UPDATE: New on Patreon is our new “Fun Animal Kingdom Itinerary (Without Genie+) Infographic. See the end of this article for more details!
Sometimes I feel like Animal Kingdom is the “black sheep” of the Walt Disney World theme park family. It is often referred to as a “half day park“. In addition, it is most frequently mentioned as the park to skip if you are taking a short trip (which I guess would make it a “zero day park”). People just seem to want to poop on poor Animal Kingdom.
No more!
I am here to provide my spirited defense of Animal Kingdom, and explain to the Internet why Animal Kingdom should be a must do for any Walt Disney World fan. If you treat this park as if it is just an afterthought, then you are missing out on one of Disney’s great experiences.
Reason #1: Disney Theming At Its Finest
Out of all of the parks at Walt Disney World (and even all of Central Florida), Animal Kingdom has, by far, the best theming. It’s not even close!
Dramatic Entrance
When you first cross through the main gate, you enter through the Oasis. These narrow shady paths with their rotating animal and plant exhibits, provide you with a great introduction to the park. You are immediately immersed in nature as you head deeper into the world of Animal Kingdom.
As you make your ascent into the park, the vista then opens up dramatically and you are now face-to-face with the Tree of Life, the icon of Animal Kingdom. This sort of entrance is classic Disney, reminiscent of how you enter Magic Kingdom through the tunnel under the railroad and onto Main Street USA.
Attention to Detail
The lands themselves are themed amazingly and are all breathtaking in their own way. Of course Pandora transports you to an alien world, full of strange sights and sounds. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a good picture here. No matter where you point your camera, you are guaranteed to get a good shot.
While I have never been to Africa, the town of Harambe certain feels like it was lifted and shifted from the continent to Central Florida. It isn’t some sterile theme park land that you find in, say Magic Kingdom. It feels old, lived in, and alive!
Similarly Asia has that same feel to it. You feel like you are walking through narrow pathways through a town on the sub-continent, with the mountains of the Himalayas looming in the background. From the food stalls, to the prayer flags, to the posters and signage, you truly feel transported.
For all of its flaws, Dinoland USA captures the vibe of a Route 66 dinosaur themed roadside attraction. While the carnival games might seem a bit tacky, it is on point with the overall aesthetic of this land.
Don’t Like IP? Then You Should LOVE Animal Kingdom
One other note. Disney purists often complain that the parks have become just a showcase for Disney IP, ruining the experience. Well, if you truly feel this way, then Animal Kingdom better be your favorite park. Other than Pandora, Animal Kingdom offers a unique theming experience moreso than any other park in WDW.
Reason #2: Animal Kingdom Rewards Slow Exploration
This ties into the theming. Animal Kingdom is one of those parks where the theming can be best appreciated when you stop and smell the roses, so to speak. There is so many little details that you are likely to miss if your only goal is to ride all of the attractions as quickly as possible.
An example that I like to give is the Tree of Life. This enormous baobab tree hulks over Discovery Island when you enter the main hub. However, when you get up close to it, you can see all of the intricate animal carvings that make up the tree. To really appreciate them, head to the Discovery Island Trails behind the tree and take your own self-guided tour. We literally spent an hour in this area walking the paths, admiring the designs. These paths also feature a number of animal encounters and nature viewing stations.
Because everyone rushes past this area on the way to the rides, there is hardly anyone back here. It literally is an oasis unto itself. In fact, if you were to ask 100 theme park guests whether they even know this area exists, 99 of them would probably say “no”.
The interesting thing is that people say the same thing about Epcot’s World Showcase… that there are so many little details to explore that invites you to take your time. However, somehow that is viewed as a positive for Epcot, but not for Animal Kingdom. Double standard anyone?
Reason #3: Variety is the Spice of Life
Of course, Animal Kingdom features the usual array of rides: a roller coaster, a raft ride, a simulator ride, indoor dark rides. However, it also has so much more to keep you busy.
Animal Kingdom features not one, but two Broadway quality shows. Each of them is a delight in its own way.
Of course, you have the animal-based attractions. Everyone is familiar with Kilimanjaro Safaris, but you also have Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Feathered Friends in Flight, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Rafiki’s also features a criminally underrated train ride that let’s you get a glimpse of some of the backstage animal care areas.
There are just so many options that are available, so no matter what your preferences, you are bound to find something to your liking.
Reason #4: The Experience is Always Changing
Because you are dealing with animals, the experience that you have can be different each time you visit. This is especially true of Kilimanjaro Safari. You never know what animals you will see or what those animals will be doing. You could ride it 50 times and have 50 different and unique experiences. That is something that you can’t say about most of the other Disney parks.
Yes, I know that certain attractions change up from ride to ride. Guardians with its rotating soundtrack. Star Tours with its different scenes. But in most cases, when you ride something multiple times, each experience is pretty much the same. Not so with animal based attractions.
Reason #5: The Food
I would argue that Animal Kingdom has some of the best food out of all of the WDW theme parks. You really have to try hard to not get a meal to your liking here. There is pretty much something for everyone.
Here are some of our award-winning favorites…
Satu’li Canteen: Best Theme Park Quick Service
Satu’li Canteen, located in Pandora, is arguably the best quick service location at any theme park at WDW. The highlight is the bowls. You get to customize your bowl by choosing a protein, a “base” (salad or starch), and a sauce. Voila! Instant goodness!
Also don’t sleep on the Cheeseburger Bao Buns. Yum!
Of course, save room for dessert. Their takes on a mousse are inventive, tasty, and beautiful.
Flame Tree Barbecue: Best Theme Park BBQ and Best Quick Service Seating
While this may be controversial, as Regal Eagle at Epcot has its fans, Flame Tree Barbecue is my choice for the best theme park BBQ in all of WDW. The ribs, chicken, and pork are consistently flavorful, with that perfect BBQ smokiness without being dry. Plus, for a real treat, get the macaroni and cheese topped with pulled pork. Decadent!
The seating area puts this place over the top. While most of the seating is outdoors, it is all covered with fans to keep you comfortable even on the hottest day. We love to sit down by the lagoon where they used to have the Rivers of Light show. It is just a beautiful and quiet place to sit and enjoy a meal.
Tusker House: Best Theme Park Character Dining
When it comes to character dining, sometimes the food is secondary to the characters. However, the food here knocks it out of the (theme) park. Unlike your standard buffet, Tusker House’s food is African and Indian inspired, which provides variety from the typical character buffet. That said, the flavors are all accessible to most theme park goers. Nothing is too spicy or crazy. Plus, they also have many standard choices to satisfy everyone in your group.
Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich: Best Theme Park Snack
If you are hungry but you can’t decide between sweet or savory, head over to the Eight Spoon Cafe and get yourself a Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich!
I would describe it to you, but it is pretty much self-explanatory. You would think that the flavors wouldn’t work, but they do!
Be warned, however. Eating this gets a bit messy to say the least. So grab lots of napkins!
If something sweet and savory doesn’t float your boat, you can also get mac & cheese with pulled pork here (or without if you so desire). Very similar to what you will find at Flame Tree Barbecue
Best of the Rest
I don’t want to turn this into an Animal Kingdom dining review, so I’ll concluding by pointing out the sheer variety of dining experiences. You’ve got table service, bars, lounges, dining carts… pretty much any and every type of dining establishment can be found here. You really have to try hard to not find something to your liking!
Wrap Up
Hopefully, I have convinced you to give Animal Kingdom another look. At the very least, I urge you not to skip it on your next trip. To get the most out of it, don’t just rush through it just to check off the boxes on your list of attractions. Spend the whole day there from park open to park close. Spend time just wandering around, admiring the beautiful scenery, enjoying a food item and/or a beverage.
I promise you won’t regret it!
Extra Bonus for Patreon Supporters
We have created a “fun” Animal Kingdom itinerary that you can use for your next Animal Kingdom park visit. This full day itinerary lets you experience most of what the park has to offer. And it is only available to our Patreon supporters. For $2/month, you can get access to it, as well as our growing library of other helpful infographics.
Here is a little sneak peak:
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