If you haven’t been to Animal Kingdom or haven’t visited in a while, you may not know what fun you are in for. This park combines animal experiences with some of the best rides in the parks. Here’s our guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom rides. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click-through may result in a commission paid to us. We’ve received some complimentary admissions but have paid our own way.
Lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Like the other parks at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom has several different themed lands. These include Africa, Asia, Dinoland USA (closing soon), Pandora – the World of Avatar, Discovery Island, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Pandora – the World of Avatar is the newest of the lands and is my favorite. It’s a completely immersive experience that is incredibly detailed, and it has two of the best Animal Kingdom rides.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
One of the best rides for the whole family (including small children), Kilimanjaro Safaris is a definite must-do on your Disney family vacation. We’ve been on it many times and always need to ride it when we are in Animal Kingdom.
Expedition Everest
One of my favorite thrill rides at the Disney theme parks, Expedition Everest is a roller coaster that travels backward. It’s so much fun, and I definitely recommend riding it if you’ve got kids that meet the height requirement. There’s also a single-rider line that can make the wait a little shorter and a lightning lane.
Avatar Flight of Passage
The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom (if not all of Walt Disney World), Avatar Flight of Passage is a simulator 3D ride where you get the opportunity to ride on the back of a banshee. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s one of the most imaginative rides I’ve experienced.
Na’vi River Journey
On this dark ride, you’ll take a boat ride in a bioluminescent rainforest in search of the shaman of song. It’s a beautiful ride, but not nearly as thrilling as Avatar Flight of Passage. There are usually long lines for both of these Pandora attractions.
DinoLand USA
DINOSAUR and TriceraTop Spin are two rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that will unfortunately be closing soon. Disney World plans to launch a new land in this area, including a re-imagining of DINOSAUR.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
This is a 3D film, rather than a ride, but it’s still lots of fun. Located right in the Tree of life icon in the center of the park, It’s Tough to Be a Bug is a film based on the Pixar film, A Bug’s Life. Disney has announced that It’s Tough To Be a Bug will be closed and replaced by a Zootopia attraction.
Learn More
You can read our full guide to rides at Animal Kingdom here. When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.