The best rides at Animal Kingdom are some of the most unique attractions at any Disney World park, and that is not an exaggeration. In this post I am sharing the best things to do at Animal Kingdom, rides and non-rides, what is coming soon, and how to decide which rides to prioritize when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom is unlike any other theme park at Walt Disney World. It is part theme park, part wildlife sanctuary, and part immersive theatrical experience. The combination of world class rides, live animal encounters, and the breathtaking Pandora-The World of Avatar land, makes it a day that surprises most first-time visitors who were not sure what to expect.
We have been visiting Animal Kingdom for years and it consistently delivers some of our favorite moments of any Disney World trip. This guide covers every ride worth riding at Animal Kingdom. What to prioritize, what to know before you go, and how the park fits into your Walt Disney World itinerary.
Planning your full Animal Kingdom day? Read our Animal Kingdom Guide & 1-Day Itinerary for our complete park breakdown- Lightning Lane strategy, rope drop tips, and everything you need to plan your visit.
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Best Rides at Animal Kingdom- My Favorites
Animal Kingdom is an interesting park because it has the least amount of rides at the Walt Disney World parks, but it has some of my favorite rides.
Avatar Flight of Passage alone is worth the price of admission. Expedition Everest is one of the best roller coasters on Disney property. And Kilimanjaro Safaris gives you something no other Disney park can- a genuine wildlife encounter that is different every single time you ride it.
I enjoy how unique the experiences are at Animal Kingdom and that is why we keep including it in our Disney World itinerary.
Most Popular Rides at Animal Kingdom
Here is a quick guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom best rides that you will want to ride early in the day (rope drop) or reserve Lightning Lane.
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Expedition Everest
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Best Rides
Let’s go into a little more detail on what you can expect from the best rides in Animal Kingdom. These are ones my family love to ride each time we visit the park.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage is a simulator ride that allows guests to ride on the back of a banshee through the stunning world of Pandora It is incredible! Even if you are not a big Avatar fan this is a can’t miss attraction when visiting Animal Kingdom.
Things to Know: May be a bit scary for little ones, but if they meet the height requirement it is not very scary. This should be your first ride of the day. It is the most popular attraction in the park and will continue to be until Tropical Americas open. Height Requirement: 44 inches
Na’vi River Journey
Na’vi River Journey is the second attraction in Pandora-The World of Avatar. It is a boat ride and has one of the best animatronics on Disney property. It’s also a great ride for all ages because it has no height requirement, is mild thrills, and there is little scare factor other than it being dark. Ride this after Flight of Passage for a short wait time.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris has guests boarding a Safari truck to tour the savannahs and see real animals. This ride is unique because you never know what you will see and every ride is different. We have been up close to baby giraffes, seen ostrich eggs and a baby hippo. Things to Know: Animals are most active in the early and late parts of the day, no height requirement.
Expedition Everest-Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Expedition Everest is a thrilling roller coaster that goes forwards and backwards through the mountain with a Yeti encounter. This is for guests looking for thrills and has a height requirement of 44 inches.
Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids is a giant tube river rapid ride with a height requirement of 38 inches. Expect to get wet! It is a lot of fun and best for summer at Disney World.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
This 4D show follows Judy and Nick on a new adventure. Guests can see this inside the Tree of Life, formerly home to It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
Tropical Americas (Coming Soon- Anticipated Opening 2027)
Tropical Americas is a new land coming to Animal Kingdom and replacing DinoLand U.S.A. It will include 3 attractions: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, El Carrusel de los Animalitos, and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. This land will be incredibly popular and I can’t wait to experience it.
Things to Do at Animal Kingdom (non-Rides)
These are the attractions at Animal Kingdom that are not rides but you should include them in your day.
Shows
There are many entertainment around Animal Kingdom. From performers in different lands to sitting down to watch a show, there is always something to see. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! and Festival of the Lion King are both can’t miss shows you should plan your day around.
Animal Trails
Animal Kingdom has two impressive animal exhibit trails that you should see. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail for gorillas and hippos and the Maharajah Jungle Trek for tigers, bird species, and a Komodo dragon. We like to do these trails after we have experienced the rides.
Discovery Trail
Discovery Trail is often missed but takes you around the Tree of Life. Here you can walk at your own pace, escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds, and check out the animal carvings in the Tree of Life.
Wilderness Explorer
One of my favorite things to do when the kids were younger was to participate in the free Wilderness Explorer activity. Guests can pick up a guide book and collect over 20 badges across the park. This is self-guided and can be picked up on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island. There are also stations at the Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader locations.
This free activity at Animal Kingdom is worth including in your visit. Read more about it: Wilderness Explorer at Animal Kingdom: The Free Activity Every Family Should Know About
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station
Board the Wildlife Express Train and meet Bluey and Bingo, play some games, and visit the kangaroos at Jumping Junction. This is a great spot for preschoolers looking to stretch their legs.
Final Thoughts- Best Rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
As of now Animal Kingdom might be seen as a half day park if you only ride the best rides like the Avatar attractions, Safari, and Expedition Everest but I prefer to experience the attractions at rope drop and then take time to explore all the things at Animal Kingdom that make it so unique.
Animal Kingdom will be a completely different experience by 2028 when Tropical Americas is fully open, for now it is quieter and can be experienced at a relaxed pace. You don’t really need Lighting Lane if you arrive at park open to do the popular rides, then you can save money and enjoy the ambiance of the park.
We have been successful riding the most popular rides within the first few hours of park opening. You may walk back and forth a bit but you will avoid the long lines.
The unique thing about visiting Animal Kingdom is exploring the paths and trails. It is a gorgeously themed park that offers a lot to the guests. We love visiting and experiencing all the must see rides at Animal Kingdom and hope you will too!
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.