Guide to Visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park | One Day Itinerary for Families
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a lush theme park that connects visitors with nature and is situated on 580-acres of land in the heart of Walt Disney World. Here you can watch for animals on safari, see animal inspired shows, and even go back to the time of the dinosaurs.
This theme park has a lot to see and do, so check out our recommendations below for a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with your family!
Families will enjoy the variety of activities at this unique theme park. There are a different types of rides, the fit for all ages Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids water raft ride, and Expedition Everest thrill ride. It’s also one of the best parks to arrive at in the early morning hours, so if you’re an early riser take advantage of the morning time here.
There are also plentiful food options with lots of great quick service options for families and a few table service hidden gems, and some snacks that you shouldn’t miss!
Animals, as the name implies, are the main attraction here and if you have animal lovers in your family this park will be a must see!
You can see animals up close in natural habitat surroundings and learn more about the conservation effort that happens at Animal Kingdom and through The Disney Conservation Fund. An effort to learn more about the species of animals on the planet and protect ecosystems by leveraging innovation and storytelling.
Where is Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The theme park is located on 580-acres in the southwest corner of the Walt Disney World Resort property and is home to over 2000 animals. The park is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and abides by the guidelines of care for affiliated AZA organizations. Animal Kingdom is also home to over 400 million trees, plants, shrubs, flowers and more – which you will immediately start noticing the minute you step through the entrance.
To get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom from your resort, buses are available from all Disney Resort properties. If you will driving your car in and parking, large parking lots are available to accommodate your vehicle and these rarely fill up. Trams are available to take you to the front entrance of the theme park from your parking spot if needed.
Parking passes at Walt Disney World theme parks are a one day pass that is good at all four theme parks for the day. Fees range from $20-$25 per day based on the time of year, and can go up to $50 per day for preferred parking nearest the entrance.
All lots have designated parking for guests with disabilities where a valid disability parking permit will be required to be displayed on your vehicle. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders receive complimentary parking.
Arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When you get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be prepared to be transported to a world where nature is king! We love how quickly you become connected with nature at this park, and starting just beyond the entrance turnstiles there are animal exhibits for you to stop and start learning more about different birds and fish.
The theme park provides lots of opportunities for learning about animal species and topics based around conservation.
Areas within Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There are six distinct areas within Animal Kingdom: the Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora-World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, and Dinoland, U.S.A. (going extinct in 2025) that are all situated around a lovely river flowing that connects each of the areas.
The Oasis
The Oasis is the area at the front of the park directly after entering. Here you will be greeted with different bird and fish exhibits, and enjoy the tropical walkway towards the river that circles through Animal Kingdom. As you walk over the bridge to enter Discovery Island, you can’t miss the site of the Tree of Life. Animal Kingdom’s icon.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is home to the Tree of Life and is a central hub connecting all of the other areas inside the park. Go in any direction to reach different attractions, but make sure not to miss some of the extraordinary adventures available right on the island. There are animals that call the base of the Tree of Life home, flamingos, lemurs, kangaroos, and tortoises. You’ll also want to spend a few minutes taking in the tree itself, which has over 300 animal carvings all over it.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Pandora- The World of Avatar is one of the newest areas at Animal Kingdom and it has a number of sought after rides, like Avatar Flight of Passage (44” height requirement) and the Na’vi River Journey (no height requirement). You can also grab a bite to eat at Satu’li Canteen, but our recommended don’t miss treat in this area are the Night Blossom drinks from Pongu Pongu quick service stand.
Africa
Africa has one of our family’s favorite rides, Kilimanjaro Safaris (no height requirement) and we make sure to head to this attraction on every trip we take.
Typically it is better if you can do the safari earlier in the day, as once you hit mid-day the animals tend to be in cool shadows taking a nap. You’ll see more of them up and about during either earlier or cooler parts of the day. (They also love the rain, which is quite fun to see if you’re there when it is raining!)
There are also some other don’t miss attractions in Africa which is in one back corner of the park, Festival of the Lion King tent show and the railway to go to the Conservation Station are both in this area.
This is a great section of the park for younger children, because everything in the Africa area of the theme park is suitable for younger (or shorter) guests.
Tusker House is also one of our favorite character dining locations, and it is also a great fit for little ones to enjoy a meal while meeting a number of characters!
Asia
Asia inside Animal Kingdom is home to a number of rides, shops, and dining options. You’ll find the popular Yak & Yeti quick service and table service locations here, which are must visits for guests that love Asian cuisine. You’ll also find the thrill ride Expedition Everest (44” height requirement) and fun water soaked raft ride, Kali River Rapids (38” height requirement). To get a glimpse of some magnificent animals, make sure not to miss the Maharajah Jungle Trek, which features a Komodo dragon, water buffalo, Asian tigers, and more!
Dinoland, U.S.A – Going Extinct in 2025
Dinoland, U.S.A. was formerly a carnival that meets prehistoric animals with a variety of activities to keep kids busy. The area has begun being closed off to start renovations into a multi-year development to a South American inspired area.
One of the gems of the area is the Boneyard play area, where our kids have spent many hours in running around and digging.
It’s not only a huge play structure where kids can climb, slide, jump, and play in a multi-story play structure. It’s also a prehistoric dig site, and when we had kids in the ages 2-10 age range, we always made sure to block off a few hours (yes, hours) in our schedule to spend here! I truly hope the redesign of this are includes a play area that is as magnificent as the Boneyard has been.
Make sure to not miss going over the bridge to the second area of The Boneyard, where there is a big Dino-Dig set up. We have spent many hours in this area of Animal Kingdom!
Dinoland will be going extinct in 2025 and some areas have already begun to close, however families can still ride the Dinosaur ride, play in the Boneyard, and get food at select restaurant locations that are still open in this area. The entire former carnival area is now closed.
Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The theme park has a number of outstanding dining options, especially for families that want to try new flavors or types of meals.
Meal selections from Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes – Quick service that serves egg rolls, fried rice, and more.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant – Table Service that serves lunch and dinner. Enjoy pan-Asian fare.
Pizzafari – Quick service that has pizzas, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner.
Tiffins Restaurant – Table Service that serves international cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Satuli Canteen – Quick Service that is inspired by the culture of the Na’Vi inside Pandora.
Tusker House – Character dining restaurant that is home to Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy in their safari outfits! Enjoy a buffet style meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Entertainment and Shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Festival of the Lion King is a must see show in the Africa section at Animal Kingdom. Performers dazzle the center stage with acrobatics, dancing, and singing, and these talented entertainers put on a 40-minute show that is sure to impress. This is a Broadway-feel show that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
Shows typically run every hour, on the hour from 10am to 5pm.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… Beyond! is a charming stage show featuring the beloved characters from Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Journey under the sea to catch up with Nemo and friends and take in a show by talented singers, dancers, and puppeteers.
Shows typically run every hour, on the hour at 11am, 12noon, and 1pm – with additional show times at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm.
Check the Walt Disney World times guide on the day you will be visiting to confirm all available show times during your visit.
Making Your Itinerary for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
In this next section, we are going to share our favorite activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Also, this is one of our family’s favorite theme parks at Walt Disney World too!
Our favorite must see attractions for all ages at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would be:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Conservation Station
- Tusker House (character dining, additional cost)
- Na’Vi River Journey
And these attractions are a must do if your family enjoys thrills and meet the height requirements:
- Expedition Everest (44” height requirement)
- Avatar Flight of Passage (44” height requirement)
- Kali River Rapids (38” height requirement)
Tips to Make the Most of Your Disney Day
Most families will set aside one day to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and you will likely want to maximize your time here. This park can tend to get very hot in the middle of the day in the hottest seasons because of all of the vegetation, so take that into account while planning your day here.
Using Lightning Lane at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom would be one part that you would not need to use Lightning Lane paid service most times of year.
Planning your traffic pattern opposite from where most of the crowd is heading can keep your wait times low and if you’ll be traveling with younger children, most of the rides that guests under 38” may have lower wait times throughout the day.
With the exception of Na’Vi River Journey. If you do not go to this ride early in the morning as described below in the itinerary guide, plan to do this one in the late afternoon or evening. We’ve walked on to this ride with no wait shortly before closing.
Also, if you have members of your party that absolutely want to ride Flight of Passage and you’re unable to take advantage of early entry hours. In that case, paying for the Individual Lightning Lane for this ride may be beneficial if your budget allows. Skip the longer line and get on the ride quicker with the individual lightning lane option.
Sample One Day Itinerary for Animal Kingdom
We will split the itinerary into two sample itineraries to give you ideas for two different family scenarios. Download our free Animal Kingdom theme park day itinerary printables below and get both itinerary suggestions to make your own family trip plans!
Height of the members of your party will also impact your itinerary at this park, because a few of the rides like Expedition Everest (44” height requirement) and Kali River Rapids (38” height requirement) have height requirements.
Suggested Itinerary for Families at Animal Kingdom
There’s lots to do for the whole family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and if you aren’t concerned about the thrill rides you can focus in on animal observation and experiences.
Two notable rides do not have a height requirement, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa and Na’vi River Journey in Pandora. There are also lots of great shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and plenty of wildlife viewing.
The train ride out to Conservation Station also has no height requirement and that can be a fun excursion that takes up a few hours of your day.
Typically most guests will rope drop and head straight to Pandora, so unless you’ve been able to utilize early entry the lines for rides in this area can get quite long very quickly. Typically park day times are from 8am to 7/8pm, check the times guide to see the theme park times on the day(s) you plan to visit.
For opening, the two most popular options are as follows:
- Use early entry hours to head to the more sought after rides, like Flight of Passage (if you do not do this ride in early entry hours, then wait until later in the afternoon after the crowd levels have gone down) or Expedition Everest, to take advantage of lower crowd levels.
- Arrive at park opening time and head to a different section of the park than where a majority of people will be heading (so NOT Pandora). We recommend going back to the Kilimanjaro Safaris to catch it early while the animals may be more active.
Suggested Itinerary for Thrill Seekers
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there just a few specific rides for thrill seekers. These rides should be a priority to fit in early in the day if possible.
Individual Lightning Lane passes are available to purchase for Pandora: Flight of Passage, and Expedition Everest offers a single rider line for solo travelers and riders.
We love spending time at this theme park and think it’s one of the most relaxing parks at Walt Disney World. So do take the time to stop and just enjoy the serene surroundings during your day.
Planning Your Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
As you can see, there is lots to do and see while at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Use the plans above to choose what will be the best fit for your family, and we recommend planning at least one day of your trip to enjoy this theme park.
This park is a must visit for our family and we enjoy exploring this vast theme park every time we are there, as each experience feels unique here. Watch this video for a look at everything there is to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
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