A Wild Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Each time we walk into to Disney's Animal Kingdom, I am immediately filled with joy. I just love everything about this park. The plants, the animals, the music, the cultures - it is such a wonderful place to be & I will often plan a second day at this park if our trip allows.

From Africa and Asia to Dinoland and Pandora, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Here are some of my favorite things about each area in Animal Kingdom.

Discovery Island

While each step is a new adventure, the front of the park always blows me away. The walk through the paths up to the Tree of Life is just so intricate and beautiful. You feel like you have just been dropped by helicopter into a remote area of jungle.

My kids just loved the Wilderness Explorer's experience in Discovery Island (and across the park). Each of them got their own booklet and spent the day looking for the Explorer's Adventure stations. The kids could earn a badge (sticker) for their book by learning something about the animal or plant associated with that spot. It was so fun and something they want to spend more time doing on our next trip.

We may circle back to do the It's Tough to be a Bug show if there is time. Thankfully they have made it less scary over the years so the kids liked it, but it is not a priority for us.

Pandora: The World of Avatar

While we used to always spend the first moments of our trip booking it straight back to Africa, straight to the Safari, things have changed. Pandora, Animal Kingdom's newest area has now opened and is incredible. The detail and creative touches inside the Na'vi River Journey and Flights of Passage are amazing. We loved our experience there - even the food in Pongu Pongu was great. This will have to be our first priority from now on.

Africa

After exploring the World of Avatar, we will certainly head straight to Africa. The Festival of the Lion King is a classic show for the whole family. Everyone will be amazed, clapping, dancing and singing along with the Lion King's characters and stunning performers.

The immersion into African culture only begins there. Tusker House's buffet was delicious. We had a reservation when they were turning over their buffet from breakfast to lunch, so we got to enjoy both menus and were blown away. Everyone in our family found something different that we were obsessed with - from curry to marmalade - it was SO GOOD. Our favorite character meal food for sure.

And we are ALWAYS sure to hit the Kilimanjaro Safaris at least once in the morning and always before we head home especially now that the park is open later. It is an incredible way to end the day and the animals are so active as it cools off a bit.

Dinoland

After Africa, we tend to head to the other side of the park to enjoy Dinoland. We love the carnival type environment and rides. Primeval Whirl is one of my favorites, but the kids aren't quite tall enough yet - I can't wait to drag them on it with me on our next trip! The kids were also loving the TriceraTop Spin which is similar to Dumbo, but can fit 4-6 people instead of two which makes it fun! My kids love controlling the TriceraTop's movement and riding together.

We have skipped Dinosaur with the littles, but it is a fun (slightly terrifying ride). It is dark and very bumpy, but a fun adventure if you dare. The Boneyard is also another thing we missed this trip, but I am sure the kids would've loved. Its a bone digging playground for kids of all ages - looks so fun.

We are always sure not to miss Finding Nemo the Musical. All of us are fascinated by all the costumes, talent and creativity in the show. We just love the music too and listen to the CD we got on our last trip all. the. time. Be sure not to miss it.

Asia

Asia has so much to offer. My favorite roller coaster in all of Disney World is Expedition Everest. It is terrifyingly fun and so smooth! When I was there with some friends we rode it 3-4 times straight in the morning! It is so fun but beware (spoiler alert) the legend of the forbidden mountain involves a giant Yeti, so may be scary for little ones.

The kids were insistent about not missing the Flights of Wonder bird show in Asia OR the meet and greet with Baloo & King Louie from Jungle book.  They were hilarious. We were bummed we missed Kali River Rapids due to it being refurbished during our last trip with the kids.

We always are sure to eat dinner over in Asia at Yak & Yeti - which has both a Table Service and a Quick Service restaurant that will satisfy adventurous and picky eaters alike. We like to eat right before we head over to the Rivers of Light to wait for the show to begin. There is a perfectly placed ice cream cart on the way that made for a fun 20 minute wait with the kids devouring their ice cream. The show is nice and good, but not worth planning your day around, so make it if you can.

We love to end the day by revisiting Africa for one more Safari. It is such a fun way to end the day. We will be adding Pandora to the must check out before heading to the bus since we haven't had a chance to see the beautiful glowing plants they created.

But however you end your day at the Animal Kingdom, you are sure to leave with an appreciation for nature, other cultures and creatures. It is guaranteed to be a wild day.