What do you all do at AK for TWO DAYS????
Two days? That's not NEARLY enough for us! I can't believe how many people just don't "get" the Animal Kingdom. It is our favorite park, because we've taken the time to slow down and truly take the time to understand what this park is all about. And once you "get" it, you'll come to realize what many of us have already... the Animal Kingdom Park is the most magical park in all of Disney!
So many people just run straight to EE, Safari, or Dinosaur to get Fastpasses and miss so much of what the Animal Kingdom has to offer! Here's our tips on how to enjoy the AK:
- Instead of running to get those FP's, spend some time touring the Oasis and meet some of the CM's. Many will have animals (or reptiles or birds) with them, and they love to talk about the animals. There are several different paths with a few surprises in the Oasis area.
- Try finding the hidden trails around the Tree of Life. There are live animals and incredible tree carvings that can only be seen by taking the hidden trails.
- You can join the Kid's Discovery Club (for free) and take part in learning activities in each of the lands. You get a stamp, and if you collect them all, you get a special stamp.
- Camp Minnie-Mickey presents one of the best opportunities for a meet and greet with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald. Plus, they usually bring out a rare character each day down there. We met "Koda" from Brother Bear there the last time.
- Festival of the Lion King is one of the best shows anywhere. If you get there early enough, you may be asked to be a part of the show! I got to lead the Warthog section one time, and that's a story that our kids won't every forget!
- It's Tough to be a Bug isn't for everyone, but it is a really good 3D show.
- The Pooh Characters are usually down by the waterfront on Discovery Island, just before you cross the bridge to DinoLand. Many people miss this trail.
- The Boneyard is the best play area for kids in any Disney Park.
- Dinosaur is a little too scary for younger kids, but great for older kids and parents. Our kids are DS16 and DD10, and we love Dinosaur.
- Even though our daughter is 10, she insists we ride the Triceratops Spin in Dinoland on every trip. She loves it more than Dumbo.
- Countdown to Extinction is a really fun (and tame) wild-mouse type of roller coaster.
- The games in DinoLand aren't worth your time, but they DO have some unique pins at one of the booths (if you are into pin trading).
- Chester & Hester's store has some great souvenirs that you cannot get anywhere else in Disney.
- Nemo musical is very good, but also very long. Absolutely worth it to see at least once!
- Flights of Wonder (bird show between Asia and Africa) is another overlooked gem. Great show that's lots of fun and has some amazing birds!
- Expedition Everest is the best thrill ride in Disney. Again, not for little kids, but definitely a good coaster for older kids and teens. Simply amazing theming.
- Asia is a fun country. Kali River Rapids is a blast, and is tame enough for even young kids. We love it, but you have to plan accordingly because you will get wet. We always take extra clothes to the AK and put them in the locker. We hit Kali right before lunch, and then we go back and change and then eat.
- If you don't want to ride the rapids, you can always stand on the bridge and fire the water at the those on the raft below you.
- Most people go into the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see the Tigers. If the tigers are active, it can be great. But the giant bats are really unique. And the bird area is filled with so many different types of birds that you can't possibly see them all.
- Between Africa and Asia are a few neat things. First off, there are viewing areas and picture areas by the water with the Tree of Life in the Background. This is a great place to eat if you pick up one of the AK's picnic lunches. Second, you might run into Devine. If you've never seen her, then this is a great spot. And third, just as you enter Africa there are sets of African drums for everyone to play.
- The Kilaminjaro Safari is the biggest draw, and is truly our favorite part of the adventure. We go twice every day that we are at the AK, because it is a different experience every time! We usually try to hit it the first thing in the morning, and then again later in the day. We always have different experiences.
- It took us awhile to like Rafiki's Planet Watch, and in the past we just made a quick trip out, petted the goats, and made a quick trip back. This last time, though, we decided to give it some more time (and we're glad we did). We spent several hours there. On the trail in, there are CM's with learning opportunities about plants and animals. If you get there early enough, you may get to see a Vet perform a surgery or check-up on one of the animals from the Safari. They have glass windows in front of the exam rooms, and you can watch the procedures. There is always some type of show with a CM talking about animals. There are the Sound Rooms with sounds from the Rain Forest. There's the affection section. There's character greetings with Jiminy Cricket and Pocahontas! And there's more!
- Obviously, if you go to Rafiki's Planet Watch, you also get to ride the train.
- The Pangani Forest Trail is another area where you want to take your time. If you stop and take part in the activities and talk to the CM's, you could spend half of a day here! Especially in the gorilla section. And, you can try to find the "hidden Jafar." It is huge (over 15 feet tall), but hard to find. Ask any CM, and they can help you.
- In Harambe (Africa), the Dawa Bar is a great place to unwind and have a cold drink (I recommend the Safari Amber Beer) and watch an authentic African Music group perform.
- The Jammin' Jungle Parade is awesome, and has the best interaction with performers and guests of any parade in Disney. And, every day a family is selected to be in the parade. You could be part of the show!
- While the AK doesn't have the greatest food selection, they do have a few surprises. The Yak & Yeti counter service is new, but the favorite will always be the ribs at Flame Tree BBQ. The Caesar Salad at Pizzafari is good, but my favorite is the Tuna Pita at Tamu Tamu. And the Rainforest Cafe' is also a good choice.
- It's always sad at the end of the day when a park closes, but the AK has one of the most-fun closing ceremonies. With all of the characters and CM's singing and dancing with the kids at the Oasis, it's a great party. And it makes you want to come back the next day.
So, like any park, the Animal Kingdom is what you make of it. If you try to do what I described above, you couldn't possibly do everything in one day. The secret to this park is to slow down, relax, and immerse yourself in the magic! The music at the AK is fantastic, and if you just take a moment to stop, look, and listen... then maybe you will catch some of the magic yourself and THEN you'll realize just how amazing this park is!
