FIRST TIME VISITOR SERIES VII: KID-FREE ANIMAL KINGDOM

Animal Kingdom is more than just a big zoo. The addition of Pandora—The World of Avatar has turned this park up a notch. Visitors have been flocking to Animal Kingdom like mad since Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey were added to the park in 2017.

Pandora is a team favorite (It’s actually at the top of our list because it’s so different than any other attraction.) But what else shouldn’t be missed?

A visit to Animal Kingdom must include the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.

A visit to Animal Kingdom is incomplete without experiencing the Kilimanjaro Safari, the Tree of Life, Festival of the Lion King, and Expedition Everest. In the afternoon, saddle up to the Dawa bar for an African beer and wait to hear the heart-thumping drums nearby. It’s almost impossible to keep still when the cast members start playing.

If you’re a morning person, definitely get to the park at rope drop (when it opens). You’ll be able to explore and take photos without a lot of other guests in your way. You’ll also experience an hour or two of shorter lines for attractions.

The subtle entrance to Flight of Passage.

If you’re not a morning person, then use the Lightning Lane system to schedule late morning or afternoon visits to the attractions you want to visit most.

For thrill-ride seekers, you have to try Expedition Everest. It is one great roller coaster, forward and backward. If you like scares, try DINOSAUR.

Of course, why would you be at Animal Kingdom if you didn’t want to see the animals? The Kilimanjaro Safari is an amazing tour by truck through Disney’s own savanna. The amount of wildlife that can be viewed is worth doing this attraction more than once.

Sumatran Tiger and Cubs-Photo Courtesy of Disney.

By foot, we also recommend visiting the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Animal Kingdom offers four great shows. Festival of the Lion King combines Broadway-worthy singing, dancing, and acrobatics. It alone is worth the price of admission to the park. Finding Nemo-The Musical is a retelling of the classic film using puppetry and song. It’s Tough to be a Bug! is a funny 3D movie in a very well-themed theatre.

Animal Kingdom has been adding more and more food options over the years. Satu’li Canteen is a huge hit. It’s located in Pandora and offers mobile ordering. (Yeah, no waiting in line.) The Cheeseburger Steamed Pods are super tasty, but the bowls are what the team’s adventurous eaters prefer. Flame Tree Barbecue is highly recommended for those who like smoked ribs, pulled pork, and marinated chicken. Harrambe Market offers quick-service African food, but if you’d like a sit-down experience, try the Tusker House. It’s a buffet offering both African and American food.

When it comes to shopping, we love the unique souvenirs sold in the open-air kiosks near the entrance to the safari and Windtraders in Pandora, where you can see the rookery full of baby Banshees.

From the first glimpse of the Tree of Life in the morning to the glow of the Pandora forest at night, Animal Kingdom restores the spirit. And no two days there are ever alike.