One Wild Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
If you are heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for one day this post will help you to make the most of your day in the wild. Animal Kingdom is one of our families favorite to visit. There is so much to look at just walking through the park is part of the adventure. Though each park will include a lot of walking my family would say that there is even more walking in Animal Kingdom because it feels more spread out.
Morning: Safari and Thrills
Arrive Early (Rope Drop!)
On any Disney morning always aim to get to the park before it opens. Early mornings are the best time to see animals active on the savanna and to avoid long lines at major attractions. If you are feeling a bit sleepy as you enter the park there is a Joffrey’s right outside the park for your caffeine needs.
1. Avatar Flight of Passage (Pandora)This ride is a jaw-dropping, immersive flight on the back of a banshee and one of the most popular attractions in all of Disney World. Head straight here to avoid long waits.
2. Na’vi River Journey
A serene boat ride through Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent forest.
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Africa)
Always try and get to the African savanna in the morning. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, lions, and more—and the animals are most active in the morning. We have done this ride later in the day and you really do miss out on a lot of the animals. If you cannot get to this ride first thing in the morning aim for later in the day when it is not as hot. The tour guides of this safari are so fun and informative, they will be sure that you don’t miss a thing.
Late Morning – Early Afternoon
4. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (Africa)
After your safari ride, continue in Africa and enjoy this lush walking trail where you can spot gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds. This experience is best done in the morning before the midday heat.
5. Festival of the Lion King (Africa)
Catch this Broadway-style show filled with acrobatics, music, and vibrant costumes. It’s a highlight of the park and a great break from the sun.
5. Na’vi River Journey (Pandora – The World of Avatar)
Head to Pandora and experience the bioluminescent rainforest on this tranquil boat ride.
6. Lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island)
Pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, juicy chicken and gorgeous seating overlooking Expedition Everest.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
7. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Asia)
High-speed coaster with big drops and Yeti encounters. If the kids can’t ride this one be sure to jump on the single rider line.
8. Kali River Rapids (Asia)
If it’s hot, cool down with this white-water rafting ride. Pro tip: bring a poncho or a change of clothes—you will get wet! If it isn’t too busy this one the kids may want to ride over and over again.
9. Maharajah Jungle Trek (Asia)
Beautiful walking path with tigers, bats, and Komodo dragons.
Evening (5:00 PM – Close)
10. Dinosaur (DinoLand U.S.A.)
Thrilling time-travel dark ride to rescue a dinosaur before extinction.
11. It’s Tough to Be a Bug! (Discovery Island – Tree of Life)
3D show with fun surprises (warning: some effects can startle small kids).
11. Evening Pandora Experience
Return to Pandora after dark—bioluminescent pathways and glowing plants make it a completely different experience.
Final Thoughts
Animal Kingdom is one of our personal favorite parks, the scenery, the animals its wild fun. Be sure to check out our other posts to help you with your family trip planning at Blog – Together We Can Travel.
