Paradise for animal lovers in the Animal Kingdom
As a theme park, zoo, safari and Disneyland all in one, “Disney’s Animal Kingdom” will delight all animal lovers and those who are sure to become one here. More than 200 different animal species can be marveled at in the Animal Kingdom. Numerous attractions are offered in seven themed areas, which are more or less thematically based on the continents.
The highlights at a glance
- Flight of Passage – fly through Pandora on a Banshee, one of the most immersive attractions ever
- Expedition Everest – rollercoaster adventure in the Himalayas with a backwards ride and Yeti scare
- Kilimanjaro Safaris – experience real animals on safari – especially active in the morning
- Festival of the Lion King – spectacular live show with acrobatics and music from the Disney classic
Information & route planner Animal Kingdom
| Opening hours | daily 8 AM to 8 PM |
| Entrance | from $ 114 / person |
| suitable for | Family |
| Children | all age groups |
| Place | Orlando |
On an expedition in the Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines wildlife, natural wonders and adventure in a unique theme park. In six different areas, you can immerse yourself in distant continents, primeval landscapes and fantastic worlds such as Pandora. Whether it’s a safari through the savannah, jungle trails in Asia or floating mountains – real animals, breathtaking scenery and impressive attractions for the whole family await you here.
Tropical Oasis
The “Oasis” is home to colorful papgeias, large anteaters, wild boars, small deer called muntjacs and many other animals. The fascinating animal world is embedded in lush jungle scenery: Exotic animals can be seen and heard as you walk along shady footpaths and through a tropical oasis with gentle waterfalls. In the “Rainforest Cafe” you can dine in a real jungle atmosphere.
Discovery Island and the Tree of Life
The huge, artificial Tree of Life attracts the attention of visitors to “Discovery Island”. A discovery trail, featuring Galapagos tortoises and porcupines, winds around the 44-metre-high tree with over 300 animal reliefs. Inside, guests can experience the entertaining 4D show “It’s Tough to Be a Bug“, in which insects play the leading role. Around the island, there are smaller animal encounters, stores and hands-on stations for children, who can go in search of clues as Wilderness Explorers.
Pandora – the world of Avatar
A highlight for many is Pandora – The World of Avatar, probably the park’s most impressive theme world. Between floating mountains, glowing plants and mystical sounds, you feel like you’re on an alien planet.
The main attraction “Flight of Passage” simulates a flight on a banshee and is one of the most immersive experiences in the whole of Walt Disney World. Those who prefer a quieter experience can glide through the mysterious flora and fauna of Pandora on the Na’vi River Journey.
Wild Africa
The next themed area takes you to the cradle of mankind: “Africa”. If you take around an hour, you can discover birds, fish, gorillas and hippos on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail . The latter can be observed underwater through a glass pane. Then it’s off-road on the Kilimanjaro Safari. The approximately half-hour drive takes you past animal enclosures that look like the wild.
This feeling is not entirely unfounded, as some wild animals are indeed not fenced in, such as ostriches and rhinos. If an animal blocks the road, the half hour can turn into more. Then you may miss your train or the Wildlife Express Train. It takes travelers from the station to “Rafiki’s Planet Watch”. If you only see the tail lights, that’s no problem at all: departures take place every five to seven. During the journey, you can reminisce, as it passes the animal enclosures of Kilimanjaro Safaris, among other things.
The Habitat Habit, home to the monkeys, is already waiting at the destination. Liszt’s monkeys and other small monkeys greet tourists on this path, where information boards provide interesting facts about the wild animals. At the end of the path, you reach the “Conservation Station”. This science center has interactive exhibitions and opportunities to interact with the animals. Anyone who has always wanted to stroke a snake can do so here.
Next door, the Affection Section in the form of a farm shows animals that have been changed by humans over generations from former wild animals to farm animals. The Wildlife Express Train finally takes you back to the starting point. Staff dressed in typical African costume treat young and old to African specialties, including the “Tusker House Restaurant” with an all-you-care-to-eat buffet from the black continent.
Exotic Asia
The Asia themed area transports visitors to a fascinating mix of Nepal, India and South East Asia. Hidden among tropical vegetation, ancient temple ruins and weathered walls are some of the park’s most impressive animal trails and attractions.
On the Maharajah Jungle Trek, you can explore a detailed jungle world with royal tigers, flying foxes, Komodo dragons and other exotic animal species at your own pace. The paths lead past water features, suspension bridges and artistically designed ruins – a real highlight for nature lovers.
If you like it wet and fast, get on the Kali River Rapids. Large round boats take you through raging rapids, past smoking logging sites and through the dense jungle. At the end, a spectacular tidal wave awaits – with an almost guaranteed shower for everyone on board. There are waterproof containers for rucksacks and equipment in the middle of the boats.
The snow-covered summit of Expedition Everest can be seen from afar. The spectacular roller coaster takes you through the Himalayan mountains – including surprising changes of direction, a backwards ride and an encounter with the legendary Yeti. For many, it is one of the best coaster experiences in the entire resort.
The Yak & Yeti Restaurant invites you to enjoy Asian specialties directly in the themed area – served in a lovingly decorated building in the style of a Nepalese trading post. Nearby, monkeys can also be observed in a species-appropriate enclosure that blends in perfectly with the theme.
Original Dinoland U.S.A.
Dinoland U.S.A. transports visitors to a prehistoric themed world full of fossils, family attractions and a playful fairground atmosphere. Between dinosaur skeletons, research stations and colorful rides, younger guests in particular get their money’s worth.
A highlight for little explorers is the spacious adventure playground The Boneyard, where they can dig for dinosaur fossils in the sand. Right next to it, the child-friendly TriceraTop Spin sightseeing flight takes off into the air – with dinosaur gondolas that can be moved up and down using a control lever.
In the updated live show Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! the well-known story from the Pixar film comes to life with singing, puppetry and a modern stage design. The show has recently been revamped, but is still a crowd-puller.
The area’s main attraction is Dinosaur, a fast-paced indoor park ride that sends visitors on a wild journey into the Cretaceous period in a Time Rover. Between asteroids, thundering dinosaurs and abrupt curves, goosebumps are guaranteed – not for the faint-hearted.
The Restaurantosaurus, which serves burgers, hot dogs and salads in a lovingly designed “dinosaur explorer camp”, provides a break in between. Fairground games such as the Fossil Fun Games complete the offer – an entertaining mix of games, research and nostalgia.
Disney’s Animals
Although Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not a classic zoo, encounters with animals play a central role. Elaborately designed habitats can be found throughout the park – from African elephants, rhinos and lions to tigers, monitor lizards and small tamarins.
Many of these stations are signposted as “Disney’s Animals” or listed in the official app and can be discovered as part of walking trails, safaris or interactive programs such as the Wilderness Explorers. The combination of animal proximity, environmental education and a themed backdrop makes Animal Kingdom unique – and shows that Disney is also passionate about species conservation.
