Disney’s Animal Kingdom is physically the largest theme park at Walt Disney World at over 500 acres, which means there are a lot of ways that you can walk in circles. From personal experience, planning your day at the Animal Kingdom is almost like going to a buffet when you’re hungry…because the options can overwhelm your FitBit counter!
NOT TAKING WALKING TIME INTO THE PLAN
We’re as guilty as anyone else for this one! Thinking that Expedition Everest is right next to Pandora: The World of Avatar…when really it’s a good 15-20 minutes walk across the park.
- Expedition Everest & Kali River Rapids are in Asia
- Flight of Passage and Navi River Journey are in Pandora
- Kilimanjaro Safari and Festival of the Lion King are in Africa
STRAWS & LIDS
This is important to know because with the conservation messaging for the park, you’re not able to get straws or lids for your drinks. In the instance when you need a straw, it’s actually paper-based and gives the Frappuccinos at Starbucks an interesting aftertaste;)
GENIE+ / LIGHTNING LANE MISTAKES
Use your Genie+ / Lightning Lane reservations on things that you can’t just walk onto. This means that you should prioritize in the following order:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Expedition Everest
Attractions that don’t need reservations:
- Feathered Friends in Flight
- Festival of the Lion King
- Dinosaur
- Navi River Journey
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THINKING THAT ALL ATTRACTIONS ARE MADE THE SAME
When Pandora: The World of Avatar opened, the lines for Navi River Journey and Flight of Passage were both crazy long standby waits.
They are not the same in any frame of the comparison. It’s not even close.
GO EARLY AND STAY LATE
Rope drop should be used for Avatar (Flight of Passage & Navi River Journey) because the other attractions can usually be found as Genie+ reservations.
Nighttime is amazing in the Animal Kingdom! Plan to stay late and any time that you can be in the park after the sun goes down should be high on your “to do” list.
NOT USING PONCHOS ON KALI RIVER RAPIDS
Notice how I didn’t tell you to just “wear” your poncho;)
On top of a poncho for each person in your party, you should have a poncho (or plastic bag) for your backpack and all your electronics & valuables (like your wallet). Kali River Rapids ride vehicles has a water-resistant section in the middle of the raft, but it’s held down by magnets and doesn’t really ensure that your stuff will stay dry!
Related Article – Attractions that you’ll get Soaked on at Disney
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER
Animal Kingdom theme park is the hottest park at Walt Disney World! It’s mostly due to the sheer number of trees and vegetation, but you’re going to feel like you’re in a sauna for most of the day.
Just do me a favor and drink more FREE water than you think you’ll need. It’s the park that sees more dehydration mistakes than any other!
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NOT USING MOBILE ORDERING
Sometimes I feel like a broken record stuck on repeat, but if you’re wanting to save time (and stress) with your quick service dining options…use Mobile Ordering! Here are the locations that you should use it:
- Flame Tree Barbecue @ Discovery Island
- Harambe Market @ Africa
- Pizzafari @ Discovery Island
- Restaurantosaurus @ Dinoland USA
- Satu’li Canteen @ Pandora
Are there any other mistakes that you think should be on the list? Share them with me via social media @StepstoMagic!
