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Welcome to our Animal Kingdom Guide

Welcome to Your Guide to Animal Kingdom with Kids

Download Animal Kingdom with kids Planner
Download Animal Kingdom with kids Must do

SKIP TO

Early Entry
/ Rope Drop
Rides/Shows/
Attractions for Kids
Playgrounds/Cooling Areas
Dining/Character Dining
Freebies for Kids
Rider Switch
Lightning Lanes to Book
Babies /Stroller Tips
Park Must Haves
Resort Hopping with Kids
Animal Kingdom Tips
Maximize Your Day With Little Ones

Early Entry Strategy for Little Ones

  • Na’vi River Journey
  • then head to the Safari ride

These are the rides usually have the highest wait  times. If you want to do Flight of Passage you could do Rider Switch. 

1.Early Entry/Rope Drop ……………..

Early Entry is a perk for Disney Resort guests (staying at a Disney Resort). This gives Disney Resort Guests access to the rides at Animal Kingdom 30 minutes before the park opens to the general public. 

Important Note: Not all rides are open during Early Entry at Animal Kingdom Here is the list of the attractions that are available during Early Entry:

IMPORTANT NOTE for Everyone: 

Animal Kingdom will let everyone inside the park an hour before the park opens, no matter where you are staying. Everyone is allowed inside Animal Kingdom and you have to wait in the Oasis until the park opens. Disney Resort guest get Early Entry and can start going on rides 30 minutes before the park opens everyone else has to wait until the park open

Rope Dropping ……………..

What is Rope Drop you might ask as you hear so many people suggest rope dropping. Well let me explain rope drop is when one of lands or park opens for the day. They remove an actual rope from each area to let guest in, therefore technically you could even rope drop early entry. 

Rope dropping basically means being at the park before it opens to be there for cast members to drop the rope and let guests in. If you don’t have Early Entry (staying offsite) I recommend getting to Animal Kingdom at least 45 minutes before the park opens.

Rope Drop Strategy for Little Ones

  • Safari Ride.
  • Na’vi River Journey

DO NOT ROPE DROP TIME THE FOLLOWING RIDES/SHOWS

  • Dinosaur

This attraction usually has very low wait times throughout the day. 

2. Rides,Shows,and Entertainment

download animal kingdom Attractions
download Animal Kingdom No Height Requirements

Animal Kingdom is divided into 6 lands. The Oasis, Discovery Island, DinoLand U.S.A., Africa, Asia, and Pandora: The World of Avatar. Throughout these lands you will find various rides, several walk-through exhibits, an indoor theater, three amphitheaters, a conservation exhibit, and a children’s playground.


  • The Oasis 
  • Discovery Island
  • Dinoland
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Pandora

The Oasis  this is the first land you will see as you enter Animal Kingdom. Guest Services is located here, as well as, the stroller and other rentals. A lot of guests just walk through this area and don’t realize there are animals here.

 

The Oasis Rides/Attractions

None

The Oasis Rides Experiences

The Oasis Exhibits- There are
different animals you can find
here like am iguana, anteater,
and a babirusa

The Oasis Character

  • Di’Vine
  • Pluto
  • Pocahontas 

The Oasis tips:

  • Di’Vine Usually shows up here by the entrance at the top on the hour.
  • There are animals here and a lot of people miss them. There are babirusas, anteaters, iguanas and others.
  • There is a hidden bridge here with an amazing waterfall

Discovery Island Rides/ Attractions

Discovery Island Experience and Shows

 

  • Wing Encounters (bird show)
  • Merry Menagerie (only during the Holidays)
  • The Tree of Life
  • Wilderness Explorers (see kid section for details)
  • Viva Gaia Street Band (live music) See Various Animals as you walk thru the Tree of Life Garden
  • See Different Animals like otters, flamingos, and  monkeys
  • Discovery Island Trails 
  • NEW!!!! Zootopia: Better Zoogether 

Discovery Island Character Meets and Greets

  • Kevin
  • Dug 
  • Mickey and Minnie  Mouse at Adventurers Outpost
  • Moana at the Character
    Landing
  • Judy Hopps 
  • Nick Wilde 

Discovery Island Tips:

 

  • Make sure you stop at the Wilderness Explorer hut and pick up your free Wilderness Explorer book to collect stickers throughout the park
  • During the Holidays you can see Merry Menagerie here. Life size animal puppets interact with guests
  • Discovery Island and Island Mercantile open an hour after the park closes.
  • You can also enjoy live music from Viva Gaia Street Band
  • Eight Spoons Cafe is on of my favorites quick service spots 

DinoLand U.S.A Rides/ Attractions (this area is probably going to be replaced)

 
  • Dinosaur (40”) (closing 2/2/26)

DinoLand U.S.A Experience and Shows

  • NEW!!! Eco-Rhythmics
  • Finding Nemo the Big Blue and Beyond (musical show)
  • Dino Sue (reproduction of an
    actual T-Rex)

World Discovery Character Meets and Greet

  • Donald Duck
  • Daisy Duck
  • Goofy
  • Chip and Dale
  • Santa-during the Holidays 

DinoLand Tips:

 

  • You can meet Chip and Dale dressed as Dinosaurs here. They are soooo cute

Africa Rides/ Attractions

  • Kilimanjaro Safari
  • Wildlife Express Train
  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (this is not a ride it is a trail where you can see animals, I added it here because you can find it on the app)

Africa Experiences and Shows

 

  • Rafikis Planet Watch (petting zoo, drawing, classes and see more animals here)
  • Festival of the Lion King (acrobatics, music, and so much
    more based on the Lion King)
  • Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
  • Kora Tinga Tinga (live entertainment)
  • Harambe Village Street Band 
  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Africa Character Meets and Greet

  •  Rafiki (at Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
  • Timon (at Rafiki’s Planet Watch)

Africa Tips:

  • If you are looking for a drink with little to no wait time head to Dawa Bar
  • There are great photo spots next to Harambe Market
  • Rafikis Planet Watch is a Must Do if you have little ones 
  • If it is raining head to the Safari. Animals love the rain and they will definitely be out. 
  • Best seat in the Safari ride is the left hand side( the side of the driver) 
  • The Safari and most of the animal exhibits close before the park closes. 

Asia Rides/ Attractions

  • Expedition EverestLegend of the Forbidden Mountain (44”)
  • Kali River Rapids (38”) **
    ** opens an hour after the park opens (currently closed)

Asia Experiences and Shows

  • Feathered Friends in Flight (bird show)
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek (trail where you can see birds, tigers, bats, etc.) 
  • There is a splash pad and interactive water fountain before you enter the Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • Beats & Strings 

Asia Character Meets and Greet

Asia Tips for Kids:

  • There is a hidden companion bathroom inside the Maharajah Jungle Trek 
  • Upcountry Landing is a great place for a quiet break 
  • There is a splash pad and interactive fountain as you head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek 

Pandora The World of Avatar Rides/ Attractions

  • Avatar Flight of Passage (44”)
  • Na’vi River Journey

Pandora Experiences and Shows

  • Windtraders- gift shop where you can make your own avatar

Pandora Character Meets and Greet

None

Pandora Tips for Kids:

  • There are drums across from the Navi’River Journey Ride
  • There is also a small interactive splash area as you head out of Pandora and into Discovery Island

  • The Oasis 
  • Discovery Island
  • Dinoland
  • Africa
  • Asia

The Oasis  this is the first land you will see as you enter Animal Kingdom. Guest Services is located here, as well as, the stroller and other rentals. A lot of guests just walk through this area and don’t realize there are animals here.

 

The Oasis Rides/Attractions

None

The Oasis Rides Experiences

The Oasis Exhibits- There are
different animals you can find
here like am iguana, anteater,
and a babirusa

The Oasis Character

  • Di’Vine
  • Pluto
  • Pocahontas 

The Oasis tips:

  • Di’Vine Usually shows up here by the entrance at the top on the hour.
  • There are animals here and a lot of people miss them. There are babirusas, anteaters, iguanas and others.
  • There is a hidden bridge here with an amazing waterfall

Discovery Island Rides/ Attractions

Discovery Island Experience and Shows

 

  • Wing Encounters (bird show)
  • Merry Menagerie (only during the Holidays)
  • The Tree of Life
  • Wilderness Explorers (see kid section for details)
  • Viva Gaia Street Band (live music) See Various Animals as you walk thru the Tree of Life Garden
  • See Different Animals like otters, flamingos, and  monkeys
  • Discovery Island Trails 
  • NEW!!!! Zootopia: Better Zoogether 

Discovery Island Character Meets and Greets

  • Kevin
  • Dug 
  • Mickey and Minnie  Mouse at Adventurers Outpost
  • Moana at the Character
    Landing
  • Judy Hopps 
  • Nick Wilde 

Discovery Island Tips:

 

  • Make sure you stop at the Wilderness Explorer hut and pick up your free Wilderness Explorer book to collect stickers throughout the park
  • During the Holidays you can see Merry Menagerie here. Life size animal puppets interact with guests
  • Discovery Island and Island Mercantile open an hour after the park closes.
  • You can also enjoy live music from Viva Gaia Street Band
  • Eight Spoons Cafe is on of my favorites quick service spots 

DinoLand U.S.A Rides/ Attractions (this area is probably going to be replaced)

 
  • Dinosaur (40”) (closing 2/2/26)

DinoLand U.S.A Experience and Shows

  • NEW!!! Eco-Rhythmics
  • Finding Nemo the Big Blue and Beyond (musical show)
  • Dino Sue (reproduction of an
    actual T-Rex)

World Discovery Character Meets and Greet

  • Donald Duck
  • Daisy Duck
  • Goofy
  • Chip and Dale
  • Santa-during the Holidays 

DinoLand Tips:

 

  • You can meet Chip and Dale dressed as Dinosaurs here. They are soooo cute

Africa Rides/ Attractions

  • Kilimanjaro Safari
  • Wildlife Express Train
  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (this is not a ride it is a trail where you can see animals, I added it here because you can find it on the app)

Africa Experiences and Shows

 

  • Rafikis Planet Watch (petting zoo, drawing, classes and see more animals here)
  • Festival of the Lion King (acrobatics, music, and so much
    more based on the Lion King)
  • Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
  • Kora Tinga Tinga (live entertainment)
  • Harambe Village Street Band 
  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Africa Character Meets and Greet

  •  Rafiki (at Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
  • Timon (at Rafiki’s Planet Watch)

Africa Tips:

  • If you are looking for a drink with little to no wait time head to Dawa Bar
  • There are great photo spots next to Harambe Market
  • Rafikis Planet Watch is a Must Do if you have little ones 
  • If it is raining head to the Safari. Animals love the rain and they will definitely be out. 
  • Best seat in the Safari ride is the left hand side( the side of the driver) 
  • The Safari and most of the animal exhibits close before the park closes. 

Asia Rides/ Attractions

  • Expedition EverestLegend of the Forbidden Mountain (44”)
  • Kali River Rapids (38”) **
    ** opens an hour after the park opens (currently closed)

Asia Experiences and Shows

  • Feathered Friends in Flight (bird show)
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek (trail where you can see birds, tigers, bats, etc.) 
  • There is a splash pad and interactive water fountain before you enter the Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • Beats & Strings 

Asia Character Meets and Greet

Asia Tips for Kids:

  • There is a hidden companion bathroom inside the Maharajah Jungle Trek 
  • Upcountry Landing is a great place for a quiet break 
  • There is a splash pad and interactive fountain as you head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek 

3. Playgrounds/Cooling Areas

Playgrounds/Play Areas 

Here are the best spots for your little ones to run around and play and get a break from the crowds. 

 

 

Pandora: The World of Avatar 

  1. Drumming Area- You can find a large drums located in Pandora where your kiddos can drum away.
  2. Interactive Plant/Sprinkler- this is located as you enter Pandora through Discovery Island.

Africa  

  1. Africa Drumming Area- located across from Tamu Tamu Refreshments you can find a small drumming area for your little ones to enjoy.
  2. Affection Section this is inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It is an animal petting zoo. It provides hands on encounters with animals like sheep, goats, pigs and so much more. To visit the Affection Section, you must take the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The last daily train departs from Harambe Station at 4:30 PM.

Asia  

  1. Mini Splashpad & Interactive Fountain- located as you head to the Maharajah Jungle Trek you will find a small splash pad to cool off and an interactive fountain.

Extra Tips for a Magical Trip.

Best Rides for Little Ones

  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • Na’vi River Journey 
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch (my favorite it has a train ride, a petting zoo, and if you get there before 11am you can see animals get there checkups.)

Best Shows for Little Ones

  • Feathered Friends in Flight
  • Festival of the Lion King 
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond

Scariest Attractions/Show

 

  • Dinosaur 

4.Dining/Character Dining

download animal kingdom Character Dining Guides

Dining w/Kids

Best Quick Service Places to Eat with Picky Eaters or Kiddos that Have Allergies:

  • Pizzafari Quick Service – Discovery Island (allergy friendly & great for picky eaters). Mobile Order Friendly
  • Restaurantosarus Quick Service- located in DinoLand U.S.A it’s perfect for picky eaters and you can mobile order.
  • Nomad Lounge- this is one of our favorites places to eat. It has a small menu but lots of options for little ones, and they area is perfect for little ones they have lounge chairs. Order the Churros they are amazing. (this is not a quick service but one of our favorites and it has options for picky eaters)
  • Satuli Canteen in Pandora has great kids meals. 
** side note for parents-if you want a drink without the long lines head to Dawa Bar in Africa. *****
  • Best Place for Dole Whip Treats: Tamu Tamu in Africa
  • Best Place for Sweets: Zuri Sweets in Africa
  • Favorite sit down restaurant: Nomad Lounge and Yak and Yeti

Character Dining

Tusker House:

It is located in Africa and it is one of my favorites. The food is amazing and you can meet Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy.

5.Freebies for Kids

download 20 Disney World Freebies

1. Wilderness Explorer-

You can collect a free book in Discovery Island and collect over 20 stickers as you go through Animal Kingdom. Find all the Cast Members dressed as Wilderness Explores to collect your stickers.

2. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station-

Free drawing classes. It is a 25-minute class where a Disney animator gives you step-by-step instruction on how to draw your own version of a popular Disney character. There are set times for this experience so check your app for the times and availability.

3. Celebration buttons-

you can pick them up at Guest Services and some of the shops.

Here is the best part of it the adult using the Lighting Lane can bring someone with them. So someone in your party can ride a second time and this time with a Lighting Lane.

Rider Switch is Available on the Following Rides:

6. Rider Switch

What is this? This is the best way that parents and other members of your family can enjoy the bigger rides even with little ones.

So How Does it Work:

Rider Switch, is a service provided by Disney World that allows guests with young children or those who cannot or do not want to ride certain attractionons to take turns experiencing the ride without waiting in line multiple times.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Family Composition: Suppose you have a family group consisting of adults and children where some members (such as young children) cannot or do not want to ride a particular attraction due to height restrictions, health concerns, or personal choice.

2. Requesting Rider Switch: When you approach an attraction, let the cast member at the entrance know that your group wants to do a Rider Switch. They’ll guide you through the process.


3. Process: Usually, one adult from your group waits with the non-riders while the rest of the group (adults or older children) enters the line and experiences the ride.

4. Switching: After the first group completes the ride, they meet up with the waiting adult(s) and exchange roles. The adult(s) who initially waited with the non-riders can then accompany the waiting child(ren) to the ride entrance without waiting in the regular queue. This second group can typically enter through the Lighting Lane line minimizing their wait time.

Rider Switch is a great way for families to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy Disney attractions without doubling the wait times. It’s a complimentary service offered to make the Disney experience more accommodating for families with varying interests and needs.

Best Place to wait during Rider Switch and keep the Kiddos Entertained:

7.Lightning Lanes to Book

download Animal Kingdom Lightning Lanes

This is a paid service at Disney World that allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for select attractions, and reserve access to certain entertainment options. It allows you to skip the standby line at some attractions. It is a daily fee per park and per person. There is a multiple park option if you have a park hopper ticket. 

If you want more information on lighting lanes it can be found in a separate guide called Lightning Lanes Guide. These are just the basics.

Side Note: I usually don’t recommend buying the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Animal Kingdom. (unless you are going during the Holidays, Spring Break, or Jersey Week) It is the least busiest park. The rides with the longest wait times here are Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. 

Lightning Lanes for Little Ones

  1. Na’vi River Journey 
  2. Kilimanjaro Safari  

The rest of the attractions I would select as they become available.

8.Babies /Stroller Tips

Baby Center:

The Baby Center at Animal Kingdom is located in Discovery Island next to Creature Comforts (Starbucks). It is an air-conditioned location that is fully staffed and features lots of helpful amenities for families with babies, toddlers, and kids. They include the following

  • Private nursing room with rocking chairs 
  • Changing room with tables
  • Restroom facilities
  • Feeding area with highchairs 
  • Kitchen with microwave and sink
  • Main room with television, table and seating
  • On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase

We love stopping by to take breaks they have seating for parents and children and they always have a movie or cartoons playing. Also, if your child gets lost at Animal Kingdom this is where you can find your child.

Quiet Area

These are my favorite areas to get away from the crowds and also perfect for naps.

Stroller Tips:

I definitely recommend a stroller for kiddos. Especially if they are under 7 years old. I personally don’t recommend the Disney Strollers because they are hard and not very comfortable. They also don’t recline when kiddos fall asleep. FYI: Cast Members can and will probably move your stroller to make room for more strollers or if it is parked in the wrong location. 

Must Have for Strollers:

  • Stroller rain cover 
  • Fairy Lights (to help you find it at night)
  • Tagalong 
  • Stroller Flag- or something to help you identify your stroller.

These are in my Amazon Store in Section 9 of this guide. 

Stroller Rules:

  • Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted.
  • Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps,  available at certain locations.
  • A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
  • Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
  • Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.

Going Through Security with a stroller:

Do these 3 things Before You Head to Security:

  • Make sure everything is cleared from underneath your stroller, remove all bags, umbrellas, toys, foo, coolers, etc., before you head to security.
  • Remove all your electronics and anything containing metal and set them on your stroller caddy. This includes phone chargers, battery packs, sunglass cases, makeup compacts.
  • Open up your sunshades on your stroller and now you are ready to head to security

Heading to security:

  • The adult pushing the stroller will go to the stroller security check point. Everyone else will go through the regular metal detector line. Your family will be separated. Don’t worry you won’t need tickets yet. I suggest handing all the stuff from the stroller to the people heading through the regular metal detector.
  • Once its your turned to be checked they will check your stroller caddy and the stroller. They will ask you to leave your kiddo on the stroller as you walk through the metal detector. The stroller and your kiddo will not go through the metal detector. There is one exception if your kiddo is old enough to walk, they will make you take your kiddo through the metal detector with you.
  • If you the metal detector detects anything they will send you to a second checkpoint if not you are free to join the rest of your party.

Disney Stroller Rental Prices

Single Stroller (recommended for children 50lbs or less)……………………Daily: $15…………….Multi-Day: $13 per day


Double Stroller: (recommended for children 100lbs or less……………….Daily: $31…………… Multi-Day: $27 per day

Third party stroller companies to rent strollers, cribs, playpens etc. from:

9. Disney World Park Must Haves

Park Must Haves for Kiddos

I will include a link to my Amazon Storefront where I have all my park must haves

  • 1. Fan
  • 2. Cooling Towels
  • 3. Sun Screen
  • 4. Cooling Patches (for summer)
  • 5. Stroller Cover
  • 6. Rain Coats/Ponchos
  • 7. Large Ziploc bags
  • 7. Large Ziploc bags
  • 8. Change of clothes for kiddos
  • 9. Snacks
  • 10. Small Toys ( I usually pick some small toys from the dollar store)
  • 11. Small cooler
  • 12. Reusable Straws
  • 13. Blanket if you are going in the winter
  • 14. Bandaids
  • 15. Hand Sanitizer
  • Toilet Seat and Covers

Amazon Storefront Link

https://www.amazon.com/shop/anidisneywtoddlerskids

Things I always pack in my bag for my kiddo:

  • Snacks
  • Stroller cover
  • Small toys
  • Sunscreen
  • Fan
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Toilet Seat and Seat Covers
  • Wipes and Antibacterial Wipes
  • Lollipops
  • Extra Set of Clothes
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Band-Aid’s
  • Cooling Patches

10. Resort Hopping with Little Ones

If you are considering resort hopping and not sure which resorts are the best and easiest to access for kiddos here are my favorites. The best way to get to the resorts without any dining reservations is to take Disney Transportation from Disney Springs.

** there is a skyliner scavenger hunt you can also do. You pick up the Scavenger Hunt inside any of the Skyliner resorts. ***

The skyliner resorts are definitely my favorite resorts for kiddos and the reason why is because you have multiple resorts within reach and all of them have activities for kiddos. The resorts listed below are my favorites:

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    o They have a Nemo Playground, Cars Land, Little Mermaid Section, and Lion King. It makes for great pictures and kiddos have so much fun here
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    o Love their playground and they have an area called Caribbean Cay that has lounge chairs and is very peaceful and quiet. I love taking breaks here. It is perfect for naps.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
    o They have outdoor games for kiddos to play with and beautiful wall art of Peter Pan and Rapunzel
  • Disney Boardwalk
    o This is my favorite and it’s a perfect resort to end the day in. They have free live entertainment and you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from here.

My Favorite things to do at other resorts:

Contemporary, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian:

You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from here. My favorite location is the Contemporary. During the holidays they also have  gingerbread décor at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.

 

Fort Wilderness Resort Campground:

They have pony rides for little ones and horseback riding for adults. Pony rides are walk on and horseback riding requires reservations. Chip and Dale Sing a Long this is so much fun. During Halloween and Christmas guests decorate the campgrounds.

 

Animal Kingdom Lodge:

You can see the Safari animals roaming around for free and they also have the Strings of Memories Activity where you go around the resort doing different activities with cast members and when you finish each activity you collect a bead. You can collect 8 beads in total.

 

Movie under the stars:

All resorts have a movie under the stars. We pack snacks and drinks and go watch a movie. It’s one of our favorite things to do.
The Disney Resorts that have playgrounds: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/playgrounds/

11- Animal Kingdom Tips

  • Animal Kingdom has a secret entrance. Go through the rainforest café gift shop exit the back doors to find additional turnstiles for a less crowded Animal Kingdom Park entrance. It isn’t open for Early Entry.
  • Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, as well as Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafe have some of the best breakfast options in the park.
  • Discovery Trading Company and Island Mercantile in Discovery Island are open an hour after the park closes.
  • Animal Kingdom allows all guest inside the park an hour before it opens. You just have to wait in the Oasis if you don’t have Early Entry.
  • Avatar Flight of Passage has the lowest wait times early in the morning, after 2pm, or at the end of the night.
  • There is a bathroom in the queue for Avatar Flight of Passage
  • Do not leave the park early. You have to see Pandora at night.
  • The best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safari is in the morning, late afternoon (near sunset), and during the rain.
  • Best spot on Kilimanjaro Safari is the left side a.k.a. the driver side.
  • Best Photo Spot for Expedition Everest is as you enter Asia from Discovery Island, turn right towards Yak & Yeti restaurant, you’ll come to a big corner at the lake with Everest in the background.
  • The best photo spot for the tree of life is in the Tree of Life Garden Train located in Discovery Island
  • If you have little one’s pack lots of snacks and small toys to help throughout the day.
  • If you can’t book your dining reservations check at night after 11:30pm. For some reason there is a lot of availability at night. Also, use third party services like mousedining.com and addmoremagic.com to help you find the hard dining reservations.
  • If you aren’t purchasing Lightning Lanes go on the Major rides either the first hour of the park at the end of the night.
  • Disney will still let you into the queues for rides up until the park closes. So even if you jump in the queue 10 minutes before the end of the day, Disney will let you ride.
  • Disney will still let you into the queues for rides up until the park closes. So even if you jump in the queue 10 minutes before the end of the day, Disney will let you ride.
  • Use mobile food ordering at Quick Service Restaurants. It will save you so much time.
  • There is a secret photo spot that says “You Are Most Beautiful.” It’s in the African Harambe Market, but you have to search for it in the back-left corner near a cast member entrance.
  • There is hidden walkway to Pandora that is very peaceful. You can find the trail on the backside of Festival of the Lion King, you’ll pass a restroom building and the go under a bridge. You’ll capture beautiful pictures and will take you to Pandora.
  • FYI you can join walk-up list at a lot of the restaurants at Animal Kingdom, even character meals.
  • If you want a drink without the long line head to Dawa Bar in Africa
  • You can search for a specific ride and tap on it to learn about its Forecasted Waits and look at the graphs to see what time is the busiest for that ride/attractions
  • Park Must Haves – mobile charger, sunscreen stroller cover, a refillable water bottle, extra socks, Ziploc bags, cooling towels, stroller fan
  • Take out all metal items from your pockets/bags as you head through security. This includes sunglasses cases, chargers, and makeup compacts.
  • If you have food allergies you can ask to look at the Allergy Binder. These binders provide a list of all the ingredients you can find in each restaurant’s meals.
  • You can make your own Avatar inside Windtraders gift shop. They scan your face an create your own Avatar for $85.
  • You can leave park at any time and come back later.
  • You don’t have to go all the way for guest services for help. Just look for cast members standing under blue umbrellas and they are also guest services
  • You can plan your park day before your get to the park by using the free Disney Genie Service in the My Disney Experience App
  • Don’t Skip Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There is a petting zoo, the park’s vet location, and free drawing classes.
  • At every character dining meal, they are supposed to give you a card with all the characters signature on it, so make sure you ask for it before you head out.
  • Do not skip Finding Nemo the Musical and Festival of the Lion King they are great shows.
  • Do not wear new shoes to Disney World, you’ll feet will hate you.
  • Ride Kali River Rapids early rather than later to experience shorter ride wait times and you’ll have enough time to dry off.
  • Restaurantosaurus and Pizzafari have a lot of indoor seating so these 2 places are perfect to get away from the heat.
  • Best bathrooms are located next to the Finding Nemo Show, the entrance to Pandora, and the bathrooms next to Festival of the Lion King.
  • Flame Tree Barbecue has lots of seating and you will have a beautiful view of Expedition Everest
  • Check dining hours a lot of the quick service places close early
  • Skip preferred parking here (unless you have mobility issues). It is a very short walk and there are trams available
  • If you place a mobile food order and can’t make the time you selected you can modify your pick up window

12. Maximize Your Day With Little Ones

How to Maximize Your Day With Little Ones at Animal Kingdom: 

Rope Drop/Early Entry – start your day in Pandora’s Navi’s River Journey and then head over to Africa and go on the Safari. I would finish the attractions and shows your family wants to do in Africa then head to Discovery Island, then head to Dinoland, and end the day in Asia. If you want to meet characters make sure you check the times they are doing character meets because some character meets end early. 

 

FYI- If you don’t plan on doing Early Entry/Rope Drop I don’t recommend starting in Pandora, as the lines to the rides there are probably going to be very long. Instead start in Africa and end your  day in Pandora.

Animal Kingdom has a secret entrance that not many people know about. It opens when the park opens to head to the secret entrance head to the Rainforest Cafe gift shop and go all the way until you exit the gift shop and the secret entrance is there. FYI this is also a great spot for little ones to run around and cool off. They usually have misters and plenty of seating. 

Park guides

Magic Kingdom

Animal Kingdom 

Hollywood Studios

Epcot

Lightning lane

Kids guides

Magic Kingdom with Kids

Animal Kingdom with Kids

Hollywood Studios with Kids

Epcot with kids

other guides

mickeys not so scary Halloween Party Guide

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party