Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions, Rides, and Entertainment

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a peaceful park with attractions, rides, and entertainment. However, it’s so much more than the average theme park. Visiting Animal Kingdom allows one to take things slower and explore the luscious landscape. Anyone who appreciates the outdoors or enjoys learning about animals will find it challenging to do everything. Of course, if you’re just there for the shows and rides, you’ll still find plenty to do. However, we think the best approach to this park is to combine thrill and educational aspects to make for a uniquely fulfilling experience.

To help you plan, we’ve listed Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s attractions and rides with brief descriptions below. If you want to learn more about a ride or preview photos, use the link below to access the complete attraction review. After that, we’ve shared an overview of each significant entertainment offering in the park. (Make sure to stick around to the end and grab a copy of our complimentary ride spreadsheet.)

Animal Kingdom Attractions

We’ll start by previewing the attractions in each area of the park: Discovery Island, Pandora: World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and Dinoland U.S.A.

*Dinoland U.S.A. is undergoing a phased permanent closure. The following attractions and shops have permanently closed: Triceratop Spin, Fossil Fuel Games, Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures. DINOSAUR will remain open through the remainder of 2025.

Discovery Island Attractions

Discovery Island is the heart of the park and the immediate area surrounding the Tree of Life. Bridges on each side of Discovery Island lead to Africa, Asia, Dinoland, U.S.A., and Pandora, the World of Avatar. The following attractions are available in this area of the park:

The Oasis Exhibits

When you first pass through the ticket turnstiles of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’re greeted by an area called the Oasis. You may choose to go right or left. Each side features animal exhibits. However, if you stay to the right, you might run into DiVine, a stilt walker who tends to blend in with the greenery. We enjoy exploring The Oasis and have a guide below that details the various animal habitats you’ll find. You might see a Babirusa, an anteater, or a tiny Muntjac deer, among several other options.

Learn More>> The Oasis Exhibits at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

This attraction is expected to close in 2025. In its place, a Zootopia-themed attraction called Zootopia Better Zoogether will open.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug is held daily in the Tree of Life theater, which sits underneath the Tree of Life. The entrance to this attraction is toward the right front side of the Tree of Life. This 10-minute 3-D film rarely has a wait. The longest wait will likely be for the next show to begin. We enjoy walking the marked trail to see the unique carvings not offered on the other trails and the tribute to Jane Goodall right before the theater’s entrance. However, some small children find the film (the bugs) scary. So, while the attraction is mild and generally considered family-friendly, it might not be for everyone. (See our attraction guide below for specifics.)

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

Discovery Island Trails

The Discovery Island Trails are one of my favorite attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These often overlooked trails surround the base of the Tree of Life (front and back sides). Along the way, you’ll get an up-close look at the Tree and its wood carvings and pass numerous animal exhibits. You’ll pass through caves and waterfalls on each side! Note there are two separate trails, so see them both.

Learn More>> Explore the Discovery Island Trails

Winged Encounters, the Kingdom Takes Flight

Winged Encounters is a short bird show that’s worth seeing. It occurs multiple times throughout the day in front of the Tree of Life. If you’re in the nearby area, you’ll see a few cast members come out, and the background music will suddenly change. The cast members in the area invite guests to approach them as a variety of macaws swoop into the area. These birds will land momentarily as a cast member shares information about them. Then, before you know it, they take flight again, which is always thrilling as they fly through the crowd.

Learn More>> Winged Encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost

Adventurer’s Outpost is the only traditional place to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse as a couple at Walt Disney World. This dedicated meet-and-greet is on the right as you approach the bridge to Asia from Discovery Island. You can expect long waits throughout most of the day, but it’s a wonderful photo opportunity.

Learn More>> Adventurer’s Outpost

Meet Moana at Character Landing

Moana meets guests daily at Character Landing on Discovery Island. This meet-and-greet is on the right, directly before the bridge to Dinoland, U.S.A. Like most popular meet-and-greets, you can expect long waits to meet Moana.

Learn More: Meet Moana at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is not only the park’s icon but also an attraction. The Tree of Life contains over 300 unique wood carvings, including a carving of David Greybeard, the famous chimp known through Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees. Our guide below shares more details about the animal habitats, trails, and wood carvings surrounding this incredible tree.

Learn More>> The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom

Wilderness Explorers

The Wilderness Explorers program is very popular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you have children interested in becoming a Wilderness Explorer, pick up a guidebook when you enter the park. You’ll see the stand (staffed with cast members) on the right when you exit The Oasis, and the Tree of Life first comes into view. The guidebook offers activities where children can collect completion stickers. Most areas of the park offer these activities. However, from our experience, it would be difficult to do everything, and sometimes children lose interest if they try to do too much. We usually do a couple and bring the book back on return visits.

Learn More>> Wilderness Explorers

Pandora, World of Avatar

Pandora, the World of Avatar, is a unique land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When guests visit this part of the park, they step onto another planet with floating mountains and stunning flora.

Learn More: Pandora, World of Avatar Guide

Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is Animal Kingdom’s primary headliner attraction. The ride allows guests to (in theory) become an avatar, hop on the back of a banshee, and fly through Pandora. It’s a pretty incredible simulated experience. Make sure to read our attraction guide below for more details. (Expect long waits for this one!)

• Height Requirement: 44”(44 inches)
• Rider Switch: Yes
• Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Single Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Avatar Flight of Passage

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is also a part of Pandora, World of Avatar. This slow-moving boat ride is good for everyone. However, it will likely have long waits throughout the busier portions of the day.

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Na’vi River Journey

Africa

The Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is toward the back of the park. You’ll take the path to the left of the Tree of Life and cross the bridge to Harambe. Africa is home to one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World, Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of our favorite rides at Walt Disney World. It’s true what they say: No two safaris are alike. We recommend riding the safari at least twice on your visit. See our article: Why We Like to Visit Animal Kingdom at the End of the Day for tips on riding it with shorter waits! Regarding the actual ride, you’ll board a safari truck and set out on a journey through the park’s savannas. You’ll see anything from giraffes and wildebeests to cheetahs and lions along the way. It’s a surreal opportunity to see live animals in a unique environment.

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: No
• Extended Evening Hours: No
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Kilimanjaro Safaris

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

After exiting the safari, you’ll have the option to continue through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. You’ll see a variety of animal habitats, including an underwater hippo viewing area and gorilla habitat. We consider all of the trails at Animal Kingdom a must-do. They are self-paced, relaxing, and educational.

Learn More>> Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Festival of The Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is one of two Broadway-style productions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It offers a wonderful opportunity to see professional acrobats, musicians, and other performers. However, it will take some time. When using the Lightning Lane, it will take approximately 10 minutes to get seated and then 30 minutes for the show. I would allow a little more time if you have to wait in standby before the show starts. While the theater is significant, seating is limited, and many of the shows fill on busy days.

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: No
• Extended Evening Hours: No
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Festival of The Lion King

Wildlife Express Train

You’ll take the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe to reach Rafiki’s Planet Watch. If you only want to experience the train, you can hop on and ride it full circle. But most will enjoy the things to do at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, including the Timon and Rafiki meet-and-greet, the Animation Experience, and the petting zoo area.

Learn More>> The Wildlife Express Train

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a separate area of the park. To access it, you must take the Wildlife Express Train from Africa.

Learn More>> Rafiki’s Planet Watch

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Anyone with even the slightest interest in drawing or animation will consider the Animation Experience a must-do. You will probably be surprised at how well you can draw with a bit of instruction from one of Disney’s animators. This attraction alone is worth the visit to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Check the drawing schedule and allow time to take the train ride before you visit.

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: No
• Extended Evening Hours: No
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Conservation Station

Conservation Station is part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This area is home to a science center, veterinary treatment room, nutrition center, and several window displays with amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. See our guide below for more details.

Learn More: Conservation Station

Affection Section (Petting Zoo)

You’ll also find an animal care area called Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This always seems to be popular with children. Cast members ask that guests wash their hands before and after interacting with the animals. A hand-washing station is provided.

Learn More>> Affection Section

Asia

The Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is toward the back of the park, opposite Africa. To cross the bridge to Asia, take the path to the immediate right of the Tree of Life. Asia is home to a popular thrill ride, Expedition Everest.

Feathered Friends in Flight!

Feathered Friends in Flight is a bird show held in the Anandapur Theater in the Asia section of the park. This performance is offered about five times daily and lasts approximately 35 minutes. It is entertaining and an excellent place to break during the hotter portion of the day.

Learn More>> Feathered Friends in Flight!

Maharajah Jungle Trek

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is similar to the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, except this trail is in the Asia section of the park and features tigers. You’ll also have the opportunity to see several other animal habitats, including a Komodo dragon. You’ll want to visit this trail earlier in the day for your best chances to see active tigers. However, it’s always a pleasant walk-through if you decide to visit later in the day.

Learn More>> Maharajah Jungle Trek

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids is a water raft ride in the Asia section of the park. If you decide to ride, you can expect to get wet, possibly soaked. This attraction is generally closed during the cooler months of the year. Lockers are available for guests to store personal items before entering the queue. Check our attraction guide below for specifics.

• Height Requirement: 38″ (38 inches)
• Rider Switch: Yes
• Early Theme Park Entry: No
• Extended Evening Hours: No
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More: Kali River Rapids

Expedition Everest-Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Expedition Everest is the signature roller coaster attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This thrill ride has a fun surprise once you reach the summit! However, this ride offers steep drops, twists, and turns. Therefore, it’s not for everyone! Oh, and watch out for the Yeti if you decide to ride. He is very protective of the mountain.

• Height Requirement: 44″ (44 inches)
• Rider Switch: Yes
• Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Dinoland U.S.A.

Dinoland U.S.A. is to the immediate right of the park from Discovery Island. This land has partially closed and will be reimagined into a Tropical Americas-themed land.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

This Broadway-style production is located on the outskirts of Dinoland, U.S.A., near the bridge before Expedition Everest. It lasts approximately 25 minutes and tells the story of Finding Nemo. It’s a spectacular performance and well worth taking the time to see.

• Height Requirement: No
• Rider Switch: No
• Early Theme Park Entry: No
• Extended Evening Hours: No
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

The Boneyard

The Boneyard is an oversized play area for children under 10 years old. This attraction is expected to eventually close with the rest of Dinoland, U.S.A.

DINOSAUR

This attraction will remain open through 2025. Disney announced it would be re-themed to an Indiana Jones-themed ride as part of the new Tropical Americas land coming to the park.

DINOSAUR is a thrill attraction where guests hop in a time rover and travel back to the prehistoric age to rescue a specific dinosaur. This attraction is dark and bumpy. It is scary for some children.

• Height Requirement: 40″ (40 inches)
• Rider Switch: Yes
• Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
• Extended Evening Hours: Yes
• Lightning Lane: Yes (Multi Pass and Premier Pass)

Learn More>> DINOSAUR

Animals

As you can imagine, you’ll have the opportunity to see numerous animals when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’ve created a guide to give you an idea of what animals you can expect to see in the park.

Related: Finding Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Entertainment

Animal Kingdom has several entertainment offerings throughout the park besides what we’ve previously discussed. They include but are not limited to the following:

• Harambe Village Acrobats
• Beats and Strings
• Burudika (The Harambe Village Street Band)
• ECO Rythmics Drummers
• Kora Tinga Tinga
• Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
• “Song’s You’ll Dig” with a Dino Institute Intern
• Tree of Life Awakenings (When the park is open after sunset.)
• Viva Gaia Street Band!

Check the entertainment section of the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for availability and exact showtimes. (While entertainment is consistent, it’s also subject to change.)

Get a Copy of Our Planning Spreadsheet

We know this is a lot of information. If you want a condensed version, sign up for a copy of our free planning spreadsheet in the box below. The spreadsheet was created with Google Sheets and can be used on your phone during your vacation if you need a quick reference. We have a tab for each spreadsheet with instructions (Animal Kingdom Kingdom Spreadsheet) and tips.

More Planning

For more planning, you might enjoy our entire Disney World Parks Planning Guide or one of the following park guides:

• Magic Kingdom Attractions, Rides, and Entertainment
• Epcot Rides, Entertainment and Attractions
• Hollywood Studios Attractions, Rides, and Entertainment
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Guide
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Guide

We also have specific articles about many topics in this attraction guide. Some of our most popular park planning articles include:

• Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lanes at Disney World
• Disney World Rides with Height Requirements
• How to Use Rider Switch at Disney World
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Characters Guide

For resorts, characters, and dining, the following resources are all good starting points:

• Our Disney World Dining Guide
• Disney World Transportation Options
• Where to Meet Characters at Disney World
• Disney World Resort Hotels Guide

Happy Planning!