Our 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary particulars step-by-step technique for minimizing wait occasions & avoiding crowds on the theme park’s hottest rides & exhibits, together with Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and extra. This Walt Disney World touring plan covers points of interest, eating places, zoo displays, and extra. (Updated October 23, 2022.)
This single day Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) itinerary has been up to date once more because of the return of extra leisure and meet & greets, in addition to Walt Disney World fiftieth Anniversary leisure ending. We’ve additionally made seasonal tweaks and accounted for adjustments in reputation and wait occasions attributable to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. However, this itinerary assumes you’ll not be shopping for these line-skipping companies–it as a substitute works round them. If you do plan on spending the additional, seek the advice of our 1-Day Animal Kingdom Itinerary with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
We go to Animal Kingdom ceaselessly “for the sake of research” (and to look at our otter homies hanging out of their grotto), monitoring wait occasions, testing numerous approaches, and fine-tuning our technique as crowds have elevated and decreased throughout that point. This is the revised Late 2022 Animal Kingdom itinerary we’ve devised consequently.
This submit continues our collection of Walt Disney World Park Itineraries & Touring Plans designed to reply the ceaselessly requested query, “what would you do if you only had one day in ____ Disney park?” Animal Kingdom is an fascinating mixture of zoological choices and conventional theme park points of interest requiring a balanced method that juggles the park’s numerous varieties of points of interest.
It’s potential to expertise what we name “animal fatigue” on this park, which is precisely what it appears like–shedding curiosity within the surplus of animal displays and strolling trails. To fight this, we suggest scattering these all through your day, doing a wholesome mixture of rides and walkthroughs. Pandora – World of Avatar helps higher obtain this stability, and most of the people will need spend extra time in the remainder of Animal Kingdom on account of that land. Consequently, you can spend a full day in Animal Kingdom if you happen to tempo your self to keep away from the aforementioned animal fatigue.
Nevertheless, Animal Kingdom is the best park to perform in a partial day; you’ll be able to both arrive early or keep late at Animal Kingdom and do your entire park with relative ease. See our latest submit: Animal Kingdom Afternoon Arrival Strategy. The similar normal rules apply when arriving throughout Early Entry–you primarily simply reverse the order of points of interest.
So lengthy as you are able to do main points of interest exterior of the window between 10 am and three pm, Animal Kingdom is fairly straightforward on regular days at Walt Disney World. It’s gotten to the purpose that I don’t actually see a lot worth in shopping for Genie+ for Animal Kingdom in any respect, even on days you’re Park Hopping to or from one other park.
This is much less about Animal Kingdom not having sufficient to fill a whole day and extra concerning the aforementioned animal fatigue and poor pacing. The finish end result is similar; there’s a mass exodus round 3 pm and the park is comparatively quiet over the last two hours of the day.
We’ve confused this in different latest planning assets, however figured it was value reiterating as there’s an enormous distinction between early/late wait occasions and people in the course of the center of the day. If you wish to know which method is at present finest for each park, see our latest Best Time-Saving Strategies at Walt Disney World. That particulars the perfect and worst methods to avoid wasting time in strains, and is de facto helpful if you happen to’re overwhelmed and don’t wish to learn a dozen others!
Now, on with the 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary…
Zig When They Zag — There’s going to be a variety of temptation to do Pandora — World of Avatar very first thing within the morning, however resist that–until you’re an on-site visitor arriving for Early Entry, by which case, you must completely do Pandora first.
Even if you happen to’re not at Animal Kingdom for these prolonged a.m. hours, think about beginning with the Avatar rides if official park opening time is 7:30 a.m. and also you’re there for that. It’s nonetheless early sufficient that you would be able to beat the crowds and longest wait occasions for Avatar Flight of Passage.
However, if you happen to’re rolling up at 8 am on a busy day, head elsewhere. Over 90% of company (actually) will make a beeline for Pandora within the morning, ensuing within the longest strains and wait occasions of the day at Avatar Flight of Passage within the morning hours. At that time, you’re not going to beat the Pandora crowds, so zig when others zag.
Animal Kingdom’s different headliners all ought to be near-walk ons for the primary hour of the day—you don’t even should arrive at rope drop for this. Sleeping in and exhibiting up Half-hour late is ok.
Start Your Adventure on the Outpost – If you’re arriving “too late” to begin in Avatar land, start with Adventurers Outpost, which is the Minnie & Mickey Mouse meet & greet in Animal Kingdom. It might sound foolish to begin right here, however that is the 4th longest line in Animal Kingdom on common, and only a few folks assume to do it first. Consequently, it’s slower within the morning and wait occasions are considerably longer between round 10 am and three pm.
There’s additionally a Lightning Lane to Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost, and as soon as customers of that paid FastPass system begin utilizing that in giant numbers–which often occurs round 9 am–the standby line slows to a crawl. That alone may be disagreeable, which is why we strongly suggest knocking this out within the first hour of the morning. You may be out and in rapidly, and in your method to the second cease of the day. (If it’s extra handy, you in all probability can do that second as long as you’re not visiting on a peak season day.)
Two-Week Safari — This is a good possibility each from a time-savings perspective and for the very best expertise.
The motive we suggest Kilimanjaro Safaris within the morning is as a result of it’s nice for animal exercise and in addition for photographing the animals with good, delicate mild. From 11 a.m. till round 3 p.m., Kilimanjaro Safaris isn’t almost as enjoyable, until you want watching massive cats and different creatures sleeping. Late afternoon can also be good by way of mild, and has an honest quantity of animal exercise as everybody on the savanna begins getting hyped for dinner.
Kali River Soaking – This rapids rafting trip is a crowd-pleaser that’s value doing if you happen to haven’t accomplished it earlier than. It’s enjoyable and goes by means of cool environments (albeit missing present scenes) with a conservationist message.
The potential for getting soaked is extremely excessive, so don’t do it if that’s going to be an issue. Conversely, since you’ll get soaked on Kali River Rapids, it’s much less fashionable when the climate is cooler. Heading into the winter, its reputation is dropping once more–but it surely’s nonetheless best to knock out Kali River Rapids en path to the subsequent cease.
Peak XV Summit – After you’ve gone by means of the wash cycle on Kali River Rapids, it’s time to air dry on certainly one of Walt Disney World’s finest curler coasters. Even an hour or extra after official park opening time, Expedition Everest ought to nonetheless have a comparatively affordable wait time. If it’s posted time is beneath 45 minutes (otherwise you’re high quality going within the Single Rider line) do it now. Otherwise, reserve it for nearer to sundown.
Expedition Everest presents unbelievable thematic particulars, top-of-the-line queues, and sweeping views of the park (and past). You would possibly wish to do it once more in direction of the tip of the day, when wait occasions will likely be almost non-existent.
See the Awesomest Animals – Everyone is aware of dinosaurs are the perfect animals ever. Unfortunately, Dinoland/Dino-rama are unquestionably probably the most disappointing theme park lands anyplace, ever. The backstory may be good (debatable), however until your most popular method to expertise a theme park is “reading,” then the precise land will disappoint you.
However, DINOSAUR is definitely a reasonably good attraction. Do it, then act like the remainder of this blighted space is extinct to you.
Start Seeing Shows – When it involves a day at DAK, pacing is paramount (that ought to be the park’s mantra). At this level, you’ve already accomplished a number of rides, so it’s time for some exhibits. Since you’re within the neighborhood, it’s a very good time to watching the newly-reimagined “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond!” musical. You ought to have the ability to catch the primary efficiency at this level, however if you happen to’re late for it, seize a snack and do the second exhibiting.
In this reimagined stage present, fish inform Nemo’s story on this up to date 25-minute present, incorporating stay performers, puppets, and screen-based visuals. The refreshed manufacturing takes place within the Finding Dory timeline and options beloved songs and numbers from the unique Finding Nemo: The Musical, together with “In the Big Blue World” and “Go With the Flow.”
Snack Time – If you’re getting hungry, it’s a very good time for a pit cease at Dino-Bite Snacks. This location serves a wide range of, because the title suggests, snacks. Without a doubt, the spotlight is their ice cream sandwiches. The choices range by season, however the shared commonality is that they use freshly-baked, house-made cookies. As a end result, they’re all wonderful.
If you end up on the opposite facet of the park, Creature Comforts Coffee Shop and Bakery is Animal Kingdom’s Starbucks location, and so they even have some loopy animal cupcakes. They have a rotating lineup of Lion Cub, Zebra, White Chocolate Elephant or Cotton Top Tamarin cupcakes which might be every like 3 ft tall (slight exaggeration).
Otter Odyssey – At this level, you’ll be able to moderately decelerate and begin get pleasure from walk-through trails and animal-centric points of interest whereas “waiting out” the crowds.
One we’d direct your consideration to that’s simply neglected is Otter Grotto (close to the aforementioned Starbucks). It’s simply across the nook from Creature Comforts and options a few of Animal Kingdom’s most enjoyable and rambunctious critters.
Strategically, there is no such thing as a good or dangerous time for any of the varied animal trails and displays, however you’ll wish to area them all through your day at Animal Kingdom to keep away from fatigue of the park’s zoological options.
Lunch – Animal Kingdom actually brings it in relation to eating. For lunch, we suggest slowing down and having a desk service meal. Animal Kingdom will get fairly scorching noon, and this can be a nice time to flee that warmth with an extended, enjoyable meal. Currently, our #1 decide for these wanting an distinctive, high quality eating caliber (in a realized setting) meal is Tiffins. The finest meal at Animal Kingdom, and top-of-the-line total at Walt Disney World.
If you don’t need one thing fancy, go for the superb Yak & Yeti as a substitute. You can’t go fallacious with both of those for desk service eating in Animal Kingdom. If you desire a character meal, Tusker House has additionally returned as a family-style meal, though our expertise there was not the perfect.
Flights of Fancy – Previously generally known as UP! A Great Bird Adventure, this present is now referred to as Feathered Friends in Flight and has mercifully minimize Russel and Dug from Up. It’s nonetheless a chicken present focused in direction of households with young children, but it surely not feels dumbed all the way down to a 3 yr previous stage. No offense to the characters from Up–a film we love–however this present is significantly better with out them.
Before or after the chicken present, discover trails or watch numerous animals within the park. From fully-fledged points of interest like Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to smaller displays across the Oasis, Animal Kingdom has so much to see that’s usually neglected. Slow down and take the time to discover, discovering numerous animals and particulars tucked away in quiet corners. Stumbling upon these hidden gems could be very rewarding!
Maharajah Jungle Trek – This is one other animal path that you possibly can actually do each time. Regardless of whenever you select to do it, we strongly suggest that you just don’t skip this one.
Maharajah Jungle Trek is one other under-appreciated Animal Kingdom attraction, as this walk-through exhibit has some fantastically imagineered environments. Definitely don’t skip it, however you additionally don’t essentially must do it on this spot.
Festival of the Lion King – Acrobats, singers, and different performers in tribal apparel and vibrant costumes, plus parade floats with Lion King characters and different creatures enact scenes impressed by the Lion King in a really full of life theatrical present. There’s a variety of stuff occurring, in what principally quantities to a variety of audio-visual stimulation. The present simply flat out works, and the virtually summary nature permits the viewers to simply sit again and benefit from the wow-inducing performers.
Festival of the Lion King is an distinctive present–a soothing, indoor method to break up the day. It’s now solely again to regular, which suggests the tumble monkeys and aerial acrobats have returned. For decrease crowds and shorter waits, we suggest one of many late afternoon exhibits.
Winged Encounters – Periodically, there’s a present instantly in entrance of Tree of Life referred to as “Animal Kingdom: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight.” If you’ll be able to’t discover showtimes for this, ask a Cast Member across the Tree of Life when it’s scheduled to happen.
This just isn’t a serious present, but it surely’s a magical one that’s completely value seeing. Try weaving it into your itinerary as you head again in direction of the entrance of the park. Also make an effort to see the opposite birds and critters across the Oasis, that are in any other case simply neglected.
Insect Interlude – It’s Tough to Be a Bug is an efficient choice to spherical out the center of the afternoon right here. It’s a enjoyable 3D present housed contained in the park’s iconic Tree of Life, which is arguably the good factor concerning the expertise.
With that mentioned, you’ll be able to really do It’s Tough to Be a Bug each time. No technique required for this one, so slot it in each time is handy for you.
Two-Week Sunset Safari – We’ve already gone to completely different corners of the globe, scaled the Earth’s highest mountain (a few occasions), and now, we’re going to do a couple of weeks value of safaris. That’s extra spectacular than going world wide at Epcot in a day!
For this trip aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, we suggest ready till late afternoon, getting nearer to sundown time. Along with the early morning, the animals are most lively in mid to late afternoon, so this expertise ought to be completely different from the primary however equally eventful.
Unwind at Dinner Time – One of the most important “problems” you’ll have with visiting Animal Kingdom is that there are too many good locations to eat. I suppose that’s a very good downside to have. On the one hand, there’s Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – World of Avatar. This counter service restaurant has creative, high-quality, and even wholesome delicacies that’s wonderful.
On the opposite hand, Flame Tree BBQ is an efficient possibility if you happen to’re in search of one thing unhealthy and distinctly carnivorous. One of the issues this brings to the desk is beautiful views of Everest from the seating space. The meals can also be actually good at Flame Tree BBQ, however we expect it’s gone downhill in recent times with greater portion sizes.
Travel 4.4 Light Years Away… – The last cease of your day must be Pandora – World of Avatar. Right now, we suggest arriving to the land round 90 minutes earlier than park closing. At that time, Na’vi River Journey ought to have a posted wait time of 55 minutes or much less, with an precise wait time often round Half-hour. (Adjust your arrival accordingly primarily based on the wait time in My Disney Experience.)
That ought to be a ample buffer to complete the boat trip and make your method to the park’s headliner, Avatar Flight of Passage, with 15-Half-hour left within the day. At this level, the posted await Flight of Passage will doubtless be over an hour (it would even be triple digits!), however the precise wait time will likely be considerably decrease than that. If you don’t arrive inside the first Half-hour Animal Kingdom is open, these would be the shortest waits of the day at each Pandora points of interest.
On your approach out, you should definitely watch the Tree of Life Awakenings (again as soon as once more now that Animal Kingdom is open after darkish for the rest of 2022!), that are temporary montages that play on the Animal Kingdom park icon. That ought to mark the conclusion to a satisfying day at Animal Kingdom. While the park continues to be comparatively relaxed and fewer nerve-racking of a touring expertise than Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (particularly after the three pm mass exodus), you must nonetheless comply with this technique to keep away from the few complications that do exist at Animal Kingdom.
Even a couple of years after Pandora – World of Avatar opened, wait occasions for each Avatar points of interest can nonetheless be fairly lengthy, particularly at rope drop, so pack your persistence! If you wish to expertise different points of interest moreover these we’ve listed, make certain to take a look at our Animal Kingdom Park & Attractions Guide, which charges and evaluations all points of interest.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about resorts on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To get monetary savings on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for all the pieces it’s essential to know!
Your Thoughts
What would you embody in your splendid day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? If you’ve been again to DAK since Genie+ and Lightning Lanes launched, what was your expertise with crowd patterns and wait occasions? Did you do Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage first, final, or someplace in between? What did you consider Pandora – World of Avatar? If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World, what do you intend on doing throughout your day in Animal Kingdom? Any questions? Share your questions and ideas within the feedback!