Wrapping up the “Best Day Ever, Disney in 1 Day” series, today I am focusing on doing Animal Kingdom in a day. Animal Kingdom combines my two favorite loves (aside from my family), and that is : animals and Disney. Animal Kingdom also has some AHHHHMAZING food! With the 2017 addition of the new Pandora- World of Avatar, things just got even better in the jungle! Get ready for a swingin safari….here is Animal Kingdom in 1 Day.
But first…..Flight Time!
Without a doubt, Flights of Passage has become the #1 most coveted ride in all of Disney World. Getting a FastPass+ for this ride isn’t a mere suggestion, it is a definite if you want to be able to ride this possibly more than once. If you were fortunate to be able to score a FastPass+ for this ride, you have a couple of choices. You can head straight for Flights of Passage as soon as the park opens (so that you will get at least 2 rides in throughout the course of your day), or, you may choose the Na’vi River Journey as your first choice and then hop in the standby line for Flights of Passage. Either way, this is definitely a ride that you will want to do multiple times and the best time to catch it is early in the morning before the crowds hit.
Safari then Sweets
One of my favorite things about Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris. I love the oversized jeep ride, the open air feel, seeing the animals move in their own spaces. I love how close you are able to get to (some) of the animals. You feel as if you are truly in another country, which is what Disney does best. I suggest doing this early in the morning because that is when the animals are moving around the most. You can also do this later in the day. I have been on the safari during lunch hours, and that is “typically” when the animals are resting and not as active.
After doing all of this, you will definitely need some morning fuel to push through until lunch. Why not take a pause for some sweets? Here are a few suggestions:
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments: Chocolate Waffle Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Restaurantosaurus: Warm Chocolate Turtle Brownie
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant: Fried Wontons or Sorbet
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop: Cake Pops, Animal Cookies, Fudge, and several other delicious choices.
Expedition Ahead!
After getting a little morning fuel, you have enough time and energy to trek ahead and do another ride before stopping for lunch. This could be a great time to do the popular Expedition Everest, home of the Yeti! This was a family favorite due to the climb, the view, the yeti, and the way in which you travel forwards and backwards. Amazing experience. We had alot of fun screaming out of my crew when we did this! The “best” time to ride this is in the evening. You can definitely try it during this time, and the best way to do this would be as a single rider Then, head back later in the evening to do it again, maybe using a FastPass+ for it.
If time allows, you could sneak in one more ride before lunch. I would suggest DINOSAUR.
Buffet with Buddies
Time for lunch, and what better way than to eat with some of your favorite Disney characters? I suggest Tusker House. It has delicous buffet style food and you get to see some familiar safari friends as you dine. Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy will make their way to your table, sign your autograph books, pose for photos, and just look so darn cute you won’t want them to leave.
It’s Showtime!
After lunch, the crowds tend to be pretty thick and it is definitely at its warmest time of the day. One of the best ways to spend this time of day is by weaving in and out of the heat. Watch a show, do a ride, then repeat. Here is my suggested list of things to do during these hours:
- Festival of the Lion King (one of my favorite shows ever!)
- Finding Nemo- The Musical
- Use your FastPass+ for Flights of Passage as a possiblility here
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Kali River Rapids (you will NEED a poncho for this ride!!!!)
- Meet Disney Pals
Dinnertime Delight
By now, you have had a fun filled day, experienced things on so many glorious levels, but you will definitely need some down time to enjoy more of the fantastic food offerings that Animal Kingdom has.
If you chose Tusker House for lunch, a great supper meal would be Tiffins. It boasts one of the best restaurants in all of Disney World. Another option is Yak & Yeti Restaurant (we love their Pork Pot Stickers) or Flame Tree BBQ.
Nighttime Novelties
Your first stop should be the Tree of Life Awakenings. The famous “Tree of Life” (as seen in my photo above) lights up in glorious beauty by the use of amazing animal projections. Head over to the Rivers of Light Nighttime experience where guests can enjoy the beauty and magic of nature coming to life.
If you are able to experience the Extra Magic Hours, then you definitely want to head back over and try Flights of Passage…again. You could even try to squeeze in the beautiful nighttime version of Expedition Everest. Rides are so different at night, with everything you can see.
There you have it! A “Best Day Ever” event for one day at Animal Kingdom. Don’t forget to contact me to plan your Best Day Ever, whether it be at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, a stay at Aulani, or jetting off on Adventures by Disney. I can also make your dreams come true at Universal Studios in Orlando. Find me at: debbie.lands@magical-vacations.com or visit my website at www.magical-vacations.com/debbie.lands See ya soon, pals!
Magic in the Making 