Animal Kingdom
I could've spent days and days in Animal Kingdom. Next to EPCOT it was my favorite WDW park.
Again, it would take forever to post all of the Animal Kingdom attractions so I'm going to post the ones on my DON'T MISS list.
Kilimanjaro Safari
You want to get to Animal Kingdom early in the morning at rope drop and head straight for Kilimanjaro Safari. You'll avoid long waits and this is when the animals are most active.
This ride is akin to an African safari in a Jeep type vehicle. The ride is bumpy and moves at a good clip so photo ops are nearly impossible. However, the guides really know the animals you'll see and will give you great information about them.
Expedition Everest
Hands down the best roller coaster in all of WDW! It scared my sister so badly she wouldn't go on it again with me.
The best part of the ride is when you're nearly vertical at the point where the tracks look mangled and as though you're going to go right off into space. You hang there for a few seconds, then plunge backward at breakneck speed. AWESOME!
Not for the faint of heart!
Avatar Flight of Passage
Based on the Avatar movies. This is a thrilling 3D ride that simulates the sensation of flying on a Banshee over the stunning landscapes of Pandora. This must-do ride is perfect for fans of “Avatar” and offers breathtaking visuals and an exhilarating sensation of flight.
Festival of the Lion King (Live show)
If you see nothing else at Animal Kingdom you have to see this show. It's the best show in all of WDW - incredible music, costuming and the 'tumble monkeys' are incrediible and steal the show.
The performers get the crowd involved by dividing it into different competing animal-named sections. They even bring the kids onto the stage to dance with the performers.
Disney hit it out of the park with this show!
Na’vi River Journey
Drift through Pandora’s mystical, bioluminescent rainforest on this relaxing boat ride. The highlight is an impressively lifelike animatronic Na’vi shaman.
This is not a thrill ride, just a nice slow relaxing ride.
Dinosaur
This is NOT a favorite ride of mine AT ALL. I'm posting it as a warning: I got injured on this ride.
It jostles you back and forth a whole lot and rather violently. I have a really bad back, the ride put me in pain so I tried to brace myself with my knees. I ended up injuring my knee in the process and spent the rest of the night with an ice pack on my swollen knee.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RIDE FOR ANYONE WITH BACK OR JOINT PROBLEMS!!!
Kali River Rapids
Drift down an unpredictable river rafting adventure, plunging through rapids and gushing waterfalls. The guaranteed splashes make it a playful way to cool off on hot days. Getting wet, possibly soaked, is inevitable. YOU WILL GET SOAKED TO THE SKIN! Wear a rain poncho if you don't want to get drenched.
Feathered Friends in Flight! (Bird Show)
Feathered Friends in Flight is a 35-minute show that features birds displaying their natural behaviors and talents. This educational and entertaining experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of birds, which never cease to amaze with their intelligence and agility.
DiVine
There I was, standing next to a clump of vines just minding my own business...when suddenly that 'clump of vines' came to life and scared the bejesus out of me!
DiVine is a mesmerizing performer covered with vines and foliage. She camouflages so perfectly with her surroundings that it becomes quite challenging to spot her subtle movements as you walk on the wooded paths in the park.
Pandora – The World of Avatar… at Night
Visiting Pandora at night is a must. The bioluminescent flora and ambient sounds create an otherworldly atmosphere that provides a tranquil reprieve from the daytime crowds. Many visitors consider the effect nightfall has on Pandora to be one of the best things to do at Animal Kingdom.
Wildlife Express Train
The Wildlife Express Train is a delightful and frequently overlooked method to see more of the park. It provides a relaxing 7-minute journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where guests can learn about conservation efforts and animal care. The ride also provides a glimpse of remote areas of the park that visitors rarely see, such as the animals’ backstage habitats.
You want to be sure to walk the different walking trails in Animal Kingdom. One of the female gorillas had just had a baby and we wouldn't have seen this or even known about it had we not walked the trails. The baby was just as cute as could be!
Animal Kingdom Dining
Rainforest Cafe
We only ate one meal at Animal Kingdom - at Rainforest Cafe.
Rainforest Café is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that you won’t want to miss. When you step inside, you’ll be transported to a lush, tropical rainforest complete with lifelike animatronic animals and immersive theming. It’s a wild and exciting dining experience that’s conveniently located at the park’s entrance, so you can enjoy a delicious meal as you enter or exit the park.
We ate lunch free of charge except for the server's tip. Want to know how?
Go to the Rainforest Cafe website and sign up for their Landry's Select Club. I got $25 worth of rewards just for signing up + $25 more for my birthday, that I was celebrating while at WDW. We also got priority seating, no reservations required.
This was our free lunch...
P.S. There's also a Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney!
OTHER ANIMAL KINGDOM RESTAURANTS
Tusker House: Tusker House Restaurant is a family-friendly establishment with a diverse buffet with delicious global flavors. The restaurant is primarily known as one of the best Disney Character Dining options in all of Disney World, where you can meet Disney characters like Donald Duck, Minnie, and Mickey.
Yak & Yeti: Yak & Yeti Restaurant is a must-visit for those who crave delicious pan-Asian cuisine in a charming setting. My family and I love the diverse menu that caters to both adventurous and picky eaters. From crispy honey chicken to pan-Asian noodle bowls, the restaurant’s authentic multi-cultural dishes are a hit.
Satu’li Canteen: Satu’li Canteen is a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Pandora, and it also happens to be one of the best dining options for vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant’s customizable bowls offer a variety of delicious and healthy options that cater to different dietary requirements.
Pizzafari: Pizzafari is one of the best restaurants at Animal Kingdom and is known for having some of the best pizza and pasta in the park
Harambe Market: Harambe Market is an open-air quick-service restaurant that serves African-inspired dishes. The lively atmosphere is perfect for a quick lunch. There is a wide range of flavors to choose from, including rice bowls, pitas, salads, and plant-based options.
Tiffins Restaurant: Tiffins is a Signature Dining experience that offers global cuisine and is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. This is more suitable for couples.