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Disney World guide Disney World overview Disney World in Orlando Florida is a world-renowned
theme park resort that offers endless magic and adventure for visitors of all ages it's
made up of four main theme parks Magic Kingdom Epcot Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom as
well as its Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks with its exhilarating rides diverse
dining options and top-notch entertainment Disney World promises an unforgettable and
will say it again magical experience for families couples and solo Travelers alike from classic
rides like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain to newer experiences like the Star Wars rise of the
resistance attraction there's never a dull moment whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned
Disney goer this magical destination is sure to leave a lasting impression Disney World planning
tips some people spend over a year planning the perfect Disney World vacation but don't let that
intimidate you there is nothing stopping you from booking a flight tomorrow and heading to the Magic
Kingdom in fact many airlines and hotels offer last minute deals so it's worth looking into there
is no prime time to visit Disney and regardless of when you go you will experience plenty of
crowds spring break time in March tends to be a particularly busy time as this is a popular time
for families to visit something else to keep in mind is the weather during June July and or
August Orlando's Highs are in the 90s making for a really hot visit if you plan to visit
during these months make sure to pack a lot of sunscreen and bring water bottles with you Peak
Seasons at Disney World pretty much follow the standard school schedule the summer months are
busier as families with kids are out of school other extra busy weeks include spring break in
March April and the week between Christmas and New Year's how long you stay depends on what
your Disney goals are if you'd like to visit all four Parks plus the water parks then you'll want
a full week-long trip this will allow you to visit all of the parks and potentially build an a rest
day or two where you can hang out at your hotel pool and get some extra sleep you'll certainly
be tired after some of those long Disney days budgeting really depends on how long you plan
to stay how you plan to travel driving versus flying and what type of Hotel you're looking
for Disney Resort Hotels tend to be the most expensive especially the ones that are directly
on on the monorail however you can save money at these Resorts by not renting a car you can also
find plenty of nearby hotels condos and airbnbs right outside of the Disney property tickets and
My Disney Experience app you'll want to purchase your Park tickets in advance on the Disney website
current single day tickets are around 115 dollars a day but these range based on the season you can
also buy multi-day passes anywhere from 2 to 10 days which offer some cost savings as you're
buying in bulk if you plan on going to Disney parks for four days then buy the four day pass
if you're looking for ways to beat the lines then a crucial step to your Disney planning experience
is to download the My Disney Experience app and start using Genie first you will need to purchase
your Disney theme park tickets and then link them to your app Genie is a free planning tool within
the app that has replaced the previous Fastpass system Genie includes an itinerary of your Disney
day and offers recommendations for you you can customize it which is recommended by putting in
your interests Genie will show you current wait times for each ride so you can decide which ride
to hit up next a major feature of Genie is Genie plus which is the paid add-on to Genie Genie plus
allows you to make reservations for rides and enter via the lightning Lane entrance as opposed
to waiting in the standard line it'll allow you for a quicker entrance onto the rides of your
choice Genie plus typically costs 15 per person per day but the prices do fluctuate slightly
based on time of the year with Genie plus you can make one reservation at a time throughout the day
starting at 7am on the day of your visit once you have completed that reservation you can book a new
one through the app you can purchase access to Genie Plus on the first day of your visit
and not before visiting Magic Kingdom the Magic Kingdom park is the most iconic and recognizable
of all Disney theme parks based on the the original Disneyland in California the Magic
Kingdom features classic Disney attractions and beloved Disney characters this is where
you'll see the iconic Cinderella's castle which features regular live entertainment and nightly
fireworks while at the Magic Kingdom make sure to experience these classic rides number one Seven
Dwarfs Mine Train this is a family-friendly roller coaster that takes you through the mine where Snow
White's Seven Dwarf friends work number two Splash Mountain get ready to get wet please
note that as of January 2023 this ride will be temporarily shut down as it is being reimagined
into Tiana's Bayou Adventure number three Pirates of the Caribbean this classic Dark Ride will take
you through pirate infested waters complete with live-action Pirate characters and special effects
number four Big Thunder Mountain Railroad this wild west themed roller coaster takes
you through a mining town and a round and through rock formations Hold On Tight number five Space
Mountain a high-speed indoor roller coaster that takes you through a futuristic space adventure if
you've never been on Space Mountain before be prepared there are parts of this ride that are
completely in the dark imagine being on a roller coaster in Pitch Black this classic ride has been
delighting guests for many many years number six Haunted Mansion enjoy this spooky tour through
a haunted house filled with ghosts Ghouls and other Eerie surprises number seven It's a small
world you may get the song stuck in your head but this is a must experience ride this classic Disney
boat ride that takes you on a musical tour around the world to celebrate the beauty and diversity
of different cultures number eight Jungle Cruise get ready to take a boat ride through the rivers
of the world complete with live action Skippers and exotic animals watch out you may get water
sprayed on You by an elephant and you will be sure to get hungry during your Disney day but there are
no shortages of dining options throughout the park at many of the popular restaurants it is
recommended to make reservations in advance check out the Be Our Guest restaurant which is themed
after the Beauty and the Beast movie and offers both Quick Service and table service options a
truly epic Magic Kingdom dining experience is at Cinderella's Royal table which is actually
inside of Cinderella's castle this is a once in a lifetime experience while you're eating you'll get
to see and meet characters as they walk around the restaurant maybe even Cinderella herself
Liberty free Tavern is a colonial themed restaurant located in Liberty Square and is
a great place to enjoy a family-style meal in a patriotic atmosphere another classic Disney
Experience is to dine at the Crystal Palace this all you can eat buffet is located in Adventure
Land and features Winnie the Pooh and his friends as well as a variety of delicious food options
throughout the park you will find plenty of Quick Service dining options try to avoid popular eating
times like 12 to 1 pm if you want to save time and skip the lines planning a Disney Vacation
can be half the fun as you get to plan out your Park's schedule figure out which ride
you want to go on and anticipate all of the magic ahead make sure to pound that subscribe
button so you'll know when more amazing travel videos like this one are dropped if you enjoyed
this Disney World guide video you'll probably like our Nintendo World video linked here.
Welcome back to Wanderfully Lost, a travel community for parents by parents. For today’s blog, we are taking you to the wanderer-favorite Disney Amusement Park, Disney Animal Kingdom.
With a whole lot of family-friendly things to do, amazing dining options and the iconic Disney resorts, this is the full package.
Before you get lost in our blog, be sure to browse our Wanderful Storefront for all our favorite travel products, gear and must haves!
This post includes affiliate links. It’s super important for us to be transparent with our Wanderers! If you click on one, we may receive a small, but wanderful commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for WANDERING with us!
Pre-Travel Essential
Getting ready for your Disney Animal Kingdom adventure is a breeze with these simple steps.
1. First, sort out your budget. This helps you make decisions about where to stay, what to eat, and what activities to enjoy.
2. Next, think about the best time to visit. Some times of the year are busier than others, so consider going during less crowded periods like February-April or August to October for shorter queues.
3. Don’t forget to book your flights and accommodation early. This way, you’ll get the best options and maybe even save some money. As a famous tourist destination, the tickets usually sell out months in advance.
4. Getting your Disney park tickets in advance is a smart move. There are four types of tickets available for Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Single-Day Tickets, Multi-Day Tickets, Park Hopper Tickets, and Park Hopper Plus Tickets.
5. Lastly, pack wisely. Think about the weather and pack comfy clothes, good shoes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. And don’t forget any medicines you might need.
Check out our family travel essentials kit for a great checklist to make sure you have a fantastic, hassle-free vacation.
Where to Stay?
When it comes to picking the perfect place to stay for your Disney’s Animal Kingdom adventure, there are several fantastic options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some standouts:
1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
For a truly unique experience, look no further. This lodge offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to observe wildlife right from your room. Imagine giraffes, zebras, and other animals roaming freely, creating a mesmerizing natural backdrop. The lodge’s African-inspired architecture immerses you in an authentic safari atmosphere. If that’s not enough, there are a variety of dining options, pools, and cultural activities to enjoy.
2. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Recently renovated, this resort offers a diverse array of room options perfect for families of all sizes. The Gran Destino Tower, a prominent addition, offers modern and upscale accommodations with breathtaking views of Walt Disney World Resort The main pool area, The Lost City of Cibola, is a water wonderland with slides, splash zones, and a relaxing hot tub.
3. Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Just a short drive from Animal Kingdom, this resort invites guests to embrace a tropical ambiance. Spacious villas comfortably accommodate families, making it an excellent choice. Enjoy refreshing pools, a relaxing spa, and an abundance of dining and shopping options nearby. Sunset Walk, the resort’s entertainment district, offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, live entertainment, and retail outlets, ensuring families have everything they need for an enjoyable stay.
4. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Music lovers and larger families looking for budget-friendly accommodations will find this resort hitting all the right notes. Recently renovated standard rooms and family suites provide ample space at a generous 520 square feet, comfortably accommodating up to six guests. Themed around some of the world’s most beloved music genres, this resort combines musical inspiration with a touch of Disney magic. Don’t miss the chance to cool off at the Guitar Pool, where you can splash around alongside the Three Caballeros. The resort’s charming signs from Disney on Broadway stage shows add an extra touch of magic for visitors of all ages.
What to Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a treasure trove of experiences that cater to visitors of all ages. From awe-inspiring attractions to immersive encounters with wildlife, here are some essential activities to include in your itinerary:
1. Pandora – The World of Avatar
Step into the mesmerizing world of Pandora, a spectacular landscape brought to life with breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge technology. The centerpiece here is the exhilarating Avatar Flight of Passage ride. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soar through the skies on the back of a banshee, providing an unmatched sense of adventure and wonder.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Embark on an extraordinary safari adventure through the African savannah, where you’ll encounter a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat. From towering giraffes to majestic elephants, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the beauty and majesty of wildlife. Each safari is a unique journey, as the animals freely roam, providing an ever-changing and captivating show.
3. Expedition Everest
Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping expedition on this high-speed roller coaster. Set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, this thrilling ride promises an exhilarating experience for older kids and adults alike. As you navigate through twists, turns, and heart-pounding drops, be prepared for encounters with the mythical Yeti, adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. The detailed theming and immersive storytelling make Expedition Everest a standout attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
4. Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train for a journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a unique area dedicated to conservation and animal care. Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits, educational displays, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney cares for its animal residents. It’s all about conservation and features a petting zoo (the Affection Section) and the Conservation Station, where you can learn some history and facts about the local wildlife.
What else to do?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more than just rides – it’s a treasure trove of interactive and educational spaces that let you get up close to nature. Don’t breeze by these hidden gems; they’re a chance to have a wild encounter on a more personal level.
Starting in the Oasis area, you’ll find the Oasis Exhibits. These are like a sneak peek into the animal kingdom. If you’re not in a hurry, swing by here later in the day.
Over in Discovery Island, you’ll discover the Discovery Island Trails. They wrap around the Tree of Life and reveal incredible animal carvings on its roots. It’s like a quiet getaway away from the hustle and bustle.
Africa offers the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. It’s a bit like a mini safari, complete with gorillas, birds, and zebras. Give it about 30 minutes to soak in the wild wonders.
In Asia, the Maharajah Jungle Trek is your ticket to a tiger encounter. It’s a bit quicker, taking about 20 minutes, but every second is filled with awe.
Dinoland U.S.A. brings you The Boneyard – a playground designed like a dino dig site. Kids can play, climb, slide, and even try their hand at uncovering a Woolly Mammoth.
And there’s a whole lot of things to do at Disney Animal Kingdom on our YouTube channel.
Where to Eat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
After a day of exploring the wonders of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s time to answer the call of your growling stomach. Here are some top picks for your dining pleasure:
1. Satu’li Canteen – Nestled in the enchanting world of Pandora, Satu’li Canteen is a quick-service restaurant that seamlessly blends delectable cuisine with the spirit of the land. The menu boasts customizable bowls, allowing you to select a protein, base, and sauce to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for grilled chicken, slow-roasted beef, or tofu, Satu’li Canteen provides a diverse range of options.
2. Tusker House Restaurant – Tusker House Restaurant, located in the heart of Africa, invites guests on a culinary expedition inspired by the rich flavors of the continent. This buffet-style dining experience presents a bountiful selection of dishes, from traditional breakfast fare to savory lunch and dinner options.
3. Flame Tree Barbecue – If you’re a fan of smoky, savory goodness, Flame Tree Barbecue is your haven. With a backdrop featuring Expedition Everest, this dining spot offers mouthwatering barbecue options guaranteed to satiate your cravings. Indulge in tender smoked meats, accompanied by delectable sides and flavorful sauces that elevate your dining experience.
And let’s not forget the delightful snack stands and eateries scattered throughout the park. From exotic treats to familiar comfort food, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers an array of culinary delights to suit every palate. So, whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely feast, you’re in for a treat.
Tips and Tricks
1. Make the most of Disney’s Genie+ system and Lightning Lane for quicker access to your favorite attractions, reducing wait times and optimizing your visit.
2. Keep a consistent direction as you explore the park to save time and avoid unnecessary backtracking, ensuring an efficient route for your adventure.
3. Take breaks to enjoy the natural beauty of Animal Kingdom. Find a shady spot, savor a snack, and immerse yourself in the unique environment for a refreshing pause.
4. For specific dining preferences, secure reservations in advance to guarantee your spot and bypass potentially long wait times, especially at popular eateries.
5. Check for height restrictions before heading to attractions to avoid disappointment for younger family members who may not meet the requirements. Plan alternative activities in advance for them.
Get ready for an enchanting family vacation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! With the right tips and info, your trip can be pure magic. Whether you’re into wild rides, meeting amazing animals, or savoring scrumptious food, we have got you covered.