When you think of Disney World rides, Magic Kingdom or Hollywood studios might come to mind first, but Animal Kingdom offers an experience like no other. This park masterfully combines wildlife encounters, thrilling rides, and the magic of Disney characters to top it all off.
We’ll guide you through the best rides at Animal Kingdom below, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights. Remember, exploring the park’s exhibits and enjoying the immersive environment is essential to fully experience the magic of Animal Kingdom.
Best Rides at Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage – Best Ride Overall
- Type: Simulator Ride
- Height Requirement: 44 inches (112 cm)
- Tips: I recommend booking Genie+ early or using the Individual Lightning Lane option!
This truly is the best ride in Animal Kingdom and in my opinion the best ride at Disney World. Avatar, Flight of Passage is unlike any other ride I have been on. You will get on the back of a mountain banshee (what the avatars ride in the movie) and experience what it’s like to fly through Pandora through a 3D screening experience.
Now, the line for this ride can get ridiculously long, so it’s important you secure a Lightning Lane reservation. Learn more about Lightning Lane here.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Best Ride for the Entire Family
- Type: Safari Ride
- Height Requirement: None
- Tips: Best experienced in the morning or late afternoon for active animals.
You probably never thought you would find yourself on a theme park ride with real-life animals right outside your window, but that is precisely what a Kilimanjaro Safari ride will give you. You will hop into a safari truck and venture out into the “wilderness” where you can sight anything from zebras to lions to hippos.
Your guide will give you a bit of background to make the ride truly entertaining. Remember these are real animals, so just like at the zoo it’s best to view them early in the morning or right around dusk. Especially in the Florida heat, many of these animals will opt for a nap at midday. It’s such a different experience every time you board this ride, so it’s worth visiting every time you come back to the park.
Kali River Rapids – An Epic Water Ride
- Type: River Raft Ride
- Height Requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
- Tips: Ride early to dry off throughout the day.
River Rapid rides are always a blast, and while this attraction may not be extremely unique it’s little bit of Disney Magic still puts it a touch above any other rapid ride.
It’s best to catch this ride on a hot Florida day because you will get soaked. If you have little ones who can’t ride, make sure they take advantage of the elephant soakers to drench the rest of your party.
Expedition Everest – Best Thrill Ride
- Type: Roller Coaster
- Height Requirement: 44 inches (112 cm)
- Tips: Genie+ is recommended; avoid riding right after meals.
Some Expedition Everest faces over the years!
You may never make it to the top of the real Everest (I surely won’t), but you cannot miss this thrilling journey to the top of Animal Kingdom’s own treacherous mountain. You will board a fast train and wind your way through the Himalayas to escape the Abominable Snowman.
One of the coolest things about this ride is that the line itself is an experience. You will get to see what a base camp on Everest might truly look like. Once aboard the ride, you will experience those classic fast-paced roller thrills winding in all different directions including backward. We sure hope you’ll be one of the lucky ones to make it past the GIANT Yeti! The drop on this ride is pretty great and the feeling of racing backwards down the track always gets me.
Na’vi River Journey – Most Overrated Ride
- Type: Slow Boat Ride
- Height Requirement: None
- Tips: Good use of Genie+ for shorter waits.
The other ride in Pandora is the Na’vi River Journey, which is a boat ride with stunning scenery from the movie all around you. You’ll hop aboard a reed boat and drift through caves and glowing landscapes. It’s all about music and you’ll come face to face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs by the end of your journey.
The ride is just ok in my opinion, so don’t wait in too long of a line for this journey.
Dinosaur – Last Chance to Ride!
Disney has officially announced that Dinosaur will be closing soon to make way for a new attraction. If this is one of your favorites, make sure to plan for a final ride!
While Dinosaur may be a little older than most of its counterparts in this park, this classic Animal Kingdom ride manages to tell a time-tested great story while mixing in a bit of thrill.
You will set out on a journey in the Time Rover car to rescue an Iguanadon from extinction caused by a meteor shower. This is my daughter’s favorite ride even though she gets nervous every time before she goes on the ride. By the way, they have one of the best photo opps in the park!
Best Rides for Little Ones
If you have little ones under 40″ there is still plenty to do at Animal Kingdom. Here is a mixture of Rides and Attractions you should check out with your little one in tow:
- TriceraTop Spin
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Affection Section
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Festival of the Lion King
From the heart-pounding excitement of Expedition Everest to the serene beauty of Na’vi River Journey, each attraction provides a distinctive adventure that highlights the park’s diverse offerings.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or visiting with young children, Animal Kingdom promises an unforgettable experience filled with the magic and wonder that only Disney can provide. Be sure to explore the entire park, as every corner holds a new discovery waiting to be made!
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