We’d all like to have unlimited time to visit Walt Disney World. Well, everyone, that is, except for maybe my husband. But most of us don’t have unlimited time (and funds) to explore the many wonders of Walt Disney World Parks. Of the four parks, Animal Kingdom is the easiest to do in one day. Just follow the tips below.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before rope drop…
…or when the park is scheduled to open. Yes, you will wait a few minutes but Disney is great at entertaining the crowds. For many people, the opening ceremony is a must-see. And, a scheduled opening time of 9am doesn’t always mean 9am. We’ve arrived at 8:55am and the gates are already open.
Or not…
…because through the years, we’ve found that if you strategize just right you can use Animal Kingdom day as a “sleep-in day.” IF you have secured FastPasses for Flight of Passage (any time of day) and Kilimanjaro Safaris (in the early evening)….and IF the park is open later in the evening this might be the day to sleep in and skip Rope Drop. (My husband just gasped! Finally – a day to sleep in!)
Once you are in the park…
…head straight for the Tree of Life (standing 14 stories, you can’t miss it!) and turn left. Basically, follow the crowds to Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. The animals are most active early in the day and the line will move very quickly. If you already have FastPasses for your other top attractions and you’ve arrived early enough you don’t need a FastPass for this one. And, if you enjoyed it, you can always grab another Fastpass after you’ve used up your 3 for the day. No two rides are exactly alike on this attraction. And we love to experience this attraction in the evening, as well.
Thrill-seekers should now head straight for Expedition Everest…
…The line should still be manageable at this point. Even if you don’t enjoy roller coasters, the queue is an attraction in itself. My husband waits in line with us and then exits through the chicken door once it’s time to ride. He agrees; the queue alone is worth the wait. A single rider line is also an option with this attraction. There’s not much conversing on a roller coaster anyway, right? And if you don’t have FastPasses, the single rider line shortens your wait considerably.
As the park gets more crowded, slow down…
…Take some time to wander through Maharajah Jungle Trek, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
And now it’s time for lunch…
…Our favorites include Flame Tree Barbecue and Yak & Yeti (either sit-down or counter service)
Take in a show…
…It’s Tough to Be a Bug or Festival of the Lion King are the perfect after lunch attractions. Just be sure and check showtimes.
Winding down the afternoon (or evening)…
Now it’s time to explore Pandora. In Pandora, you can use your Flight of Passage Fastpasses and ride Na’vi River Journey. Just before your Kali River Rapids return time, visit DinoLand U.S.A. At DinoLand U.S.A. you’ll find a great play area (The Boneyard) for the kids, Primeval Whirl and the intense DINOSAUR attraction.
Another must-do is Kali River Rapids…
…Check and see when the Fastpass return time is and plan your day accordingly. We enjoy this attraction between 2-5 pm, leaving it the last ride of the day. No one likes to walk around in wet clothes and on Kali River Rapids you WILL get wet!
If you still have the energy or you’ve slept in today…
…stay for Rivers of Light. It is a beautiful nighttime experience on the Discovery River Lagoon. Arrive early to find a seat, sit back, relax and enjoy a unique music and light display.
But wait, there’s more…
- make sure you are aware of when the park closes. Animal Kingdom typically has the earliest closing time.
- It’s a very shady park, but don’t forget the sunscreen.
- Or the rain ponchos. There isn’t a lot of shelter from Florida’s rain showers.
With over 1,000 animals, Animal Kingdom is more than a glorified zoo. It’s an experience for all ages. Have fun!
