Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Me too! And man, can it be daunting to decide which attractions, entertainment, dining, and special events are right for your perfect vacation. Walt Disney World does an amazing job at keeping their parks current, with new shows, parades, and attractions appearing on the regular. But it can be a lot to keep track of. Trust me, I know. My desk looks like a crime board right now, various touring itineraries connected by red string with post it notes adding additional information.
There’s a lot of buzz right now over Hollywood Studios with the opening of Toy Story Land and the coming of Stars Land, but don’t forget, we’ve still got some new stuff over at Animal Kingdom.
Pandora-the World of Avatar features two rides that are massively popular. Don’t believe me? Check out the wait for Flight of Passage on any given day this summer.There’s a brand new stage show with UP! A Great Bird Adventure. New character experiences like Donald’s Dino Bash and don’t forget about the gorgeous nighttime entertainment, River of Lights. What I’m trying to say here is, don’t sleep on Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom has had an unfair reputation in the past of the most “skippable” of the Disney Parks. I once read a review that called it a “glorified zoo”. Well, let me tell you folks, those days are long done. With the addition of the World of Pandora and a variety of nighttime entertainments, Animal Kingdom saw its hours increase, making this a destination you could spend a full day at.
And you should. In addition to the Broadway caliber shows (seriously, Nemo is amazing), Animal Kingdom hosts some fantastic e-ticket attractions like Kilamanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest to name a few. Princess fans have a rare chance to meet Pocahontas. And oh, did I mention there are animals everywhere? You want gorillas? Got ‘em. You want giraffes? Got ‘em. How about an okapi? Yep, got those, too. Between the animal sightings, kid friendly shows, and pulse pounding rides, you’re looking at a park that is great for every member of your family.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was some kind of master list about all the various goings on at Animal Kingdom? It would, wouldn’t it? Call me Genie, because your wish is my command.
Here’s what you get: the name of the attraction, the location, times (for shows and parades), height requirements, and whether or not they’re FastPass or Rider Switch eligible.
A quick note about making FastPasses at Animal Kingdom. The attractions at AK are divided into tiers. When choosing your FastPasses, you get one pick from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2. Just like at the other parks, once you use all three, you can make your next FastPass, and it can be from either Tier. You can use the MyDisney Experience app or the in park kiosks to book those additional FastPasses.
Please be aware, times will change based on season for most shows and parades, so I’ve listed here the general time you can expect to see them (AM or PM). Make sure you are checking the Disney site for exact times before you leave for your trip.Especially because of the animals, this park has more shifting schedules than the others. I have not included seasonal events, since those events have their own special entertainments and or events that you need to pay extra for, like special behind the scenes tours. Finally, Disney releases refurbishment schedules a few months in advance, so be sure to check before you leave to see if any of your favorites will be down during your trip.
As of June 21st, 2018 here are the current attractions and entertainment available at Animal Kingdom.
Affection Section
- Type: Petting Zoo/Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
African Birds-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: No
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
African Elephants-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: No
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Avatar Flight of Passage
- Type: Thrill Ride
- Height: 44 inches
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 1
- Rider Switch: Yes
- Location: Pandora the World of Avatar
The Boneyard
- Type: Play Area
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Butterflies-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Conservation Station
- Type: Interactive Exhibit
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Dinosaur
- Type: Thrill Ride
- Height: 40 inches
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: Yes
- Location: DinoLand USA
Dino-Sue
- Type: Exhibit
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Discovery Island Trails
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Expedition Everest-Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Type: Thrill Ride
- Height: 44 inches
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: Yes
- Location: Asia
Flamingos-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Gibbons-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Asia
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Gorillas-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Habitat Habit!
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM – PM
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hippopotamuses -Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Invertebrates – Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Type: Indoor Film Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: Discovery Island
Kali River Rapids
- Type: Thrill Ride, Water Ride
- Height: 38 inches
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: Yes
- Location: Asia
Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Type: Ride/Animal Encounter
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: Africa
Lions-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Maharajah Jungle
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Asia
Migratory Birds-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Oasis
Na’vi River Journey
- Type: Ride
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 1
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: Pandora-the World of Avatar
The Oasis
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM- PM
- Location: The Oasis
Okapis-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Primevel Whirl
- Type: Thrill Ride
- Height: 48
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: Yes
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Rhinos-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Tamarins-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Tigers-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Asia
Tree of Life
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
TriceraTop Spin
- Type: Ride
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Vultures-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Wilderness Explorers
- Type: Interactive Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island/Multiple Locations
Wildlife Express Train
- Type: Ride
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Location: Africa
Zebras-Disney Animals
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Africa
Meet Doc McStuffins at Conservation Station
- Type: Sharacter Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventure Outpost ft. Mickey & Minnie
- Type: Character Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Meet Pocahontas at Character Landing
- Type: Character Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Meet Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Type: Character Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Meet Russell and Dug at Discovery Island
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
UP! A Great Bird Adventure
- Type: Stage Show
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Asia
Donald’s Dino Bash
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Animal Encounters-Winged Encounters-The Kingdom Takes Flight
- Type: Animal Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Burudika
- Type: Street Performance
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: PM
- Length: 30 minutes
- Location: Africa
Discovery Island Carnivale
- Type: Night Performance
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Finding Nemo-the Musical
- Type: Stage Show
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Length: 40 minutes
- Location: DinoLand U.S.A
Pandora Utility Suit
- Type: Character Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Pandora-the World of Avatar
Festival of the Lion King
- Type: Stage Show
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Length: 30 minutes
- Location: Africa
River of Lights
- Type: Nighttime Spectacular
- Height: Any
- FastPass: Yes, Tier 2
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: PM
- Location: Asia
Swotu Waya Na’vi Drum Ceremony
- Type: Street Performance
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM-PM
- Location: Pandora-the World of Avatar
Tam Tam Drummers
- Type: Street Performance
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: AM
- Location: Africa
Tree of Life Awakenings
- Type: Nighttime Experience
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Viva Gaia Street Band!
- Type: Streetmosphere
- Height: Any
- FastPass: No
- Rider Switch: No
- Times: PM
- Location: Discovery Island
Catch up on our complete attraction and entertainment guides for the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios!
What’s your favorite thing to do at Animal Kingdom? Tell me about it in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!