Planning your day out at each of the Disney World parks is a really personal decision. Every family that vacations at Disney is different and will want to experience and get different things out of their trip. I have taken the time to rank my favorite from best to “worst” at the Animal Kingdom. The stats and descriptions are meant to help you create your own ranking list. Let’s take a look at all the rides and attractions at the Animal Kingdom so you can figure out which ones will be the best rides at the Animal Kingdom.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Land: Africa
Height: No Restrictions
Type: Slow Moving Truck
Length: 20 minutes but does vary
If you love animals you are going to love this attraction. Kilimanjaro Safari takes you up close and personal with the animals in Africa. It’s a very authentic experience and all the animals on this ride are 100% real! So if you meet a cranky giraffe it’s real. My favorite is when you get to the big cats’ area towards the end of the ride. If you see these magnificent creatures up and about it’s a real treat. Also, I find it comical how similar they are to your house cats back at home! For more read Behind the Scenes of Kilimanjaro Safari at the Animal Kingdom.
Flight of Passage
Land: Pandora the World of Avatar
Height: 44 in / 112 cm
Type: Simulation
Length: 4.5 minutes
The latest and greatest at the Animal Kingdom is Flight of Passage. It’s a simulator ride unlike any other for one of the most thrilling experiences at Disney World. You will climb aboard this bike-like seat to experience what it is like to fly on the back of a Banshee. You will even encounter some familiar faces in the movie Avatar. For more on this ride read What to Expect on Avatar Flight of Passage.
Expedition Everest
Land: Asia
Height: 44 in / 112 cm
Type: Roller Coaster
Length: 3.5 minutes
Get ready to come face to face with a Yeti on Expedition Everest. This is a true roller coast with fast speeds and exhilarating drops. Your journey really starts in the queue which is jammed packed with amazing little features. You wander through a hiking supply shop and even a Yeti museum.
Once you board the train get ready for tight turns, drops, and even going backward! This rollercoaster has no loops, inversions, or corkscrews. The coaster tops out at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour! If you can keep your eyes open for this one be sure to catch the stunning views of Disney World it offers up.
For more read Things you Probably Never Knew About Expedition Everest.
Navi River Journey
Land: Pandora the World of Avatar
Height: No Restrictions
Type: Boat
Length: 4.5 minutes
This slow-moving boat ride with take you through the breathtaking scenes of Pandora. While some people may claim this is just a boring boat ride I think the level of detail in here is overwhelming. Every time we ride I notice something different. Be sure to look beyond the river banks back behind the trees to spot different creatures. The main feature of this ride comes at the end where you meet the Shaman of Songs, this anamotronic is so impressive. I love the mediative and relaxing nature of this whole attraction, very calming.
The Festival of the Lion King
Land: Africa
Height: No Restrictions
Type: Live Performance
Length: 30 minutes
Get ready to celebrate with your favorite pals from the Lion King, Timon, Pumba, and of course Simba! This is my favorite show here it’s filled with dancing, acrobatics, and even some fire stunts. All while listening to your favorite Lion King songs you will find yourself singing along during the show. This is really a great production for both adults and children.
Dinosaur
Land: DinoLand U.S.A.
Height: 40 in / 102 cm
Type: Thrill / Dark
Length: 3.5 minutes
Prepare to board you time rover! This attraction you ride in a car that moves along a track so where does the thrill come in? The cars have a serious hydraulic life that will tilt, bounce, and move your car as you go through the different ages of the dinosaurs. This attraction is dark and has loud noise if you have an easily frightened young one this attraction is best left skipped.
If you are familiar with the Indiana Jones ride out in Disneyland you are going to love this fun fact. The track for Dinosaurs is actually the exact same!
Finding Nemo the Musical
Land: Dinoland U.S.A.
Height: No Restrictions
Type: Live Show
Length: 40 minutes
You will be amazed at the detail and product of this show. Much like the Broadway version of the Lion King this show also includes larger than life puppets. It’s no surprise to hear that the same creator of the puppets for Lion King on Broadway created the puppet for this very show. I just love have they have taken the movie Finding Nemo and transformed it into a catchy musical.
This show takes place in a completely air-conditioned theater and is a great way to escape the heat and take a break. I recommend the afternoon hours when the Florida sun is at its worst.
It’s Tough To Be A Bug
Land: Discovery Island
Height: No Restrictions
Type: 3D Movie
Length: 8 minutes
If you can’t beat them, join em’ right? Head inside, yes inside the Tree of Life to catch this bug filled show. Join Flick from It’s a Bug Life movie to find out why it’s so tough to be a bug. There are some dark moments and flying spiders that can be frightful for little ones.
Primeval Whirl
Land: Dinoland U.S.A.
Height: 48 in / 122 cm
Type: Thrill / Kiddie Coaster
Length: 2.5 minutes
This small carnival type coaster has short drops and spins. The great thing about this ride is it’s slightly different every time. There is one line for this attraction but it has two different tracks on each side. The spinning on the ride you have no control of also adds in an element of unknown.
Kali River Rapids
Land: Asia
Height: 38 in / 97 cm
Type: Water Raft
Length: 5 minutes
Look no further if you want to cool off from the hot Florida sun. Prepare to get to wet and possibly soaked on this attraction. It’s a free-floating attraction and you just never know how it will spin and how wet you will get. They do have free lockers over by the restrooms next to the entrance. Protect your valuables from the water!
In the comment section below let us know what you think the best rides at Animal Kingdom are!
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
