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Animal Kingdom isn’t just “a zoo with rides” like some people think. It’s a place where you can have wild adventures, see incredible shows, and get up close with animals from around the world.
Planning Your Visit
Before attending this fan-favorite park, there are some things you should know.
How Many Days Should You Spend at Animal Kingdom?
Can you see everything at Animal Kingdom in one day? The answer is yes, but it’ll be a full day!
We used to treat Animal Kingdom as a “half-day park,” but with the addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar and all the shows and animal experiences, you’ll want a full day to enjoy everything. If you love animals or want a more relaxed pace, consider spreading your visit across two days.
Best Times to Visit in 2025
Animal Kingdom tends to be less crowded than Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. But to avoid the biggest crowds, try these times:
- January (after New Year’s) through early February
- Late April to early May
- Late August through September
- Weekdays rather than weekends
Remember that Florida weather is hot and humid in summer. The animals are often more active in the morning when it’s cooler, so plan accordingly!
Park Hours and Special Entry Options
Animal Kingdom typically opens at 8:00 or 9:00 AM and closes between 7:00 and 9:00 PM, depending on the season. Check the My Disney Experience app for exact hours during your visit.
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you can use Early Theme Park Entry to get in 30 minutes before regular opening time. This head start is super helpful for popular rides like Avatar Flight of Passage!
What to Bring
Animal Kingdom has some special considerations that other Disney parks don’t:
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk more here than at other parks)
- Sunscreen (many areas have limited shade)
- Water bottle (stay hydrated, especially in summer)
- Poncho or rain jacket (for Kali River Rapids or sudden Florida showers)
- Binoculars for animal viewing (not necessary but fun!)
Major Changes in 2025
Animal Kingdom is going through some big changes in 2025, so this is an exciting year to visit!
DinoLand U.S.A. Is Going Extinct!
2025 is your last chance to experience DinoLand U.S.A. before it closes for good! Disney is replacing this area with a new Tropical Americas land featuring attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto. The new land won’t open until 2027, but parts of DinoLand are already closing:
- TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures closed in January 2025
- DINOSAUR, The Boneyard, and Restaurantosaurus will remain open through the end of 2025
- An exact closing date hasn’t been announced, but early 2026 is likely
If you have any dinosaur fans in your family, make sure to visit this year before it’s gone forever!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug Has Closed
The long-running 3D show inside the Tree of Life closed permanently in March 2025. It will be replaced by a new Zootopia-themed show opening later in 2025. The exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet.
Looking Ahead: Tropical Americas
The new Tropical Americas land will open in 2027 with:
- An exciting Indiana Jones adventure
- The first-ever Encanto ride-through attraction
- A new family-friendly carousel
- A large quick-service restaurant
Must-Do Attractions and Experiences
Even with all the changes, Animal Kingdom still has amazing attractions you shouldn’t miss. Here are the top three must-do experiences:
1. Avatar Flight of Passage
This incredible ride lets you feel what it’s like to fly on the back of a banshee (a dragon-like creature) through the world of Pandora. The sensation of soaring through mountains, diving over oceans, and zooming through forests is breathtaking!
Height requirement: 44 inches (112 cm)
Best time to ride: First thing in the morning during Early Entry or last hour before park closing
Wait times: Can reach 2-3 hours during peak times
I still remember the first time I rode Flight of Passage – my jaw literally dropped when I felt like I was flying. The mist on my face, the banshee breathing between my legs, and the incredible visuals made me feel like I was really on another planet!
2. Expedition Everest
This thrilling roller coaster takes you up the “forbidden mountain” in search of the legendary Yeti. With a big drop, backward section, and surprising twists, it’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Height requirement: 44 inches (112 cm)
Best time to ride: Early morning or during Festival of the Lion King showtimes
Wait times: Usually 30-60 minutes, but can vary
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris
This 18-minute safari ride takes you through 110 acres of African savanna to see giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and many more animals. No two rides are ever the same because the animals move freely!
Height requirement: None
Best time to ride: Early morning (animals are more active) or just before sunset
Wait times: Usually 30-45 minutes
The safari is truly magical because you never know what you’ll see. On my last trip, our truck stopped for 10 minutes because a giraffe was crossing the road right in front of us. The driver told us this was super rare, and we got amazing photos!
Land-by-Land Guide
Animal Kingdom is divided into six distinct areas, each with its own theme and attractions. Let’s explore them all!
Oasis
The Oasis is the entrance area of the park. Many people rush through it to get to the rides, but slow down! This area has beautiful walking paths with animal exhibits, including:
- Giant anteaters
- Exotic birds
- Macaws
- Tree kangaroos
Take 15-20 minutes to explore these peaceful trails, especially later in the day when you need a break from the crowds.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the hub of the park, with the massive Tree of Life as its centerpiece. This incredible 145-foot artificial tree has over 300 animal carvings in its trunk and roots!
Don’t miss:
- The Discovery Island Trails that wind around the Tree of Life (many visitors don’t even know these exist!)
- Tree of Life Awakenings (projection show on the tree after dark)
- Meeting Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Based on James Cameron’s Avatar movies, this immersive land opened in 2017 and still wows visitors with its floating mountains and bioluminescent plants that glow at night.
Key attractions:
- Avatar Flight of Passage (discussed above)
- Na’vi River Journey – a gentle boat ride through a glowing forest with amazing animatronics
- Valley of Mo’ara – the land itself is an attraction with interactive plants and incredible photo spots
When to visit Pandora:
During the day, for shorter ride lines, but also plan to return after dark when the entire land glows with beautiful colors. It’s like being on another planet!
Africa
Africa is home to the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris and some of the park’s best shows and animal experiences.
Don’t miss:
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – see gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds up close
- Festival of the Lion King – a Broadway-quality show with singers, dancers, acrobats, and favorite characters from The Lion King
- Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
When to visit Africa:
Start your day here if you’re not rushing to Pandora. The animals are most active in the morning, and you can catch an early Festival of the Lion King show with shorter wait times.
Asia
Asia takes you to the fictional kingdom of Anandapur with its ancient ruins and Himalayan village.
Key attractions:
- Expedition Everest (discussed above)
- Kali River Rapids – a whitewater rafting adventure (you will get wet!)
- Maharajah Jungle Trek – see tigers, bats, and Asian birds
- Feathered Friends in Flight – a fun bird show demonstrating natural behaviors
DinoLand U.S.A. (Last Chance in 2025!)
As mentioned earlier, this is your last chance to experience DinoLand before it’s gone forever!
What’s still open in 2025:
- DINOSAUR – a thrilling time-travel ride to rescue a dinosaur
- The Boneyard – a fossil-themed playground for kids
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! – a musical show with amazing puppets
- Restaurantosaurus – a quick-service restaurant with fun theming
Complete Entertainment Guide
Animal Kingdom isn’t just about rides; it has some of the best shows and entertainment at Disney World!
Festival of the Lion King
This 30-minute show features singers, dancers, acrobats, and puppets celebrating The Lion King. With familiar songs and amazing performances, it’s a must-see!
Show times: Usually at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
Arrival advice: Line up 20-30 minutes early for the best seats
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
This 25-minute musical uses puppets, dancers, and amazing effects to tell the story of Finding Nemo. The performers who operate the puppets are visible, adding an extra layer to the amazing artistry.
Show times: Typically at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
Arrival advice: Line up 15-20 minutes early
Street Entertainment
Animal Kingdom has incredible “streetmosphere” performers throughout the park:
- Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe (Africa) – energetic African drumming and dancing
- Kora Tinga Tinga (Africa) – beautiful African string instrument
- Burudika (Africa) – lively band performing African songs
- Beats and Strings (Asia) – traditional Asian music with tabla and sitar
- Viva Gaia Street Band (Discovery Island) – energetic percussion group
- Eco-Rhythmics Drummers (DinoLand) – percussion on recycled materials
Touring Plans and Strategies
How do you fit everything into one day? Here’s our successful Animal Kingdom itinerary that ensures we always have a good day.
Morning Plan (First 2 Hours)
If you have Early Entry:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost
- DINOSAUR
If you don’t have Early Entry:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (animals are most active in the morning)
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Festival of the Lion King (first show)
- Expedition Everest
Mid-Day Plan (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
This is when the park is hottest and most crowded. Focus on:
- Indoor shows (Finding Nemo, Festival of the Lion King)
- Animal trails (take your time and enjoy)
- Lunch in air-conditioned restaurants
- Maharajah Jungle Trek (parts are shaded)
- Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Evening Plan (3:00 PM – Close)
- Kali River Rapids (you’ll have time to dry off)
- Expedition Everest (if you didn’t ride earlier)
- DINOSAUR
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (different animals are active in the afternoon)
- Dinner
- Return to Pandora to see it glow at night
- Tree of Life Awakenings (after dark)
Animal Kingdom After Dark
Animal Kingdom transforms after sunset with special lighting and experiences:
- Pandora’s bioluminescent plants and pathways glow with beautiful blue, purple, and green lights
- The Tree of Life Awakenings show projects animals and nature scenes on the massive tree
- Night safaris offer a different experience, with nocturnal animals becoming active
In 2025, Animal Kingdom typically closes earlier than other Disney parks, but during busy seasons it may stay open until 8:00 or 9:00 PM. Check the calendar for your visit dates.
Special Experiences Worth Considering
Want to make your visit extra special? Consider these add-on experiences:
- Wild Africa Trek – a 3-hour guided expedition with close-up animal encounters and a special meal ($189-249 per person)
- Caring for Giants – a 60-minute behind-the-scenes look at elephant care ($35 per person)
- Animation Experience at Conservation Station – learn to draw Disney animal characters (included with admission)
- Savor the Savanna – evening safari with African-inspired food and drinks ($174 per person)
These experiences require separate reservations and additional costs, but they offer excellent opportunities you can’t get with regular admission.
Dining at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom has some of the most amazing food options at Disney World, with flavors from around the globe!
Quick-Service Highlights
- Satu’li Canteen (Pandora) – create-your-own bowls with unusual flavors
- Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island) – excellent ribs and chicken with riverside seating
- Harambe Market (Africa) – African-inspired bowls and grilled meats
- Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe (Asia) – Asian favorites like rice bowls and egg rolls
Table-Service Restaurants
- Tiffins (Discovery Island) – Disney World’s only signature (fancy) restaurant celebrating animal conservation
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant (Asia) – pan-Asian cuisine in a beautifully decorated setting
- Tusker House (Africa) – character dining with Mickey and friends serving an African-inspired buffet
Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips
Want to level up your Animal Kingdom experience? Here are some insider tips:
- Visit the Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch to pet goats, sheep, and other domesticated animals
- Look for animal keepers throughout the park – they often have fascinating information to share
- Take the Wildlife Express Train round-trip, even if you don’t get off – kids love it, and adults get a rest!
- Visit Nomad Lounge for amazing drinks and small plates in a beautiful setting
- Look for hidden Mickeys throughout the park, especially in the animal carvings on the Tree of Life
Finally, remember what makes Animal Kingdom special. It’s a park where slowing down is rewarded. Take time to explore the trails, watch the animals, and enjoy the amazing details Disney has created. It’s not just about racing from ride to ride!
Final Thoughts
Animal Kingdom in 2025 is a park in transition, with the upcoming closure of DinoLand U.S.A. and new attractions on the horizon. But it remains one of Disney World’s most special experiences.
Have you planned your Animal Kingdom day? What are you most excited to see? Whether it’s soaring on a banshee, watching lions and elephants on safari, or saying goodbye to the dinosaurs before they go extinct (again!), Animal Kingdom offers adventures you simply can’t find anywhere else.
