By We’re belaboring the point throughout this guide because it’s important.
In 2027, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the hottest spot at Walt Disney World when the Tropical Americas opens.
At that point, guests can visit an entire area themed to Encanto. It’ll be impossible NOT to talk about Bruno at that point.
Until then, Animal Kingdom is a bit of a mess.
On February 1, 2026, Disney will close DINOSAUR and with it, DinoLand USA.
We feel strongly that you can take advantage of this fact by having a glorious time at Animal Kingdom in 2026.
We hold fond memories of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2016 and 2017 when it was in a transitional state.
Many tourists avoid parks when they’re undergoing construction. You can benefit from this behavior by doing a lot more in a shorter period.
You may even feel like you have parts of Animal Kingdom to yourself.
Then again, we’re a decade down the line. Perhaps people have gotten smarter about this.
As we go through each themed area, you’ll notice an unmistakable truth,
Animal Kingdom is lacking in rides in 2026, which could possibly make the lines even longer at Pandora – The World of Avatar.
The Oasis
Every park visit begins at Oasis. There’s not much to do here other than shopping,
We can give you a weird pro tip for this area, although we’d also suggest it’s a waste of money.
You’ll notice Rainforest Cafe as you enter the park.
This franchise exists in many touristy areas, but it’s quite clearly the worst dining option at Animal Kingdom.
If you simply must eat here, you should do it as you leave the park. It’s a terrible lunch option since you have to backtrack to the front of the park before doing something else.
The fish sure are pretty, though.
Shoppers will love Garden Gate Gifts, which sells basic park supplies.
Disney hosts one animal experience here at the Oasis Exhibit.
You walk through garden pathways near several animal habitats.
These types of experiences represent the heart of Animal Kingdom, so please do as many of them as possible.
Discovery Island
Due north of The Oasis on the only path you can take, you’ll find Discovery Island.
Before we detail its experiences, we’ll warn you not to go southeast. That’s the DinoLand USA area that just went extinct.
Discovery Island houses one of the must-do experiences at Animal Kingdom.
Grab your phone and prepare to take plenty of photos of the Tree of Life.
You’ll find a show here called Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
You should also stop at Wilderness Explorers. Cast Members hand out assignments for young explorers like Russell from Up.
Kids will love earning badges throughout the park.
While you’re in this area, you may want to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurers Outpost. They’re wearing absolutely adorable safari outfits.
If you don’t want to wait in line, you can eat at Tusker House, a character meal where Mickey Mouse comes to your table.
You can also explore the Discovery Island trails, which show off the animals that live at the base of the Tree of Life.
Otters, lemurs, and even kangaroos can be spotted here.
Kids will love it, but that’s true of all the animal encounters at this park.
In terms of shopping, Island Mercantile and Discovery Trading Company are the go-tos here and among our overall favorites at this park.
When it comes to dining, you can eat for cheap, or even better, for much, much more.
Flame Tree Barbecue constantly ranks near the top of the charts for best barbecue on the Disney campus, as well as one of the best value restaurants.
Tiffins Restaurant hosts an otherworldly Signature Dining experience when you want to relax and enjoy the ambience at the park.
This place is exceptionally well themed.
Animal Kingdom enthusiasts rave about Tiffins’ adjacent bar, Nomad Lounge, which serves small plates as well as cocktails.
When you just want a quick slice, we recommend Pizzafari.
Finally, when you need a coffee fix, you can visit Creature Comforts or Isle of Java.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Your primary destination will be Pandora – The World of Avatar.
We’ll rave about this place when we discuss Animal Kingdom rides.
The must-do rides here in order are Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
On Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll sit on something akin to a motorcycle and watch a giant movie screen.
This ride offers an immersive 3D flight through Pandora as you try to tame a banshee.
David is actively obsessed with Na’vi River Journey, one of the least popular rides at the park.
He raves about this dark boat ride through a bioluminescent rain forest.
Danger lurks at every corner, but so does the beauty of Pandora.
You’ll want to shop at Windtraders, which sells moving banshees.
We have one, and we won’t lie to you. We got bored with it a couple of months after we got it, but we don’t regret the purchase.
In terms of drinking and dining, Pongu Pongu sells drinks and a couple of snacks.
Your real target is Satu’li Canteen, the pride of Animal Kingdom dining.
We unapologetically rave about this place, and it’s where you’re most likely to find us eating at the park.
Anecdotally, we love the staff here, as Kim once lost a Stitch nuiMO, which a Cast Member retrieved and returned to her.
Africa
Once you finish at Pandora, you’ll head north to the Africa themed land called Harambe Village.
Here’s where your animal encounters kick into high gear.
On Kilimanjaro Safaris, you’ll take a ride through the natural habitats of several creatures, such as elephants, giraffes, okapi, and even some lions.
There’s no point in visiting Animal Kingdom if you’re not going to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Right beside it, you should walk through Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, which features birds and hippos in addition to the gorillas.
Next up, you’ll board a rustic Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an animal conservation area. Kids will be delighted by the opportunity to pet goats, sheep, llamas, and more at Affection Section.
You can also watch veterinarians in action at the Conservation Station or learn to draw a Disney character at the Animation Experience before you take the train back to Africa.
We cannot emphasize enough that you should do every animal experience possible while you’re in Africa.
In terms of dining, you can grab a Dole Whip at Tamu Tamu Refreshments or coffee at Kushafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery.
There’s also a charming place to get fruit called Harambe Fruit Market. When you’re hungry, you can grab some counter service food at Harambe Market or sit down for the aforementioned character meal at Tusker House.
Dawa Bar is also a huge hit, while you can satisfy your sweet tooth at Zuri’s Sweets Shop.
We also guarantee you’ve never bought theme park merchandise like you have at Mombasa Marketplace.
Harambe Village also hosts some live music, including Burudika, an Afro-pop band and the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe.
You will hear these acts before you see them, and you may find that the street surrounding them is super crowded as people dance and enjoy the activity.
Of course, the show you really want to watch is Festival of the Lion King, an interactive musical retelling of the story with plenty of audience participation.
Asia
Until the Tropical Americas opens, Asia will remain the only other themed land at Animal Kingdom.
Disney calls this area Anandapur, a fictional place with a fictional mountain that causes the locals some concern.
You’ll make your way through the Forbidden Mountain on Expedition Everest, arguably Disney World’s most aggressive roller coaster.
As fate would have it, Yetis apparently aren’t mythical creatures. One corners you in a cave, leaving you no other option but to attempt a harrowing escape.
Expedition Everest is a joyous ride experience and our favorite thrill ride at the park. It also offers Single Rider, making it easy to ride throughout the day.
One other ride, Kali River Rapids, is a raft ride that will absolutely soak you, so it’s understandably a favorite at Animal Kingdom, a warm park.
Disney also hosts a unique bird show here named Feathered Friends in Flight! Birds fly around the stage, but the part that always amazes us is that they return.
We guess Disney feeds them well.
You’ll encounter animals one last time at Maharajah Jungle Trek, where you walk past the homes of countless birds, monkeys, and tigers.
Anecdotally, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and this one are the two we do the most often.
Speaking of which, every time we ride Expedition Everest, we head straight to its accompanying gift shop, Serka Zong Bazaar. Let’s just say that we own a LOT of Yeti merchandise. Mandala Gifts is also located in this area.
While we’re gushing, we’ll note that you can and should eat at Yak & Yeti Restaurant and/or Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes. Anandapur also hosts Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company.
We’ll mention one other attraction in the Asia area. Historically, Disney has categorized Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! as a DinoLand USA attraction. We never liked that anyway, as it makes more sense in Asia.
We quite like this show, which will remain open once Disney banishes the dinosaurs back to the Mesozoic Era.