Disney's Animal Kingdom
The greenest, strangest, most beautiful of the Walt Disney World parks — a 500-acre botanical garden wrapped around a glowing alien moon, a coaster up a snow-capped peak, and real lions, giraffes and rhinos on a savanna you ride through at sunrise.
Updated June 2026
Of the four Disney parks here, Animal Kingdom is the one we tell people not to rush. It is part theme park, part accredited zoo and part overgrown jungle, and it rewards anyone who slows down enough to notice the hand-carved details, the live animals dozing in the shade and the canopy closing in overhead. The hub of it all is the Tree of Life, a 145-foot artificial baobab carved with hundreds of animals, with the lands of Africa, Asia and Pandora radiating out from it.
It suits just about everyone: thrill-seekers chasing Expedition Everest, little kids hunting for animals on the trails, and anyone who just wants to wander somewhere shady and green on a hot Central Florida afternoon. It is one of four gates at Walt Disney World, so most folks fold it into a multi-day Disney trip — and because the lineup leans heavily into animals and nature, it pairs especially well with a day for the younger crowd.
What to see & do
A handful of standouts carry the day here, from a flight on the back of a banshee to a dawn drive across an African savanna.
A perfect day
Animals at dawn, thrills before lunch, shows and shade in the heat, and a glowing Pandora after dark.
- Be at the gate for park open and ride Avatar Flight of Passage or Kilimanjaro Safaris first, while waits are short and the animals are out.
- Cross to Asia for Expedition Everest while the morning is still cool, then loop the shady animal trails.
- Catch Festival of the Lion King and the Finding Nemo musical to rest your feet through the midday heat and any afternoon storm.
- Cool off on Kali River Rapids when the sun's at its worst — getting drenched feels great by then.
- Wander a slow lap of the Tree of Life, then stay for Pandora after dark and the Tree of Life Awakenings before you head out.
Where to go next
Animal Kingdom is one piece of a much bigger Orlando puzzle. Here's where we'd head from here.
Walt Disney World
The full lay of the land: all four parks, tickets, the water parks and how to plan a multi-day trip.
Hollywood Studios
The neighboring Disney park, home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land and big-ticket thrills.
Orlando with Kids
The most kid-friendly rides, shows and outings in town, including the gentlest corners of the parks.
Theme Parks
Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and the rest — our overview of every major gate in Orlando.
Book Disney World tickets & tours
Common questions
What are the must-do rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom?
The headliners are Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey in Pandora, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa, and Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids in Asia. Flight of Passage and the Safari draw the longest waits, so ride them early in the day or use Lightning Lane.
Is one day enough for Animal Kingdom?
Yes, one full day is plenty to see the major rides, walk the animal trails and catch a show or two, especially if you arrive at park open. It's generally considered Disney's shortest park to tour, though slowing down to enjoy the animals and Pandora after dark can easily fill a long day.
What happened to the DINOSAUR ride and DinoLand?
DinoLand U.S.A., including the DINOSAUR ride, permanently closed in early 2026. The area is being rebuilt into a new land called Tropical Americas, with attractions themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones, expected to open in a future year. Check the official Disney World site for the latest opening details.
What's the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?
First thing in the morning, right at park open. The animals are most active when the air is cool, and you'll usually find shorter lines than later in the day. Every trip is different depending on what the animals are doing, so it's worth riding more than once if you have time.
Does it rain a lot at Animal Kingdom?
In summer, yes — Central Florida gets near-daily afternoon thunderstorms from roughly June through November. They usually blow through quickly, so plan an indoor show like Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo for the early afternoon, and remember Kali River Rapids will get you wet either way. Winter and early spring are the drier, milder, busier months.
How does Lightning Lane work at Animal Kingdom?
Lightning Lane is Disney's paid skip-the-line system. Most rides are covered by a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while the biggest headliner is sold separately as a Single Pass. The exact names, prices and included rides change frequently, so check the My Disney Experience app for current details before you buy.