Our Perfect Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

We’re always thinking about our next trip, even when we don’t know exactly when that trip will take place. We’re currently planning a trip to Disney World for some time after we move in the Spring, but we’re not sure exactly when we’ll be able to go. Being only six hours away, after we move, will make things a lot easier for shorter notice trips than now. (It takes 2.5 – 3 days of driving from west Texas to get to Disney World.) With plans in the works for our next trip, we’ve been thinking about what we would see, do, and eat on our perfect day at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

This week we have for you, our perfect day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

During my trip in October, I had a really good day at Animal Kingdom. I got there before park opening – on that particular day, the park opened at 7am – I rode all of the rides, walked on all of the trails, saw all of the character cavalcades, and ate some delicious food. Looking at the park hours for the rest of March, the park is open from 8am to 8pm until March 28 where the hours switch to 9am to 5pm.

Now, you can easily get everything at Animal Kingdom done in the limited park hours of 9-5, but that would be easier during the times of Fastpass+ if you’re not able to be one of the very first people into the park and into line for Flight of Passage. I was able to be one of the first 30 or so people into line for Flight of Passage during my solo trip, and I was on the ride less than five minutes after the park officially opened. It is an attraction that I think everyone should experience at least once, because it is a truly unique experience. Not riding it is not a deal breaker for us, though, for a couple of reasons. The first of these reasons, is that we’ve done it before. Second, if you can’t get a Fastpass or aren’t one of the first 100 or so people, the line can get to be VERY LONG! Lastly, rides like this tend to give me a headache. I don’t to stand in line for hours to ride something that is just going to make my head hurt.

With that out of the way, here is what we would do on our perfect day at Animal Kingdom.

Arrive at the park slightly before park opening, and go straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Morning safaris are so much fun.

After the Safari, check out the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Since the trail opens about thirty minutes after the park, we’ll be one of the first few people on the trail, and the animals will be active!

After seeing the gorillas and all of the other animals on the trail we’d start to head out of Africa. Depending on what the seasonal offerings are, we might stop for a treat at Creature Comforts.

After our snack, let’s explore the Discovery Island Trails, and get a look at all of the incredible carvings on the Tree of Life.

From there, we’ll head to Asia to explore the Maharajah Jungle Trek and seek out the Yeti on Expedition Everest.

After our trip to Asia, we’ll cross the bridge to Dinoland U.S.A. We’ll take turns riding Dinosaur while the kids play at The Boneyard, and then take a spin on TriceraTop Spin.

It’s probably about lunch time now, so we’ll mobile order some eats from Satu’li Canteen in Pandora. Let’s head over there, take in the amazing views of Pandora, and then enjoy some delicious cheeseburger pods.

After lunch and Pandora, let’s see The Festival of the Lion King!

After the show, now that we’re back in Africa, let’s take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to check out the animals there.

After we get off the train back in Africa, if the line isn’t too long, maybe we’ll do another safari.

After that, let’s do Kali River Rapids! Yes, I know, we have zigzagged all over the park throughout the day, but that’s pretty much what we do.

Kali will be our last ride for the day. After that, we’ll get in the car, or on the bus to go to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a delicious dinner at Sanaa.

That’s our perfect day at Animal Kingdom! What’s yours?!