Animal Kingdom- Not a Half Day Park

If you follow me on Facebook or worked with me as a client, you probably have an idea of my love of Animal Kingdom. As a kid I was fascinated with animals, even at one point wanting to become a zoologist. I loved watching Jack Hannah on TV and would read everything I could. One of my favorite books was a Disney educational book all about different animals in the wild. I wish I still had a copy of that book, but nonetheless it's something I've always loved.

We even had our wedding reception at Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom is a park we always make sure we do at least once, if not twice!   There is so much this park has to offer that I thought I would talk a little today about how you can spend your whole day there...it's not a half day park!

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a park that is meant to be explored! Upon arriving and passing through the turnstiles, you are given a choice to head right or left.

 As you make your way through the Jungle like paths, you'll find animals and hidden pathways to explore.

As you pass through the Jungle you'll come to the top of a hill where you'll get your first full peak at the Tree of Life.

Beneath the Tree of Life you'll find more hidden paths that have more animals to view and places to explore!

You will of course have the big attractions to visit throughout the day:

• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Expedition Everest
• DINOSAUR!
• Primeval Whirl
• TriceraTop Spin
• Kali River Rapids

You'll also have a variety of shows to see:

• Nemo: The Musical
• Festival of the Lion King
• It's Tough to Be a Bug
• Flights of Wonder

Between the schedules of the shows and catching the top attractions, I think you may start to see your day filling up!  Here is a recommendation for a day at the park, with some lesser known attractions filled in! (This would be assuming you will go on all the attractions)

1. Arrive at Park 30 minutes prior to open
2. Once the park officially opens, head to Expedition Everest. Take a Ride and grab Fast Passes before heading to Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Kilimanjaro Safari
4. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail (Hippo's, Gorilla's, bird's and much more!)
5. Conservation Station (train ride out to Rafiki's Planet Watch)
6. DINOSAUR (grab fast passes if the wait is more than 20 minutes)
7. Primeval Whirl
8. TriceraTops Spin
9. Return to Everest for Fast Pass Use
10. Nemo: the Musical
11. The Boneyard
12. Festival of the Lion King
13. It's Tough to Be a Bug
14. Flights of Wonder
15. Maharajah Jungle Trek (Tigers, Bat, bird's and more!
16. Kali River Rapids

Also don't forget during the course of your day to stop for Character photos located all over the park. Plus you would also take a break for lunch and snacks during the course of your day. Some activities take longer than others (the trip out to Conservation Station and any of the nature trails for instance), but these can all be done at your own pace.

Disney has also introduced a fun new interactive element to Animal Kingdom, called Wilderness Explorers. This program will help your kids discover all the things the park has to offer while introducing them to conservation and wildlife. It's a fun, new way to explore all this amazing park has to offer!

Tips for enjoying Animal Kingdom

This park is very different from the other 3. There is no real reason to rush from attraction to attraction. Take your time and explore everything it has to offer.

Take your time and let your kids walk around and explore the little paths and hidden surprises...like DeVine.

Ride the safari...more than once! It's a whole different experience every time. You never know what you might see!

Explore the trails!

Get a bite to eat...Animal Kingdom offers some of the best food at Walt Disney World!

Stay until the park closes...sunset is so pretty here!

Catch some unique entertainment!

I hope during your next trip to Walt Disney World you take some time to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom...it's Nahtazu!