Beyond the Safari: 9 Unforgettable Animal Kingdom Rides
Think Animal Kingdom is just a glorified zoo with a few rides thrown in? Think again. This park packs some serious thrills and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Check out these Disney Animal Kingdom rides and prepare to be surprised:
- Thrill rides: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR
- Family-friendly: Naβvi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, TriceraTop Spin
- Water ride: Kali River Rapids
- 3D experience: Itβs Tough to be a Bug!
- Animal encounters: Wildlife Express Train to Rafikiβs Planet Watch
Don’t get stuck in endless queues! Our full guide includes insider tips to minimize your Animal Kingdom ride wait times and maximize your ride time, including Genie+ strategies and single-rider lines…
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Pandoraβs floating mountains and glowing walkways make it feel like you’ve stumbled into another universe where nature and technology harmonize in otherworldly perfection.
Did you know? If you ask a Cast Member at the Na’vi River Journey exit about the ‘hidden banshee calls,’ they might show you a special spot where you can hear the distant creatures calling out as if theyβre nearby!
Avatar Flight of Passage
Hop on your own mountain banshee for an exhilarating journey through Pandoraβs breathtaking landscapes, where youβll experience the thrill of flying like a Naβvi hunter. This is your chance to bond with a powerful creature and test your skills on an unforgettable rite of passage!
π Year Opened | 2017 |
π Section | Pandora |
π€ Rider Height | 44in (112cm) or Taller |
π’ Ride Type | Thrill Ride |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | Kids, Tweens, Teens |
Insider Tip: Look closely at the standby queue for Avatar Flight of Passage, especially in the lab section. Youβll spot a full-size Avatar floating in a tankβthis detailed animatronic is one of the most impressive parts of the line and is often missed by riders focused on the main attraction. Take a moment to enjoy this hidden gem while waiting!
Na’vi River Journey
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Pandora as you glide through mysterious caves and a vibrant bioluminescent rainforest, surrounded by exotic plants and creatures. Join the legendary Naβvi Shaman of Songs to witness her powerful connection to the life force of Pandora, sending positive energy through her enchanting musicβan unforgettable adventure that must be seen and heard to be believed!
π Year Opened | 2017 |
π Section | Pandora |
π€ Rider Height | Any Height |
π’ Ride Type | Slow Ride |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | All Ages |
Insider Tip: Look for the glowing wood sprites (seed-like creatures) that subtly float and dance near the bioluminescent plants throughout the Na’vi River Journey. These tiny, ethereal creatures are a rare visual treat that many guests miss as they are often mesmerized by the larger sights and sounds of the ride. Keep your eyes peeled, especially near the shaman scene.
DinoLand U.S.A
Get swept into the Jurassic charm of DinoLand U.S.A., where forgotten fossils and playful dinosaur decor bring a bygone era roaring to life.
Did you know? Few visitors realize the large, imposing skeleton at the entrance isnβt a T. rexβitβs a carnivorous dinosaur named Ceratosaurus, a rare addition to the theme park world.
DINOSAUR
Join a paleontologist on a high-stakes mission to rescue a 3.5-ton Iguanodon as a giant meteor hurtles toward Earth! Board a rugged Time Rover, navigating a primeval forest teeming with life-like dinosaurs, dodging a fierce Velociraptor and soaring Cearadactylus while racing against the clock to escape before extinction strikes!
π Year Opened | 1998 |
π Section | DinoLand U.S.A. |
π€ Rider Height | 40in (102cm) or Taller |
π’ Ride Type | Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Scary |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: While waiting in the pre-show room for DINOSAUR, look closely at the pipes above. Each one is labeled with a chemical formulaβthese represent ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise as a nod to McDonald’s, which sponsored the attraction when it first opened. It’s a fun detail many guests miss!
TriceraTop Spin
Hop into a 4-person triceratops gondola and soar through the air to festive music, bouncing up and down while a prehistoric surprise emerges from the giant crown above! Perfect for kids and the young-at-heart, TriceraTop Spin is a thrilling ride, while Naβvi River Journey promises an unforgettable visual and auditory adventure!
π Year Opened | 2001 |
π Section | DinoLand U.S.A. |
π€ Rider Height | Any Height |
π’ Ride Type | Slow Ride, Spinning |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | All Ages |
Insider Tip: TriceraTop Spin features four control levers, allowing riders to control their vehicle’s height and tilt. Unlike most similar rides, both the front and back rows of the vehicle have separate levers, giving you double the control over your flight experience!
Asia
At Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, each step seems like a voyage through the vibrant center of ancient kingdoms, encircled by wild nature and customs dating back hundreds of years.
Insider Tip: Pay particular attention to the stone sculptures at Kali River Rapids. Disney conservation teams are actively working to rescue endangered animals, and there are subtle tributes to them concealed among them.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Venture into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest, where youβll board a train to the “top of the world”βbut beware the legendary snow monster lurking in the mountain’s depths. As your train races into darkness, brace for a terrifying plummet into a cavern, where the growl of a massive beast echoes around you; escape before the Yeti claims another expedition!
π Year Opened | 2006 |
π Section | Asia |
π€ Rider Height | 44in (112cm) or Taller |
π’ Ride Type | Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Dark |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: In the queue for Expedition Everest, look for the “Yeti footprint” hidden on the floor near the entrance to the Yeti Museum. It blends in with the rustic setting, but it’s a cool detail many guests miss as they walk by!
Kali River Rapids
Skim across erupting geysers and drift beneath lush canopies while racing through fast-moving rapids, grazing gushing waterfalls and bedrock. Experience natureβs chaos as you plummet down a thrilling 20-foot slope!
π Year Opened | 1999 |
π Section | Asia |
π€ Rider Height | 38in (97cm) or Taller |
π’ Ride Type | Thrill Ride, Water Rides, Small Drops, Spinning |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: Look for the carved statue of a tiger near the end of the Kali River Rapids queue. Itβs easy to miss but represents the spirit of the forest and serves as a subtle nod to the ride’s conservation theme. The detailed theming throughout the line adds depth to the story, so take a moment to explore while you wait.
Africa
Feel the pulse of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where rustic villages and sweeping savannas create an immersive world that echoes with the sounds of wildlife and vibrant street performers.
Insider tip: If you visit the Harambe Market early, you might catch a local cast member teaching authentic Swahili phrases β a hidden gem for language lovers!
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Embark on an exhilarating 18-minute safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, where over 30 species roam freely across 110 acres of stunning plains, forests, and wetlands. Guided by an expert, you’ll spot incredible wildlife and uncover fascinating facts about these magnificent creatures.
π Year Opened | 1998 |
π Section | Africa |
π€ Rider Height | Any Height |
π’ Ride Type | Slow Rides |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | All Ages |
Insider Tip: While on Kilimanjaro Safaris, keep an eye out for the “Wilson Mutua” crate near the entrance and queue. It’s a nod to the original storyline of the ride, where Wilson was a warden protecting animals from poachers. This subtle detail connects the current version to the attraction’s conservation-focused past.
Wildlife Express Train
Hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train for a scenic 7-minute ride to Rafikiβs Planet Watch, where youβll explore animal conservation efforts and engage in captivating educational activities for all ages. On your return trip, enjoy views of the animal housing and veterinary facilities, including habitats for resident rhinos and elephants.
π Year Opened | 1998 |
π Section | Africa |
π€ Rider Height | Any Height |
π’ Ride Type | Slow Rides |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | All Ages |
Insider Tip: As you ride the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, look closely at the backstage areas. You’ll pass by real animal housing and care facilities, offering a rare glimpse into how the animals at Animal Kingdom are cared for behind the scenesβa detail many guests miss while focusing on the destination.
Discovery Island
Wander through Discovery Island, where every twist and turn reveals vibrant animal habitats and the awe-inspiring presence of the iconic Tree of Life.
Insider Tip: You can hear the sounds of distant animals when standing in specific spots near the treeβDisney Imagineers engineered them to immerse you even deeper in the wild!
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Become an honorary insect as you put on “bug eye” glasses and immerse yourself in a thrilling 3D adventure hosted by Flik from A Bug’s Life, where you’ll dodge flying quills, feel sprays from soldier termites, and experience the stench of stink bugs. When the villainous Hopper crashes the party, prepare for a wild ride filled with dazzling effects and unexpected surprises that will leave you buzzing long after the show!
π Year Opened | 1998 |
π Section | Discovery Island |
π€ Rider Height | Any Height |
π’ Ride Type | Dark, Scary, Loud |
π¨βπ©βπ§ Best For | All Ages |
Insider Tip: In the queue for It’s Tough to be a Bug!, look closely at the carved tree roots near the entrance. You’ll find intricate carvings of various Disney-Pixar characters, like Flik and Heimlich from A Bug’s Life, subtly hidden among the natural designs. Itβs an extra touch of Disney magic that many guests overlook!
FAQ
Is Animal Kingdom closing in 2024?
No, Animal Kingdom is not closing in 2024. There have been no official announcements about the park shutting down. However, Disney frequently updates attractions, so it’s possible for specific rides or areas to undergo renovations or temporary closures.
Why is Animal Kingdom closing at 6?
Animal Kingdom often closes earlier than other parks, typically around 6 p.m., due to its focus on animal care. Many of the park’s residents are live animals, and an earlier closing time ensures they have a quiet and natural evening environment.
Is Animal Kingdom like a zoo?
Animal Kingdom is not a traditional zoo, though it shares similarities. While it does feature animal exhibits, the park blends conservation efforts with immersive experiences, like the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and themed lands, making it much more than just a zoo.
How many actual rides are at Animal Kingdom?
Animal Kingdom features eight major rides, including headliners like Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. These rides are spread across its themed lands and offer a mix of thrill, family, and educational experiences.