Find the best rides at Animal Kingdom for little ones, thrills and more.
Animal Kingdom is known for one thing- animals! It’s the go to park if you want to see a ton of exotic, wild animals. It is the biggest park in Orlando in terms of acreage. But it can sometimes be overlooked as far as rides go. However, Animal Kingdom is home to some of the wildest rides in all four parks. So keep reading to learn about the best rides for thrill seekers, animal lovers, and the whole family. Your guide to the best rides at Animal Kingdom is here!
What are the top thrill rides at Animal Kingdom?
As you might expect, some of Animal Kingdom rides are on the wild side! Some of them are old classics, while some are new favorites. And these are my recommendations for the top thrill rides at Animal Kingdom.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
This ride will get your heart pumping with a rush through the mystifying Himalayas. It has a height requirement of 44 inches. In fact, you may even encounter the mysterious yeti! This is after you’ve walked through the many rooms dedicated to the yeti itself and fallen expeditions.
From the Disney World website:
Wander into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest and board a train to the “top of the world.” Beware: Some say a legendary snow monster lives deep in the mountain.
After a steep ascent, your train picks up speed and races into the darkness. Without warning, a broken and twisted track appears in front of you. Brace yourself as you plummet backward into total darkness. Inside the cavern, the mythical tale comes true as you see the shadow of a massive, growling beast!
Race to escape the cursed mountain—before the Yeti claims another expedition.
Avatar Flight of Passage
This is a must-do ride on your next visit. It is also a 44 inch requirement. It is the newest ride in the park and is very immersive. The line is usually long throughout the day, but is well worth the wait. This ride will put you on the back of a Banshee, and plunge you into the incredible world of Pandora.
From the Disney World website:
Board your own mountain banshee and embark on a thrilling expedition, where interstellar explorers like you get an up-close look at this moon’s incredible landscape.
Bonding with a banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter on Pandora—and flying on the back of one of these powerful creatures is an important rite of passage.
Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you finally have the chance to test yourself like a Na’vi!
DINOSAUR
This is my personal favorite ride in Animal Kingdom! It is quite intense and may scare younger (or older) kids. This is an immersive dark ride that will send you back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It has a height requirement of 40 inches. It’s fast. And it’s a blast. It’s in the past. What more do you need to love?
From the Disney World website:
A paleontologist recruits you for a secret mission to bring a 3.5-ton Iguanodon back to the present. There’s just one problem—the giant meteor that wiped out life on Earth is on the way!
Board a rugged Time Rover vehicle and set off on a thrilling adventure through a primeval forest filled with life-like dinosaurs. Careen through unpredictable hairpin turns. Dart around a fearsome Velociraptor hunting for prey. Avoid the clutches of a Cearadactylus soaring overhead!
As the clock counts down, fiery meteors crash down around you. Will you make your escape before the dinosaurs—and you—become extinct?
What are the top rides for the whole family?
You can take in the nature around you with some of the slower rides at Animal Kingdom. These rides are great for the whole family, including animal lovers, toddlers, and more. There are no height requirements. Here are the must-do rides for the whole family.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
This family ride will take you through the wildest places on the planet. It’s a 20 minute safari where you’ll encounter tons of amazing animals such as lions, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and more! Pro tip- try to ride later in the day when it starts to cool off and the animals come out for feeding.
From the Disney World website:
Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.
Unique Animal Encounters
Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras—and so many more!
Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.
Triceratops Spin
This spinning ride is great for the whole family but geared mostly towards younger kids. It is similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Magic Kingdom.
From the Disney World website:
Climb into a 4-person triceratops gondola and prepare for liftoff! Bob up and down, forward and back, as you sail through the air to festive music. Don’t be surprised if something prehistoric appears from the giant crown in the center of the top.
Designed for little ones and the young-at-heart, TriceraTop Spin is a blast from the prehistoric past.
You could also let your kids burn off some energy in The Boneyard, a ginormous play area near Triceratops Spin. It’s completely fenced in to prevent any little escapees from escaping.
Na’vi River Journey
This slow moving boat ride is great for the whole family. It will take you through the forests of Pandora with lots of beautiful colors, sounds, and visual effects. It is a great ride to do when you want to cool off and relax.
From the Disney World website:
Feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of the extraordinary dreamscape unfolds before your eyes.
On this visually stunning and mysterious river, you’ll glide through a series of caves and into a bioluminescent rainforest alive with the sights and sounds of exotic plants and creatures on all sides—even overhead.
Soon, you’ll join the legendary Na’vi Shaman of Songs, who demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music.
Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed!
Other must-do attractions
While these attractions didn’t quite make the “ride” list, they are great experiences that are worth mentioning.
It’s Tough to be a Bug!- this indoor show features lots of creepy crawlies hosted by Flick from A Bug’s Life. It’s a dark show, and may be intense for younger kids, as your benches do poke and rumble beneath you. This is not a family favorite of ours.
The Wildlife Express Train- this train will take you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you’ll get some behind the scenes looks at the park. There is an open petting zoo, animation experience, and more!
Animal Kingdom has Great Rides for the Whole Family!
So whether you’re an animal lover, thrill seeker, or family of five kids, Animal Kingdom has rides for the whole family. Animal Kingdom is an amazing park and has something for everyone. Let me know what your favorite ride is and have a wild time!
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