Animal Kingdom One Day Itinerary

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unlike any other theme park in Walt Disney World. With incredible rides, immersive lands, live entertainment, exotic animals, and breathtaking scenery, this park combines adventure and relaxation in a way no other Disney park can.

If you only have one day at Animal Kingdom, this guide will help you maximize your time while still enjoying the atmosphere that makes this park so special.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, thrill seekers, or first-time Disney visitors, this Animal Kingdom one day itinerary covers:

• The best rides

• Rope drop strategy

• Lightning Lane tips

• Dining recommendations

• Best shows and animal trails

• Family-friendly touring plans

Why Animal Kingdom Is Different from Other Disney Parks

Animal Kingdom is NOT a park you should rush through. Unlike Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom is designed to feel immersive and relaxing. There are fewer rides, but the atmosphere, entertainment, and animal experiences are incredible. My kids can spend all day here watching animals and soaking in the atmosphere. 

That said, the top attractions still get very long waits — especially:

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• Na’vi River Journey

• Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Expedition Everest

Having a solid plan will help you avoid wasting time. Before your trip, make sure you also read:

• Ultimate Disney World Planning Guide for Beginners

• Lightning Lane Tips

• Best Times to Visit Disney World

• Disney World Ticket Types Explained

Goals for the Day

✔ Ride the major attractions
✔ Explore Pandora
✔ Experience the safari
✔ See live entertainment
✔ Enjoy animal trails
✔ Avoid peak wait times

Before You Arrive

Arrive Early

Animal Kingdom is one of the BEST parks for rope drop. You should aim to:

• Arrive at security 45–60 minutes before park opening

• Be fully inside the park before Early Entry begins

This is especially important if you want to ride Flight of Passage with a low wait.

Consider Lightning Lane

Animal Kingdom doesn’t necessarily require Lightning Lane, but it can still be helpful. In my opinion I would skip Lightning Lane for this park and make sure that I rope drop Avatar Flight of Passage 1st. If you can't get there early then purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for this ride. 

Top priorities:

1. Avatar Flight of Passage

2. Na’vi River Journey

3. Kilimanjaro Safaris

For a full strategy guide, read:

• How Lightning Lane Works

• Is Lightning Lane Worth It?

• Disney Ride Strategy Guide

Rope Drop Strategy

Option 1: Rope Drop Flight of Passage (Recommended)

This is the BEST strategy for most guests. Head directly to Pandora. The World of Avatar and ride Avatar Flight of Passage. This attraction regularly has the longest wait in the park and is considered one of the best rides in all of Disney World.

Then Ride:

• Na’vi River Journey

• Explore Pandora before crowds build

9:30 AM – Kilimanjaro Safaris

This is one attraction you should ride EARLY. Animals are usually much more active in the morning before the Florida heat increases. Have your cameras ready but make sure you hold on tight because this ride can be extremely bumpy. Make sure small children sit towards the middle as animals can come right up to the vehicle. 

You’ll likely see:

• Lions

• Elephants

• Giraffes

• Rhinos

• Hippos

Every safari ride is slightly different. You may see different animals based on who is active while you are riding. This ride is also very long (approximately 20-30 minutes) so worth the wait if there is a long one. Tip for parents: You get the keep your stroller for about half of the line, but cast members will take your stroller and park it for you. Make sure you have something to distinguish your stroller to easily find it. I love to keep an Apple Air Tag on my stroller so I can track it if needed. Also if you plan on purchasing a balloon to help find your stroller, know that balloons are not allowed at Animal Kingdom, for animal safety. 

10:30 AM – Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail & Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station

One of the most underrated experiences in Animal Kingdom. This self-paced walking trail includes:

• Gorillas

• Hippos

• Exotic birds

• Fish exhibits

Animal Kingdom is best enjoyed when you slow down and explore.

My kids love the petting zoo and watching the veternarians care for the animals live at the Conservation Station. This area is currently getting a makeover to include Bluey, which my son is sooooo excited about. Toddler parents are going to love this area of the park!

11:30 AM – Expedition Everest

Time for thrills! Expedition Everest is one of the best roller coasters in Disney World and often has manageable waits earlier in the day. 

Bonus: Single Rider can save time if your group doesn’t mind splitting up.

Nearby, you can also ride:

• Kali River Rapids (prepare to get soaked)

• Feathered Friends in Flight show

Best Lunch Spots at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has some of the BEST food in Walt Disney World.

Top Picks:

Satu’li Canteen (Best Overall) - Located in Pandora.

Known for:

• Customizable bowls

• Cheeseburger pods

• Great mobile ordering

Flame Tree Barbecue

Best for:

• BBQ platters

• Outdoor shaded seating

• Views near Expedition Everest

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes 

Great quick-service Asian-inspired meals.

You may also enjoy:

• Best Restaurants at Disney World

• Quick Service vs. Table Service at Disney

Afternoon Strategy

Animal Kingdom gets HOT in the afternoon. This is one of the hottest parks, although there is plenty of shaded areas - the humidity is what will get you. 

This is the perfect time for:

• Indoor shows

• Slower-paced attractions

• Animal exhibits

• Lunch breaks

Recommended Afternoon Attractions:

Festival of the Lion King - One of the BEST shows in Disney World.

Features:

• Singing

• Acrobatics

• Fire dancing

• Incredible music

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! - A fantastic indoor show for families.

Maharajah Jungle Trek

Explore:

• Tigers

• Bats

• Birds

• Asian-inspired architecture

Don’t Skip the Small Details

Animal Kingdom is full of hidden experiences:

• Wilderness Explorers activities

• Animal carvings on the Tree of Life

• Live musicians

• Character flotillas

• Discovery Island trails

This park rewards guests who take their time.

Best Snacks at Animal Kingdom

Must-Try Snacks

• Pongu Lumpia (Pandora)

• Night Blossom drink

• Mr. Kamal’s seasoned fries

• Ice cream cookie sandwich at Dino-Bite Snacks

For more Disney food recommendations:

• Best Disney Snacks

• Disney Dining Guide

• Character Dining Guide

Animal Kingdom Tips & Hacks

Wear Cooling Gear - Animal Kingdom feels hotter than other Disney parks because of the lush landscaping and walking paths. This park has a higher humidity than other parks. 

Bring:

• Cooling towels

• Portable fans

• Refillable water bottles

Read:

• Disney Packing List

• Disney Travel Hacks You Need to Know

Mobile Order Early - Popular restaurants can book up quickly during lunch hours.

Don’t Over-Schedule - Animal Kingdom is best enjoyed at a slower pace than the other parks.

Best Resorts for Animal Kingdom Access

If Animal Kingdom is your favorite park, consider:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

• Coronado Springs

• All-Star Resorts (budget-friendly options)

Animal Kingdom Lodge is especially incredible for families because of the savanna animal views.

You may also like:

• Best Disney Resorts for Families

• Disney Resort Comparison Guide

• Where to Stay at Disney World

Final Thoughts

Animal Kingdom may not have the most rides, but it offers some of the most immersive experiences in Walt Disney World.

With the right one day itinerary, you can:

• Experience the best attractions

• Enjoy incredible live entertainment

• Explore stunning themed lands

• Slow down and truly enjoy the atmosphere

If you’d like personalized help planning your Disney vacation, including resort recommendations, Lightning Lane strategy, dining reservations, and customized park itineraries, I’d love to help make your trip stress-free and magical.

More Disney Planning Posts You’ll Love

• Magic Kingdom One Day Itinerary

• Hollywood Studios One Day Itinerary

• EPCOT One Day Itinerary

• How Many Days Do You Need at Disney World?

• Disney World for First Timers

• Best Disney Resorts for Families

✨ Want Help Planning Your Disney Trip?

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• Find the best resorts for their budget

• Maximize their park time

• Unlock deals and promotions

• Plan stress-free, unforgettable trips

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📌 More Disney Planning Resources

• Ultimate Disney World Planning Guide for Beginners

• Best Time to Visit Disney World

• How Many Days Do You Need at Disney World?

• Disney Resort Comparison Guide

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Planning your EPCOT park day? Save this guide on Pinterest so you can easily come back to it while planning your vacation. 

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