Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [83]
Getting Around the Animal Kingdom
With more than 500 acres, technically the Animal Kingdom is the largest of all the Disney parks, but most of the space is earmarked for animal habitats, such as the huge 100-acre savanna featured in Kilimanjaro Safaris. The walkable part of the park is relatively compact—a good thing since the only real means of getting around is on foot. The layout is basically circular, with the 14-story Tree of Life in the center. This may sound like the Animal Kingdom is easy enough to navigate, but in the middle of the day the area around the main entrance can become so crowded that it’s nearly impassable. If you’re trying to move around the park, your best bet is to cut through the Asia section, essentially going behind the Tree of Life. It looks like you’re going out of your way (and, to some degree, you are), but the traffic flow works more in your favor.
At Disney World it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking “the faster you go, the more you’ll see,” but at the Animal Kingdom, the opposite is true. Slow your pace a little, because this park is designed for savoring. There are more than 1,700 live animals representing more than 250 species in the Animal Kingdom, and the park is also a botanical marvel, showcasing more than 3,000 species of plants. So, relax and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the park and the many small-animal habitats tucked along the way.
Tips for Your First Hour in the Animal Kingdom
On Extra Magic Hour mornings, only a few attractions will be operative during the first hour, but they will be indicated on a sign as you enter.
The Oasis is the entry area, much like Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, and it often opens 30 minutes before the stated entry time. Characters are usually on hand to keep the kids entertained.
The animal-habitat areas in the Oasis are charming, but don’t visit them in the morning. You’ll be stampeded by the people behind you hustling to get to the big rides … not to mention the fact that you need to hustle to the big rides yourself. It’s better to visit the Oasis in the afternoon or evening, on your way out of the park. That way it’s not a big deal if you stand there for 20 minutes waiting for the three-toed sloth to move.
When the park opens, attendants are usually standing near the Tree of Life, directing you toward attractions. Because they’re on walkie-talkies with the operators of the rides, these cast members can give you approximate wait times and save you from hotfooting it to a ride only to find a 40-minute wait. The tip board in front of the Tree of Life also lists upcoming showtimes and the approximate wait time for major attractions.
Head first to Expedition Everest. If the wait is less than 20 minutes, ride.
Next, cross through Asia to Africa and ride Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Attractions at the Animal Kingdom
Offering Fastpasses
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Primeval Whirl
Tree of Life—It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Animal Kingdom Touring Tips
Because of the relatively small number of attractions, you can tour the Animal Kingdom in about six hours. The park is often mobbed between 10 AM and 3 PM, but it usually begins to clear out by mid-afternoon. If you can’t be there first thing in the morning, consider arriving after lunch.
Insider’s Secret
In your dash to get to the rides and shows, don’t forget that the Animal Kingdom is really all about the animals. The Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail are major attractions, as well designed as any zoo, and there are other small enclaves of animal habitats around the Tree of Life.
Because of their proximity, consider combining a morning visit to the Animal Kingdom and an afternoon visit to Blizzard Beach. The parks are five minutes apart by car and