For the final installment of the No Wait Disney World Series, we travel to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. While some may argue that this park is a “half day park,” I’d like to attempt to dispel that notion today, particularly for those who are interested in non-ride attractions and activities.
In fact, Animal Kingdom is home to quite possibly the largest array of options for those who are tired of waiting in lines. Animal Kingdom is unique in that it is nearly equal parts live animal habitats, ride-type attractions, shows, and exquisite landscapes and backdrops that transport guests across the globe. I’m here to highlight some of the Animal Kingdom experiences guests can have without standing in a queue. So hold on to your safari hats, because there are a lot of them!
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek
While these are, in fact, two separate attractions, I group these together in this article due to the fact that they are both walking trails featuring beautiful displays of nature interspersed with opportunities to see live animals. Located in the Africa and Asia regions of the park, respectively, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and the Maharajah Jungle Trek both offer the opportunity to get away from the crowds, sounds, and sometimes chaos of the theme parks and embark on a self-paced, leisurely walk through animal habitats.
Unlike in most zoos, the animals seen on these trails are housed in habitats that have been crafted to mimic their natural environments, providing a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures as one might encounter them in the wild. You can take as little or as much time as you’d like as you walk through these trails, making this a great place to take a sometimes much needed break from an otherwise fast-paced theme park day.
Wilderness Explorers:
Young adventurers, fans of the movie Up, or any kids who love nature will absolutely enjoy participating in the Wilderness Explorers activities throughout Animal Kingdom. Kids can join the Wilderness Explorers for free at a stand just in front of the Tree of Life (off to the right if you’re facing the tree), where they receive a guide book and their first “badge” (a sticker). After getting their book, kids can locate many other Wilderness Explorer stations throughout the park, spend about 5 min completing a fun activity learning about different animals, and then earn more badges to add to their book.
My kids love participating in this every time we go to Animal Kingdom. They have so much fun finding the stations on the map in their guidebook, then locating them within the park, receiving their badges, and of course talking about all of the cool animal facts they have learned! This activity is particularly fun because it can be done throughout the day rather than at a defined time. Wait times too long? Go find some Wilderness Explorer stations and have fun until the lines get shorter!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hop on a safari train and take a (short) trip out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where you can get a behind the scenes, “backstage” look at how the animals at Animal Kingdom are cared for. Here, you can observe animal care in the veterinary treatment room, watch animal meals be prepared in the nutrition room, and even see animal scientists at work!
The Animation Experience is another attraction that is not to be missed. Amateur artists can learn to sketch one of several Disney animated characters in a 25-minute experience that is held several times throughout the day (the myDisney Experience App will have the most up to date times). Be sure to hop on the train at least 40 minutes prior to the start of the experience to be sure you make it on time!
The Boneyard
Let me set the stage: It’s 2pm. You and your 5-year old and 3-year old have encircled the park at least twice as you make your way from one ride to the next. It’s 88 degrees fahrenheit with 80% humidity, so you just decided to grab some Mickey ice cream bars for everyone in an attempt to cool down. And now you’re regretting that decision as your kids try to chase one another right in front of the Tree of Life, nearly crashing into other guests. They need to burn off this sugar rush, and you know it.
Enter The Boneyard. Located in the Dinoland, USA section of the park, this enormous playground and dig site is the perfect place to take kids in Animal Kingdom who need some time to run and play (and for parents who need a break from reminding their kids to “walk, please!” and “watch out for other people!”).
The play area consists of a huge climbing structure with numerous giant slides with castmembers stationed throughout to assist kids as they go down the slides. Over a fun elevated bridge is the dig site, a huge sandbox-type experience (though filled with small pebbles rather than sand, so nothing sticks to your sunscreen-and-ice-cream-covered kindergartener).
The entire area is enclosed with just one entrance and exit point, making it easier to supervise kids, and giving parents peace of mind that their kids can’t abruptly wander away from the play area (of course, still keep an eye on them, but it’s really nice to know that they can’t just run off into another part of the theme park!). Sold yet? If you have elementary school or younger kids, this might just be a must-do when those midafternoon crazies set in.
Discovery Island Trails
And now for something completely different. If you’re enjoying an adults-only or solo trip, the Discovery Island Trails might be your go-to destination during that hot, tiring midafternoon time in the park. Located in, you guessed it, the Discovery Island section of the park, this quiet path around the base of the Tree of Life provides tranquil, unique up-close views of the intricate animal carvings that make up the trunk of the Tree of Life. Lush plant life and beautiful waterfalls create a backdrop of serenity and adventure, and the best part is, these trails are an often overlooked attraction, meaning more breathing room and fewer crowds for you as you stroll through.
If you do have young kids, this is a great place to hang out as they (hopefully!) take that afternoon stroller nap. And slightly older kids (including my 5-year-old) love searching for different animal carvings. It’s a great place for a game of I Spy! So adults-only trip or not, be sure to check out this lesser-known and wait-free attraction the next time you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
And with that, we’ve concluded our blog tour of some of the best wait-free attractions at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. I hope you’ve found this No Wait Disney World series helpful! As always, let me know in the comments which of these attractions and experiences you’ve tried out and which ones are your favorites. Did I miss anything? I’m sure I did, and I’d love to know about it! If you have any suggestions or requests for upcoming blog post topics, be sure to send them my way. Thanks so much for reading, and see ya real soon!