Is Animal Kingdom Worth it?

Are you wondering if Animal Kingdom is Worth it? Have you heard that there’s not enough to do? Find out why we think Animal Kingdom is still great and why we think you shouldn’t skip it! Continue reading to find out why I think Animal Kingdom is the most underrated park at Disney World.

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Animal Kingdom is the newest Walt Disney World park, opening on April 22, 1998. This park tends to get a bad rap, and it is less popular than the other parks at Disney. If I’m honest, I was almost convinced to skip Animal Kingdom when we were planning our first trip. I’m so glad that I was wrong! Animal Kingdom has quickly become one of my favorite parks!

Animal Kingdom is Beautiful

I truly think that Animal Kingdom is the most beautiful park at Disney World. I said it and I mean it. It’s a great respite from the concrete jungle of Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom.  

The 6 lands in Animal Kingdom are called The Oasis, Discovery Island, DinoLand U.S.A., Africa, Asia, and Pandora: The World of Avatar. You will notice the special theming change as you walk through each land. 

The music, theming, and street entertainment all give Animal Kingdom a great vibe. You are surrounded by nature and truly feel like you’re in another country at times even another world (Pandora). There is a more relaxed mood which I really love.

The Tree of Life is one of the most iconic attractions at Disney and it’s full of beautiful details and history. Take some time to walk around the Discovery Island Trails and see all angles of the tree, there are some nice hidden areas you can sit and rest. You could spend hours searching for and investigating the different carved animals on the tree. (There are over 300!)

Animal Kingdom is Perfect for Your Animal-Loving Kids (and Adults)

You can see animals throughout the park, sometimes you might not even notice they are there. From flamingos to Lions and Tigers and …. Rhinos. (Sorry no bears!), there are dozens of different animals at the park to see.

Go on the Kilimanjaro Safari

This is usually a highlight of our entire Disney vacation. This 20-minute safari will bring you through Animal Kingdom’s safari. You will see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros, and so much more. I was truly impressed with how close we go to some of the animals and was able to get some great photos! *Tip try to go first thing or in the late afternoon when the animals are more active. 

Explore Pandora: The World of Avatar

Walking into Pandora is truly like walking into another world. The theming is beyond amazing. I’m not even a big Avatar fan, but this is one of my favorite places in all of Disney World. It is so beautiful.

During one trip, I was having a rough afternoon (hot, tired, and cranky!) so I went into Pandora by myself to “cool down” I was able to truly explore the land taking in all of the gorgeous landscaping and Imagineering. It was a great little escape for a few minutes that I really needed.

If you have a chance to visit at night you will be able to see Pandora’s bioluminescent lights throughout the land. It is especially beautiful!

Ride Avatar Flight of Passage

Another top ride for me! Flight of Passage is worth the wait in line (or buy the ILL!). This is a very immersive ride with sights, sounds, feels, and even smells that bring you right into the movie. It’s thrilling and very fun. I’ve never been on another ride like this, the designers did an amazing job with every detail.

Learn and Earn Badges (stickers) as a Wilderness Explorer

Our kids loved collecting the badges throughout the park and learning from the Wilderness troop leaders. They also got to take home the Wilderness Explorer badge book as a free souvenir.

You Can Run Into Unique Characters

You’ll likely run into two unique characters that you won’t find anywhere else in the parks. Kevin and DiVine. We all love seeing Kevin at the parks and sometimes DiVine is hiding among the trees, so keep searching! 

You can meet Russel and his buddy, Doug from Pixar’s UP! They meet with guests at Dug & Russell’s Wilderness Explorers Club House on Discovery Island throughout the day. You might also run into the 13-foot tall bird, Kevin, while you’re in the Discovery Island area. (She’s one of my favorite characters to run into!)

Enjoy a ride on the Wildlife Express Train and visit Conservation Station

The Wildlife Express Train picks you up in the African-themed village, Harambe, and will bring you to The Conservation Station, where you can learn about animal care, meet some new friends, and get up close with kangaroos and wallabies. The Ride itself is not very long but is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of a busy park.

The Conservation Station is where you can learn all about the care that the animals receive at the park. Sometimes you’ll catch an animal getting a check-up by the veterinarian. You’ll also find the new Bluey Experience and Jumping Junction at the Conservation Station.

Visit Bluey’s World

Bluey’s Wild World opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26th. It’s located at Conservation Station, and you’ll need to take the Wildlife Express Train to get there. Once inside, kids can laugh, dance, and play favorite games like Keepy Uppy with Bluey and her little sister Bingo. The play session itself is short, but a super fun experience for Bluey Fans!

Be sure to check out the Jumping Junction

Before you leave Conservation Station, make sure to take a walk with a guide along a path inside the Jumping Junction enclosure. While you walk, you will learn all about kangaroos and wallabies and their life in Australia. This replaced the old Affection Section petting zoo, and unlike the petting zoo, you will be asked to stay on the path and not touch any of the animals. It is a really neat up-close experience for the whole family.

Animal Kingdom has some of the best foods

Satuli Canteen is my favorite!

Satuli Canteen’s Cheeseburger Steamed Pods are a fun and delicious treat or meal! I recommend ordering a kid’s meal if you’re not too hungry and looking for a snack! Kid’s meals include one cheeseburger pod, potato chips, fruit, and a drink. The full meal includes two pods with vegetable slaw and potato chips.

The breakfast at Satuuli Canteen is my favorite quick-service breakfast at Walt Disney World Parks!

Nomad Lounge

I’m spilling the best secrets now. Nomad Lounge is an outdoor lounge at Tiffins. We have never had trouble getting a seat. They serve a menu of delicious small plates and the drinks are outstanding. We have met some of the best cast members here!

Nomad Lounge is the perfect spot to get away from the busy park crowds and relax for a while. It overlooks Discovery River and the Bridge to Pandora. It’s lush and peaceful. It’s also a great place for an impromptu date night.

Don’t forget to have the Churros; these are the best churros at Disney – a.m.a.z.i.n.g!

Yak and Yeti

Yak and Yeti is a popular spot at Animal Kingdom, and there is a good reason for it – the food and serving size is outstanding. They have 2 different places where you can get food: the Table Service restaurant and the Quick Service Cafe. We had one of the most delicious meals at Yak and Yeti (the Table Service restaurant). The photos above are from our (huge!) lunch at the Table Service Restaurant – we did not need dinner that night!

The Shows and Entertainment are often overlooked

The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond Nemo, and Feathered Friends in Flight are all great shows in Animal Kingdom. Going to see a show will also give you an opportunity to rest and in some cases, cool off in the air conditioning.

Don’t forget the Street Entertainment

Be sure to catch one of these fun performances that run throughout the day: The Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, the Harambe Village Acrobats, the Viva Gaia street band, and more! 

The Character Dining at Tusker House is so fun!

I think that Tusker House is one of the top Character Dining Restaurants in Disney. You’ll get to see the Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy).

The characters are dressed in adorable safari outfits and are great at interacting with your table. The food is beyond outstanding too! Make a reservation the next time you’re in Animal Kingdom. 

Animal Kingdom is growing – Coming soon… The Tropical Americas

While we are still mourning the loss of Dinoland, which closed in 2026, we’re excited to finally experience this new land opening in 2027/2028!

You can see the plans for this new land below:

Yes, Animal Kingdom has great rides.

Expedition Everest

This was my first thrill ride at Disney and quickly became a favorite. This is a Mt. Everest-themed roller coaster with an 80-foot drop and speeds up to 50 MPH! Just watch out for the Yeti, he may be up to no good!

Kali River Rapids

I always like a water ride and this one is a great way to cool down in the park. Kali River Rapids is a raft ride that takes you down a river in the jungle. Just be prepared to get wet!  If you’d rather not get completely soaked be sure to pack a poncho or rain jacket.

Enjoy Unique Walks through the Jungle

Enjoy a stroll through the Maharaja Jungle Trek and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail while you are at Animal Kingdom. You’ll spot some special animals along your stroll.

In Conclusion, yes, Animal Kingdom is worth your time!

I hope this post encourages you to spend some quality time at Animal Kingdom. There are so many fun things that you don’t want to miss!