Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom open to guests on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Epcot and Hollywood Studios open on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. There will be a new reservation system in place on DisneyWorld.com where guests will need a reservation for the specific date and park they want to visit. This reservation system will allow Disney to better control the number of guests in a park at the same time. Disney will be significantly reducing the guest capacity in this first phase of reopening.

What Will Be Different at Least in Phase One

• Face coverings (masks) required for everyone ages 2+
• Temperature and Health Screening before entering park
• Increased cleaning and sanitizing, especially of high touch areas
• Plexiglass to protect Cast Members
• Increased hand washing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park
• Social distancing enforced throughout the parks, in stores, ride queues, on rides, in restaurants etc.
• Increased mobile ordering capabilities via the My Disney Experience app
• Urging guests to go cashless with charging to room via Magic Band, or using Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• No parades
• No Fireworks or Nighttime Spectaculars
• No Character Meet n Greets
• Play Areas and Water Effects Closed
• No Fastpasses
• No Dining Plans
• No Extra Magic Hours

Disney World’s Reopening Plan Means Changes in Dining, Fastpasses, Ticket Sales and More

At 9:44pm EDT on 5-28-2020 Disney informed the world that they were pausing all new reservations and ticket sales so that they can get the new reservation system in place. At that same time they announced that all existing dining and experience reservations have been canceled and all Fastpasses have been canceled.

The reasoning for these cancellations is so that Disney can start fresh with the new reservation system and make sure that park, resort, and restaurant capacity limits will be adhered to. Yes, it stinks if you got up early 180 days before your trip to make your dining reservations and now they are all gone. I’m sorry, I really do feel horrible for you. When dining reservations are available again there will only be a 60 day window instead of the 180 day window we are used to. To get your dining reservation you must have valid park admission AND have your park reservation for that day before you can make your Advanced Dining Reservation.

Walt Disney World’s reopening plan does not include Fastpasses. Disney says they will be using the Fastpass queues for additional social distancing. It may also be that with smaller crowds, wait times will be shorter and Fastpasses won’t be needed.

This is new territory for all of us. We travel agent’s heads have been spinning for days as we help our clients navigate these changes. I promise you all of the Destinations 2 Travel agents are working hard to help our clients make the best vacation choices for their families. If you want to visit in 2020, please Email me. You are going to want to use a travel professional from an Ear Marked agency to help you wade through these new vacation planning waters. My services are FREE to you.

If you are looking for reopening information for LEGOLAND and Universal Orlando you can find it here.

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We had secured Fastpasses for our visit to the Animation Experience at Conservation Station but, unless you are traveling at peak times, I don’t think you need a Fastpass for this experience. I do recommend you plan ahead because you have to factor in the time you wait for, and ride the Wilderness Express to get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The Disney website recommends boarding the train 40 minutes before class time.

The animation experience is set up in the large, open center of the building at Rafiki’s Planet watch, where the live animal demos, and meet and greets were previously held. There is a queue with lines for stand-by and Fastpass. On the podium it tells you which character you will be drawing. Our visit was on a villains day and we drew Hopper.

Once you enter the classroom area the class is very similar to what we used to have at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, except it appears much more temporary. You grab your paper and pencil as you enter and there is a lapboard on each seat for you to draw upon. The animator is up front taking you through the steps while also sharing about how Walt Disney would bring in live animals so that the animators could observe how they move and respond. This exercise allowed them to make their animal characters more life-like.

The class lasts 25 minutes and when you are done you have a free Disney souvenir to take home. We had a lot of fun at the Animation Experience at Conservation Station and my drawing isn’t too bad! I’m sure we will do it again on another visit. If you are thinking about planning your trip to Walt Disney World please Email me. My travel agent services are FREE to you!

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For the last several years, Christmas didn’t come to Animal Kingdom, maybe maybe Santa got tired of the broken Yeti and put the park on the naughty list? I don’t know what happened but it has always seemed that Christmas at Animal Kingdom was and afterthought at best and ignored at worst.

All of that is changing! Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce the biggest holiday season in its two-decade history, with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land. Daytime and nighttime, guests will experience the majesty of nature and holiday magic. 

This Christmas at Animal Kingdom

• A Christmas tree will tower over the park entrance. Decorated with traditional ornaments and hidden animals, the tree is a prelude to the holiday magic that awaits inside the park. (this is not new-it has been there every year)
• In the heart of the park, on Discovery Island, guests will find themselves immersed in a magical scene. By day, stylized, life-sized animal puppets mingle with villagers who make the island their home. As day becomes night, rooftop luminaries in animal shapes and bird lanterns throughout Discovery Island will bring a warm glow to the village.
• As the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with a series of wintry tales emerging from within, backed by a familiar and heartwarming holiday musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life will shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.
• Dinoland, U.S.A. will rock out with the DJ-led “Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale” and plenty of interactive fun and games. Throughout the land, characters gathered for “Donald’s Dino-Bash!” will get in the holiday spirit with colorful costumes.
• Diwali, the Holiday Festival of Lights in India, has inspired the residents of Anandapur in Glowing flowers, lanterns and more will illuminate the main square leading to the waterfront stage, home to authentic and colorful cultural performances.
• The village of Harambe in Africa will welcome guests with a unique holiday presentation, fusing Western traditions with the colors and texture of authentic African celebrations; colorful costuming and new music flavors each performance.
• Tusker House diners get their merry on as Safari Donald Duck and his pals spread holiday cheer.
• Guests will find out-of-this-world holiday fun at Pandora – The World of Avatar. Ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora roll out seasonal cheer with a display at Pongu Pongu of whimsical holiday décor, pairing vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

I am very excited to check out all of the new Christmas at Animal Kingdom offerings while we are on our December Disney vacation! Have you planned your next trip to Walt Disney World yet? I’m a Disney vacation specialist/travel agent just Email me and we can start planning your memorable Disney vacation.

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The Current Fastpass Attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Dinosaur-40″ height requirement
• Expedition Everest-44″ height requirement
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo the Musical
• Flight of Passage-44″ height requirement
• It’s Tough to Be A Bug
• Kali River Rapids-38″ height requirement
• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Na’vi River Journey
• Primeval Whirl-48″ height requirement

There are currently 10 attractions available for Fastpass selections at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Similar to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom is a tiered system. There are only 2 attractions in Tier One and they are both in Pandora-The World of Avatar. Both Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are Tier One Fastpasses.

Tier One

• Flight of Passage
• Na’vi River journey

Tier Two

• Dinosaur
• Expedition Everest
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo the Musical
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Primeval Whirl

What to Fastpass at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Animal Kingdom more than any other park this decision truly depends on your traveling party. The holy grail of Fastpasses at Animal Kingdom is Flight of Passage IF you can ride it. My husband can’t do simulators and I’ve ridden it once and it took me to the edge of getting sick so I have no plans for riding it again.

Assuming you choose Flight of Passage for your Tier One you will probably want either Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, or Kilimanjaro Safari to be your 2 Tier Two Choices. If you aren’t up for Flight of Passage you could choose the Na’vi River family boat ride as your Tier One and then make your Tier Two choices from their.

For Ron and I, our typical Animal Kingdom Fastpass selections are Kilimanjaro Safari, Primeval Whirl, and Finding Nemo the Musical. Usually you don’t need Fastpasses for Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo the Musical, or It’s Tough to Be a Bug so those aren’t really necessary. If we travel with our boys and their wives they like Expedition Everest and Dinosaur along with Kilimanjaro Safari.

I hope this series has been helpful to you. I know how confusing it can be to navigate Disney’s Fastpass system, especially for first time guests. I am always here to help you plan your Disney vacation. If you book through me I handle all your Fastpass and dining reservations so you don’t have too. Those are just some of the free extras you get when you book with me. To start planning just Email me to get started.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Party for the Planet

Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, specialty desserts and more during an expanded Party for the Planet celebration April 22-May 5.

Over the two-week “Party for the Planet” celebration, guests can attend conservation talks by animal-care experts and participate in enhanced interactions with some of the more than 2,000 animals that make their home at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited park. Also, wildlife parks, farms and zoos seem a bit more chilled out than other types of park, as it usually involves less interaction with other humans, ha! So consider these when planning for your family activities!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch will take center stage for the year-long 20th anniversary. It’s home to fun educational exhibits and activities that help create awareness of animal issues. During the 20th anniversary, Rafiki’s Planet Watch will offer backstage experiences with experts where guests can learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital and hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation.

Guests can also commemorate their visits to the theme park with special photo opportunities. They can step into an oversized picture frame celebrating the park’s 20th anniversary. Other photo frames support Disney’s “Reverse the Decline,” an initiative created to help protect 10 threatened animal species. One recent success of the program was the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran Tiger Cubs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Just for kids is the chance to earn a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer program. The badge is one of many that youngsters can earn by completing fun activities throughout the park. And if you want your kids to explore more and see amazing animals, you might want to secure San Diego zoo tickets.

Party for the Planet will also include six different Tiffins Talks – themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins, the theme park’s signature, full-service restaurant. Watch the Disney Parks Blog for more information.

The 20th anniversary fun also includes a commemorative adventure guide, limited-edition merchandise, and a special-edition print created by renowned Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. He will be available on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. to sign prints at Discovery Trading Company. Quantities are limited. For more information on Party for the Planet, visit Disneyworld.com/PartyforthePlanet.

Other Exciting Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• April 22 will mark the debut of a brand-new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure featuring Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated comedy-adventure film “UP.” The show will give guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his fuzzy friend Dug in a new adventure that includes encounters with exotic birds from around the world. This free-flying show will be performed multiple times daily.
• A “dino-tastic” celebration with Donald and his friends will also premiere Memorial Day weekend in DinoLand, U.S.A. This dinosaur-themed party celebrates Donald Duck’s discovery that his bird ancestors were actually dinosaurs. DinoLand U.S.A. will feature colorful new décor and playful character greetings with rarely seen pals like Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and more. A DJ-powered dance party will mix tunes from the truck-o-saurus stage, capping the nighttime festivities.
• Memorial Day 2018 commemorates the one-year anniversary of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Here, travelers are transported to a mystical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Inspired by the blockbuster film, AVATAR, the epic land invites guests to explore a glowing landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi Shaman of Songs and soar on the back of a banshee.

There is still time to plan your trip to celebrate Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th anniversary. Email Me today so we can get started!

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Pandora The World of Avatar

Pandora the World of Avatar is like no other land at Walt Disney World. As you enter you are transported to the world of the Na’vi people who, in partnership with Alpha Centauri Expeditions, welcome you. You enter into the beautiful Valley of Mo’ara. You are surrounded by beautiful, otherworldly plants, native craftsmanship and the awe-inspiring floating mountains. Everywhere you look there is something more beautiful. My mouth was agape as I took in the beauty of Pandora. I have heard and seen pictures of how beautiful Pandora is at night and I cannot wait to see it glowing some evening this fall.

Na’vi River Journey

We wandered through the queue of the Na’vi River Journey ride. This beautiful, peaceful family boat ride takes you through a Pandoran rainforest that glows with a mesmerizing bioluminescence. On your journey you will encounter exotic creatures and plants that bring this alluring world to life. The exquisite Shaman of Songs will keep you guessing if it is and animatronic or a human, it is that amazing.

Avatar Flight of Passage

The thrill ride in Pandora the World of Avatar is Avatar Flight of Passage aka the “banshee ride”. Anyone who has watched the movie has thought about what it would be like to climb on the back of a mountain banshee and fly through Pandora. Thanks to Disney, you can, and it is amazing!

You may have seen that during the Passholder preview many people were having trouble because they don’t fit on the ride. This isn’t just a weight issue but a height issue and a where you carry your weight issue as well. I was afraid I wouldn’t fit. I tried the demo seat before I got in the queue line. The cast member couldn’t get the seat to lock in, but said I was very close and it really depended on how I sat. He said I was close enough he would suggest I get in line and try. For me, that was fine because there was no wait to ride during this media preview. IF there was a 3-5 hour wait, as there was on May 27, opening day, I wouldn’t want to wait and not be sure I could ride.

The queue for Avatar Flight of Passage is looong and very detailed, especially when you get inside the building. I could have stayed in the lab area of the queue for hours looking at everything. Finally, you arrive and are put in groups of 16 riders. You are matched with an Avatar and you will be riding that Avatar’s banshee. When you enter the simulator room the seats are in 2 sections of 8 with a partial wall dividing them. Our party of 3 “Pooh-sized” riders straddled our seats and waited for the cast member to check the latches. My other 2 friends had ridden previously and told the cast member to “just push, it will click”. She pushed and they both locked in. My friend said, “You didn’t push Cindy’s” and the cast member said “she clicked in without pushing”. I FIT!!!!

The ride starts and you feel your Avatar link to the banshee then you are flying through Pandora, through arches, diving under mountains, and over rivers-I really don’t have words to describe the feelings this ride evokes. It is the closest you will feel to flying on your own. While you are riding you can feel your banshee breathing, its muscles moving as you soar and dive through the breathtaking Pandoran scenery. It is an overwhelming sensory experience.

Avatar Flight of Passage is an intense ride, not for the weak of stomach or those who don’t tolerate simulators well. Unfortunately, my husband will never be able to ride this amazing ride.

Elsewhere in Pandora the World of Avatar

Pandora also has a gift shop, Windtraders, conveniently located at the exit of Avatar Flight of Passage. Pongu Pongu is the lounge offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage to thirsty travelers. Satu’li Canteen is the quick service restaurant in Pandora serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant offers mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience app. When you order it gives you a window of time in which you can pick up your order. Currently it is only accepting credit cards for mobile ordering but Disney Dining Plan credits should be available to use with mobile ordering soon.

Cheeseburger Steamed Pods-Bao Buns fromSatu’li Canteen.

Plan your Visit to Pandora

If you are thinking of planning your own trip to Pandora, I am here to help. As a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, and Earmarked Disney Agency, my services and knowledge are FREE to my customers. It only takes a $200 deposit to start planning your magical Walt Disney World vacation. Please Email Me so we can get started.

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We checked in at the kiosk and then were sent to wait for our buzzer to go off. We didn’t wait long at all before we were escorted into the restaurant and given a tour of the buffet stations. We were then shown to our table which was in the back of the restaurant over on the side. We were informed by our waitress that we were in the VIP area where celebrities, including Leonardo DiCarprio, dine when they are in the restaurant. She explained to us that when we saw characters in the large room next to us we should stay put because they would be in our small room next.

We are pretty basic, picky eaters so the menu at Tusker House was a little scary for us. We both ventured out of our comfort zone and tried some foods that were new to us. Most were very delicious, except the watermelon and Feta salad which just tasted like red onions  I finally tried Curry Chicken. I also enjoyed the Spit Roasted Beef, Mojo Pork and Oven Roasted Red Skin potatoes. I tried other item that I can no longer remember the names of. There is also a kids buffet with mac ‘n cheese and other kid favorites.

The character interaction at Tusker House was very good. The characters each took their time with each table taking lots of pictures and signing autographs as they went. We spent time with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy during our meal.

Prices at Tusker House vary by meal and season. Adult breakfast ranges from $15-29.99. Adult lunch and dinner range from $30-59.99. A meal at Tusker Houseis worth 1 Disney Dining Plan credit and it is also available on Tables in Wonderland.

We enjoyed our dinner and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a unique menu and character dining experience. When you book you Walt Disney World vacation with me, I take care of all the details, including dining reservations! Email Me to start planning your trip!

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The Harambe Market is located in the Africa area of the park, on your way to Asia near the pathway to the Rafiki’s Planet Watch train station. Inside the main Harambe Market area there are four food stalls and 200+ seats, most of them shaded by umbrellas.

Kitamu Grill

• Grilled Chicken Skewer served with roasted broccoli and tomato salad
• All Beef Gyro Flatbread served with roasted broccoli and tomato salad
• Kid’s Grilled Chicken Skewer with a choice of 2 sides and a drink

Famous Sausages

• Boerewors Sausage fried in a Curry Corn Batter served with roasted broccoli and tomato salad
• Grilled Vegetable Stack served with Herb Pesto and Chickpea Salad
• Kid’s Corn Dog with a choice of 2 sides and a drink

Chef Mwanga’s

• Spice Rubbed Karubi Ribs with Green Papaya-Carrot Slaw and chickpea/cucumber/tomato salad
• Kid’s Karubi Ribs with a choice of 2 sides and a drink

Wanjohi Refreshments

• A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for weary travelers.

Spice Rubbed Karubi Ribs from the Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We chose to get the Spice Rubbed Karubi Ribs from Chef Mwanga’s. While we were not a fan of the salad, the ribs were delicious with just the right amount of kick. There was plenty of meat for the 2 of us to share this plate of ribs. Next time I’d like to maybe try the All Beef Gyro Flatbread. The prices at the Harambe Market range $19.99 and under for adults so it is a well-prices counter service dining option at Animal Kingdom.

Which entree would you like to try on your next trip to Animal Kingdom?

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Pandora-The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark with new nighttime entertainment experiences, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park.

• Pandora – The World of AVATAR – Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will journey into the magnificent world of Pandora at this new AVATAR-themed land – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget.
• AVATAR Flight of Passage – This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.
• “Rivers of Light” – Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris – This popular attraction will be extended for a new nighttime adventure next spring, where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

Star Wars Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced at D23 EXPO 2015 that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla.(Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks)

From a new Star Tours adventure to Star Wars Launch Bay, from a new Jedi Training Academy to “Season of the Force,” soon guests will be part of both new and enhanced experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.
• Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Also at Disneyland park, Star Wars Launch Bay will share the space with the reimagined Super Hero HQ, featuring opportunities to meet and take photos with super heroes like Captain America and Thor, as well as experience the returning Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries. Both experiences will be available for guests later this year.
• Jedi Training Academy— A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”
• Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.

Toy Story Land at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios in Florida — The reimagining of DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. (Disney Parks)

The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will think they’ve been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite.

• Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.
• Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over.
• Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction.

The only thing that was expected but hasn’t been announced is the new name for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We know that it is coming, we just don’t know when. Stay tuned, there are lots of exciting things coming to Disney Parks around the world so make plans now to visit.

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It’s hard to believe that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is 20 years old. When I told my oldest son that fact he was taken aback. He is now 26 and his first visit to Animal Kingdom was with my parents back in either 1998 or 1999. It is the only Florida Disney park to be “born” in his lifetime, so it holds a bit of special meaning to him. It’s also funny, when you ask my parents or my boys about that first visit to Animal Kingdom, two things stand out to all of them, #1 they all miss the Discovery River Boats/Discovery River Taxis/Disney Radio River Cruise and #2 the Kilimanjaro Safari ride was very short. I never visited when the boats were running and I guess they weren’t very popular because they didn’t survive two years, even though they went through 3 name changes. I do remember the safari ride growing and morphing over the years.

Top 10 Must-Dos for your First Visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you want to know more about a specific attraction I have listed, click the link, it will take you to a more in-depth post about that specific attraction.

10. Na’avi River Journey

Located in the Pandora section of the park, Na’avi River Journey is a beautiful boat ride for the whole family. 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.

9. Dinosaur

My boys and husband love this ride…I do not. It is a dark, scary, jerky ride into the primeval past aboard the CTX Time Rover. You are tasked with going back in time to retrieve an Iguanodon and bring it back to present time. of course this is all happening as a supposed meteor is hurtling towards earth. Will you find the dinosaur? Will you capture it and make it back in time? You’ll have to ride to find out. Riders must be 40″ or taller to ride this attraction and if you have neck or back issues I highly advise you to skip this one.

8. Maharajah Jungle Trek

Over in Asia you can wander along the Maharajah Jungle Trek to see majestic Asian Tigers as well as many other animals. These well-shaded paths are a great place to slow down a bit and enjoy some of the animal life that made this park famous.

7. Become a Wilderness Explorer

As you remember in the movie UP, Russell was a Wilderness Explorer-now at Animal Kingdom, you can be one too! As you enter the park go to the Wilderness Explorer’s Headquarters which is located on the bridge connecting The Oasis and Discovery Island. Meet your troop leader and get sworn in. As you travel throughout Animal Kingdom look for outposts where you can earn badges (stickers) and move of the ranks of a Wilderness Explorer. This really is fun for all ages. It is always great to learn as a family and this is so fun, the kids don’t even realize they are learning! “The Wilderness must be Explored!”

6. Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King moved from Camp Minnie-Mickey to its new home in Africa, where it really belongs. This 30 minute show is full of all of your favorite Lion King music with the addition of my favorite Tumble Monkeys, colorful pageantry and dance. This show is fun for the whole family and the beautiful air conditioned theater makes it a nice respite from the Florida heat!

5. Expedition Everest

If you are a thrill ride enthusiast, then Expedition Everest is the ride for you. Riders must be 44″ tall to venture up the mountain in search of the elusive Yeti. This ride comes to a sudden stop at broken tracks and then careens backwards down part of the mountain! I highly recommend getting a fastpass for this attraction as it is extremely popular. This ride does offer a single rider option as well.

4. Primeval Whirl

I know a lot of Disney purists will disagree with me on this one. For my family this is a must-do every visit. Yes, you must be 48″ to ride this ride but for us this is a family coaster. We all love it and laugh throughout the ride. If you want a real laugh, visit my Primeval Whirl post which includes a video of me riding with my friend, John, who hates this ride.

3. Kilimanjaro Safari

The Kilimanjaro Safari is the signature ride of this park because, it is all about the animals. Unfortunately, IMHO this ride isn’t as amazing as it used to be. There are a lot fewer animals out on the Savannah and I miss Warden Wilson Matua. It is still a great ride to get up close to elephants, giraffe and other amazing animals. This is a must Fastpass attraction so please plan ahead.

2. Finding Nemo the Musical

Finding Nemo the Musical is my favorite live show in all four of the Florida Disney Parks. In all honesty, I like this show better than the movie! The musical version of Finding Nemo condenses the story into 40 minutes of colorful puppetry, storytelling and song. Located in DinoLand USA, this show is great for the whole family. There isn’t a bad seat in the theater but the best seats are in the front row, center of the back section of the theater.

1. Avatar Flight of Passage

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.

I’d love to know what your must-do Animal Kingdom attractions are. Please let me know in the comments. Are you ready to plan your visit to Walt Disney World? Email Me for a travel quote, my travel planner services are free.

Other Disney posts you might like:

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