly Kingdom was never built, but the dragon remained in the park’s logo. The land associated with the concept was eventually used for Pandora – The World of Avatar, giving Animal Kingdom a home for fictional creatures and environments.
Facts & Trivia
Here are some trivia and fun facts you may not know about Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
- Depending on how the property is measured, Animal Kingdom covers approximately 500–580 acres. It is the largest theme park in the world and could fit approximately four Magic Kingdom parks inside its area.
- The park is home to approximately 2,000 animals representing more than 250 species, with some counts approaching 300 species.
- Feeding all those animals requires several tons of food each day.
- Animal Kingdom reportedly cost more than $800 million to build.
- During construction, approximately 60 dump trucks of dirt were delivered every day for two years, totaling roughly 4.4 million cubic yards.
- Animal Kingdom is the only Walt Disney World theme park without a traditional nighttime fireworks show, helping protect the animals from disruptive noise.
- Discovery River contains millions of gallons of water.
- A team of Disney Imagineers traveled hundreds of thousands of miles while researching the park.
- The Tree of Life is an artificial structure built around a repurposed oil-platform framework. It has more than 100,000 artificial leaves and more than 300 animal carvings.
- At 199.5 feet, Expedition Everest is just below the 200-foot threshold that would require an aviation warning light.
FAQs
Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998.
Animal Kingdom currently has six operating rides: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Na’vi River Journey, and Wildlife Express Train.
Animal Kingdom has approximately 15–18 attractions and experiences, depending on whether certain shows, animal encounters, trails, and separately listed experiences are counted.
Animal Kingdom currently has five operating themed lands: the Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Asia, and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Pueblo Esperanza is expected to become the sixth when it opens.
Yes. DinoLand U.S.A. and its remaining attractions are permanently closed, and the area is being transformed into Pueblo Esperanza.
Disney says Pueblo Esperanza is expected to open in 2027, but an exact date and opening sequence have not been announced.
Most guests using standard date-based tickets do not need a theme park reservation. Annual Passholders and guests using certain non-date-based or special admission types may still need one.
Yes, we recommend a full day if you want to experience the rides, animal trails, stage shows, characters, dining, and detailed environments without rushing.
No. Animal Kingdom does not present a traditional nighttime fireworks show because loud pyrotechnics could disturb the animals. Tree of Life Awakenings may be shown after dark when the schedule allows.
Eligible hotel guests receive Early Theme Park Entry 30 minutes before regular opening every day. Animal Kingdom also receives Extended Evening Hours on select seasonal dates, although less frequently than Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
Yes. Animal Kingdom is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company and is part of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Animal Kingdom offers a combination you cannot get at any other Walt Disney World park: major rides, animal trails, live entertainment, outstanding dining, and some of Disney’s most detailed environments. Give it a full day, arrive early, and take time to explore instead of treating it like a checklist of rides.
If you are visiting the other Walt Disney World theme parks, read our complete guides:
If you are planning a trip, read our Disney World Crowd Calendar to learn when crowds are typically lowest.
Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
- What is your favorite thing to do at the Animal Kingdom?
- Which is your favorite Land?
- What is your favorite attraction?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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