A Guide to Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World is part theme park and part zoo! Wandering the jungle pathways and spotting all kinds of animals, from tigers to gorillas, is a great way to spend time between rides. Though this park has the least amount of rides at Walt Disney World!

Here’s your guide to Animal Kingdom, with all the rides, attractions and restaurants to help you plan your day!

Transportation

Aside from arriving by car, the only transportation option at Animal Kingdom is buses. There are no monorails or boats here!

The Animal Kingdom Entrance

The entrance to Animal Kingdom is home to Rainforest Cafe, Joffrey’s Tea and Coffee Company and a couple of gift shops!

The Oasis

The Oasis is at the main entrance to Animal Kingdom. It’s a mini tropical paradise and home to animals and birds, such as giant anteaters and spoonbills. You’ll also find guest services and rentals here.

Discovery Island

At the centre of Animal Kingdom, you will find Discovery Island, home to the Tree of Life.

Rides & Attractions

Wilderness Explorers Headquarters: Wilderness Explorers gives kids a chance to earn adventure badges like Russel from the movie Up! Pick up a handbook from the headquarters on the bridge into Discovery Island (from the Oasis) or from any of the Troop Leaders around the park. You’ll spot them wearing their Wilderness Explorers outfits. The handbook has a range of activities to complete around Animal Kingdom to help little ones earn their badges!

Discovery Island Trails: Take some time out from the bustling of park life to meander around the Tree of Life. You’ll spot plenty of animals on the way including Galapagos Tortoises, Ring-Tailed Lemurs and African Crested Porcupines.

It’s Tough to be a Bug!: It’s Tough to be a Bug is a 3D film inspired by A Bug’s Life. Hidden beneath the Tree of Life, the show teaches you all about insects with a few surprises!

Food & Snacks

Terra Treats: Terra Treats is a cart which sells pizza and beer.

Creature Comforts: A Starbucks and bakery which sells sandwiches and baked goods.

Pizzafari: A colourful restaurant serving pizza, salads and breadsticks.

Nomad Lounge: Cocktails and small plates such as tuna poke bowls and sliders are on the menu at Nomad Lounge.

Tiffins Restaurant: Tiffins is a popular signature dining restaurant with beautiful theming and artwork. There’s a mix of interesting dishes, such as Braai-spiced Veal and Tamarind-braised Short Rib.

Isle of Java: The Isle of Java food cart sells Joffrey’s coffee and cold drinks. There’s also a small range of sweet and savoury snacks, such as Mickey-shaped pretzels and churros.

Flame Tree Barbeque: A quick-service barbeque restaurant which serves typical barbeque food, such as ribs, chicken and pulled pork.

The Smiling Crocodile: You can get tacos and cold drinks on the go at The Smiling Crocodile.

Eight Spoon Cafe: Eight Spoon Cafe sells snacks, including mac and cheese, with and without pulled pork. If you’re looking for something more out there, they also sell a pulled pork jelly doughnut sandwich.

DinoLand U.S.A.

Dinoland U.S.A. is a dinosaur-themed carnival section. Here you’ll find fair games, as well as dinosaur-themed rides, dining options and a dig site play area.

Rides & Attractions

DINOSAUR: DINOSAUR is a dark and bumpy ride back in time. As you bolt round bends, avoiding falling meteors, you’ll come face-to-face with a range of prehistoric dinosaurs.

The Boneyard: Let your kids run free on this fun playground made to look like a dig site.

Fossil Fun Games: Fitting into Dinoland U.S.A.’s carnival theme, you will find classic fair games where you can win prizes!

TriceraTop Spin: A ride suitable for all ages, the TriceraTop Spin bobs up and down as well as back and forth in this classic carnival ride.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!: A fun underwater show that brings Finding Nemo to life with puppets and music.

Food & Snacks

Trilo-Bites: Trilo-Bites sells snacks such as Buffalo Chicken Chips, soft serve ice cream, ice cream floats and a Dole Whip Trilo-Bites Twist.

Dino-Bite Snacks: Cool down at Dino-Bite snacks with ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and floats.

Restaurantosaurus: This dinosaur-themed restaurant sells typical American food such as burgers and hot dogs. A recent addition to the menu is the spicy Asian chicken sandwich.

Africa

The Africa section is home to many African animals, including gorillas and hippos. You can even go on an African safari across the savannah and then dine on some African cuisine!

Rides & Attractions

Kilimanjaro Safaris: A guided tour of the African Savannah right in the middle of Orlando! Animals roam free as your driver guides you through 110 acres of lush landscape.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Tip: Head on a Kilimanjaro Safari in the early morning or the evening to try and catch the animals when they’re most active.

Wildlife Express Train & Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Board the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can pet goats and learn about animals and their habitats. The Conservation Station is particularly interesting as you can see where animals receive veterinary care (and you might actually catch a procedure taking place!).

Festival of the Lion King: The Festival of the Lion King is a fun and lively show including songs, acrobats and puppetry!

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail: Gorillas aren’t the only thing you’ll see as you trek through Pangani Forest! You can spot other African animals, such as hippos, zebras and meerkats.

Food & Snacks

Tusker House Restaurant: Meet Mickey, Goofy and Donald at this character dining location while you dine on a range of African and American cuisine.

Dawa Bar: Sip on speciality cocktails and taste an array of South African wines at the Dawa Bar.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments: The refreshments on offer include Dole Whip and alcoholic beverages.

Mahindi: Snacks include popcorn and cinnamon-glazed pecans and almonds.

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery: African coffee, lager and snacks such as flatbreads and empanadas are on the menu at this coffee shop and bakery.

Harambe Fruit Market: The fruit market sells a range of fresh fruit, as well as Mickey-shaped pretzels, grilled corn on the cob and all-beef hotdogs.

Harambe Market: Harambe Market serves African dishes, such as ribs and chicken bowls.

Zuri’s Sweet Shop: Zuri’s Sweet Shop sells a range of sweet treats such as cupcakes, cookies and caramel apples.

Asia

Asia is home to tigers and two great rides – Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest. There are also plenty of food and drink options, including one of my favourite quick service restaurants, Yak & Yeti.

Rides & Attractions

Kali River Rapids: Prepare to get wet on this whitewater ride down the Chakranadi River. The rapids are just one of the many water rides at Disney World.

Kali River Rapids Tip: Don’t forget to put your belongings in a locker to keep them dry!

Expedition Everest: Board a train and take a ride on Disney World’s tallest rollercoaster!

Maharajah Jungle Trek: Trek through the jungle and spot animals such as tigers, komodo dragons and Malayan flying foxes.

Feathered Friends in Flight: Stop by Anandapur Theater and learn about the free-flying birds that live in Animal Kingdom.

Food & Snacks

Thirsty River Bar: An open-air bar which serves frozen cocktails, wine and beer.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck: The colourful ice cream truck sells soft-serve waffle cones, sundaes and floats.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company: This kiosk sells Joffrey’s coffee plus teas and assorted pastries.

Yak & Yeti: Yak and Yeti have a quick service and a table service restaurant. They each have different menus and serve Asian food such as honey sesame chicken and Lo mein noodles.

Drinkwallah: Drinkwallah sells a range of cold and frozen beverages. It also sells snacks such as Mickey’s premium ice cream bars, chips and cinnamon-glazed nuts.

Warung Outpost: The kiosk sells a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and margaritas.

Caravan Road: Caravan Road sells shaved ice in various flavours, perfect for cooling off in the warm weather.

Mr. Kamal’s: At Mr. Kamal’s you’ll find seasoned fries with dipping sauce and chicken dumplings on the menu.

Pandora: The World of Avatar

Pandora is beautifully themed and is a fantastic addition to Animal Kingdom. Flight of Passage is an incredible experience, and while it isn’t as thrilling, Na’vi River Journey is still impressive! The dining options here are also unique and tasty!

Rides & Attractions

Avatar Flight of Passage: Take a breathtaking ride on the back of a mountain banshee as you soar through the skies of Pandora.

Na’vi River Journey: A boat ride down the Kasvapan River surrounded by biofluorescent fauna and Pandoran creatures.

Food & Snacks

Pongu Pongu: Try some Pandoran cuisine, including Pongu Lumpia and the unique Night Blossom frozen drink.

Satu’li Canteen: Dine inside this former RDA mess hall and snack on a range of international cuisine like Cheeseburger steamed pods and Satu’li bowls with a choice of bases and sauces.

Animal Kingdom FAQ

Are balloons allowed in Animal Kingdom?

No. Balloons (and plastic straws) are banned at Animal Kingdom to stop the animals from ingesting anything harmful. This means you can’t purchase them in this park either.

How many rides are at Animal Kingdom?

There are only eight rides at Animal Kingdom. However, the park still has a lot to explore since it’s part zoo, and there are some great shows too!

Does Animal Kingdom have fireworks?

No, there are no fireworks at Animal Kingdom.

What’s your favourite thing about Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments below! If you still have questions about the park, ask away and we’ll do our best to answer them!