Let’s be honest – I LOVE DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM! From hidden gems to e-ticket experiences, you can spend hours exploring and escaping the real world in one of the most unique theme parks anywhere.
That being said, not every attraction needs to make your must-do list. While these attractions aren’t necessarily bad, many have simply had their day in the limelight and have become routine. Remember, we’re all about providing insider tips and plans to make your vacation as memorable as possible. If I claimed everything was amazing… well, you wouldn’t give me any credibility, right?
1. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Disney’s Description: “Discover what it’s like to be a bug during this 3D film and live show inspired by the Disney•Pixar film A Bug’s Life.”
Let’s be honest: I still have no idea how this attraction is drawing guests. While creating a 3D movie based on unreleased film characters was groundbreaking in 1998, today you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who can name the characters or even remember “A Bug’s Life” itself.
Pro Tip: The writing’s on the wall for this one – the California version already closed in 2018 for a Marvel experience. Only visit if:
- The wait is 5 minutes or less
- It’s raining and you need shelter
- You’ve done everything else in the park
And it’s going away soon – Zootopia is just around the corner!
2. Feathered Friends in Flight
Disney’s Description: “Join the animal behavior specialists for a behind-the-scenes look at the free-flying birds of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Visit Anandapur Theater to learn how these specialists care for and train their feathered friends.”
When the original Flights of Wonder closed, we hoped Disney would reimagine it into something more thrilling and educational. Instead, they briefly added UP characters, then removed them in 2020 after the pandemic shutdown. While it’s a pleasant 30-minute show, it’s definitely a one-and-done experience.
Pro Tip: Save time by watching a YouTube video instead – you’ll get the same experience without taking up precious park time.
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3. Na’vi River Journey
Disney’s Description: “Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest in search of the Na’vi Shaman of Songs”
Here comes the controversy! Putting Na’vi River Journey in the same conversation as Flight of Passage does a disservice to every guest planning their Animal Kingdom visit.
Pro Tip: If you must ride, wait until the end of the day when the lines significantly decrease – similar to EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth. We managed to walk on twice during the last hour!
4. TriceraTop Spin
Disney’s Description: “Fly high on a dinosaur around a twirling tin-toy top at this delightful carnival-inspired attraction”
What do Dumbo, Astro Orbiter, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and TriceraTop Spin have in common? They’re all spinners! And at least all the others are themed to Disney IP!
Pro Tip: Skip it entirely. If you really want a spinner experience, head to Magic Kingdom and ride the original – Dumbo in New Fantasyland!
5. DINOSAUR
Here’s where we get controversial. With Primeval Whirl now extinct, DINOSAUR claims our final spot – even with my personal love for this experience.
The ride has simply seen better days. Recent trips reveal:
- Increasingly bumpy ride experience
- Dated audioanimatronics needing full renovation
- Overall worn feeling to the attraction
Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to rough rides or have back issues, definitely skip this one. Otherwise, ride early in the day when lines are shorter.
Indiana Jones is just around the corner, so this will definitely change soon!
What do you think about our list? Would you add different attractions? Let us know via social media @StepstoMagic!