This post is a guide to the Best Rides and Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park in Walt Disney World. We cover the complete list of attractions, which ones you absolutely must-do while visiting, and which ones are better to skip.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is anything but a normal theme park, and its attractions are just as unique. There are traditional rides here, some of the best in Walt Disney World, but the park is so much more. Many of the attractions are walking trails and self-guided exploration and focus on nature and animal conservation.
Some of the rides are smaller and slow, good for the whole family, but there are also some thrill rides for teens and adults who like excitement. The entertainment options are top-notch, with two of the best Disney World shows found here.
There are enough rides to fill a full day at the Animal Kingdom, so if you are going to make the best use of your time, it’s important to know which ones are the best and what to prioritize.
In this post, we are going to rate all the attractions from best to worst, each with a rating from 1 to 10. A 1 means it’s a terrible attraction, while a 10 means it’s one of Disney’s finest. (Spoiler warning, there are 3 rides rated a 10 at the Animal Kingdom, the most of any Disney World park).
Of course, these ratings are our own, and you might have a completely different list. Make sure to let us know if you agree with our top rides or if your list looks different.
If you are wondering what has changed since reopening, check out our Animal Kingdom Reopening Guide for more info.
Also, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest updates on all the newest additions to the park as well as vacation planning tips. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!
Table of Contents
Full List of Animal Kingdom Attractions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not your typical theme park, so don’t come expecting to ride 30+ rides like over at the Magic Kingdom. While there are some amazing rides here, the park is known for its animals, physical beauty, and extreme attention to detail.
If you like rides, the Animal Kingdom has 20 different attractions including traditional rides, shows, walking trails, and experiences. It doesn’t have the most attractions in Disney World, but what it has is very high quality.
Here is a list of all the attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
Discovery Island
- Discovery Island Trails
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Wilderness Explorers
Africa
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Festival of the Lion King
Asia
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kali River Rapids
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
Dinoland U.S.A
- The Boneyard
- DINOSAUR
- Fossil Fun Games
- TriceraTop Spin
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond!
- Primeval Whirl (Permanently Closed)
Pandora: The World of Avatar
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Affection Section
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
- Wildlife Express
How Many Rides are there at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
There are only 8 actual rides at the Animal Kingdom in Disney World. There are a total of 20 attractions but there are only 8 rides in a moving vehicle. The rest of the attractions are shows, walking trails, or interactive experiences.
Is the Animal Kingdom a Half-Day Park?
For the longest time, many guests thought of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a half-day park. This may have been true when the park opened in 1998, but since then they have added many new attractions, including some of the most visually stunning ones at Walt Disney World.
If you like to do all the attractions, we do not recommend visiting the Animal Kingdom for a half-day only. To see the entire park and do all the attractions you need at least one full day. That lets you relax and take your time to appreciate this truly remarkable place.
Best Rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Of course, as with any theme park, it’s important to know all the must-do attractions at the Animal Kingdom before you go. This will help you plan your day so you can concentrate on the best rides first. Then once you do those you can concentrate on the rest depending on the time you have left.
The best rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in order are:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Expedition Everest
- DINOSAUR
- Festival of the Lion King
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Na’vi River Journey
If your visit to the Animal Kingdom is going to be a success, we think you should first concentrate on doing the above list first. Each of these rides is in the “must-do” category and they are easily the top attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Before your visit, make sure to read all the Disney World Height Requirements so you know ahead of time which rides your children can go on.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at all the Animal Kingdom rides…
Kilimanjaro Safaris (10/10)
- Ride Type: Safari
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Ride Length: 20 minutes
- Height Requirement: No
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the back of the Africa area. Let’s face it, animals are the reason you came to this park, and this is the headliner attraction. This is as close to going on a real safari in Africa as you can get.
There are so many reasons why this is one of the best attractions at the Animal Kingdom. Guests board a giant safari ride vehicle and listen as an expert guide takes you through the savanna and explains incredible details about the animals. The way the “natural” environments are created is truly awesome, giving the animals barriers without being visible to the guests.
Animals include giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, rhinos, and of course, lions. This attraction has everything, and no two rides are ever the same. This ride is what makes the Animal Kingdom what it is, and it is a must-do for guests of all ages.
When to Visit: Kilimanjaro Safaris is best visited early in the morning when the park opens up. The animals are much more active before the temperatures heat up and they also feed during this time which means they will be close to the action. Sunset safaris are also incredible and you can use a Lightning Lane to make that happen.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (10/10)
- Ride Type: Roller Coaster, Big Drops
- Thrill Level: High
- Good For: Kids, Teens, Adults
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Individual Lightning Lane Selection: No
- Ride Length: 4 minutes
- Height Requirement: 44 inches (112cm)
Expedition Everest is a steel roller coaster in the Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World of course is known for its mountain coasters, and in our opinion, this is the best one of them all.
The story behind the ride is you are taking a trip through the Himalayan mountains on the “Anandapur Rail Service” when things go wrong and the train is derailed by the infamous Yeti. The magic begins in the ride queue, one of the most detailed and story-driven queues in any park.
The ride itself is unmatched among other Disney coasters and it runs very smoothly with little bumpiness. There are no loops here, but Everest has plenty of thrills with a backward drop going into a 250° turn at high speeds, and another 80ft forward drop.
Expedition Everest is an unbelievable coaster with A+ marks for theming, thrills and fun. It’s no doubt one of the best attractions anywhere and you will have a blast. Just look out for the Yeti!
When to Visit: We tend to ride Expedition Everest in the late morning or afternoon. The line isn’t usually super long and is often 30 minutes or under. We don’t recommend paying for an Individual Lightning Lane here as the wait times for Expedition Everest are usually not that bad. Single Rider is also an option and is normally less than 10 minutes wait. For a unique experience and to up the “scary factor”, try riding at night.
DINOSAUR (8.5/10)
- Ride Type: Dark Ride, Thrill Ride
- Thrill Level: Medium
- Good For: Kids, Teens, Adults
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Ride Length: 3 minutes 30 seconds
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (102cm)
DINOSAUR is a dark ride in Dinoland U.S.A which brings you back to the age of the dinosaurs. This is another one of our favorite rides at the Animal Kingdom, and it’s great for thrill-seekers. It’s a motion simulator ride, very similar to the Indiana Jones Adventure ride in Disneyland.
Your mission is to go back in time and capture and bring back a dinosaur with you for scientists to study. The only problem is getting out before a giant meteor strikes and wipes out most life on the planet. The chase in this ride is gripping and definitely not something you will fall asleep on. Expect loud sound effects and big show scenes with huge animatronic dinosaurs.
Even though this ride has been around since the park opened, it’s still one of Animal Kingdom’s best! Just be aware small children might be frightened by this ride.
When to Visit: Late morning is best for Dinosaur, before the crowds pick up too much. Lightning Lane is also an option here, but not to be used over Kali River Rapids or Nav’i River Journey. It is an option for your third one or one of the shows.
Avatar Flight of Passage (10/10)
- Ride Type: 3D Flying Simulator
- Thrill Level: High
- Good For: Kids, Teens, Adults
- Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Yes
- Ride Length: 6 minutes
- Height Requirement: 44 inches (112cm)
In our opinion, Avatar Flight of Passage is the best ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, hands down. This is a 3D flight simulator attraction that takes you flying over the landscapes of Pandora. Think of it as Soarin’ on steroids.
A “flight simulator” doesn’t do this ride justice, as it really makes you feel like you are flying on the back of a banshee. The attention to detail is incredible and you can even feel the banshee breathing with your legs. The water sprays in your face, the music, and even the scents are all great.
It also has one of the best ride queues in Disney World, and it takes you through the ancient Na’vi caves, into a bioluminescent forest, and eventually into the Alpha Centauri Expeditions research facility.
The screens are done perfectly, and you only are taken out of the experience if you look to the far left or right. Flight of Passage is a pure thrill ride and can only be understood by living through the experience, and it is arguably the best ride in Walt Disney World.
When to Visit: This ride has the longest wait times at the Animal Kingdom and is a priority Individual Lightning Lane reservation. If you don’t want to pay for or are not able to get a Lightning Lane reservation, we highly recommend getting there before the park opens at rope drop and making this the first attraction of the day. Lines are regularly 2-3 hours long and you definitely don’t want to spend all that time waiting.
It’s Tough to be a Bug! (8.5/10)
- Ride Type: 3D Film
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Ride Length: 9 minutes
- Height Requirement: No
“It’s Tough to Be a Bug” is a 3D film attraction in the Discovery Island area of the Animal Kingdom based on Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life” franchise. In fact, it’s located right underneath the base of The Tree of Life.
The premise of the show is bugs want to demonstrate to humans how difficult they have it and increase the understanding between these two animal groups. Bees, termites, ants, beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers are just some of the insects featured. It’s a good use of Disney characters without making them feel forced.
We love this attraction and think the special effects are well-done, and even at times surprising. The 3D technology is over 20+ years old now and could use an upgrade, but we still have a great time. This is an attraction the whole family will enjoy so don’t miss it!
When to Visit: This show has a large capacity and low wait times. There is no need to use a Lightning Lane selection here. We recommend visiting during the afternoon to get a break from the sweltering heat.
Na’vi River Journey (7.5/10)
- Ride Type: Boat Ride, Dark Ride, Slow
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Ride Length: 5 minutes
- Height Requirement: No
The Na’vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride in Pandora: The World of Avatar. It’s often overlooked as being “the other” ride in Pandora, and not nearly as popular as Flight of Passage.
The idea behind the ride is to take guests on a river cruise through a bioluminescent forest. Some of the effects here are top-notch and you will marvel at all the lights. Screen technology is used for some nice effects to create animals and the Na’vi.
Our biggest problem with it and the reason why it doesn’t contend with the best rides in the Animal Kingdom is because of its short length, and lack of an interesting plot or story. It starts off slow and you are waiting to get into the story, but there isn’t one, it’s just a ride down a river.
The audio-animatronic of the Shaman of Songs is very impressive, and it’s one of the most complex animatronic figures ever built. How it moves in such a lifelike way is beyond me.
This ride had way more potential and could have been one of the best rides at the Animal Kingdom. Ultimately, the short ride length and lack of a gripping story make the Na’vi River Journey fall just short of expectations.
When to Visit: If you can get a Lightning Lane reservation for Na’vi River Journey it’s a good choice. If you are going to do the standby queue, we suggest rope-dropping Flight of Passage and then you can make this your second ride of the day as lines shouldn’t be too long by the time you get out.
The Rest
Most of the rest of the attractions are still really good, but they shouldn’t be the focus of your touring plan. Do these if based on the amount of time you have.
Kali River Rapids (7/10)
- Ride Type: River Rapids Ride
- Thrill Level: Medium
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Ride Length: 5 minutes
- Height Requirement: 38 inches (97cm)
Kali River Rapids is a water raft ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and one that will get you absolutely soaking wet. The idea behind the ride is pretty cool, and guests ride through a deforested area in an Asian rainforest. There is a huge drop at the end and that’s where you get wet. Approximately half of the passengers will be soaked and it all happens at random.
Normally we love raft rides, but Kali River Rapids falls short of expectations. The original idea was to have free-roaming tigers watching guests from the side, but that never worked out. It’s way too short and lacks that extra something to make it special. The queue is amazingly detailed, and perhaps better than the ride itself.
TIP: Make sure to bring a poncho and even an extra pair of socks or shoes for this one.
When to Visit: Kali River Rapids has the second-longest lines at the Animal Kingdom, so we recommend getting a Lightning Lane for this. Going in the early afternoon is when lines are at their max. Make a reservation for the afternoon or end of the day so you don’t have to walk around soaking wet all day long.
Maharajah Jungle Trek (9/10)
- Ride Type: Walking Trail
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: Self-guided Walkthrough
- Height Requirement: No
The Maharajah Jungle Trek is one of two wildlife walking exploration trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (the other is Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail). The main attraction here are the tigers, but you will also find birds, bats, and other animals along the way.
The theming here is excellent and the temple ruins are realistic and made to look like they’ve been there for hundreds of years with the animals living around them. This really increases the experience for us and is one of the most enjoyable in the Animal Kingdom.
This trail is self-guided so you can take your time and check out the animals as much as you like. Be sure to ask the animal experts any questions you have along the way, they are more than happy to tell you anything you want to know.
When to Visit: Visit here after exiting Kali River Rapids since the two attractions are right next to each other. Set aside about 30 minutes for this attraction to go at a reasonable pace. Also, try to go early or at lunch, that’s when the tigers are eating and most active.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (9/10)
- Ride Type: Walking Trail
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: Self-guided Walkthrough
- Height Requirement: No
The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is one of two wildlife walking trails in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park (the Maharajah Jungle Trek is the other). It’s a self-guided trail, so you can take your time and stop more to learn about whatever animals interest you the most. Animals include zebras, birds, prairie dogs, and of course, gorillas.
Getting to see the gorillas up close is a real treat, and if you are lucky, they will be interacting with each other which is a blast to see. Definitely one of the top attractions in the park and not to be missed.
When to Visit: The gorillas are more active during feeding hours which is early in the morning and at lunch. Try to come on a day when it isn’t brutally hot outside and you are more likely to see them walking around and interacting.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch (7/10)
- Ride Type: Train Ride, Petting Zoo, Animal Observation
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes (The Animation Experience at Conservation Station)
- Length: Self-guided Walkthrough
- Height Requirement: No
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a mini-land dedicated to animal conservation located in the back of Africa at the Animal Kingdom. It’s not one attraction, but many small attractions folded into one including a petting zoo and animal exhibits.
To get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch you must first board the Wildlife Express Train. This is a slow and easy ride. Once you get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, it’s up to you to decide what you want to see and experience. The petting zoo is the most popular attraction here and it lets you get up close to some of the animals.
Outside near the petting zoo, you’ll find animal experts and caretakers giving demonstrations and explaining about some of the animals here. Inside Conservation Station there are many exhibits with many species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The area where medical procedures are performed on the park’s animals is also visible to the public, and if you are lucky you can see surgery being performed on a big animal like a zebra, crocodile, or lion. The last point of interest is the new Animation Experience, which shows the history of animals and Disney animation.
When to Visit: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an interesting attraction at the Animal Kingdom. The only problem is how much time it eats up of your day. A train is required to get there and back, and that alone could take up an hour of your day. If you are more of a “rides” person, we suggest doing those first and coming here if you have time left.
The Boneyard (6.5/10)
- Ride Type: Kids’ Playground
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: Kids
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: Self-guided
- Height Requirement: No
The Boneyard is a Kids’ playground area in Dinoland U.S.A. It’s a fairly elaborate play area themed after a dinosaur dig site complete with a rope course and other fossil finding activities. The best part is the fake, non-stick sand, so you don’t have to worry about your kids coming back completely dirty.
Obviously, adults are not going to be interested in this area, but for kids, it’s a pretty well-themed space and it gives them a little time to blow off steam.
When to Visit: Anytime your kids need a break. Keep in mind there is not much shade here so it might be brutal in the afternoon heat.
Fossil Fun Games (4/10)
- Ride Type: Carnival-style Games
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: N/A
- Height Requirement: No
The Fossil Fun Games are carnival-style games in Dinoland U.S.A. Games include basketball, a water-squirt game, the mallet game, and a goblet toss. These games cost extra money, but if you are good enough you can win a prize.
Needless to say, we hate the Fossil Fun Games and we would demolish the entire area if it were up to us. This does not belong in a Disney theme park and we hope it’s next on the list of attractions to close at the Animal Kingdom.
When to Visit: Keep in mind that if you win a prize, you’ll have to carry it around the Animal Kingdom all day with you. In that case, it’s better to wait until the end of the day to come here.
TriceraTop Spin (4/10)
- Ride Type: Spinning Ride
- Thrill Level: Medium
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Ride Length: 1 minute 30 seconds
- Height Requirement: No
TriceraTop Spin is a spinning ride in Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s similar to Dumbo or Astro Orbiter at the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing special at all about this ride and you just spin around in a circle and go up and down.
Actually, it’s even worse than its Magic Kingdom cousins since the view of Dinoland U.S.A. around the attraction is plain ugly. Count this as the worst ride at the Animal Kingdom.
When to Visit: If you absolutely must visit here, don’t do it in the morning when time is better spent doing the more popular rides. Do this toward the end of the day when you have nothing left on the list.
Discovery Island Trails (7/10)
- Ride Type: Walking Trail
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: Self-guided Walkthrough
- Height Requirement: No
The most impressive feature at the Animal Kingdom is the 145-foot Tree of Life standing in the center of the park. On that tree are carvings of 325 different animal species, both living and extinct. The Discovery Island Trails are walking paths that let you get right up close to the tree for a better look, and one of the quietest places in the park.
When to Visit: This area is very peaceful, so come here when you’ve had enough of the crowds and need a few minutes away. If you come near sunset, you can catch the Golden Hour as it’s hitting the tree which makes for some good photos.
The Oasis Exhibits (6/10)
- Ride Type: Walking Trail
- Thrill Level: Low
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Length: Self-guided Walkthrough
- Height Requirement: No
The Oasis is technically the first land you go through after coming through the entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s like the park’s version of Main Street U.S.A. only this time you are in the jungle.
Most people run straight through this area, but if you stop to explore you will find interesting exhibits filled with animals like birds and reptiles.
When to Visit: When you arrive you’ll probably be running through here to get in line for Flight of Passage. Make sure to stop by on your way out and take a look around before leaving.
Primeval Whirl (Permanently Closed)
Primeval Whirl in Dinoland U.S.A. was a steel wild mouse roller coaster. It was part of Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama, and the gimmick was that the ride vehicles would spin around while going through the usual maneuvers a roller coaster makes.
Disney closed down Primeval Whirl permanently in 2020, after several mechanical issues which forced the attraction to move into the “seasonal” category. Even when it was working properly, it was a terrible ride. There was hardly any story and its theming was outright lazy and uninspired.
The ride has since been torn down and the land is empty.
New Attractions Coming to the Animal Kingdom
We finally have some exciting news when it comes to Animal Kingdom! The park last had its big expansion in 2017 when Pandora: The World of Avatar opened up. Disney following that focused its attention on the other theme parks which were in more need of upgrades, especially EPCOT!
The first thing coming is going to be the all-new Zootopia: Better Zoogether 3D show that will feature characters from Zootopia which is scheduled to open at the Tree of Life during the winter of 2025.
We got more some news at the D23 Fan Event in 2024 where Disney confirmed Rumors of Dinoland U.S.A. eventually being replaced by a completely new land. In fact, it is going to be a Tropical Americas-themed land with nods to both Indiana Jones and Encanto!
Disney also announced there would be at least 2 more attractions coming with both an Indiana Jones attraction taking over Dinosaur and an Encanto-themed dark ride. We are SO excited about these, although we think they are at least a few years away from officially opening! We expect progress on these rides to be coming soon.
So for now, make sure you enjoy Dinosaur and Dinoland USA as they likely won’t be around much longer!
In the meantime, here are a few links if you are interested in knowing what new attractions are coming to the rest of Walt Disney World soon:
- New Disney World Rides – Everything Coming in the Next Few Years
- Walt Disney World Construction Updates
Shows, Entertainment & Activities
Besides the rides, there are many things to do and see at the Animal Kingdom, including a slew of entertainment options like shows, street performers, games, and activities for kids. This park has some of the absolute best shows in Disney World and makes a great opportunity when you need a break in the afternoon.
Let’s take a look at all the best shows at the Animal Kingdom as well as our ratings for each of them…
Entertainment
In 2020 when the parks reopened, Disney introduced some temporary entertainment that guests can see. Many of those things have come and gone, while some have remained. While we are excited that character meet and greets have returned, we actually DID enjoy the Character Cavalcades at all the parks.
There were 5 Character Cavalcades at the Animal Kingdom daily. Now there is only 1 unfortunately.
- Discovery Island Drummers – Listen to the Discovery island Drummers play their music on the River as they float by.
There are also some special Christmas Character Cavalcades (“Festive Flotillas”) going on during the holiday season with characters in their holiday outfits:
- Donald’s DinoBash Festive Flotilla (Chip, Dale & Goofy)
- Mickey and Friends Festive Flotilla (Mickey, Minnie & Pluto)
- Timon & Rafiki
- Santa Claus Festive Flotilla (Santa Claus & Reindeer)
- Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla
Festival of the Lion King (10/10)
- Show Type: Stage Show, Musical
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Show Length: 30 minutes
This Broadway-style show is based on the Disney Animation classic “The Lion King.” Talented performers dress in extravagant costumes, perform incredible acrobats, and dance to musical favorites from the film. Classic songs include: “Hakuna Matata,” “The Circle of Life,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
Festival of the Lion King is quite possibly the best show in Walt Disney World and a must-see for guests of all ages. It’s a very artistic take on the original story, but all the costumes, music, and props work together in harmony.
When to Visit: We recommend going in the afternoon to get a break from the heat. Any seat is a good one so you don’t need to use a Lightning Lane here.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (8/10)
- Show Type: Stage Show, Musical
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Show Length: 25 minutes
An elaborate musical re-telling of the Pixar classic “Finding Nemo.” This show has extraordinary special effects, digital backgrounds, and uses human performers who act as giant puppets in the roles of the show’s characters.
Even though it’s not as good as the original, the Animal Kingdom comes through again with another one of the best stage shows at Disney World. The human puppeteers are incredible to watch and the way they glide through the air is utterly brilliant. They could have added some additional parts instead of a straight-up retelling of the film, but that is a tiny complaint in an otherwise stellar show.
When to Visit: Unlike the Festival of the Lion King, having a closer seat does matter here as you will have a much better view of the puppeteers. We suggest getting in line early for this or using a Lightning Lane if you don’t want to wait. Again, afternoon showtimes are the best to stay out of the heat.
Tree of Life Awakenings (7/10)
- Show Type: Projection Mapping
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: No
- Show Length: 5 minutes
Projection mapping technology has been all the rage in the Disney theme parks for the past few years, and in 2016 they came to the Animal Kingdom as part of a new nighttime spectacular, “Tree of Life Awakenings.” This is currently the only nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
This is a pretty cool show as you can watch luminous fireflies come to life on the tree to celebrate the beauty of nature found in animals. It’s not a huge show like Happily Ever After and there are no fireworks, but Tree of Life Awakenings are definitely worth a look as the effects are excellent.
Rivers of Light: We Are One (Permanently Closed)
In 2017, Disney opened the Rivers of Light nighttime show out on the Discovery River lagoon between Everest and Discovery Island. It included floating barges, colored fountains, lasers, lights, projection mapping, and more.
Even after a second version (“We Are One”) debuted in 2019, the show has been permanently closed. Rivers of Light never got off to a good start and was originally delayed for months due to technical and artistic problems with the show. It was mildly entertaining but never really had that “wow” moment to grip audiences.
We are waiting to hear what Disney’s plans are for the space and a potential replacement nighttime spectacular sometime in the future.
Feathered Friends in Flight! (6/10)
- Show Type: Stage Show with Exotic Birds
- Good For: All Ages
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass Attraction: Yes
- Show Length: 25 minutes
“Feathered Friends in Flight” is the replacement show for “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” and is located in Asia, near Discovery Island and on the way to Africa. This space has been problematic in recent years and has recycled through a few shows before landing on this latest one.
The concept is always the same. Disney cast members help teach guests about bird species from around the world, instead of Russell and Dug from UP!. Trainers showcase 20 species of exotic birds and showcase their talents and you also get to see how these specialists care for and train these feathered friends.
Overall, we aren’t huge fans of this show. The former Flights of Wonder was a better show than both this one and the UP! version which felt like a way to shoehorn more IP into the park unnecessarily. It’s unclear what is going to stay here long-term since the current show only came in since the park reopened in 2020. Let’s hope the next version gets it right.
Donald’s Dino-Bash!
Lively celebration in Dinoland that includes character meets, and a nightly dance party featuring a DJ. If you’ve ever wondered what Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Launchpad McQuack, and Chip ‘n’ Dale look like in crazy dino costumes, this is your chance.
Animal Encounters: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
An incredible display near the Tree of Life of 6 South American Macaw species with wingspans up to 48 inches long. Learn from bird experts and watch as they take off and swoop down over the on-looking guests.
Pandora Drummers
Also known as the Swotu Wayä, these drummers perform a traditional Na’vi drum ceremony.
Pandora Rangers (Not currently available)
Equipped in a 10-foot-tall Exo-Carrier Utility Suit, these rangers wander the Mo’ara Valley to study the local wildlife and offer some comedic relief in the meantime.
Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
These guys get the entire Harambe village dancing with high-energy African music and rhythms. It also has an interactive element to it as guests can get involved in the show.
Viva Gaia Street Band!
A lively group of musicians leading a Caribbean Street Party on Discovery Island. The show lasts about 30 minutes.
Bollywood Beats (Not currently available)
Fun and energetic Bollywood-style dance show. It lasts approximately 10 minutes.
DJ Annan (Not currently available)
Street dance party in Asia including a DJ.
Lightning Lane Animal Kingdom Attractions
FastPass+ has been discontinued at Walt Disney World and replaced with the Disney Lightning Lane service. This has completely changed the way guests tour the Animal Kingdom and it has a big impact on wait times.
- There are now 2 pay-to-ride reservation services: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass selections.
Multi Pass is the same idea as FastPass+ and it lets you skip waiting in long lines all day, instead of moving you through the “Lightning Lane,” where the wait is minimal. Guests here get the priority and skip past the standby queue.
Of course, the biggest difference is that Lightning Lane is NOT free and you must pay to use it. Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass costs between $15-$35 per day, per guest and you can use it all day long, even in multiple parks.
Besides Multi Pass, the other pay-to-ride service is Lightning Lane Single Pass selections. This is totally separate from Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and with an additional cost. Unlike Multi Pass which gives you access to many attractions, Lightning Lane Single Pass selections allow you to pay to ride just one attraction at a time.
There is generally only 1 attraction using the Lightning Lane Single Pass in each park. It’s not necessary to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass to make a Lightning Lane Single selection as they are 2 different services. Prices for Lightning Lane Single selections at the Animal Kingdom range from $11-$18 each, per guest.
Similar to how FastPass+ used to work, Disney Resort guests get priority when it comes to booking their rides. Resort guests get 7 days prior to the start of their check-in day, whereas non-resort guests only get 3 days prior to the start of their trip.
Here are all the current attractions using Disney’s Lightning Lane at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass Selections:
- Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
- Naʻvi River Journey
- The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Lightning Lane Single Pass Selections:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
There are only 11 Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions to choose from, but not all of them are worth one of your limited selections throughout the day. These should be saved for the most valuable attractions, the hardest-to-get ones.
The nice thing about Lightning Lane at the Animal Kingdom is there aren’t too many difficult choices to make when booking your rides. Concentrate on the rides that normally have the longest wait times and don’t worry about the less popular rides.
Of the Individual Lightning Lane rides, we recommend using a selection on Avatar Flight of Passage. This ride has the longest wait time in the park and can be in excess of 2-3 hours at busy times. If you don’t want to wait in line or show up early for rope drop, this should be your first priority. If you can’t get a Lightning Lane for it right away, keep checking every day and see if anything opens up.
Don’t waste your money on Expedition Everest when it is an Individual Lightning Lane selection. Most times of the year the wait won’t be more than 30-40 minutes and we are perfectly content waiting in line for it.
The best choices for your first Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are these attractions in the following order:
- Kali River Rapids
- Na’vi River Journey
- Expedition Everest
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Dinosaur
Of the Lightning Lane rides, we recommend using a selection on Kali River Rapids, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, or Kilimanjaro Safaris. Kali River Rapids often has lines of one hour or more when it’s hot out so if you are going at that time use one here.
Is it Worth It?
Many guests are hesitant to pay an additional $15-$35 per day for a service that used to be free and they wonder if it’s worth the cost. In our experience, of all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, the Animal Kingdom is the worst use of the Lightning Lane service and generally not worth it.
While we cover it more in-depth in our post “Is Disney Lightning Lane Worth It?” there are so few attractions at the Animal Kingdom that if you are spending a full day in this park, you will have more than enough time to do everything just waiting in the standby lines.
If on the other hand you only have half a day or are pressed for time because you are park hopping, Lightning Lane Multi Pass could be worth it. When you buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass, it’s good for the whole day, so you can use it on a couple of rides here, and then use it at the next park too.
Make sure to read our full guide to Disney’s Lightning Lane which includes more tips and strategies on how to use it at Animal Kingdom and in the other parks. You can also read about the free Disney Genie service which has some planning suggestions that are useful.
And if you are looking for specific strategies including a priority list and a specific touring plan to follow, read our Lightning Lanes at Animal Kingdom Guide.
What Should You Ride First at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Choosing what to go on first at the Animal Kingdom depends on which rides you are using one of the paid reservation services like Lightning Lane, or just doing everything standby.
If you got a Lightning Lane reservation for Avatar Flight of Passage, then we suggest going to Kilimanjaro Safaris first in the morning. This is the best time to see the animals all day as they tend to be more active first thing in the morning.
If you don’t have a Lightning Lane for Avatar Flight of Passage, then we suggest rope dropping that first thing in the morning. This ride has the longest lines in the park and early in the morning is the best time to beat the crowds there.
Best Family Rides
Most of the rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are only three rides that some people might be hesitant to go on. Most of the attractions are slow-moving rides, and there are plenty of shows and walking paths to explore at your own pace.
Here are the best family rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in order:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Na’vi River Journey
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
If you have small children or you just don’t like thrill rides, each of the above attractions will be perfect for you and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Kilimanjaro Safaris is especially awesome if you like animals and the kids will have a ball.
Best Thrill Rides
Disney World in general is not known for big thrill rides, but the Animal Kingdom park does have a few that will send shivers down your spine. They are on the same level as the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as far as thrills go.
Here are the best thrill rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in order:
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest is the best roller coaster in Disney World and even though there are no loops, you will be clinging to the grips once you feel those G-forces kick in. You may even spot the Yeti which is enough to scare anyone!
Avatar Flight of Passage is one of the most exhilarating experiences you will find at any theme park. Riding a banshee over the gorgeous landscapes of Pandora will likely bring you to tears, those sharp drops down also might do the trick.
DINOSAUR isn’t the fastest ride and doesn’t have any steep drops, but it makes use of heavy lighting and special effects that might be too much for your little ones. The Kali River Rapids isn’t super scary but there is a big drop and you might go down backward.
How to Avoid Long Lines for Rides at the Animal Kingdom?
There is nothing more frustrating when visiting a Disney park than waiting in long lines for the attractions. Here are our best tips to avoid wasting a lot of time waiting in line at the Animal Kingdom.
Use Lightning Lane – You can pay to use the Lightning Lane for most attractions which will let you skip the lines for the most popular rides at the parks. Lightning Lane reservations can be made up to 7 days prior to your stay if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. We recommend doing this as all the best rides fill up early. This is the best way to save you some serious time in line as long as you are willing to pay.
Do Flight of Passage Early – If you don’t want to pay for a Lightning Lane Single reservation for Avatar Flight of Passage, we highly recommend waking up early and doing it at rope drop. This always has the longest wait times in the park, so doing it first thing in the morning before the crowds get there will save you lots of time. We recommend being there a minimum of 30 minutes before the official opening time of the park.
Go Early in the Morning – This is a good suggestion no matter which Disney park you are going to. The first couple of hours are always the slowest, so you will be able to get a lot of the big attractions done before the majority of the guests arrive for the day.
Take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if you are staying on-site which gets you in 30 minutes before the general public. Then you can go slower in the afternoon when the park is sure to be hotter.
Go When the Crowds are Low – Another great way to avoid crowds is to go when there are fewer people in the parks. This is easier said than done, but if you use our Disney World Crowd Calendar it will give you a good idea about the dates when there will be fewer people in the parks. A general rule to keep in mind is weekdays are always less busy than the weekends and avoid going on holidays.
Make sure to look at the Disney World Attractions Refurbishment Calendar while planning your trip to see if any of your favorite attractions are scheduled to be closed while you are there.
For more attractions, be sure to check out our other Disney World Ride Guides:
- Best Rides at Walt Disney World Ranked
- Magic Kingdom Rides & Attractions Guide
- EPCOT Rides & Attractions Guide
- Hollywood Studios Rides & Attractions Guide
If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, make sure to read our Disney World Planning Guide. There you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.
Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about the Animal Kingdom Rides…
- What is your favorite attraction at the Animal Kingdom?
- Which new ride are you looking forward to the most?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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