Disney’s Animal Kingdom features seven attractions that would be considered rides. Which ones are the best Animal Kingdom rides?
Depending on how you define an attraction, Disney’s Animal Kingdom contains over 40 attractions. However, many of them would not qualify as classic theme park rides. In fact, Walt Disney World’s Genie feature, on the My Disney Experience, lists around 16 attractions.
Guests usually focus on the rides at Animal Kingdom. However, Animal Kingdom provides guests with so much more than traditional rides.
Of these major attractions, seven of them count as rides. Shows make up four of these attractions. Two characters meet and greet opportunities rank high enough to be attractions. Two impressive walkthrough attractions allow guests to view many of the animals at Animal Kingdom. The final attraction, according to Disney Genie, is The Animation Experience at Conservation Station.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has always offered a different type of theme park experience. Since the cost of everything in our world has increased, including a Disney vacation, more visitors than ever to Animal Kingdom want to maximize their valuable theme park time. So, how do you decide which rides are the best Animal Kingdom rides to maximize your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the best Magic Kingdom rides that are sure to make your Disney World experience unforgettable.
What Kind of Theme Park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Before we look at the not to be missed rides and attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we should reference a debate about this theme park. Is Animal Kingdom a zoo or a theme park? Theme parks like SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay do not get questions about whether they are zoos or theme parks. Still, this comes up with Animal Kingdom often.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides more than just being a theme park and more than just being a zoo. Though that does not solve the zoo and theme park puzzle, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not fit the mold of a theme park. Imagineers of Disney combined many outstanding elements of zoos and theme parks into what we know as Animal Kingdom.
For example, hundreds of species of animals reside in a facility with traditional theme park attractions. Though we all love the Animal Kingdom rides, we also need to stop and smell the roses while at Animal Kingdom. Okay, maybe not smell the roses but soak in the vibe of animals living within this fabulous theme park.
Best Animal Kingdom Rides
Yes, we finally made it to the rides. So, what are the best rides at Animal Kingdom? We will rank the seven “rides” in reserve order. Then, we will mention some shows later in this resource. By the way, we would rank two shows higher in terms of “Best Animal Kingdom Rides” than the actual rides. Still, we will get to that later.
Honorable Mention for Best Animal Kingdom Rides: Wildlife Express Train
Even though Walt Disney World does not list it on its mobile app as a major attraction, there is a train ride that takes you to and from the Conservation Station.
In the Africa area of Animal Kingdom, guests board a train ride to another area of the theme park. Guests can board a calm seven-minute train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. That area offers several other minor attractions. After enjoying Rafiki’s Planet Watch, guests will also take the Wildlife Express Train back to the African area. Also, this train will travel past the rhino’s and elephants’ animal housing and veterinary facilities.
Though this may not be a major attraction, we felt it deserved some time to shine. This train, if nothing else, offers a brief chance to sit down during your theme park day. The queue to return from Rafiki’s Planet can back up sometimes, but otherwise, this short train ride serves as basic transportation for Conservation Station and the rest of Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
#7 TriceraTop Spin
We lack positive words about TriceraTop Spin. However, much of that dislike relates to this type of “off-the-shelf” attraction being at Walt Disney World. If we visited a county fair and saw a lightly themed dinosaur flat ride, we would not think anything about it. However, Walt Disney World continues to be known for great attractions, not basic everyday attractions.
Yes, a large portion of the Dinoland, USA, area should resemble a roadside attraction. That ended up being the final theme for this area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom after budget cuts in the planning phase.
This basic spinner flat ride does the job. However, you can have the same experience at theme and amusement parks throughout the world. TriceraTop Spin lacks the nostalgia of The Dumbo attraction at Magic Kingdom. When looking up the road at Universal Orlando Resort, you can see two spinner-style flat rides that at least attempt to improve from the basic style of this type of attraction. The two Universal Orlando Resort spinner rides were built around the same time as TriceraTop Spin.
Some people love this ride. If you have time and have done everything else, then give this a whirl on this primeval theme ride. However, do not expect much more than a standard carnival ride here.
#6 Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids also suffered from budget cuts in preparation for opening Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The water ride consists of guests on circular rafts traversing a path with “rapids.”
SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure offer more exciting versions of this style of attraction. By comparison, the Animal Kingdom version provides a shorter water ride than the area competition. The theming of Kali River Rapids looks equal to or lesser than at the SeaWorld and Universal Orlando versions.
However, compared to the other water rides in the area using a circular raft, Kali River Rapids has one large advantage, depending on how you look at it. You WILL get wet on Infinity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando. The question at SeaWorld would be how wet you will get.
Over at Universal Islands of Adventure on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, the question involves something else. You WILL get wet on that ride. The question is, will there be any part of your body dry after riding?
In contrast, we have ridden Kali River Rapids numerous times and never felt a drop of water hit us. Sure, that is not always true. Yet, the Kali Rivers Rapids attraction makes an average water ride overall. With far better shows and rides at Animal Kingdom, we would keep Kali River Rapids low on the priority list.
#5 Na’vi River Journey
Na’vi River Journey resides in the Pandora – The World of Avatar area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This ride suffers from being in the same area of the park as a more popular attraction.
Na’vi River Journey also creates longer queues than most attractions at Animal Kingdom. Na’vi River Journey takes guests on a mystical boat ride into Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent rainforest.
This slow boat ride might be worth your time. However, nothing remarkable happens during this attraction. One incredible animatronic will be seen. Besides that, this slow boat ride helps you cool off some. When we ride this attraction, we often hear first-time guests ask, “Was that it?” when they exit it. Based on the long wait times for this attraction, guests expect something more impressive. In fairness, many attractions will look slow and tedious compared to several of the attractions coming up on our list.
We enjoy Na’vi River Journey. However, we know what to expect. We also enjoy a few moments sitting down on a slow-moving indoor (air-conditioned) boat ride.
#4 DINOSAUR
Though this attraction has seen better days and undergone several changes since Animal Kingdom’s opening day, DINOSAUR continues offering thrills. This enhanced motion vehicle-style ride combines action-packed fun with visual effects.
The plot of this motion simulator track ride revolves around you helping Dr. Seeker to bring back a dinosaur from the past. We wonder how Dr. Seeker got his job to start with.
As you quickly learn, Dr. Seeker often does not follow the rules, even with a classic TV mom watching over him. The mission becomes to acquire a 3.5-ton Iguanadon and bring it back to the present day. Sounds like a great plan, right? During this process, things go differently than anticipated. Oh, a giant meteor will be landing soon, wiping out everything in its path, including you.
DINOSAUR, the Disney attraction, creates an anxious, dark, and unpredictable experience for some. The attraction provides lots of bumping around. Secure your belongings in the proper pouches before this ride begins.
Caution
Though this attraction offers some Disney thrills, small children may be scared during this ride. The height requirement is 40 inches or taller. Also, this attraction will be open during early theme park admission time. If you are not making it to Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the Jurassic Park area there during your vacation, this provides your best scary dinosaur experience in the Orlando area.
This attraction has seen better days. Still, it offers some decent thrills. We enjoy riding it.
Also, unless lousy weather hits Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the wait time for this attraction will remain reasonable. The weather drives guests to indoor attractions like DINOSAUR. So, watch the skies as you plan your next attraction.
#3 Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
This well-themed roller coaster attraction, Expedition Everest, offers some solid thrills. Some experienced Disney guests say this coaster is their favorite at Walt Disney World Resort.
Expedition Everest can be found in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. From a theming standpoint, this coaster runs at the base of Mount Everest near a Tibetan village. Disney guests board the coaster taking them up to the mountain peak. Ancient legends indicate that a snow monster known as the“Yeti” lives in the mountain area.
You may have heard of this Yeti. Some say he likes to go to the disco. We have been told he does not like visitors of any type, in any case.
Some say the legend of the Yeti has no truth. Others say the Yeti is real, but no one has seen him up close. Others say the Yeti was real but went away a long time ago. Many have said they saw his shadow or some light that might be the Yeti.
Thrill Factor
This thrilling roller coaster involves sharp climbs, dark sections, a sudden stop, and a backward section. For those familiar with coasters at regional theme parks, SeaWorld Orlando, or Universal Orlando Resort, the thrills of Expedition Everest do not measure up to those.
However, this is Disney. Everything is about immersing you in the theme. This coaster does a good job with that. Also, the scenery while on this attraction deserves some respect. In fact, an evening ride on this coaster brings even more enjoyment.
Of course, with more enjoyment comes the possibility of motion sickness and children being scared. Though the ride feels smooth, the visual effects, darkness, sudden drops, and loud noises may cause some children to dislike this attraction. The backward portion might cause people to experience motion sickness. Though this backward section causes fewer cases of motion sickness compared to other attractions in the Orlando area that go backward for a section of the coaster, you should bear this in mind.
One of the best features of this coaster involves the single-rider queue. Even though a single-rider queue should not move very efficiently with this attraction style, the single-rider queue moves quickly. If your group does not want to ride Expedition Everest, you can go by yourself using the single-rider line.
This attraction opens for early theme park admission time. The rider must be 44 inches tall to ride Expedition Everest.
#2 Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris, located in the African area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offers an experience unmatched in terms of theme park attractions. This attraction does not have a height requirement. All ages can enjoy Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Kilimanjaro Safaris served as the signature attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom until our number one attraction arrived. If there is such a thing as a must-do ride, this one is it.
The ride starts with boarding an open-air vehicle. Though the storyline of this attraction has changed from the early years, one constant remained. This attraction speaks of conservation and enjoying the animals of our planet. On this journey, guests experience a guided tour of Animal Kingdom’s African savanna. You might see animals up close, depending on your luck with the animals.
On Kilimanjaro Safaris, the animals move at their own pace. The animals have immense freedom to travel in this savanna. In fact, animals sometimes block the path of the safari vehicles leading to an African traffic jam.
The ride takes you through Harambe Wildlife Reserve, a 110-acre landscape of forests, rocky wetlands, and tranquil open plains. Your guide will point out different species of animals that reside here. In addition, the safari guide will divulge interesting information about the wildlife while you are on this safari. Some animals you can expect to see are giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants, rhinos, okapi, and gazelles, to name a few.
Take Pictures
This attraction deserves as many pictures as you can take. This might be the attraction you go home and talk about most after your Walt Disney World vacation.
Kilimanjaro Safari does not open for early theme park entry time. Also, it is known to close early. If it closes early, a sign will be posted near the queue entrance to inform guests. If you are planning to experience this ride later in the day, please confirm the closing time for Kilimanjaro Safari to avoid disappointment.
#1 Avatar Flight of Passage – The Best Animal Kingdom Ride
Avatar Flight of Passage changed the theme park landscape at Walt Disney World. The addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar increased the profile of Animal Kingdom along with this attraction. For good reasons, Avatar Flight of Passage continues to be the most popular attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Avatar Flight of Passage opened in 2017. As you might expect, this attraction builds from the culture created in James Cameron’s “Avatar” films.
Avatar Flight of Passage is a flying simulator attraction set in the Avatar universe. Guests climb aboard the back of a “banshee” to experience Pandora’s landscape. As a part of the avatar program, guests are linked with an avatar to fly on a “banshee” in this Na’vi tribal rite of passage.
The simulated effect of flying works wonderfully on Avatar Flight of Passage. As Dr. Stevens says during the pre-show of this attraction, “Okay, um, first we need to find a compatible match of your genetic material with the genetic material of one of the avatar bodies that we already have. Once we do that, you’ll be able to link to that avatar, and, uh, fly.” And, fly you will!
After you experience this attraction, you will see why this wins the battle of best Animal Kingdom rides. This attraction will have a long wait time most of the day. Disney knows this attraction is popular. That is reflected by this attraction offering an individual paid access lightning lane. Guests that purchase Genie+ cannot use that system to access the lightning lane for Avatar Flight of Passage.
Touring Tip
If you are willing to risk the attraction going down, we suggest trying to ride Avatar Flight of Passage during the last two hours of park operation. The wait will be shorter during that time.
Also, you can ignore the posted wait time. That posted wait will be inflated at the end of the theme park day. For example, if you see 80 minutes as the posted wait time with one hour left of park operation, you should expect to wait about 30-45 minutes instead.
This attraction will open during early theme park admission. Most everyone at the park will attempt to ride this attraction first, so prepare for the stampede. The height requirement to ride is 44 inches tall.
Other Animal Kingdom Attractions to Consider
We would suggest that at least two of the shows at Animal Kingdom should be experienced. Disney continues to create the best theme park shows in the world.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
One of these major shows not to be missed at Animal Kingdom is “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” This stage show consists of puppets, singing, and imaginative sets based on the Disney movie “Finding Nemo.” The plot starts around Dr. P. Sherman’s office setting. These fish have traveled across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute. The current version of this show removes several elements from the previous version. This show lasts about 25 minutes.
Festival of the Lion King
This next show takes what the Nemo show does well and takes it to a far higher level. The “Festival of the Lion King,” a Broadway-level show, deserves to be on this list. This stage show consistently receives excellent reviews from guests as the best live show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
This show will fill up for most performances. If you visit during a busy crowd-level week, you will see people turned away and unable to sit for the show. The first show usually happens at 10:00 a.m. After that, shows happen every hour until the day’s final show at 5:00 p.m. The first show of the day will be the lowest attended show each day.
“Festival of the Lion King” brings the Disney narrative to life with fine acting, incredible music, impressive athleticism, and creative set design. The 30-minute celebration contains a variety of elements. Guests will enjoy music from Disney’s “The Lion King.” The costumes and choreography earn high marks. Some of the most talented entertainment cast members perform in this show.
“Festival of the Lion King” involves singers, dances, stilt walkers, and percussion to bring it all together. Also, the popular Tumble Monkeys have returned to entertain guests during this show. The moving stages and audio-animatronics establish why this attraction should not be missed. Of course, the “Circle of Life” song plays a prominent role in this show. “Festival of the Lion King” shows off things the Disney company does well.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: A Different Type of Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom presents guests with a different type of theme park. Several of the rides and shows at Animal Kingdom make memorable experiences for your Walt Disney World vacation.
Many new things are coming to Walt Disney World. If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, the travel advisors at Pixie Vacations can help you at no cost since Disney pays them after your trip. They can help you plan your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on Twitter. Jon has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for some time. He also writes for several “foodie” sites and in the faith-based world at faithelement.net
