Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Animal Kingdom is one of the four iconic Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, and it stands out for its unique Safari zoological theme that blends the thrill of a theme park with the wonder of a wildlife sanctuary. Spanning over 500 acres, it’s home to more than 250 species of animals, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife. What makes Animal Kingdom a fan favorite is its dedication to animal conservation and education, making every visit both exciting and meaningful. Guests can embark on unforgettable African Safaris that bring them up close to majestic animals in habitats carefully designed to mimic the wild. Beyond the Safari, adventurers can journey back in time to the prehistoric age, encounter incredible live entertainment like the Festival of the Lion King, and explore immersive lands such as Pandora – The World of Avatar, where bioluminescent forests and thrilling rides await. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a magical escape, Animal Kingdom offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.

Some Things You Should Know

To visit the park, you need a valid park admission, then you have to make a park reservation using their Disney Park Pass system.
Character meet and greets include: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana (at Discovery Island), Timon and Rafiki (at Conservation Station^®).
Keep hydrated! Pack water bottles, buy water or ask for a cup of water from one of their many restaurants.
Download the My Disney Experience App for maps, showtimes, and wait times. Did you know that if you have an account for Disney+, Hulu, or even ESPN, you can use the same login email and password for My Disney Experience?
Enhance your Quick-Service dining with the My Disney Experience app! Browse menus, order ahead, and skip the wait—all cashless and hassle-free. Just check in through the app when you arrive, and your meal will be freshly prepared and ready to enjoy!
Even after your visit, you can purchase and download all your Disney PhotoPass® memories right from the My Disney Experience app.
Use the Disney MagicMobile pass, a virtual card you can create in the My Disney Experience app to add to your device’s digital wallet. Simply hold your iPhone®, Apple Watch®, or Android™ phone near an access point, just like a MagicBand!
Walt Disney World is strict with safety, if a child doesn’t meet a ride’s height requirement they will not be allowed to board, even if they’re only 1/2 an inch short.

Themed Lands

The park itself is divided into 6 areas:

The Oasis
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Africa
Asia
DinoLand U.S.A
Discovery Island

Fan Favorite Rides:

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Avatar Flight of Passage (A/Simulator)
Na’vi River Journey (Boat Ride)
Valley of Mo’ara

Discovery Island

It’s Tough to Be a Bug! (C)
The Tree of Life (C)
Discovery Island Trails

World Discovery

Kilimanjaro Safaris (Everyone will enjoy)
Festival of the Lion King (Show)
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Wild Africa Trek
Wildlife Express Train

Asia

Exhibition Everest (R)(A)
Kali River Rapids (You will get wet!)(A)
Maharajah Jungle Trek
UP! A Great Bird Adventure

Dinoland U.S.A.

DINOSAUR (A)
Finding Nemo (The Musical Re-Opens in the Summer) (C)
The Boneyard
Dino-Sue
Cretaceous Trail

Key

(C) – Classic Rides for Pre-K (A) – Older Families and Adults (R) – Roller Coaster

Hours & Information

Early Entry
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Park Hours
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Purchase Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets Here

Two people posing by Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Safari scene with three giraffes at Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Family taking selfie in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Safari Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

People posing with penguin toys at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Child gazing through binocular at Theme Park near Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

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Home Away From Home

When visiting Orlando, consider what area you will be staying during your vacation. Lake Buena Vista puts you in the heart of everything there is to see and do in this celebrated area. The Walt Disney World® Resort, is right on your doorstep when you stay at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa. We are only 3 miles away from the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and 4 miles away from the entrance to Disney Springs®. See below for more resort information.

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