Animal Kingdom Theme Park an Experience That Roars With Excitement

Welcome to the wild and adventurous world of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park! Immerse yourself in the realm of creatures inhabiting our world and imagination. Then, prepare for a roaring good time as you create your unforgettable adventure!

Embark on a thrilling high-speed train ride on Expedition Everest™– Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, through the treacherous Himalayan unknown, where the feared Yeti lurks.

Dive into a magical undersea environment at the Theater in the Wild with Finding Nemo – The Musical. This Broadway-caliber show brings to life the beloved characters from the classic Disney•Pixar animated film Finding Nemo.

Experience the African Savannah like never before with Kilimanjaro Safaris®, a safari adventure where you can observe free-roaming wildlife in their natural habitat.

Get ready for a wild ride on Kali River Rapids®, a water-rafting journey that will leave you soaked!

Explore the mystical forest and ancient ruins of Maharajah Jungle Trek®, where you can encounter tigers, giant fruit bats, and komodo dragons. And don’t miss the hilarious 3-D adventure of It’s Zootopia: Better Zoogether! inside the Tree of Life®.

Discover the magic of nature at Pandora: The World of Avatar, a beautiful land that will transport you to a world of wonder and adventure.

Get ready to embark on a wildly playful adventure like no other at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Come and explore this unique and exciting destination today!

Download an Animal Kingdom Park Map pdf

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Lands

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park is a one-of-a-kind theme park that takes guests on a journey through the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As the largest of the Disney theme parks, it is divided into several distinct lands, each with unique attractions and experiences. From the wild savannas of Africa to the towering mountains of Pandora, the lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking high-speed thrills, educational animal encounters, or awe-inspiring natural beauty. Join us on a tour of the lands at this beautiful park and discover the magic of the animal kingdom.

Africa – Step into the heart of Africa with Kilimanjaro Safaris®, a thrilling journey through the savanna where you’ll encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, and other majestic animals. Explore an authentic African village filled with sights and sounds of the mysterious continent. Then, hop on the Wildlife Express steam train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an interactive conservation center where you can learn about animals and their environments. Animal interaction experiences are also available.

Asia – Embark on a wild adventure in Asia with Expedition Everest. This coaster takes you on a runaway train ride through the Himalayan Mountains, where you’ll encounter the mysterious yeti. Brave the rapids on Kali River Rapids®, a white-water raft adventure through a threatened rainforest. Journey past Asian ruins and live exotic animals, including tigers, Komodo dragons, and giant fruit bats, on the Maharajah Jungle Trek®. At Theater in the Wild, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!” transports guests into the magical ocean world of the Disney-Pixar Academy Award-winning animated film “Finding Nemo.”

Discovery Island: Explore the park hub, Discovery Island®, and its towering icon, The Tree of Life. The tree houses “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” a humorous 3D and special-effects show. Trails around the tree lead to up-close views of animal carvings on its trunk and branches and several animal habitats. Browse colorful hand-carved animal architecture at various gift and food emporiums beyond the Tree of Life.

Pandora – The World of Avatar – Enter a land that celebrates the magic of nature. Walk among the floating mountains during the day and explore the glowing fauna and flora after dark. Then, fly on the back of a mountain banshee during an exhilarating, 3D ride over the vast moon of Pandora on the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction, or journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest and see the Na’vi Shaman of Songs on the Na’vi River Journey attraction.

Tropical Americas (Opening 2027) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting a new themed land called Tropical Americas, officially named Pueblo Esperanza, which will re-imagine part of DinoLand, U.S.A. with a lush, story-driven setting inspired by the region’s culture and landscapes. The land is expected to feature attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, along with new dining and family-friendly experiences, and it is slated to open in 2027.

Attractions and Encounters

Animal Kingdom Theme Park Bird in Flight

Affection Section

Affection Section is a petting zoo in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park. This area allows guests to interact with domesticated animals in a safe and controlled environment, such as goats, sheep, pigs, and donkeys. The space also features informative displays about animal care and welfare and opportunities to meet and chat with animal experts. Affection Section is a fun and educational experience for children and adults and a great way to learn more about the animals we share our world with.
Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: All Ages

Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is a thrilling 3D motion simulator ride in the Pandora – The World of Avatar section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park. The attraction allows guests to experience the sensation of flying on the back of a banshee, a mythical creature from the world of Avatar. Guests board a motorcycle-like vehicle and wear 3D glasses before being lifted off the ground and taken on a breathtaking journey through the world of Pandora. The ride features stunning visual effects and immersive storytelling, making guests feel as though they are genuinely soaring through the skies alongside the banshees. Avatar Flight of Passage is one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and is a must-see for fans of the Avatar franchise and thrill-seekers alike.
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar
Height Requirement: 44” (113cm) or taller
Age Interest: Kids, Adults, Teens, Tweens

Conservation Station

Conservation Station is an educational and interactive exhibit in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park. The exhibit promotes wildlife conservation and educates guests about protecting our planet’s animals and their habitats. The exhibit features a variety of interactive displays, including behind-the-scenes looks at animal care and conservation efforts, as well as hands-on activities for children and adults alike. In addition, guests can meet and chat with animal experts and learn about conservation projects worldwide. Conservation Station is a great way to learn how we can all help protect our planet’s wildlife and positively impact the environment.
Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Height Requirement: Any Height
Age Interest: All Ages

Discovery Island® Trails

Discovery Island® Trails is a section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park with several walking trails that wind around the lush foliage and animal habitats of the park’s central hub, Discovery Island. The trails allow visitors to get close to various exotic animals, including lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, and exotic birds like the African crowned crane and the great egret.

In addition to the animal encounters, the trails offer beautiful views of the park’s iconic centerpiece, the Tree of Life. Visitors can wander through the peaceful gardens and shaded walkways, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of this unique corner of the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park visitors are encouraged to explore the Discovery Island® Trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of the animals and surroundings.
Location: Discovery Island®
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: All Ages

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain® is a thrilling roller coaster attraction in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park. The attraction takes guests on a high-speed journey through the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti.

The adventure begins with a scenic railway ride through the mountains, where riders encounter stunning vistas and intricate theming that immerses them in the ride’s story. But as the train approaches the Forbidden Mountain, the track suddenly gives way, sending riders hurtling backward through the darkness and into twists, turns, and drops that simulate a perilous chase through the mountains.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain® is known for its high speeds, sudden drops, and intense theming, creating a sense of adventure and excitement for riders of all ages. The ride is one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park and is a must-see for thrill-seekers and Disney fans alike.
Location: Asia®
Height Requirement: 44″ (113 cm) or taller
Age Interest: Kids, Adults, Teens, Tweens
Thrill Level: Thrill Rides, Big Drops, Dark

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Discover a beautiful tropical forest filled with native African species, such as gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds.
Location: Africa
Height Requirement: Any Height
Age Interest: All Ages

Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Get ready to go wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, an immersive 4D adventure located inside the iconic Tree of Life Theater. This high-energy show brings the vibrant world of Zootopia to life as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde invite guests to celebrate “Zoogether Day” through a blend of stunning animation, tactile special effects, and appearances by fan-favorite characters like Flash and Chief Bogo. Perfect for families of all ages, this inclusive experience captures the heart and humor of the film, proving that in this park, anyone can be anything!

The magic of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! goes beyond the screen, using cutting-edge 4D effects to pull you directly into the action. As Judy and Nick navigate the different districts of Zootopia, you’ll feel the mist of the rainforest, the chilly breeze of Tundratown, and even some surprising tactile effects right at your seat. These sensory elements, combined with high-fidelity animation, make you feel like a citizen of the metropolis rather than just a spectator.

Location: Discovery Island®
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Kids, All Ages

Kali River Rapids®

Kali River Rapids® is a water ride attraction in the Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Kali River Rapids® simulates a white-water rafting adventure through a rainforest landscape along the Chakranadi River. Guests board a circular raft that seats up to 12 people and journey through rushing rapids, steep waterfalls, and twists and turns.

Throughout the ride, guests encounter various animal animatronics, such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants, as well as environmental effects like fire, mist, and splashing water. Riders should be ready to get wet, as the ride includes several areas where rafts are splashed with water.

Location: Asia®
Height Requirement: 38″ (95 cm) or taller
Age Interest: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Thrill Level: Thrill Rides, Water Rides, Small Drops, Spinning

Kilimanjaro Safaris®

Kilimanjaro Safaris® is an African savanna-themed attraction in the Africa area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park.

The attraction takes guests on an open-air safari ride through a recreated African savanna, where they can see live animals roaming freely in their natural habitats. Guests board a large safari vehicle and journey through various environments, such as grasslands, forests, and wetlands.

During the popular attraction, guests can spot various animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, zebras, and many others. The attraction features diverse wildlife designed to provide an educational and immersive experience.

Location: Africa
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: All Ages

Maharajah Jungle Trek®

The Maharajah Jungle Trek® is a walking tour attraction located in the Asia section of the park. Maharajah Jungle Trek® resembles the ruins of an ancient palace and temple complex in the Southeast Asian region.

Visitors to the attraction will have the opportunity to explore the lush jungle environment and encounter a variety of exotic animals, such as tigers, Komodo dragons, gibbons, and various species of birds. Along the trek, informative exhibits and displays offer insights into the region’s cultural and historical significance.

One of the main highlights of the attraction is the Tiger Temple, a stunning exhibit featuring majestic Asian Tigers Guests can view the tigers through a glass viewing window or from an elevated walkway that provides an unobstructed view of the animals.

Overall, the Maharajah Jungle Trek® is a popular attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors interested in wildlife and culture.

Location: Asia®
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: All Ages

Festival of the Lion King

Plunge right into the middle of the action in this cleverly staged in-the-round production featuring songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Combining the pageantry of a parade with all the excitement of a tribal celebration, this is a lavish, high energy spectacle created through song, dance and specialty performances.
Location: Africa
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Finding Nemo – The Musical

Finding Nemo – The Musical, a scheduled 30-minute musical-theater adaptation of Disney•Pixar’s movie, Finding Nemo, that will amaze audiences of all ages, is performed in the Theater in the Wild at the Asia area in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
Location: Asia
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults, All Ages

UP! A Great Bird Adventure

Admire a variety of exotic birds while laughing at corny jokes at this energetic theater presentation. This unique experience features a close-up look at bird species from South America, North America, India, Africa, and other locations around the globe. More than 15 species of birds make appearances, including toucans, parrots, macaws, and an African fish eagle with a magnificent 7-foot wingspan!
Location: Asia
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Kids, All Ages

Habitat Habit!®

See endangered cotton-top tamarin primates up close. Trek down this adventure trail and help your animal friends in ways that you never thought possible. It’s fun to share your world and your own backyard with animals!
Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch®
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, All Ages

The Oasis Exhibits®

Unwind as you enter this tropical oasis of Eden-like flora and fauna rich with cooling waterfalls and meandering streams. This idyllic setting sets the stage for your day. From here all paths lead to adventure.
Location: Oasis
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Adults, All Ages

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail®

Trek into the forest in search of gorillas! Along the way, enjoy a nature walk through a verdant African valley filled with Nile hippos, birds, and fish. Enter an exotic bird aviary, an underwater hippo viewing area, a savannah overlook, and have an intimate up-close encounter with a magnificent troop of gorillas.
Location: Africa
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults, All Ages

The Tree of Life

Marvel at this 14-story masterpiece sculpted by more than a dozen artisans. The 50-foot wide tree is the centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. The swirling tapestry of 325 animal carvings creates a staggering spectacle that is truly a sight to behold!
Location: Discovery Island®
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Adults, All Ages

The Tree of Life Awakening

The park’s iconic Tree of Life undergoes an extraordinary “awakening.” Animal spirits come to life throughout the evening by magical fireflies. Each scene appears to emanate from within the tree itself and reveals stories of wonder. Guests are invited to watch in wonder as animal spirits within the Tree of Life awaken bringing with it a mesmerizing showcase of color and light. After night falls, the Tree of Life will begin to come to life approximately every 10 minutes until park close.
Location: Discovery Island®
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Adults, All Ages

Wildlife Express Train®

Ride the rails on this rustic African train that travels the savannah for a behind-the-scenes journey through several animal housing and care areas of the park. In just over five minutes, your guided train ride transports you to the core of the park’s conservation center. All aboard!
Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch®
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, All Ages

Na’vi River Journey

Enjoy a colorful voyage through the scenery of Pandora on this new family-friendly boat adventure. Na’vi River Journey features amazing lighting effects, physical rainforest sets, glowing leaves embedded with animal footprints, floating jellyfish, animal predators, screen-based Na’vi representations, and a grandiose animatronic of the Na’vi Shaman of Song.
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar
Height Requirement: None
Age Interest: Kids, All Ages

Park Tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Wild Africa Trek

(Offered several times daily throughout the day)

Wild Africa Trek is an immersive experience that offers Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests a unique opportunity to enjoy unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve and have an “up close and personal” experience with intriguing African wildlife species.

This three-hour experience led by specially trained guides begins in the Safi River valley where expedition harnesses will allow Guests to cross precarious rope bridges and enjoy up-close views of Nile hippos and crocodiles. The journey continues along the edge of a magnificent, wide-open African savannah, where Guests board a specialized vehicle to enjoy an exclusive safari, including a stop at a private safari camp. This 30-minute respite allows Guests to continue premium animal viewing and enjoy African-inspired food samplings.

A Disney-trained photographer will capture memories while guests enjoy the Wild Africa Trek experience. At the end of the trek, guests will be provided digital copies of all photos which are included in the ticket price.

It’s a way to experience the exclusivity and thrills of a safari adventure right in the heart of Disneys Animal Kingdom.

Please note that Guests must be ambulatory and have sufficient stamina and endurance to experience this walking and climbing adventure. For those Guests who wish to participate in a less physical journey or a wheelchair accessible trek, they may contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 407-938-1373 for an alternative offering.

A portion of the Tour price will be donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

Reservations can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) or ask your travel agent for more information. Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally. Park admission is also required for participants.

Backstage Tales tour

(7:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Daily)
Backstage Tales will give Guests the opportunity to experience behind-the-scenes tales (“tails”) during this in-depth program by providing an insider’s look at the innovative ways Disney is meeting challenges in areas such as conservation, animal nutrition and medicine, animal care and behavioral studies.

Guests will:

Visit the Animal Nutrition Center and see how more than 3 tons of food are prepared and distributed each day.
Go behind the scenes and explore a backstage animal-housing area.
Tour the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, where they may witness animals being treated.
Stop by the Animal Programs Administration building and learn how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation and animal well-being.

Guests must be at least 12 years old to attend this program. Guests are required to have a photo ID in their possession during the program. This is both an indoor and outdoor program, including moderate walking and stair climbing. Guests with special needs can be accommodated with prior notice. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR or ask your travel agent

The Ultimate Day of Thrills

(8:30 a.m. – Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays – 6 to 7 hours)
A thrilling, three park VIP Tour Experience of a lifetime. The day starts in the Magic Kingdom® Park riding favorite attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, and Space Mountain. Guests board private transportation as they journey to the Disney Hollywood Studios® where they will visit four of the park’s most exciting attractions, Toy Story Mania!, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The day concludes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a high-speed trek through Expedition Everest.

Lunch is included. Theme Park admission with Park Hopper Option is required and is not included. For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR, (407) 939-8687. For group reservations, call (407) 939-8687.

Attraction Height Requirements

Walt Disney World is designed all ages and most attractions can be enjoyed by guests of any age and height. There are a few Animal Kingdom attractions that require guests to be of a certain height. These restrictions are in place to help ensure the safety of all guests.

Avatar Flight of Passage – 44″ (112 centimeters) or taller
Expedition Everest – 44″ (113 centimeters) or taller
Kali River Rapids – 38″ (97 centimeters) or taller

Dining Options

Africa

Asia

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Discovery Island

Entrance

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park