Complete Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the newest theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Opened in 1998, the park celebrates wildlife, conservation, and the wonders of the natural world. Animal Kingdom is more than just a zoo-it offers countless ways to encounter world around you, and is always worth a visit during your trip!
Like the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is arranged like a wheel.. The Tree of Life can be found in the hub of the park, known as Discovery Island. Around it, you will find each of the “lands” in the park: Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and Dinoland USA.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions
Animal Kingdom is home to several fan favorite attractions.. This is a great place for thrill-seekers and families alike. Plus, there are many opportunities to find different types of wildlife from all over the world.
Pandora – The World of Avatar Attractions
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
Africa Attractions
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Rafiki’s Planet Watch Attractions
- Affection Section, featuring opportunity to cuddle up to sheep and goats, and say hello to llamas, cows, and other domestic animals
- Conservation station, where guests get a behind the scenes look at how the animals at the park are cared for
- Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Asia Attractions
- Expedition Everest – a thrilling rollercoaster expedition up Mount Everest. Beware the yeti!
- Kali River Rapids, a whitewater rafting trip through the forests of India
- Maharajah Jungle Trek, wildlife discovery trail featuring tigers, bats, Komodo dragons, and more!
Dinoland U.S.A. Attractions
- DINOSAUR
- TriceraTop Spin
- The Boneyard – dinosaur bones and archaeological excavations make for dino sized fun in this playground area!
Shows and Entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo:The Big Blue…and Beyond!
- Donald’s Dino Bash
- It’s Tough To Be A Bug
- Other Animal Kingdom entertainment includes floating cavalcades of characters and music on the rivers around Discovery Island, musical performers and character meet and greet opportunities throughout each of the park’s lands, and plenty of animal habitats to check out.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dining Options
With options for the pickiest of eaters as well as guests with a more adventurous palate, Animal Kingdom has a huge selection of food inspired by international flavors. Here are some highlights from around the park.
Discovery Island Dining
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Tiffins
- Nomad Lounge
- Pizzafari
Pandora – The World of Avatar Dining
- Sat’uli Canteen – noodle bowls and bao buns from a distant planet
- Pongu Pongu -snacks, dessert spring rolls and beverages
Africa Dining
- Dawa Bar
- Tusker House Restaurant- African inspired buffet hosted by Donald Duck and friends
- Harambe Market
Asia Dining
- Yak and Yeti – table service restaurant
- Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafes – quick service
- Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks
Dinoland U.S.A. Dining
- Restaurantosaurus – quick service restaurant
- Dino-bite Snacks
- Trilo-bites
- Corn-ivores
Entrance Oasis Dining
- Rainforest Cafe
Animal Kingdom Shopping
You can shop around the world and into space at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Souvenirs range from yeti themed expedition gear in Asia, to your very own pet Banshee in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Shops around Animal Kingdom include:
- Africa Hub Cart
- Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart
- Mariya’s Souvenirs
- Mombasa Marketplace
- Ziwani Traders
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop
- Mandala Gifts
- Serka Zong Bazaar
- Yak & Yeti™ Bhaktapur Market
- Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
- The Dino Institute Shop
- Dino-Rama Cart
- Theater in the Wild Cart
- Discovery Trading Company
- Island Mercantile
- Riverside Depot
- Garden Gate Gifts
- Windtraders
- Out of the Wild
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is much more than “just a zoo”. Guests get up close encounters with wild animals from around the world, with that special brand of Disney storytelling that takes you beyond the typical zoo experience. Add to that a healthy dose of thrills, fun attractions, infectious entertainment, and delicious food, and you have a full day of adventures in the natural world for the whole family.
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