Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
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At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort, you can explore throughout the day and into the night on an adventure into a world alive with magic. Visit a distant planet with floating mountains, or view thousands of animals in their natural habitats back on Earth — all without leaving Orlando.
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If you haven’t visited recently, you’ll likely want to visit the park’s newest land first: Pandora — The World of Avatar. Float down a mystical bioluminescent river and fly on the back of banshees that soar past floating mountains. In addition to the Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey attractions, it features out-of-this-world dining and shopping.
But to be sure, all six lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will transport you to hauntingly gorgeous realms you’ve only dreamed of seeing. In the first area, Oasis, you can enjoy a self-guided tour at The Oasis Exhibits, which features fauna such as wallabies, giant anteaters, exotic boars and even barking deer.
Your next port of call is Discovery Island®, the nexus of the park’s other lands and home to the iconic Tree of Life®. It also features a self-guided tour at Discovery Island Trails, as well as family-friendly entertainment at It’s Tough to Be a Bug!®.
![Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Festival of the Lion King family](jpg/2323_festival_of_the_lion_king_listing_17d272d0-5e54-4b90-8740-292aabff4728.jpg)
From there, it’s a short distance to Africa, which has a self-guided tour at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Then, witness exotic creatures in natural environments by day or night at one of Orlando’s most unforgettable experiences, Kilimanjaro Safaris®. Africa also hosts one of the park’s most incredible shows, Festival of the Lion King.
Keep moving and you’ll come to Asia, where a legendary creature awaits you at Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®. Keep an eye out for the vengeful Yeti as you race to escape the cursed mountain. Kali River Rapids® offers more white-knuckle thrills, or set a slower pace with a self-guided tour at Maharajah Jungle Trek®. This area also features Feathered Friends in Flight, where you can see birds from all over the world.
Once you’ve experienced Earth’s present and explored another planet’s future, it’s time to travel to the past at DinoLand U.S.A. Younger guests will particularly enjoy TriceraTop Spin and The Boneyard® Dig Site, while those seeking more action won’t want to miss DINOSAUR.
Throw in the park’s entertainment, special encounters and other enthralling features, and it’s easy to spend a full day or more exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
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Add value to your Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park visit with special savings on Walt Disney World Resort tickets. Plan for your best vacation while saving time and money. As an official seller of Orlando attractions tickets, Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com makes it easy for you. You can also customize your Disney experience with a ticket plan that works best for you.
Additionally, all Walt Disney World Resort parks require valid admission and an advance reservation via the Disney Park Pass system.
Disney Genie Service
Available for all Walt Disney World Resort guests in the My Disney Experience app, the complimentary Disney Genie Service offers new features that let you create your best Disney day. These features include a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things guests tell Disney they love — helping you make the most of your park time so you can have more fun.
Similar to a navigation app on a phone, the Disney Genie Service continues to update your itinerary from morning to night as the day changes, so you can stay spontaneous and go with the flow — whether you need a nap, encounter an unexpected rain shower or want to take a detour for a Mickey ice cream bar.
Through the My Disney Experience app, you can also purchase the Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Entrance for more than 40 attractions across the four Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as Individual Lightning Lane Entrance for highly demanded attractions. As a reminder, attractions continue to offer a traditional standby queue.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park's attractions and rides highlight the beauty of the natural world and our connection with animals in a fun and unique way. Feel like you’re on safari or an incredible expedition as you stroll through a rainforest or dodge the Yeti on a climb up Mt. Everest. Unless otherwise noted, all experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are suitable for all ages and heights.
Pandora — The World of Avatar
Step into a world like no other with a bioluminescent rainforest and rivers that glow, and set sail on winged creatures that take you above the moon to somewhere unimaginable and incredibly otherworldly. Join Alpha Centauri Expeditions as they explore a land so filled with splendor it defies explanation.
©Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. JAMES CAMERON'S AVATAR is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. As to Disney Properties ©Disney.Avatar Flight of Passage
Venture deep into the Valley of Mo’ara, where you’ll take flight on a winged mountain banshee granting you spectacular views of the moon’s magic, highlighting an unforgettable ride through a unique world.
Height Restrictions: 44 inches (122 cm)
Na’vi River Journey
Find yourself adrift on the Na’vi River in a reed boat as you search for the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. Stream past caves and a sacred bioluminescent rainforest with plants that glow and creatures that astound. Once you encounter the Shaman, she’ll share her powerful connection to Pandora while sending out positive energy throughout the rainforest with her music.
Valley of Mo'ara
Smile at the serendipity of amazing sights and sounds. You’ll discover Na’vi totems and cultural icons, exotic plants, and a Na’vi drum circle. You might even bump into an Alpha Centauri Expeditions tour guide or scientist from the Pandora Conservation Initiative. Explore floating mountains and enchanting landscapes throughout the valley.
Oasis
Enter a lush tropical setting with sprawling pathways and walking trails leading to impressive animal viewing opportunities. Wildlife abounds with adorable otters, storks and porcupines plodding along the flora and fauna of this natural setting.
The Oasis Exhibits
Walk down shaded, scenic trails and experience soothing waterfalls and meandering streams while spotting amazing wildlife: giant anteater, exotic boar, barking deer, wallabies and spoonbills.
Discovery Island
Wander past the Tree of Life® and explore pathways and trails that lead to phenomenal wildlife encounters. Take your time as you slowly see a diverse array of wildlife come into view: lemurs, storks, porcupines and more.
TREE OF LIFE® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Discovery Island® Trails
Explore an exotic paradise as you wander along picturesque trails surrounding the majestic Tree of Life®. Relax and soak in the tranquil setting at your own pace. While exploring pathways, you may even encounter wildlife creatures such as Galapagos tortoises, flamingos, ring-tailed lemurs, red kangaroos and otters.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!®
Flik, from Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, serves as your guide during a comical, nine-minute, 3D movie adventure. Put on your “bug eye” glasses and experience an assortment of special effects: bug spray and stink, fog, rain, and black widow spiders dropping down from above. Meet a Chilean tarantula, termites, rhino beetles and more as you get a first-hand look at a bug’s life.
Tree of Life®
Towering at 145-feet and covered with over 100,000 leaves, the Tree of Life is a magnificent park icon celebrating all animals found within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Unique, intricate carvings of creatures small and large, from tiny insects to enormous elephants, appear on the impressive tree trunk and its sprawling roots. It’s the centerpiece of the park as well as the venue for an amazing nighttime spectacular show, Tree of Life® Awakenings.
Wilderness Explorers
Team up with Russell and his loyal dog, Dug, from the Disney movie, Up! Participate in several self-guided activities encompassing everything from animal observation to learning essential nature skills. Earn up to 30 badges as you compete in challenges and fun interactive games throughout the park.
Africa
Venture into the heart of an awe-inspiring and mysterious continent. Set off on a rugged safari, board a rustic train for behind-the-scenes fun, wander down picturesque pathways, and witness the most amazing animals around.
KILIMANJARO SAFARIS® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Full of captivating scenery, this is a rich tropical rainforest you won’t want to miss exploring. Learn more about the western lowland gorillas, often just as curious as onlooking guests. You’ll also spy delightful meerkats and intriguing African flora and fauna.
Kilimanjaro Safaris®
Set off in an open-air vehicle for either a day or evening tour, where you’ll explore the diverse terrain of the Harambe Wildlife Preserve: grassy plains to shaded forests to rugged wetlands. Hold on, as it can be a bumpy but extraordinary trek. Experience some of the most amazing creatures in the world: cheetahs, gazelles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras and more. Don’t worry, gawking is expected.
African Elephants — Disney Animals
Observe a herd of enormous African elephants, the world’s largest land mammal, while becoming versed on Disney’s conservation efforts to protect them.
Butterflies — Disney Animals
Vibrant, colorful butterflies flutter and fly around the park. Witness their beauty up close as they extract nectar from an array of flowers throughout the park.
Giraffes — Disney Animals
Beautiful and statuesque, giraffes are the tallest terrestrial creature with neck spans up to 6 feet. They spend most of their day eating up to 100 pounds of leaves and twigs. Catch them on the African grasslands munching away or walking about.
Gorillas — Disney Animals
Observe a family of endangered western lowland gorillas on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Learn about the plight of the world’s largest primate as you witness these powerful yet gentle creatures interact with each other.
Hippopotamuses — Disney Animals
You can’t help but smile when spotting water loving hippos lounging and playing as you stroll through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Weighing in at over 3,000 pounds, they’ll be hard to miss.
Lions — Disney Animals
There’s nothing quite as awe-inspiring as catching sight of a noble lion sunning on a giant rock or sauntering across the grasslands at Kilimanjaro Safaris®.
Okapis — Disney Animals
Rare and unusual, okapis look similar to zebras but are actually classified in the giraffe family. Learn more about these amazing animals that were only recently discovered in the 20th century.
Rhinos — Disney Animals
Viewing these prehistoric-looking, horned creatures in their natural habitat on the Kilimanjaro Safaris® ride or the Wild Africa Trek is sure to be a definite highlight. Learn more about conservation efforts for one of the most endangered species in the world.
Asia
Whisk down whitewater rapids in the ultimate river raft ride, face down a legendary snow beast, be entertained by exotic birds, and enjoy the marvels of the largest continent in the world. Live out your world explorer dreams.
EXPEDITION EVEREST — LEGEND OF THE FORBIDDEN MOUNTAIN® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
Trek up the steep sides of the colossal Mt. Everest while narrowly escaping the clutches of the legendary snow beast, the Yeti. Exhilarating drops, loops and curves await as you careen through ominous caves within the mountain. Grip yourself for the shadowy image of a growling Yeti within close range. If that doesn’t shake you up, perhaps the rollercoaster train almost leaping off the rails and on to the edge of the mountain will.
Height restrictions: 44 inches (113 cm)
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Join the animal behavior specialists for a behind-the-scenes look at the free-flying birds of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Located at the Caravan Stage, learn how they care for and train their feathered friends.
Kali River Rapids®
Splash and dive through whitewater rapids as you bob and spin on a river raft ride like no other. Cool off as geysers blast water around you, while guests from above mischievously squirt you as your raft passes by. Invest in a poncho or bring spare clothes, because there’s also a thrilling 20-foot plunge bound to soak everyone on board.
Height restrictions: 38 inches (97 cm)
Maharajah Jungle Trek®
Traipse through secret lush pathways that lead into a jungle revealing an overgrown ancient Indian hunting camp and a centuries-old palace. Find yourself in an otherworldly scene, where you’ll behold the exquisite beauty of over 50 species of birds, Asian tigers, gibbons, Malayan flying foxes, water buffalo and more.
Tigers — Disney Animals
It feels like an extraordinary honor to be in the presence of the grace and power of the rare Sumatran tiger. Look out for these beautiful creatures as you travel through the Maharajah Jungle Trek®.
DinoLand U.S.A.®
Dinosaur-lovers will be left spellbound by this area devoted to the fascinating prehistoric creatures that roamed the planet millions of years ago. From digging up fossils to zooming into the jaws of a dinosaur, the fun and wonderment never end.
THE BONEYARD® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)The Boneyard®
Enter this dig site and play junior paleontologist — excavate fossils from a triceratops and a Tyrannosaurus rex. Jump into a jeep for a make-believe driving session, or step on a huge dinosaur footprint.
DINOSAUR
Climb aboard a Time Rover and venture back in time to over 65 million years ago to save the Iguanadon before a meteor collides with Earth, dooming it to extinction. Lightning bursts, thunder booms, and menacing dinosaurs growl and roar as you speed past in the cool darkness. Every turn builds the suspense. Will you escape danger or face off with a prehistoric beast?
Height restrictions: 40 inches (102 cm)
Dino-Sue
Walk under this massive dinosaur looming above you at an expansive 13 feet in height and 40 feet in length. Sue is the size of a 4-story building, and she’s also the largest replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex to be found. Just imagine her walking the earth 67 million years ago.
Fossil Fun Games
Try your hand at dinosaur-themed games like Bronto-Score basketball and Mammoth Marathon racing. Oh, and don’t forget the popular Whac-A-Packycephalosaur, where kids bop mischievous dinosaurs with a mallet as they pop out of their holes.
TriceraTop Spin
Little dinosaur-lovers are sure to adore this ride that resembles a giant toy top with cartoon-like triceratops vehicles that spin about. Move the lever up and down to control your triceratops and keep it on the move.
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From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom® Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises.
Note: Some experiences may be modified, limited in capacity, and subject to availability or closure.
It’s no secret that characters enhance the overall experience. Make your visit even more unforgettable with these fantastic character meet-and-greet and photo opportunities, when available.
Mickey & Friends Flotilla at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney/Pixar)Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla
The Discovery Island Drummers take their music to the water, performing live as they sail around the Discovery River.
Discovery River Character Cruise
Catch a glimpse of Characters from Disney’s Pocahontas or Disney’s The Lion King as they float along the Discovery River.
Donald’s Dino Bash Flotilla
Donald and his friends take Donald’s Dino Bash to the Discovery River. Keep an eye out for their party boat throughout the day.
Goofy and Pals Set Sail
Leaving their posts at Donald’s Dino Bash, Goofy and his Pals cruise down the Discovery River.
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Hang out with Mickey and Minnie, who are outfitted in khakis and ready for their next safari excursion. Be sure to check out their mementos and souvenirs from all their globe-trotting exploits.
Mickey and Friends Flotilla
Ready for a brand-new adventure, Mickey and his friends set sail on the Discovery River.
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Please note, sales of Disney dining plans are temporarily unavailable.
Savor a varied mix of American, African and Asian cuisines at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with menu items ranging from chicken fingers to sushi to wontons to hearty, African-inspired dining. Whether you opt for a buffet, sit-down meal or counter service, there really is something for everyone.
Rainforest Cafe® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Landry’s Inc.)Rainforest Cafe® at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Encounter all the sights and sounds of a real rainforest complete with audio-animatronic gorillas, monkeys and tropical birds at Rainforest Cafe. Expect the sounds of thunder and rainfall, as well as shots of cool mist to add to the jungle ambiance. Be sure to top off your meal with the ever-popular Volcano dessert.
Restaurantosaurus
A quirky, well-themed eatery centers around the storyline of a group of paleontology students on a dig expedition. Check out fossils, artifacts, dig tools and even a student bulletin board. Quick-service food such as grilled chicken sandwiches and burgers can be enhanced at the premium topping bar with items like guacamole, specialty pickles and grilled veggies. A variety of indoor and outdoor seating is available. Of course, the airstream trailer seats are the most popular.
Satu'li Canteen at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Satu’li Canteen
No visit to Pandora is complete without grabbing a bite at this themed dining option, which is designed to look like a former RDA mess hall. Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Na’vi people while you dine on Pandora’s bounty.
Tusker House Restaurant
Anticipate smiling faces when your kids encounter Donald Duck and his Disney friends outfitted in their safari attire and ready for adventure. Adults will be pleased with the versatile menu. House specialties include carved sirloin, rotisserie chicken and pork, as well as Indian-inspired curries and chutneys.
Yak & Yeti™ Restaurant at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Yak & Yeti™ Restaurant
You might find yourself a little hungry after escaping the Yeti on Mt. Everest. No worries, this Nepalese-style restaurant is located nearby and features American and Asian cuisine. Popular entrees and appetizers at Yak & Yeti include spicy Korean barbecue ribs, ahi tuna nachos and fried wontons.
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Exotic entertainment featuring native musicians from countries in Asia and Africa will amaze you with unique choreography and rhythms. And when the sun dips into the horizon, there are more surprises in store for everyone. Don’t miss out on these spectacular Disney shows.
FINDING NEMO: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)Festival of the Lion King
It’s a larger-than-life performance inspired by the hit movie, The Lion King. Expect a Broadway-quality show featuring singing, dancing, stilt-walking, fire-juggling and daring acrobatics. During the interactive show, Simba and friends share their own version of the tale. Experience the iconic story of a beloved lion prince and his destiny to be king, all over again. You’ll be cheering Simba every step of the way.
Location: Near Tusker House Restaurant, Africa
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Phenomenal special effects blend with live performers, animated backdrops and music to bring the magical undersea world of Pixar's Finding Nemo to life. Reminisce with the wonderful adventures of Marlin, Dory and Nemo in a brilliant musical format.
Location: DinoLand U.S.A., Discovery River Amphitheater
Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
You’ll have a ball dancing and clapping to the wondrous rhythm of the Congo. Talented drummers spill out onto the streets with electrifying African music.
Location: Harambe Village, Africa
Tree of Life® Awakenings
You'll be entranced by the vivid and radiant Tree of Life, as luminous fireflies awaken incredible animal spirits. Celebrate the balance and harmony of nature while being inspired at the beauty of the world’s animal kingdom.
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Whether you’re on safari on the African plains or venturing up Mt. Everest, there’s so many wonderful shops along the way. Stop in and purchase wonderful mementos of your Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park experience. Every store does its best to salute the animal world.
Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
Make a pit stop at this unusual roadside store. Shop for all things prehistoric and dinosaur themed. Go ahead, pose with the dinosaur. Also, it’s fairly certain you won’t leave the store without a popular dinosaur egg or two.
Island Mercantile
Wander around this multi-room, expansive store where an array of murals, large wood carvings painted by Balinese craftspeople, and a massive T. rex are part of the décor. Discover beautiful animal carvings, unique collectibles, and all the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park gift and souvenir essentials.
Mombasa Marketplace
What’s not to love about this open-air market with tons of authentic African treasures and handcrafted pieces? There’s also Ziwani Traders nearby, which is perfect for the younger set, featuring a variety of plush animals of all the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park creatures.
Serka Zong Bazaar
As you descend from your Mt. Everest expedition, you won’t want to miss this inventive shop featuring a variety of interesting keepsakes. The store, set in the mythical town of Anandapur, is adorned with artifacts and carved figurines, which give it a mystical feel. Shop for a Yeti plush animal or a rare Asian souvenir.
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Ever wonder what it would be like to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the animals, or to go on a true wildlife trek for up close encounters with wildlife at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Now you can with these firsthand experiences.
©DisneyCaring for Giants
On this 60-minute tour, get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and find out what it takes to care for the park’s largest inhabitants.
Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
Board an open-air vehicle and head out on your own private safari. Experience incredible animal encounters on the Harambe Wildlife Preserve. As the sun falls, you’ll make a dining camp in a beautiful, open-air area. Relax and savor delectable, African-influenced tapas, select wines and specialty drinks as you enjoy a meal under a starlit sky.
Up Close With Rhinos
The white rhinoceros — Earth’s second-largest land animal — takes center stage in this 60-minute guided adventure. Go backstage for a close encounter you’ll never forget, including insights into the rhinos’ behavior, biology and survival challenges.
Wild Africa Trek
View African wildlife on this privately guided tour, where you’ll board a safari vehicle for portions of your journey. A knowledgeable guide will provide insight into fauna of the Harambe Wildlife Preserve. Walk along a grassland plain, cross a rope bridge and even suit up with a harness and vest as you’re suspended for up-close animal encounters. You’ll witness the beauty of giraffes, rhinos, hippos and more. Of course, the close views of crocodiles aren’t for the faint-hearted.
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©Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has taken a forward-thinking and mindful approach to its conservation efforts and animal husbandry. Notably missing from the theme park are plastic lids and straws in order to protect wildlife. It’s paper straws for sipping here.
Additionally, you will find ample recycling bins dispersed throughout the park. Recycling doesn’t end there, though. Many of the souvenirs that you can buy are actually made from recyclable materials.
Disney’s Conservation Fund (supported by Disney and guest contributions through portions of tour proceeds and merchandise purchases) has been able to support an ever-growing number of conservation efforts, including hundreds of wildlife conservation projects. The fund has contributed more than $20 million to conservation efforts globally. This includes planting approximately 3 million trees, protecting over 40,000 acres of coral reefs in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, and protecting 65,000 acres of savanna in conjunction with the African Wildlife Foundation.
Finally, Disney has made a vital commitment to the reintroduction of endangered species and special breeding programs. Currently, they are involved in 34 Species Survival Plans. And their world-class veterinary care and educational efforts on a grand scale serve as a shining example of their commitment to wildlife worldwide.
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View maps, amenities and more information for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort.