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See a checklist of Disney's Animal Kingdom attractions. Which of them make it onto your "must see" list? Related info-- www.Have-Fun-in-the-USA.com HOME :: Latest News :: Disney's Animal Kingdom List of Attractions :: Expedition Everest coaster :: Animal Attractions :: Kilimanjaro Safari Ride :: Disney's Animal Kingdom AttractionsHere's a list! What are YOUR "must do" rides, shows & exhibits?
Are you looking for a list of Disney's Animal Kingdom attractions? Good news---that's exactly what you'll find on this page...along with a brief description of each one.
Like any theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida is organized into themed areas. "Africa" is home to the parks African animals, while "Asia" is where you'll see Asian animals...and the park's popular Expedition Everest roller coaster, pictured to your left. "DinoLand USA" is where you'll see Animal Kingdom's dinosaurs. New shipments of dinosaurs arrive daily from the theme park's time machine, which is located within the Dinosaur ride. OK, well, that part hasn't really gone very well yet, and so the dino's you'll be viewing are actually fake. (But, with YOU on the ride, maybe the dinosaur-hunting expedition will go better.) Still other themed areas are "Rafiki's Planet Watch," "Camp Minnie-Mickey," "Discovery Island," and "Oasis." On this page, you'll find out what attractions you may enjoy in each themed "land," including rides, nature trails and exhibits, and shows. If you'd like, print this list and mark each attraction "must-do;" "maybe," and "no, thanks" when you've read the blurb about each one. Then, you can discuss your preferences with the other members of your family more easily, and draw up a "final list" of the must-see attractions that your group decides upon. List of attractions at Disneys Animal Kingdom Parkstarting with the MOST POPULAR ride for families with tweens & teens...
1.) Expedition Everest coaster:If you've got teens or 'tweens, they already know about the Expedition Everest ride. News about white-hot coasters travels fast in schools--even schools hundreds of miles from Orlando, Florida! But even if your kids are still toddlers (or have grown up & left the nest altogether,) you'll still probably want to ride Expedition Everest...for YOURSELF! The line for this popular ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom includes kids barely tall enough to be admitted, all the way through white-haired seniors! In fact, there's so much to say, an entire page of this site has been devoted to the topic. Here's a link to the Expedition Everest roller coaster page of this website. Your touring plans for Expedition Everest? Must do!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! If you're printing this list, circle one choice so you'll remember your thoughts when you discuss your itinerary with the rest of your family. Here are other attractions in the "Asia" themed area that you may enjoy after the coaster-lovers in your group have ridden Expedition Everest: 
2.) Kali River Rapids
Do you like gentle floating action, combined with unexpected dips and watery splashes? The Kali River Rapids white water rafting ride might be your next new "favorite ride!" Along the attraction's watery course, you'll pass lush greenery, plus themed decor mimicking ancient India. You may end up very wet, however. After passing through the entire ride, you might still be fairly dry. Yet, at the end of the ride, you'll have to pass a "water canon" which spectators can use to shoot streams of water your way. (And, unlike most water parks, THIS water gun is free of charge; people don't have to decide if shooting you is worth wasting their quarter!) You'll find the Kali River Rapids in the "Asia" themed area. Your touring plans for Kali River Rapids? Must do!.....Maybe, if time.....No way!
Are you an animal-lover? Then you'll be absolutely delighted to view the live bird show at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It's called "Flights of Wonder," and it's another fun attraction in the "Asia" themed area of the park. It's full of comedy, exotic & beautiful birds, audience participation and surprises. Plus, the outdoor theater seats hundreds of people (bench-style seating) so there's no need to stand in a long line. (Be sure to enter the Caravan Theater ahead of showtime on busy days.) The Bald Eagle pictured to your left is a part of the show! Your touring plans for Flights of Wonder? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 4.) Maharajah Jungle Trek trail: Would you like to see real live tigers? Or bats? Or Komodo dragons? Asian animals are featured in this large attraction, which is actually a collection of exhibits which you come across as you saunter down a nature trail. After spending much of your day in lines, you may be very glad to encounter an attraction like this which you can enjoy at your OWN pace! To see pictures and get a better idea of the animals you'll view along the trail, please visit the Animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom page of this site. Your touring plans for the Maharajah Jungle Trek? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Attractions in "Africa" themed areaThe favorite ride for animal-lovers is...
While coaster-lovers quickly head to the "Asia" themed area, you'll want to hightail-it to the "Africa" section of the park if you're an animal-lover. Why? Because the Disney Animal Kingdom's most popular animal attraction is there--5.) The Kilimanjaro Safari ride. You'll board jeep-style vehicles and tour a large animal compound containing many of the same animals you'd see if you were really on safari in Africa...including giraffes, elephants, hippos and many more. To see pictures of some animals you'll encounter (and get further details about this fascinating ride,) please check out the Disney Animal Kingdom's Safari page of this site. Your touring plans for the Kilimanjaro Safari ride? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Do you love Meerkats...just like Timon? Yes? Then you'll enjoy viewing the large meerkat compound along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This large, outdoor area is a nature trail along which you'll encounter exhibit after exhibit of African animals...including gorillas, fish, birds and hippos! Your touring plans for the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 
7.) Rafiki's Planet WatchIf you've got young children, this attraction is a "must see." While educational attractions abound at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this one's aimed at kids...unlike the other park exhibits, which are targeted to a general audience. If you don't have kids, you may enjoy it...or not, depending on your own personal interests. (Technically, the theme park considers Rafiki's Planet Watch to be a "land." Personally, I think of it as simply an attraction. The entrance happens to be in the "Africa" themed area, next to the Pangini nature walk. So, once you've done one, it's logical and time-saving to do both.) First, you board a train to head to the attraction. (The Wildlife Express Train is not particularly interesting unless you're heading to the exhibit area.) Unfortunately, if you ride it, you're somewhat "trapped." You'll imagine that your next stop will be the main part of the attraction, but the train doesn't drop you off at the Conservation Station...which is the most important area. To reach the main building, you'll need to wander along a nature trail called the "Habitat Habit," which is out in the heat & adds to all the other walking you've had to do in the park (and the standing in line while waiting for the train. Ouch, sore feet!) Alas, to return to the train station requires a reverse-walk along the "Habitat Habit" nature trail and another wait at the train station to return to the rest of the park. This attraction would have been more fun with an OPTIONAL, not an enforced, nature walk. It's time-consuming, especially considering that Animal Kingdom is priced like a theme park, not a zoo. (Plan on 2 hours, minimum, to wait for the train, ride the train, walk the trail, explore the exhibits, pet the animals, re-do the nature trail, wait for the train, then ride the train back to the park.) Your touring plans for the Rafiki's Planet Watch? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Character-lovers, here's your spot!Meet Disney characters...and see a show...in the Camp Minnie-Mickey themed area!
8.) Greeting Trails
If you love meeting Disney characters, then your favorite spot at Disney's Animal Kingdom is going to be Camp Minnie-Mickey. While you may encounter characters at intervals in other places around the theme park, the greatest concentration is here. Also, THIS is the place where you'll meet Mickey Mouse himself! Expect lines; so if meeting and greeting characters is your priority, then block out a segment of your day that's earmarked specifically for this activity. Your touring plans for Greeting Trails? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 9.) Festival of the Lion King Show-lovers, here's another bit of pageantry you'll enjoy...and, unlike the bird show mentioned above, it's air conditioned! See all of your favorite Lion King characters in a fun frolic that features musical performances, dancing and singing. The Festival of the Lion King is popular, though...so be sure to arrive well ahead of show time in order to make sure you have a seat! Your touring plans for Festival of the Lion King? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Looking for more thrill rides and shows?Check the DinoLand USA themed area...and find kiddie rides, too!
10.) Dinosaur thrill ride
Ready for some jolting, adrenaline provoking fun? If you rode the Expedition Everest ride in the morning, then took in the animal trails and exhibits during mid-day, you're probably ready for some lively action once more---and the Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur ride can give it to you! You'll board a jeep-like vehicle which is actually a time machine bound for Earth's age of the dinosaurs. Well...at least, that's the story line! And, as you board the off-road vehicle, you might imagine it's because you're in for some bumps and swift turns up ahead---and you'd be right! The big question is this: will you manage to dodge a comet shower and bring home a prized dinosaur specimen alive and intact? The answer is...well, ride it yourself to find out! The Dinosaur's minimum height requirement is only 40 inches tall. Nevertheless, it's a strenuous and thrilling ride which could scare young kids. In addition, the ride is dimly lit...with the lights going out completely at times. You know your children best; try to steer the easily-scared ones away from Dinosaur if you think it will be too much for them. Your touring plans for the Dinosaur ride? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Ready to enjoy some quick drops and sharp turns? The Primeval Whirl ride is the Disney Animal Kingdom's 3rd thrill ride...but it's safe enough for kids 48 inches tall and above. What is the Primeval Whirl ride like? It's a "Wild Mouse" ride (like you've seen at a number of carnivals and amusement parks,) but with a twist. Ride cars are round, like you see in the picture of Primeval Whirl to your left. At times, they can give you a spin! Your touring plans for the Dinosaur ride? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 12.) Finding Nemo--The Musical Show-lovers--this production should receive top billing on your "things to do" list! You'll discover that Finding Nemo is a well-done spectacle that's very popular with guests. However, the good news is that there are a number of show times for "Finding Nemo" throughout the day. If you plan ahead and line up soon enough (which depends on the size of the crowd the day you visit) you should make it into the showtime of your choice. Your touring plans for the Finding Nemo Musical? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 
13.) The Boneyard kid's play area
Do you have kids yearning to roam freely? They'll enjoy the Boneyard dinosaur-themed play area. Adults accompanying their children will be captivated by the clever theme; kids will love climbing into the tall play structure and sliding down the slides! Your touring plans for The Boneyard playground? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 14.) Fossil Fun Games For an extra fee, you can show off your skills! If you love playing carnival games...and winning prizes...you'll enjoy the collection of "games of skill" assembled in the Dinoland USA themed area. Your touring plans for the Fossil Fun Games? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! 15.) TriceraTop Spin You'll board the cutest dinosaur car to enjoy this classic kiddie ride in which cars circle a central hub. Ride cars are shaped like a triceratops, of course! Your touring plans for the Triceratops Spin? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way!
Attractions in the "Discovery Island" themed area
At Disney's Animal Kingdom, all paths lead to Discovery Island. Because of that fact, there always seems to be a crowd leading from the park entrance to Discovery Island, even on "light attendance" days. In the Magic Kingdom, as you know, everyone has to head down Main Street to reach any other location in the park. That's the same layout with the Disney Animal Kingdom Park, too. Everyone heads from the main entrance to Discovery Island, passing some bird and small animal exhibits along the way. These are called the "Oasis Exhibits" on the park map you'll receive at the entrance. (The lighting is actually better to see these animals in the afternoon.)
"Discovery Island" acts as a hub for getting people places where they want to go...but that doesn't mean Discovery Island doesn't have some attractions all its own, too! 16.) It's Tough to be a Bug 4D movie Do you like the movie, "A Bug's Life? If you do, you'll enjoy seeing its leading character Flik host a 4D movie about insects. This whimsical film begins about every 20 minutes all day long (continuously) so it's never long until another show time begins. It's a funny movie, in addition to being convenient and educational, as well! With your 3D glasses in place, you'll enjoy all sorts of comical special effects. And the "4D" part? This means you'll get some whiffs of odor, gusts of wind and even a few drops of water to moisten you. Those aren't all of the unexpected surprises...but to list every one of them would take away the thrill of discovering them yourself! Your touring plans for the It's Tough to be a Bug? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way!
17.) Tree of LifeEnjoy spotting the many animals carved into the trunk of a gigantic faux tree which dominates the landscape here. At first glance, it appears as if it could be a real baobab tree. But as the carvings of numerous animals greet you from the tree's concrete "bark," you realize that this natural wonder is a monument to Disney engineering. It's fun to walk around the base of the tree trying to spot and name the different animal carvings that your family can find. It's not always easy! You'll see a rhino, squid, snake, gorilla, antelope, squirrel, mouse, buffalo, various types of birds, turtle, deer, rabbit...and that's just for STARTERS! You can make a family game of seeing who will be the first to spot the next animal! As you stroll along the Discovery Island Trails at the base of the tree, you'll also see some real-live animals to enjoy viewing, as well! Your touring plans for the Tree of Life/Discovery Island trails? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way! Want to see Disney characters without waiting in line? The afternoon parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom is the perfect solution for you, then! No,, you won't be able to talk with them and get autographs, but it's a great way to see Disney characters without making a great investment of time in line. You'll be able to see a variety of Disney characters dressed in their safari clothing and looking ready to head into the wilderness. The parade time and route will be marked on your park brochure, so be sure to note that information and plan your day with the parade in mind, if you plan to attend. Your touring plans for the Disney Animal Kingdom's parade? Must see!.....Maybe, if time.....No way!
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3.) Flights of Wonder bird show:
6.) Pangani Forest Exploration Trail:
Once you reach the main building, exploring the exhibits of the Conservation Station is fun. You'll see displays and TV segments about animals, hear kid-oriented nature talks, view working labs...and even meet nature-oriented Disney characters! (Jiminy Cricket, pictured to your right, hangs out at the Conservation Station...and so does Pocahontas, for example.) After your brain becomes stuffed with facts, a visit to the Affection Section petting zoo is fun for kids and adults alike.
11.) Primeval Whirl thrill ride
18.) Disney's Animal Kingdom parade
