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Animal Kingdom Guide
Animal Kingdom Guide

Animal Kingdom Guide

Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Florida is the biggest animal-themed park in the world, with more than 1,700 animals of 250 species!

This awesome park was built to represent Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation, and is committed to animal care, education and research.

Set over 500 acres, Animal Kingdom is made up of 7 magical lands, complete with theme park rides, spectacular shows and more. All this is set within the lush landscapes of Africa and Asia, in which the animals roam freely in incredible recreations of their natural habitats.

Animal Kingdom Overview

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is made up of 7 lands:

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Experience the magical world of Avatar in this 12-acre land inspired by James Cameron’s vision of Pandora. Explore the home of the Na’vi – find yourself surrounded by stunning scenery and floating mountains.

Soar through the skies over Pandora in the Flight of Passage simulator and soak in the sights on the peaceful Na’vi River Journey.

Oasis

Just inside the entrance to Animal Kingdom, The Oasis is a series of lush, leafy tropical garden pathways where you’ll encounter tiny deer, sloths, giant anteaters, iguanas, otters, macaws, tree kangaroos, wallabies and many other animals.

The Oasis is a transition from the stresses and strains of the “real world”, to the world of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The shady trails, which lay within trickling streams and cooling waterfalls, eventually lead to the Safari Village – the central hub of the Animal Kingdom.

Discovery Island

Discovery Island, set in the heart of the Animal Kingdom, is home to the Discovery Island Trails, the magnificent 14-storey tall Tree of Life, the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” 3D audio-animatronic movie and lots more.

Pandora
Fanatsyland

Africa

Africa is set in the fictional east African coastal village of Harambe. Surrounding a market place full of local wares, you’ll see coral stone whitewashed structures complete with thatched roofs constructed by African craftspeople.

In Africa you’ll see exotic animals like silverback gorillas, ride the Kilimanjaro Safari into the African Savannah and take the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – which you can explore at your own pace and meet okapi, meerkats, mole rats, gorillas and more. You can also board the Wildlife Express Train which will take you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at this conservation station focused on animal well-being and care.

The three main areas of Rafiki’s Planet Watch are:

  • Habitat Habit – learn about the efforts made to protect cottontop tamarins in their native habitat.
  • Conservation Station – an animal nursery and veterinary care area.
  • Affection Section – a domestic animal petting area.

Asia

Cross over the bridge from Africa and arrive in the mythical kingdom of Anandapur, with its Maharajah’s palace, temples and an ancient village.

Andapur, which translates as ‘place of many delights’, is where you’ll find:

  • Expedition Everest – a high speed rollercoaster ride
  • Kali River Rapids – a white water raft ride
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek – where you can wander through the ancient ruins of India
  • Flights of Wonder – an unmissable show featuring exotic birds

DinoLand U.S.A.

Journey 65 million years back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth!

Pass under the Olden Gate Bridge, a 40-foot Brachiosaurus reassembled from excavated fossils, to enter DinoLand. Here you’ll find attractions including TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, Primeval Whirl, DINOSAUR and much more.

Adventureland

Animal Kingdom Rides

Expedition Everest

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Frontierland

All aboard this runaway mine train for a fast and frantic ride through a haunted gold-mining town! Hold on tight as the train’s wheels chug across the rickety track and you’re hurled forward into the darkness of the tunnel, swooping around sharp turns, dipping and dropping into canyons and caves, speeding under a booming waterfall and dodging a landslide.

Ride Type: Thrill Ride

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: 40”/3ft4”/ 1.02m

Dinosaur Ride

Space Mountain

  Tomorrowland

Blast off through outer space on this rip-roaring rocket ride! Space Mountain has been a firm favourite at Disney World for over 35 years. Space Mountain was launched with the help of real NASA astronauts, using information from NASA’s early space missions – so you can be sure that this ride will feel as close to actual space flight as you can get!

Ride Type: Thrill Ride

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: 44”/3ft8”/1.12m

Kali River Rapids

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Fantasyland

Hi-ho, hi-ho, into the mines we go!

This ride begins by venturing through a forest where you’ll find the Dwarfs’ cottage, and meet Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy, Dopey and even Snow White herself.

Then hold on tight because it’s time to ride into the mine, on the rockingest, rollingest, twistiest train ride ever!

Ride Type: Thrill Ride

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: 38”/3ft2”/97cm

Avatar Flight of Passage

Splash Mountain

Frontierland

This log-flume adventure takes you gliding along a colourful bayou in a hollow log, to a super 5-storey splashdown! Clap and sing along to classic Disney film Song of the South, as you pass by places like Critter Cave, the Old Swimming Hole and Br’er Rabbit’s home in the briar patch.

 Top Tip

Where you’re seated will determine how wet you’ll get – at the back you may just experience some splashes, whereas at the front you can expect to get soaked!

Ride Type: Thrill Ride, Water Ride

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: 40”/3ft4”/ 1.02m

Kilimanjaro Safari

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Adventureland

Fly high over Agrabah on a magic carpet, soaring over a bustling bazaar and rotating around a giant genie bottle and magic lamp.

As the master of your very own flying carpet, you are in the driving seat on this ride! You can control how high or low you fly, or tip your flying carpet forward or backward.

Ride Type: Kid-friendly, Spinning

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: None!

Navi River Journey

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Tomorrowland

This shooting-gallery game puts you right in the centre of a thrilling space battle!

The Evil Emperor Zurg is stealing batteries from helpless toys to power a new weapon of destruction, and as a Junior Space Ranger, it’s down to you to stop him!

This ride is a favourite among young families and a must for anyone who enjoys video games.

Ride Type: Kid-friendly, Spinning

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: None!

Navi River Journey

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Tomorrowland

This shooting-gallery game puts you right in the centre of a thrilling space battle!

The Evil Emperor Zurg is stealing batteries from helpless toys to power a new weapon of destruction, and as a Junior Space Ranger, it’s down to you to stop him!

This ride is a favourite among young families and a must for anyone who enjoys video games.

Ride Type: Kid-friendly, Spinning

GENIE+ / Individual Lightning Available

Min Height: None!

Magic Kingdom Attractions & Experiences

The Oasis Exhibits   Asia

Enter the stunning world of unspoilt nature – take a stroll through the Oasis tropical garden pathways near the entrance of Animal Kingdom and encounter exotic wildlife along the way.

Keep your eyes open for giant anteaters, exotic boars, barking deer and wallaby spoonbills. You could even snap a cheeky photo of the animals!

Affection Section   Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Make a new furry friend at the Animal Kingdom’s only petting zoo! Meet goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, pigs and more.

Conservation Station   Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Get an in-depth look at different animal habitats from across the world, and discover the expert care that’s given to the animals who live in Animal Kingdom.

Maharajah Jungle Trek   Asia

On this self-guided walking tour of northern Asia you’ll encounter exotic, wild animals roaming in a tropical paradise filled with crumbling temple ruins, trees, plants, rushing waterfalls and the scent of wild jasmine and honeysuckle.

Animal Kingdom
Monsters Inc

Tree of Life   Discovery Island

This beautifully sculpted 14-storey, 145ft tall, 50ft wide tree is the iconic centrepiece of the Animal Kingdom park. Can you spot the 325 animals that are carved into its bark?

The Tree of Life even has a theatre inside its root system where you can watch the 4D show ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug’!

It’s Tough to be a Bug! 3D Show   Discovery Island

Delve into the roots of the Tree of Life and you’ll find a 430-seat auditorium which features the show “It’s Tough to be a Bug”! This fun, entertaining 3D short movie gives a bug’s-eye view of the problems faced when living in a multi-legged society, with some 4D effects that will take you by surprise!

Finding Nemo   DinoLand U.S.A.

Experience a heart-warming and hilarious show, featuring your favourite “Finding Nemo” characters. The 30-minute Broadway-style musical features special state-of-the-art sound and lighting effects, as well as incredible puppets – some of which are as big as cars!

Festival of the Lion King 

Delight in an enticing & interactive show filled with fan-loved songs & larger-than-life puppets & floats. It’s 40 minutes of roaring fun for the whole family! 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Our top picks of places to eat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Character Dining

Tusker House Restaurant

Africa

Meet Safari Donald Duck & his friends over an African-inspired meal.

Early breakfast or family-style dinner buffet – at Tusker House you are welcome anytime!

African, American Cuisine

Character Dining

$$-$$$

Character Dining

Flame Tree Barbecue

Discovery Island

Get ready for a hot, flaming BBQ

Enjoy succulent smokehouse meat, sticky ribs & spicy chicken, served with signature baked beans & jalapeno cornbread.

American Cuisine

Fast Food

$

Casual Dining

Harambe Market

Africa

Experience the flavours of Africa at the busy Harambe marketplace.

Grab a bite from 1 of the 4 tempting walk-up windows, find a seat in the shade and tuck in!

American Cuisine

Fast Food

$

Casual Dining

Restaurantosaurus

DinoLand U.S.A.

Dino-sized portions of burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets await in this palaeontology students’ dorm-turned-restaurant.

Don’t forget to try an ice-cold Safari Amber draft beer too!

American Cuisine

Fast Food

$

Themed Dining

Pizzafari

Discovery Island

Who doesn’t love a good, fresh pizza?! Enjoy a slice surrounded by colourful animal-themed murals and mosaics.

You’ll also find a selection of pasta, salads, desserts and more.

American, French Cuisine

Pizzaria

$

Fast Food

Rainforest Café

Main Entrance of Animal Kingdom

Welcome to the jungle! Treat yourself to a tasty American-style meal with a fun tropical twist.

Feel like you’re in the Amazon forest – dine amongst life-sized animals and exotic plants.

Mexican Cuisine

Themed Dining

$-$$

Casual Dining

Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café

Asia

Have a break in the Himalayas and get stuck into a variety of Asian delicacies.

Teriyaki beef bowls, sweet & sour chicken, roasted vegetable couscous wraps, pork egg rolls, Chinese fried rice and more – the choice is yours!

American, Italian Cuisine

Themed Dining

$$

Fast Food

Tiffins

Discovery Island

Stop here for a delightful fine dining experience, inspired by travel and adventure.

Try a chef’s take on cuisines from all around the globe!

American Cuisine

Fine Dining

$$$

Animal Kingdom Facts

Animal Kingdom Opening Hours

Opens: 9am

Closes: (depending on time of year)

If you need to know times for a specific date, we recommend checking with the park just before you visit.

Animal Kingdom Parking

 Parking Tip 1

Once you’ve paid for parking at one Walt Disney World park, you can park at any of the other parks free for the rest of that day!

Staying at a Disney hotel?

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can park at the Animal Kingdom park for free. Just make sure you have a valid Key to the World Card or Resort Parking Permit.

Parking Prices:

Car or Motorcycle

$20

Preferred Parking

$40

Other Vehicles

$22

 Parking Tip 2

The car parks at Disney World are huge, so it’s a good idea to write down your row and lot number to make sure you don’t lose your car.

If you do forget where you’ve parked, let a car park tram driver know roughly when you arrived, and they should be able to direct you to the right area.

Directions to Animal Kingdom

Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

What can I bring into Animal Kingdom?

Guests are allowed to bring food items – such as snacks or food that does not require heating – into Disney theme parks. Just make sure that you inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park.

What to wear at Animal Kingdom

For a day at the Disney Parks we recommend that you dress casually and comfortably.

Good walking shoes are a must, and you may want to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho in case of rain.

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times inside the parks.

Clothing that is not permitted in the Disney World parks:

  • Adult costumes or clothing that could be viewed as representative of an actual Disney character
  • Masks
  • Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
  • Excessively torn clothing
  • Revealing clothing that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
  • Objectionable tattoos

Looking for Animal Kingdom Tickets?

Our Walt Disney World tickets include admission to all the Disney World parks, including Animal Kingdom!

Normal opening times:

Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm
Sat, Sun: Closed