An Animal Lovers Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you adore animals of all kinds and Disney theme parks, visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a must. This central Florida theme park provides unique opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with wildlife from Africa and Asia and species from the U.S. 

Known for its exceptional attention to detail and landscaping, the 580-acre park is dedicated to the theme of a natural environment and animal conservation, a concept that Walt Disney himself introduced and championed. Animal Kingdom is vastly underappreciated, but it is probably my favorite park because it offers some of the best entertainment, food, and attractions in all of Disney World. However, getting to see some of the most beautiful creatures in the world is what makes Animal Kingdom special.

Where To See Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When you enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can visit all the animals for no additional cost. The animals are spread throughout the park and can be easily accessed through beautifully landscaped pathways. The park is divided into seven themed areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and Pandora: The World of Avatar. You will find live animals in every land except DinoLand U.S.A and Pandora.

Many people think Animal Kingdom is just a glorified zoo, but Walt Disney dreamed of adding live animals to the Disney parks before he passed. Thanks to the immersive theming and thoughtful storytelling integrated into each land, it separates Animal Kingdom from your typical zoo. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to 2000+ animals and offers an adventurous experience of the natural world.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

The Oasis

Upon entering Animal Kingdom, you will find yourself in The Oasis, a beautiful landscape filled with tropical gardens and gentle waterfalls. While exploring The Oasis, you can easily see various animals, including anteaters, babirusas, barking deer, wallabies, and spoonbills. 

Many people overlook the Oasis, but here, you will find the giant anteater along the pathway to the left of the Oasis. Around the Oasis and other animal trails, knowledgeable cast members can teach you amazing facts about the animals. We recently heard a cast member explain that the anteater uses a two-foot-long tongue to eat up to 30,000 insects daily. Incredible!

Africa

It’s easy to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Africa’s wildlife by taking a stroll along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. On the Trail, you will see gorillas, zebras, meerkats, and many other adorable creatures. Our favorite animals are the okapi because they look like a cross between a deer and a zebra—but they’re related to giraffes! However, along the trail, we learn that okapi are the only living relative to the giraffe.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an extremely popular attraction in the park’s Africa section. It is a slow-moving ride that takes you through 110 acres of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. This popular ride can have long wait times, so I recommend going first thing in the morning. After your safari, you can head to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to continue your adventure on an easy paved pathway.

Asia

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is located in Asia, where you can see Asian tigers, gibbons, water buffalo, and Komodo dragons. The trek’s aviary is home to more than 50 species of birds soaring free. While in Asia, make a point to see the Feathered Friends in Flight show, which takes place at the Anandapur Theater. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes.

We know we’re getting close to Asia when we hear the Gibbons calling; their exhibit is located at the entrance of the Maharaja Jungle Trek. When you first enter the trek, you are greeted by the Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard species in the world. While the tigers are our favorite animals on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, I’m always fascinated by the water buffalo’s massive size and playful nature.

Discovery Island

Discovery Island is home to the iconic Tree of Life in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Around the massive tree, you can explore the Discovery Island Trails, featuring tranquil pathways and incredible animals like flamingos, kangaroos, lemurs, otters, tamarins, and vultures. This immersive experience surrounds you with some of the park’s most fascinating creatures and allows you to appreciate their beauty. Keep your eyes peeled on these trails for meet-and-greet opportunities with famous Disney movie animals, too. 

On Discovery Island, we always stop to greet Johnny, a white stork. Johnny has lived in Animal Kingdom for over 25 years and shares a habitat with the kangaroos. Since he lives near the Tree of Life, he has inadvertently photobombed family photos for decades. If you can, stop by Discovery Island to take a photo with Johnny!

Animal Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you want a closer look at some beautiful animals, explore the park’s unique animal encounters. These educational and awe-inspiring sessions are included in the admission price. Immerse yourself in the world of these animals, learn about conservation, and experience the rich and diverse culture.

One of my favorite aspects of this park and what separates Disney’s Animal Kingdom from a zoo is that animal experiences are included with the price of admission. Many zoos offer safaris, shows, or hands-on experiences for an additional cost. Additionally, because animal behavior is unpredictable, each encounter will be a completely different experience.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The main attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Africa section is Kilimanjaro Safaris. This ride takes you on a 20-minute-long expedition via an open-air vehicle through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve with a wildlife expert. Covering an area of 110 acres, the Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to over 30+ species of African wildlife. Its design replicates the animals’ natural habitats, including savannas, wetlands, and forests.

We highly recommend visiting Kilimanjaro Safaris early in the morning or the evening, as the animals are the most active. During the ride, you can see some of the most popular African animals, such as lions, giraffes, hippos, and rhinos. For us, the safari is always our first stop of the day at Animal Kingdom. We particularly enjoy viewing the painted dogs and okapi. It’s worth noting that the safari ride has no height requirement. However, the roads of Harambe Wildlife Reserve are unpaved, so the ride may be bumpy.

Feathered Friends in Flight

“Feathered Friends in Flight” is a 35-minute stage show at the Anandapur Theater in Asia. It features an animal behavior specialist who works with free-flying birds at Animal Kingdom. The show displays the birds’ natural behaviors and trained skills as they soar around the theater.

For the best experience, I recommend sitting in the center of the theater to witness the birds flying overhead. Occasionally, the trainer will select an audience member to participate in the show; sit near the front to increase your chances of being chosen. The trainers provide facts about the birds throughout the show and explain why they’re important to the Earth’s ecosystems.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an often overlooked section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It can only be accessed by the Wildlife Express Train. The station to Rafiki’s is located in Africa, near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

When you visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can explore the Conservation Station, Affection Section, and Animation Experience. At the Conservation Station, you’ll find small animal exhibits and learning activities, including the Animal Nutrition Center, the Veterinary Treatment Window, and exhibits of reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, and a Science Center. In the Affection Section, you can interact with animals such as sheep and goats in a hands-on environment. You can also see llamas, donkeys, and cows. The Animation Experience is a 20-30 minute drawing class where a Disney artist teaches guests to draw a Disney animal character.

Paid Animal Tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Several behind-the-scenes tours are available at Animal Kingdom, all offering up-close experiences with selected animals. These four tours are an additional expense but give guests a one-of-a-kind animal encounter. If you’re looking for a new way to explore Animal Kingdom or have a passion for wildlife, we recommend adding one of these tours to your vacation.

Please note that you need an admission ticket to the theme park to participate in these tours. Additionally, advanced reservations are required. Animal Kingdom tours can be booked beginning 60 days before your trip. To avoid any confusion, please check the description of each tour before booking, as some may have age requirements.

Wild Africa Trek

The Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour private tour that includes a ride in a safari vehicle through the open savanna and a walk along a rope bridge high above animal enclosures. During the tour, you will have towering views of giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. ET Family Travel agency owner Tori Tomasheski took her family on the Wild Africa Trek and said, “My kids loved it. The rope bridge, private safari, and being “close” to hippos make it a worthwhile experience. You won’t get too close to animals or touch them, though.”

As a guest, you will receive a complimentary souvenir and photos of your encounters with the animals. The tour concludes at a pavilion overlooking the Savanna, where delicious African-inspired snacks and beverages can be enjoyed. To take the Wild Africa Trek tour, you need valid theme park admission and tour tickets. Participants must be at least eight years old and accompanied by an adult. Prices vary by date but start at $219 per person.

Savor the Savanna

During the Savor the Savanna tour, you’ll board a special Kilimanjaro Safaris truck and embark on a guided tour of the savanna. Along the way, you’ll stop and meet a keeper who will tell you how they care for the animals that live there. You will then be treated to delicious food in a pavilion overlooking the savanna as you enjoy the stunning views and refreshments.

Following the tour, guests can sample African-inspired tapas and regional beer and wine. A valid theme park admission ticket and a tour ticket are required for the Wild Africa Trek tour. Participants must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult. Prices vary by date but start at $189 per person.

Up Close With Rhinos

The “Up Close with Rhinos” tour starts with a short bus ride to a backstage viewing area where you can observe White Rhinos. During the 60-minute tour, a knowledgeable guide will provide information about them and their care. Participants begin by learning about rhinos and their comprehensive care regimen and end with a close encounter with the animals, including the opportunity to touch them. This experience is well-suited for children with a longer attention span and is most enjoyable during the year’s cooler seasons.

If you want to take the Up Close with Rhinos tour, you need valid theme park admission and tour tickets. Guests must be at least four years old to participate. Prices vary by date but start at $49.99 per person. No cameras, video equipment, or cell phones may be used during this tour.

Caring for Giants

The Caring for Giants Tour takes you on a ten-minute drive to a viewing area in the back of the African Elephant enclosure. Here, you can view the elephant herd from 80-100 feet away, and the guide will provide information about the elephants and answer any questions you may have.

You must have valid theme park admission to purchase advance tickets for this 60-minute tour. It is suitable for guests aged four and above. Prices start at $39.99 per person and vary by date. No cameras, video equipment, or cell phones may be used during this tour.