Disney’s Animal Kingdom – it’s a park you don’t often hear much about. To be honest, it wasn’t always at the top of my list to visit either, but that’s changed. Here are my top reasons to visit this “underrated” park.
Theme Park Rides: though there are technically just 9 rides in Animal Kingdom, they are some of the best. Two of those are Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.
- Avatar Flight of Passage – Climb on the winged mountain banshee for an amazing flight over Pandora’s beautiful landscape. This thrilling and intense 3D motion simulated ride is unlike any other.
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: it’s not just another roller coaster. On this journey you’ll wander into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest and board a train to the “top of the world.” Once you arrive, and without warning, a broken and twisted track appears. Brace yourself as your train falls backward into total darkness. You’ll race to escape the cursed mountain and its Yeti.
Animal Viewings and Encounters: It’s called Animal Kingdom for a reason.
- One must-see attraction is Kilimanjaro Safaris. Head out in an open-air vehicle for a guided tour of an African savanna — and spot live animals roaming free across 110 acres of African-inspired plains. The safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this amazing 18-minute expedition.
- Another incredible experience is the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Located in the Asia section of the park, you’ll explore the forest — crossing towering footbridges, roaming jungle bends, and viewing cascading waterfalls. You can also step into a chirping aviary where over 50 species of birds soar free. In addition to the Asian tigers you might encounter, you may also run into Gibbons, Eld’s deer, Blackbucks, Komodo dragons, Malayan flying foxes, and water buffalo.
Themed Characters: meet your favorite Disney friends, as they’re dressed and ready for their next expedition.
World travelers, Mickey and Minnie will be waiting for you at Adventurers Outpost. The rest of their pals can be spotted throughout the park — including Kevin from Up, Launchpad McQuack, Scrooge McDuck, Timon, Rafiki, and more!
With rides that are out of this world; amazing animal encounters; Disney characters to meet; and, even live productions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect theme park to discover!
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I'm Amy! I'm a travel advisor and I'm an expert in all things Disney
I’m a true travel lover with pins dropped all around the world. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, a relaxing retreat, or a trip to Disney, I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable voyage.
