A Day at Disney- Animal Kingdom
I haven’t been to Animal Kingdom in almost 20 years.
Yes you read that right. The last time I went to Animal Kingdom was back right when it first opened Spring Break of 1999. But let me tell y’all- Animal Kingdom has STEPPED. IT. UP.
I decided the first place I’d try as a Passholder solo would be Animal Kingdom since I had never bothered to spend the money to buy a day ticket there. From what I could remember as a kid, there was one roller coaster ride, some jungle stuff, a big tree and it was hot as Hades. Disney has definitely made some improvements on this park to contend with it’s three counterparts, including the newest area Pandora featuring rides & food from the movie Avatar. It still has a long way to be one of my favorite Disney parks, but it’s now worth the full day to go there!
Below are some tips on what to catch, what to pass on & hopefully help you to conquer the day with ease!
Pro Tips
- Getting fast passes for anything in Pandora is near impossible unless you are staying on property (you can book an extra 30 days, 60 days total, in advance that way). How did I get onto the rides without waiting 3 hours you ask? The morning of, I was lucky enough to score the Na’vi River ride. While I was on the ride, the couple next to me said they had a 5 person specialty fast pass because the wife was injured. They asked since I was by myself if I wanted to go on the Avatar flight of passage ride with them. I of course said HECK YEAH. You my friends will not be that lucky. Get yo fast passes or be prepared to wait.
-Bring your own water bottle that is reusable and don’t forget the sunscreen!
-Pick most of your fast passes in the morning, since once you use the three up you can get more.
Get those Fast Passes
Kilimanjaro Safaris
I loved this one! You go on a true 20 minutes safari where you see Giraffes, Elephants, zebra, rhinos & more! I’d suggest doing this one early since the animals will be more active and not hiding from the hot sun.
Avatar Flight of Passage
The wait times for this ride is INSANE, literally people are waiting 3 hours. Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the ride (unpopular opinion I know) because of the 3D virtual aspect. I honestly thought I might throw up by the end. Which is unfortunate because I could tell it’s a really cool ride. If you get fast passes then congrats you are one of the few!
Na’vi River Journey
Another one where the wait time is down right crazy for what it is. Honestly, it’s like it’s a small world, but in an Avatar world. The optics were cool and it was definitely high quality imaging, but I wasn’t blown away. I’d get those fast passes for the hottest part of the day to cool off inside this ride.
Expedition Everest
If you are going by yourself to Animal Kingdom there isn’t a need for a fast pass on this one as wait times for single rider are always less than 20 minutes. BUT if you know you want to do this ride a couple times, I’d get a fast pass, then hop back into the single rider line.
DINOSAUR
A slightly older ride, but a classic. I was lucky with no fast pass and only a 15 minute wait because the ride had just reopened for the afternoon.
Festival of the Lion King
I actually haven’t seen this one because each time I would try to hop in line for the next show, it was already at capacity 20 min ahead of time. If you’re like me and you don’t want to waste 30 minutes at the park waiting for the show feel free to grab a fast pass for the time you want!
Kali River Rapids
If you read my Magic Kingdom post you know I steer clear from rides where I get soaked! So this one isn’t gonna be on my to do list for a day at Animal Kingdom, but I know on hot days this one has long lines so it could be worth one of your three fast passes.
ITINERARY
*Arrive around 9am*
Breakfast- On your own
I’m personally not suggesting getting breakfast at the park this day since you don’t need a FULL day to accomplish this itinerary and you can save some money eating something before heading into the park.
Head straight for DISCOVERY ISLAND
Yes the Oasis area is cool, but to get those great Tree of Life photos without all the photo bombers you gotta head to Discovery Island first.
It’s tough to be a bug
This one I suggest not going out of your way on. I was never a fan, especially since (spoiler) there is a part where things “crawl” over your feet or poke you in the back. No thanks.
Discovery Island Trails
Parrot bird show (on the hour)
PANDORA- World of Avatar
Hopefully you were able to snag at least ONE fast pass for these sought after attractions. Better to do this first thing in the morning if you haven’t.
FP- Na'vi River JourneyFP- Avatar Flight of Passage
AFRICA
FP- Kilimanjaro SafariFestival of the Lion King
Rafiki’s planet watch
Drum & Street performers
12pm Lunch at Satu’li Canteen or Flame Tree BBQ
If heading to Satu’li canteen, try their famous Satu’lu Bowls, where you can make over 48 different combinations!
Top choices from Flame Tree BBQ- Smoked 1/2 chicken sandwich, Fries with pork, and of course the pork sandwich.
ASIA
Up! A great bird adventure
Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
FP- Expedition Everest
3pm Grab a refreshing snack- Ice Cream Swirl stand in Asia
DINOLAND U.S.A.
FP- DINASOURFinding Nemo- The Musical
Fossil Fun Games- it’s set up like a carnival and there are dance parties with a live DJ
7pm Dinner at YAK & YETI
Book reservations in advance, even if it’s just you! There are only about six seats at the bar to so either way you’d want a table.
My favorites include:
Pork Pot Stickers
Firecracker Shrimp
Lettuce Cups
Chicken Tikka Masala
9pm River of Light show over the water in Asia to end the night!
Animal Kingdom food bucket list
(not to all be eaten in one day, or I mean do…do you!)
Night Blossom- Pongu Pongu, Pandora
Cheeseburger Flatbread Pizza- Pizzafari, Discovery Island
Blueberry Cheesecake- Satu’li Canteen, Pandora
Cheese Fries with pulled pork- Flame Tree BBQ, Discovery Island
Cheeseburger steamed bao buns- Satu’li Canteen, Pandora
Smokey Bones Chocolate Shake - Trilo-bites, DinoLand USA
*** there is alcohol in this drink***
Egg Roll & Friend Rice- Yak & Yeti Cafe, Asia
Pineapple Cream Cheese Spring Roll- Pongu Lumpia, Pandora
Buffalo Chicken Chips- Trilo-Bites, DinoLand USA
Mickey Shaped Cocolate chip cookie- Zuri’s Sweets Shop, Africa
Hopefully this gives you an idea of the top rides, food, and how to organize your time in the park. What food & animals are you most looking forward to at Animal Kingdom?
